The Bahamas are a contemporary gathering point for open water swimmers who have replaced pirates, blockade-runners, rum runners, British loyalists, freed slaves and financiers. These such characters previously gathered on the white-sand beaches since Christopher Columbus first landed there in 1492.

Over the past 50 years, the wealthy, aristocrats and movie stars have also gathered…and millions of tourists.

But while the tourists come and go enjoying the pink- and white-sand beaches, some well-known celebrities love the islands so much, they end up buying a piece of paradise.

Eddie Murphy owns Rooster Cay, a private island. Johnny Depp owns Little Hall’s Pond Cay, a private island. David Copperfield owns Musha Cay, a private island.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source