The Bahamas Landform & Water Features

Islands

The Bahamas

Of the 700 total islands making up the Bahamas, only 30 are inhabited. The stretch of water containing the Bahama Islands is known as an archipelago.

Cays

The Bahamas

There are 2,500 small, sandy islands called cays throughout the Bahama Islands. These are also referred to as islets.

Rivers

The Bahamas

There are no rivers in the Bahamas.

Coral Reefs

The Bahamas

The Bahama Islands come from coral reefs. When the sea level dropped hundreds of years ago, these reefs dried out and became islands. Five percent of the world's coral is in the waters surrounding the Bahamas. The area makes up the world's third-longest barrier reef.

Clear Water

The Bahamas

The Bahamas has some of the clearest water in the world. Visibility stretches more than 200 feet because the Bahama Islands are made up of calcium carbonate.

Mountains

The Bahamas

There are no mountains in the Bahamas. The highest point is located on Cat Island. Mount Alvernia is 206 feet above sea level.