Explore the Stunning Beauty and Culture of the Bahamas
Graced with extensive beaches bleached white by the year-round sun and surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters filled with varied and colourful sea life, the islands of the Bahamas are a major destination for divers, sailors and sun-worshippers.
Although often thought to be part of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is actually an archipelago of 700 islands with thousands of small cays strung out in the ocean, starting 55 miles (89km) from Miami in the Atlantic Ocean.
The islands’ first inhabitants were the Lucayan Indians who lived here from the 9th century until after Columbus discovered the islands in 1492, making his first step into the New World. The resulting exploitation led to the native population being virtually wiped out. For two hundred years, until independence in 1987, the Bahamas was a British Crown Colony and a strong British influence can still be seen in the architecture and culture.
The population of the Bahamas now consists mostly of Bahamians of African descent, who are mainly descended from freed slaves. The strong African cultural influence is evident in everyday life, and in events like Junkanoo, a traditional street festival held every year on Boxing Day. The laidback attitude of life in the Bahamas is infectious, as is the party atmosphere that comes to life in the lively bars and nightclubs of Nassau and Freeport. There is also a strong American cultural influence, particularly in the capital, Nassau.
Due to its proximity to the US, the Bahamas has become an offshore banking and financial centre. Tourism, however, remains its most important industry. The long stretches of empty beaches, clear waters, and activities such as swimming with dolphins, hiking and bird-watching in Bahamas National Trust Park, scuba diving in spectacular coral reefs, and enjoying world-class resorts with facilities such as golf courses, casinos and spas have made the Bahamas an immensely popular destination throughout the year.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language of the Bahamas.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors must be in possession of a return or onward ticket, plus proof of funds, and a passport valid for period of intended travel. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. It is recommended that passports are valid for six months beyond travel to any country.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Bahamian Dollar is equal in value to the US Dollar and both currencies are accepted throughout the islands. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and many hotels. There are ATMs in the main tourist centres and credit and debit cards are widely accepted in all the big resorts. Banks’ opening hours may vary, but tend to be from 9.30am to 3pm (Monday to Thursday) and 9.30am to 04.30 pm (Fridays).
- Electricity:
- Electrical current in the Bahamas is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin, flat-blade plugs and flat-blade plugs with round grounding are standard.
Overview
The Bahamas are the quintessence of ‘holiday heaven’, with things to see and do reaching far beyond sunbathing on the miles of white sandy beaches, or idly frolicking in the translucent turquoise waters.
The islands offer a number of activities and attractions, with everything from Loyalist settlement ruins and the Glass Window Bridge to Christopher Columbus’ first stop in the New World. The Bahamas also boasts one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world, and scuba divers can see the mysterious stone blocks in the waters off Bimini, said to be part of the lost city of Atlantis, or visit Long Island to explore the deepest blue hole in the world.
A unique experience for tourists is the possibility of taking a walk along the ocean floor in a rig reminiscent of the days before scuba technology, courtesy of Hartley’s Undersea Walk. Divers need no experience as they wear an undersea botanical helmet that allows for normal breathing and dry hair. The trips give you the time to walk slowly among the fish and the reefs without having to swim. Half-day or full-day charters are available.
There are any number of activities for visitors who want to do more than just lie around: cycling, tennis, cricket, horse riding, golf, and other activities are available on land, along with attractions such as casinos, restaurants, spas, bars, and clubs.
Offshore, visitors can enjoy exhilarating pastimes such as windsurfing, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, and scuba diving. For those with an interest in the historical or a simple love of pirate lore, the Pirate Museum takes visitors on an interactive tour through the heart of downtown Nassau, bringing them back to 1716 where they will board a replica of the pirate ship ‘Revenge’ and enter the world of bloodthirsty pirates. It is a must for all who are up for a swashbuckling good time. The museum has a gift shop with all manner of pirate booty.
Friendly locals, as well as comfortable, sunny weather, and a well-established tourism industry, make these activities and sights all the more appealing and accessible. Add numerous resorts, restaurants, shops, and markets to the mix and it becomes alluringly obvious why the Bahamas are the perfect beach-holiday destination.
Climate in Bahamas
In general the weather is good all year in the Bahamas and the trade winds ensure that the temperatures remain relatively mild. Seasonal changes are minor. The rainy season extends from May to November, when there is a slight chance of hurricanes. Peak season is between December and April, when average temperatures range between 75°F (24°C) and 85°F (29°C). Generally the northern and western islands are cooler, while the southern islands can get very hot in summer.
Health Notes when travelling to Bahamas
Many routine vaccinations are considered cautionary measures, as food and water sources are typically safe and well managed in the Bahamas. Visitors should steer clear of fruit or vegetables unless peeled or cooked, and note that some types of fish, including tropical reef fish, are poisonous to eat even when cooked. Visitors should also use mosquito repellent to avoid bites. Medical facilities are good in Nassau and Freeport, but expensive, and usually require payment in cash on treatment; as a result, comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Visitors will need a vaccination certificate for yellow fever if they’ve arrived from or transited through a country where yellow fever occurs.
Safety Notes when travelling to Bahamas
Most visits to the Bahamas are trouble-free, though care should be taken in the major cities of Nassau and Freeport. Visitors should take sensible precautions and not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery on their person or wander away from the main tourist areas, especially after dark. In light of several fatal accidents and serious injuries that have occurred using rented watersports equipment, it is advisable that only those experienced on jet skis consider renting them on New Providence and Paradise Island. The watersports industry in the Bahamas is poorly regulated and visitors should only rent equipment from reputable operators and make sure that they have received adequate training before going out onto the water. Hurricane season is from June to the end of November and visitors should monitor weather forecasts before making travel plans.
Customs in Bahamas
A vital part of Bahamian custom is their dialect of English, which is characterful and descriptive, and, while it may take some time to come to grips with, it will only add more colour to travellers’ experiences of the Bahamas. Handshakes are the norm for greeting. Visitors should also act in a humble and accepting manner while in the Bahamas, as the locals will treat them in this way; however, Bahamians also have a wicked sense of humour and they have great fun teasing others as a sign of affection. Visitors should note that some of the islands and resorts are very upmarket and require a certain standard of dress. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and smart-casual dress is usually expected in the evenings.
Duty Free in Bahamas
Travellers to the Bahamas over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine (all imported beer is subject to duties); and other goods to the value of US$100. Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition without a police permit. Pets and dogs from countries with rabies infections are strictly prohibited from entering the country.
Doing Business in Bahamas
Nassau is the business centre of the Bahamas, whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Business protocol is fairly relaxed, although appropriate business attire is expected. Meetings are usually held in conference rooms, they begin punctually, and business cards are customarily exchanged and should be treated respectfully by being placed in a card case. Handshakes on introduction are the norm between both men and women, and women are treated as equals in the business environment. Moreover, colleagues and business acquaintances should be addressed by their professional or academic title and surname. It’s important to be punctual for meetings and not to hurry others in an effort to end meetings more quickly, as this is perceived as rude. Office hours are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Bahamas
The international access code for the Bahamas is +1, in common with the US, Canada, and most of the Caribbean, followed by 242. Visitors with unlocked phones can use local SIM cards; most hotels and many bars and cafes have free WiFi.
Tipping in Bahamas
Many hotel and restaurant bills in the Bahamas automatically include a service charge of about 15 percent; if this is not included a 15 percent tip is expected for most services, including taxi journeys. Hotel bellboys and porters usually receive about BSD 2 per bag.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors must be in possession of a return or onward ticket, plus proof of funds, and a passport valid for period of intended travel. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. It is recommended that passports are valid for six months beyond travel to any country.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States passport holders must have a passport valid for period of intended stay. A visa is not required for visits of up to 8 months for those carrying a passport issued in mainland USA. Passport holders living in US territories can stay for up to three months visa-free.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to eight months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
Visitors from the United Kingdom should ensure that their passport is valid for the period of intended stay and that they have proof of return or onward tickets. British Citizens can visit without a visa for stays of up to 8 months. Passengers with a British passport with nationality of “British Overseas Territories Citizen”, “British National (Overseas)”, “British Overseas Citizen”, “British Protected Person” or “British Subject” can visit without a visa for a maximum stay of three months.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports and other documents must be valid for the period of intended stay. Australians can stay in the Bahamas without a visa for a period of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay for up to three months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a valid passport but do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Tourist Offices
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Nassau: +1 800 224 2627, or http://www.bahamas.com.
Bahamas Embassies
- In the United States:
Bahamian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 319 2660.
- In Canada:
High Commission for The Bahamas, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 1724.
- In the United Kingdom:
High Commission for The Bahamas, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7408 4488.
Foreign Embassies in Bahamas
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Nassau: +1 242 322 1181.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for The Bahamas): +1 876 926 1500.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for The Bahamas): +1 876 510 0700.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for The Bahamas): +1 868 822 5450.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for The Bahamas): +1 876 620 4840.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
