Berry Islands

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Berry Islands
Map: Map of Bahamas
Population: ~700
Area (km².): 78

The Berry Islands are a chain of islands and a district of the Bahamas, covering about thirty square miles (78 km²) of the north western part of the Out Islands. The Berry islands consist of about thirty islands and over one hundred small islands or cays, often referred to as "The Fish Bowl of the Bahamas" They have a population of only about seven hundred, most of which are on Great Harbour Cay. The islands were settled in 1836 by Governor Colebrook and a group of freed slaves.

One of three horseshoe beaches on the island
One of three horseshoe beaches on the island

[edit] Attractions

The Berry islands have become a huge vacation spot for people from all over the world. During the winter season the islands are packed with out-of-town guests and second home residents. Due to seasonal residents, the Berry islands can say that they have more resident millionaires per unit area than any other place in the world.[citation needed] Many wealthy residents own one of the many cays.

The main attraction is big game fishing. Anglers and Captains such as Habana Joe come from all over to fish in the islands. Some of the fish that can be found there are Billfish, Tuna, Grouper, Tiger fish, Yellowtail Snapper, Wahoo, King mackerel, and many more. In May, Great Harbour Cay is packed with visitors and fishing captains such as Habana Joe who come there for the annual fishing tournament. There are also great spots for snorkelling and scuba diving.

[edit] Islands

Little Stirrup Cay is leased by Royal Caribbean International, which calls it Coco Cay, and acts as a private island for tropical activities engaged in by visitors on its cruise ships of the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises labels. Great Stirrup Cay is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and is used for similar purposes.

Great Harbour Cay is the most northern and the largest of the Berry Islands. It is eight miles (13 km) long and one and a half miles (2.4 km) wide. The largest port of the Berries is on Great Harbour Cay. Chub Cay is the second largest island in the chain and is known an "the bill fish capital of the Bahamas."

Coordinates: 25°34′N, 77°45′W