CaribbeanThe Bahamas is a country of about 3,000 islands and small islands called cays in the Atlantic Ocean, off Florida. About 30 islands are populated. Nassau, the capital, is on New Providence.
Why go
Tropical islands and natural beauty.
Diving around all inhabited islands.
Historic sights in Nassau.
Flamingos, iguanas and other tropical wildlife.
Best time to go: Winter is mild, with temperatures around 60°F (16°C). Summer may bring hotel deals, but hurricane season runs from June to November.
Getting there
By air
- The largest airports are in Nassau on New Providence and Freeport on Grand Bahama.
- Lynden Pindling International Airport, west of Nassau, is the country's largest airport.
- Smaller airports serve other islands.
By sea
- Cruise ships from Florida serve Nassau. Freeport is another cruise destination.
- Baleària Caribbean operates a daily passenger ferry between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport or Bimini.
Customs
- The listed customs fee for a private yacht is $150 for boats up to 35 feet long and $300 for longer boats.
Getting around
Domestic flights
Bahamasair connects Nassau with most population centres. Bahamasair has expensive fares, limited flights and frequent long delays. Western Air serves several destinations, often with more frequent and punctual flights. Travellers in a hurry sometimes charter a plane.
Buses
Buses on Nassau and New Providence are called jitneys. Bus travel is very limited on other islands, except Grand Bahama.
Boats and ferries
Mail boats serve almost all populated islands and are among the cheapest ways to reach many places. They usually leave Nassau for each island once a week, but can be delayed for days. Many passengers find mail boats slow and uncomfortable. Ask locally about your route or contact the Nassau Dockmaster's Office for information. Bahamas Ferries connects several major islands and is more reliable, but costs more than mail boats. Pinder's Ferry Service runs between Freeport and the Abacos twice daily.
Private yacht or sailboat
A private yacht or sailboat is an option for exploring the islands. Yacht charters are available with or without a crew.
What to see and do
Fort Fincastle
A historic sight in Nassau.
Nassau Old Town and Pirate museum
Two more places to visit while exploring Nassau.
Lucayan National Park
A national park listed among Freeport's sights.
Port Lucaya
Another place to visit in Freeport.
Dolphin Cay
A sight on Paradise Island.
Thunderball Grotto
A grotto to see in Exuma.
Food and drink
Conch
The national dish is a type of shellfish, pronounced “conk.” Try it deep-fried, called “cracked,” or raw with lemon.
Peas and rice
A classic side dish served with conch.
Fish Fry
A collection of small outdoor restaurants serving authentic island food.
Other restaurant food
American and British food are common. Tourist areas also have restaurants serving other cuisines and familiar fast-food chains.
Kalik beer
A beer mentioned as an accompaniment to cracked conch.
Money
Bahamian dollar (BSD or B$).
- The Bahamian dollar is fixed at the same value as the US dollar.
- US dollars are accepted everywhere at that value.
- Many tourist businesses also give change in US dollars.
Tipping: Most restaurants add a 15% service charge. Extra tips are optional.
Typical costs
- Ordinary meals cost about $5–25 per plate.
- Meals at the Fish Fry can cost about $8.
- The cheapest hotels start at around US$70 per night.
- Most hotels cost around US$200–300 per night, while top resorts can exceed US$500.
- Pinder's Ferry Service lists a $100 round-trip fare.
Language
- English is the main and official language.
- Some resort staff speak Spanish, French or German.
Staying safe
- Violent crime is a problem in cities, especially Nassau. Sexual assaults on tourists have occurred.
- Gated tourist areas such as Paradise Island have tight security.
- Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause serious flooding and wind damage.
- Hurricane season runs from June to November, when rainstorms are expected.
Local customs
Do
- Wait patiently for service, including in fast-food restaurants.
- Expect meals and service to move at a relaxed pace.
- Keep a sense of humour when bargaining at the straw market.
Staying healthy
- Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
- The reported adult rate of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is 3%, or about 1 in 33 adults.
Where to stay
- Accommodation is expensive, with almost no hostel-style lodging.
- Most hotels and resorts are on New Providence, including Nassau, and nearby Paradise Island.
- Summer deals may be available.
- The listed compulsory charges are $18 per person per night and a one-time $6 bellhop fee per person.
Outdoor adventures in Bahamas
The Bahamas offers year-round diving, island scenery and wildlife watching. All inhabited islands have local diving, and Nassau is a base for diving cruises. Hurricane season runs from June to November, when rainstorms are expected.
Diving in the Bahamas
Scuba divingAll inhabited islandsnear Nassau
Year-roundUse local diving services on inhabited islands. For a liveaboard trip, where you stay aboard a boat between dives, start from Nassau on New Providence.
- Hurricane season runs from June to November. Tropical storms can cause severe flooding and wind damage.
Thunderball Grotto
More to doExuma
Visit Thunderball Grotto in Exuma. Transport and tour arrangements are not specified.
Lucayan National Park
More to donear Freeport
Visit Lucayan National Park in Freeport. Transport and route details are not specified.
Dolphin Encounters
WildlifeBlue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay)near Nassau
Visit the Dolphin Encounters facility on Blue Lagoon Island, about 5 km from Nassau. Transfer arrangements are not specified.
Dolphin Cay
WildlifeParadise Island
Visit Dolphin Cay on Paradise Island. Transport and booking details are not specified.
Airports, metros and trains in Bahamas
Airports with scheduled flights
- FPOGrand Bahama International AirportFreeportMain international airport
- NASLynden Pindling International AirportNassauMain international airport
- ZSASan Salvador International AirportSan SalvadorMain international airport
People and safety in Bahamas
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian96%
- No religion3%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 124 of 198 countries can visit Bahamas easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required124
- eVisa72
- Visa required2
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Americas31 of 34 countries
- Europe40 of 46 countries
- Oceania12 of 14 countries
- Asia20 of 50 countries
- Africa21 of 54 countries
Questions
Can I use US dollars?
Yes. US dollars are accepted everywhere at the same value as Bahamian dollars.
What language do people speak?
English is the main and official language. Some resort staff also speak other languages.
When is hurricane season?
It runs from June to November. Storms can bring flooding and wind damage.
How can I travel between islands?
You can use domestic flights, ferries, mail boats or private boats. Mail boats are cheap but can be delayed for days.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
What local food should I try?
Try conch, pronounced “conk,” served deep-fried or raw with lemon. Peas and rice are a classic side dish.
Do I need to leave a restaurant tip?
Most restaurants add a 15% service charge. Any extra tip is optional.
Are there cheap places to stay?
Accommodation is expensive and hostels are almost absent. The cheapest hotels start at around US$70 per night, with extra charges.
Which side of the road do people drive on?
People drive on the left.
Can I go diving?
Yes. All inhabited islands have local diving, and Nassau is a base for diving cruises where you stay on the boat.
Reviewed by @snuck