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With many of the islands of the Caribbean undergoing a traumatic and potentially devastating hurricane season, it seems an appropriate time to think about what it is that makes the islands so appealing. Of course, the primary concern with something like a major hurricane hitting an island is the safety of the people there, and the relief efforts that follow the storm. But there are additional reasons that such storms are bad for the world. They hold the potential to alter and destroy some of the most beautiful islands our Earth is blessed with.

The Bahamas, in particular, have always stood out as one of the world’s most appealing paradises – on par with the likes of Tahiti, Bora Bora, or even Maldives. Here are some of the reasons I dream of the Bahamas.

The first is probably that the island is home to a few different experiences involving close encounters with sea creatures – and ones that seem relatively friendly, at that! This isn’t about dunking yourself in a cage to “swim with the sharks,” or scuba diving among apathetic fish. Rather, you can actually enter shallow, controlled waters and interact with dolphins and sea lions. These opportunities exist at a place called Blue Lagoon Island, whereas one list of activities on the islands states, you can swim with ocean’s most intelligent mammals. As “touristy” as it may be, it sounds unforgettable.

Next, and perhaps most obviously, the beaches look about as nice as beaches look anywhere. Having done some research I’ve discovered that there are actually several different beach environments, even if the traditional image of the area is that of your standard tropical white sands and clear, turquoise waters. Gold Rock Beach may be the most traditionally beautiful in this sense; Cabbage Beach may be the most accessible; and Pink Sands Beach, which can only be reached via a ferry ride to Harbour Island, looks like a slice of Heaven, with (you guessed it!) stretches of sand that appears tinged in pink.

I must admit I’m also drawn to the Atlantis Resort – undoubtedly the gaudiest attraction in the Bahamas, but still an alluring one. Like any occasional gamer, I enjoy access to just about any games I’d like at any time. I have to agree with one platform’s assertion, also, those mobile games are a fantastic way to have fun from anywhere. Convenience is important! But where casino activity is concerned, I have to believe it’s, even more, fun to play games somewhere. Part of the experience is the destination, and that’s just what Atlantis offers. This is a gigantic, frankly somewhat ridiculous-looking resort, but it does look like pure fun. There are huge gaming floors, private beaches, and even a massive water park. Again, gaudy – but I like the occasional card game and won’t say no to a big pool in paradise.

It ties in somewhat with talking about the island’s terrific beaches, but I am also drawn to the area because of the scuba and snorkelling opportunities. Transparent blue waters are always best (murky ship dives and the like are just a little bit creepy in my book), and there’s plenty of interesting marine life to see. Thunderball Grotto is said to be the main specific attraction, and is basically an underwater network of rock-like structures and caves, with a lot of large and interesting fish as well. But more than draws like this one, it’s the concept of scuba diving or snorkelling in the Bahamas that’s intriguing. This is, after all, a postcard-perfect island destination that once represented a whole New World to people. The idea of exploring the very seas under which explorers and pirates once sailed speaks to my adventurous side.

It’s sometimes hard to differentiate between the world’s beautiful islands, and certainly, some of these perks are interchangeable with others. But these are the reasons the Bahamas call to me, and why I hope to answer that call one day.