Bahamas Island Travel
Bahamas Overview
The Bahamas is a tropical island chain in the Caribbean Sea. It is an independent commonwealth of the United Kingdom. The Bahamas is a tourist location for many people.
Main Islands
Grand Bahama
New Providence Island — dominated by the capital Nassau
Paradise Island — site of the famous Atlantis resort
Out Islands
The Abacos
Acklins/Crooked Island
Andros
Berry Islands
Bimini
Cat Island
Eleuthera
The Exumas
Harbour Island
Inagua
Long Island
Mayaguana
Paradise Island — home to the gigantic Atlantis casino resort
San Salvador
Arawak Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.
The populace is predictably friendly and more religious than one might expect: the Bahamas have one of the highest ratios of churches per capita in the world, with Baptists being the largest single group. Local newspapers will reveal religious references by elected officials in a manner that exceeds what would be found in the American South. This devotion does nothing to prohibit the activities of visitors nor is it intended to. There is a very "libertarian" attitude about personal morals.
Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream. Hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage.
The islands' terrain consists of long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills. The highest point is Mount Alvernia (63 m), on Cat Island.
Officially 120V 60Hz, which is identical to the U.S. and Canadian standard. Outlets are North American grounded outlets, identical to standard U.S. and Canadian wall outlets. Occasionally non-grounded outlets may be found, which do not accept the third, round pin present on grounded plugs, and require an adapter. Older North American outlets may not be polarized (with one slot wider than the other). Otherwise, adapters are available which accept a polarized plug and adapt it for use with a non-polarized outlet.
Languages include English, Haitian Creole (among Haitian immigrants); however, a visitor who understands English will still need to listen beyond the heavily accented talk - called Bahamianese by some. This way of speaking is "spiced" with slang and twang sayings, e.g. "muddo" and "chile". Standard English is the accepted formal language.
Tourism is the main industry followed by banking.
The Bahamas, though well known for its festive culture and friendly people, does have a high crime rate amongst its people that reflects severe social disparities. Areas that cater to tourists are heavily policed and kept exceptionally safe, but foreigners should not venture outside these areas alone. (A desolate beach at night is incredibly romantic, but be sure to tell the security guard at your hotel where you are going, just to be safe.)
Bahamian culture is very religious, and subsequently intensely homophobic. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are frowned upon, typically seen as an affront to local values, and may be met with hostility. Please exercise modesty in public areas.
While the idea of being swept off one's feet by a good-looking local may sound romantic to some, serious caution is advised. Local men in particular often frequent the beaches near hotels, wooing foreign women as a hobby. It is imperative that safe sex be practiced. The Bahamas as a nation holds the third-highest rate of HIV and AIDS infection in the world.
Bahamas Main Attractions
Nassau - the capital of the Bahamas, on the northeastern edge of New Providence Island.Founded around 1650 by the British as Charles Town, the town was renamed in 1695 after William III of Orange-Nassau in 1695. Due to the Bahamas' strategic location near trade routes and its multitude of islands, Nassau soon became a popular pirates' den, and British rule was soon challenged by the self-proclaimed "Privateers Republic" under the leadership of the infamous Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. However, the alarmed British soon tightened their grip, and by 1720 the pirates had been killed or driven out. Today, with a population of 200,000, Nassau contains nearly 70% of the population of the Bahamas. However, it's still quite low-rise and laid back, with the pretty pastel pink government buildings often overshadowed by the looming giant cruise ships that dock daily.
Freeport - a city on Grand Bahama.
Matthew Town - on Great Inagua Island.
Alice Town - the main village on North Bimini, an island in the Bahamas that lies about 50 miles off the coast of Florida.
Lucayan National Park, The crown jewel of the 3 national parks on Grand Bahama, Lucayan National Park is the only place in the Bahamas where you can see all six of the island's ecosystems. There are caves for exploration (including one of the longest underwater limestone caves in the world; access is seasonal as the caves are also used for bat conservation), a picturesque wooden bridge over a mangrove swamp, and a beautiful white beach with benches available for picnics. Visitors are advised never to leave belongings unattended, as thefts have been known to occur.
Peterson Cay National Park, a small island surrounded by reefs located 1 mile off the south shore, is the perfect getaway for a day trip / picnic. It is accessible only by boat, and visitors are instructed to anchor in specific areas away from the coral reefs. All plant and animal life within the park boundaries is protected by law. Fishing, shelling, and damage to or removal of any coral is strictly prohibited. Garbage disposal and leaving ash coals / embers is also prohibited. Take only pictures, leave only footprints
Bacardi Distillery, 1000 Bacardi Drive, +1-242-362 1412. Tours at 11AM, 2PM on Mon-Fri. Established in 1962, this distillery produces most of the rum sold on the island. The free tour take about half an hour, after which you get a chance to sample some free cocktails and, of course, buy lots of cheap rum at their gift shop. Tours may be cancelled if less than 10 people show up, so call ahead. Free.
National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, West & West Hill Streets, 1-242-328-5800. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. Opened in 2003, this showcases Bahamian art from the precolonial era to the present. The quality of art is rather uneven to say the least, but the renovated building — once the residence of the Chief Justice — is a sight in itself. Adults $5, Students/seniors $3.
Bahamas Family Fun
Rand Nature Center, outside downtown Freeport, Phone: 242-352-5438. Open 9am - 4 pm Monday to Friday (Closed on Saturday & Sunday) This national park is named for James Rand and was established as the first nature education center to preserve the habitat of Grand Bahama. People flock here (no pun intended) to see the resident Flamingo colony. Admission $5 adults, $3 children 5-12, children under 5 free.
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center, 242-323-5806 (info@ardastra.com, fax: 242-323-7232). 9AM-5PM. Visit the Bahamas' only zoo. See the marching flamingo shows. Let the parakeets land on you as you feed them. $12.
Pirate Museum, 1-242-356-3759 (piratesofnassau@batelnet.bs). M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 9AM-noon. Recreations of a pirate town, a pirate ship and a pirate battle, with a few real artifacts mixed in. Cheesy, but fun. Try to catch a guided tour. $12.
The Dig, Atlantis. A tour around Atlantis' enormous aquaria, with a cheesy backstory about how you're actually exploring the ruins of Atlantis. Well worth a visit for the marine life alone, including giant manta rays and much more.
Predator Lagoon, Atlantis. Underwater tunnel through a vast tank full of sharks.
Bahamas Romantic Spots
Several cruise lines operate private island retreats in the Bahamas. Among them is Castaway Cay of the Disney Cruise Line. To visit these islands you usually have to be a passenger on the cruise line that owns the island.
The Exuma island chain is 130 mi (209 km) long. The northernmost islands are under an hour away from Nassau by speedboat and many tour operators offer day trips. George Town on Great Exuma has the only airport in the islands, which receives flights from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Nassau. Visiting any of the other islands more or less requires your own boat.
Bahamas Activities
The biggest event in the Bahamian calendar is Junkanoo, a street carnival held on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1). Junkanoo groups "rush" through the streets of towns, especially Nassau, wearing spectacular costumes of crepe paper and playing distinctive Junkanoo music, which combines African rhythms with loud brass and cowbells, fusing them together in a medley that veers on cacophony but is exceedingly dancable. The costumes, made from scratch every year, are disposed of on the streets as the party ends and make a great free souvenir to bring home!
Take a walk around Nassau's Old Town, an interesting mixture of abandoned buildings and bright Caribbean structures. It doesn't take long to get away from the over-scrubbed tourist areas in the very center. Walk ten minutes uphill to the pink Parliament Building, which still has a statue of an enthroned Queen Victoria out front.
Nassau's bus tours are pretty interesting. They'll drive you around, and tell you about the local government, tell you about different points of interest, and take you to old forts, and to Paradise Island, to see the famous 'Atlantis' hotel resort and its stunning aquarium. It's neat.
UNEXSO Dive Center on Royal Palm Way, Phone: +1 (242) 373-1244 (Make reservations from the US or Canada: 800-992-DIVE). UNEXSO provides activities for both experienced and non-experienced SCUBA divers. They also offer different kinds of "swim with the dolphins" experiences as well. Some activities require a 1 day advanced registration.
Stuart Cove's Aqua Adventures. On the southern part of New Providence, they run diving and snorkeling tours, including some with sharks.
Gamble at Atlantis, Paradise Island. An age limit of 18 is enforced.
Watch a Junkanoo Rush on Friday and Saturday evenings at Marina Village, Paradise Island.
Bahamas Accommodation & Dining
Accommodation on the Bahamas is expensive, and there is virtually no backpacker/hostel-type lodging. The cheapest hotels start at around US$70, and most hotels cost US$200-300/night, with the very best resorts easily pushing up above US$500. Deals may be available in the summer off-season though.
Pelican Bay Hotel on Seahorse Road, Port Lucaya, Phone: +1 (800) 852-3702. The Pelican Bay Hotel is in Port Lucaya, 5 miles from Freeport. The hotel is next to the Port Lucaya Marketplace and the UNEXSO facility and the resort juts into Bell Channel Bay overlooking two marinas. This resort has been described as perfect for those with champagne taste on a beer budget!
Wyndham Viva Fortuna Beach Resort corner Churchill Drive & Doubloon Road. Phone: +1 (242) 373-4000. Fax: +1 (242) 373-5555. Grand Bahama's only truly all-inclusive resort located on the south coast of Grand Bahama Island. Nestled on 23 acres of prime beachfront property with 1,200 feet of white sandy beaches at your fingertips.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino, 1-800-ATLANTIS in the U.S, +1 (242) 363-3000. The largest, most tourist-oriented hotel in Nassau. Located on Paradise Island, just across the causeway from downtown Nassau. A tourist attraction in itself, with a giant aquarium, a casino, shopping center, marina, water park, not to mention the beach. $300 and up.
Comfort Suites, +1 242-363-3680. Located on Paradise Island is the only other hotel that gives free access to Atlantis's facilities which includes a water park and largest open water marine life. Comfort Suites also offers a free continental breakfast. This motel is best for those looking for a great time in the Bahamas on a budget.
One & Only Ocean Club, +1 242 363 2501. Running since 1963, this is where Casino Royale was filmed and Hollywood stars hang out when they need a little peace and quiet. Gorgeous private beach and private golf course, and rooms have numerous perks like butler service and complimentary champagne, but the price tag is correspondingly steep. From $750.
Sunrise Beach Club and Villas. These privately-owned villas are less than three blocks from the Atlantis Casino, and usually much cheaper. Units vary in size, but each has its own kitchen. Indeed, the biggest difference in staying here is that there is no room service; you'll have to run to the market for food. Viola's Jungle Bar is on site, however, and serves meals and drinks.
Food
As you'd expect in an island nation, seafood is very popular. The national dish is conch (pronounced "conk" with a hard K), a type of mollusk, served deep-fried ("cracked") or raw with a twist of lemon, and as elsewhere in the Caribbean, the classic accompaniment is peas and rice.
Ordinary meals can be had for anywhere from $5-$25 a plate. You can find fast-food chains such as KFC or McDonalds, especially in the downtown areas, but as it is a highly touristed country, you can find many nice restaurants serving many different cuisines. Most restaurants serve American or British food, though you can easily find the normal island flair, especially during the Fish Fry during June, where you can usually get a meal for about $8. A 15% service charge is added to the bill at most establishments; additional tips are optional.
Service is distinct from the American standard. There is a concentration on the customer at hand. You are expected to patiently wait your turn. At fast food restaurants the server will take care of only the first customer until they have left the service area. Don't expect to be in a hurry even at a fast food establishment.
Service in the Bahamas takes place at a relaxed pace. Travelers can expect a leisurely pace to their meal. Expect polite, if slow, service at most establishments.
Drink
Soda
Soda can be pretty pricy in the hotels, and you will find it only on a soda tap if you are in a good restaurant; otherwise, you will usually get it in a can. The cheapest way to get this would be to go to a local "Food Mart."
"Goombay Punch" is the local soda. It has a pineapple flavor and is what the locals call a "Sweet" soda versus a cola. It is sold in cans at all grocery stores and also available in almost every Bahamian eatery.
Non-alcoholic malt beverages are also very popular. The primary brand of choice is Vita-Malt.
Beer
Kalik is the national brewery of the Bahamas and is always served at "all-inclusive" resorts. There are two rather distinct types: Kalik Light is a Budweiser-style very light lager, while plain Kalik has a bit more taste. Guinness is also very popular.
Imported beer is can be incredibly expensive in the hotels but is not overly priced in bars and liquor stores. Cases of beer are readily available in a variety of Duty Free liquor stores.
In Freeport, the Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina has many bars offering two Kaliks (and some other brews) for $5.00.
Hard Liquors
The Bahamas has significant amount of liquor stores in relation to the population of the country. You can find liquors stores downtown, by the hotels
Rum
This is by far the best choice of drinks in the Bahamas. It's as cheap as you can get ($2-$10 a bottle), tastes great, and it's made fresh by 3 different companies, the largest being the Bacardi Rum factory on New Providence south of Nassau, where you can take tours and get free drinks if you go on a 2-hour bus ride.
Restaurants:
Cappuccino, Italian-owned, with an Italian chef, offering Italian cuisine. Prices are in the mid-to-high range. Due to high popularity, reservations are recommended.
China Beach, authentic Asian cuisine. Prices are steep but the food is worth it.
Luciano's, for those with refined tastes and expectations. Jacket and tie recommended.
Pisces restaurant and bar. Local and international cuisine, good prices.
Shennanigan's, Irish pub and restaurant, frequently packed. Amazing food, good prices.
Zorba's, delicious Greek cuisine, good prices.
The Shoal Restaurant and Lounge, Nassau Street, 323-4200. Sa-Th 7:30AM-11PM, Fri 7AM-7PM. If the tourist crowds are getting you down, take a taxi out to where the locals eat. Enjoy fish that falls off the bone, friendly service, and a dessert of guava duff. $10-$20.
Banana Bay, located in Fortune Bay near Lucaya. Situated feet from the ocean on a beautiful white beach, perfect for families who want a refreshing lunch, with indoor and outdoor patio dining available. Delicious local cuisine at good prices.
Cafe Matisse, Bank Lane (behind Parliament Sq, off Bay St), 1-242-356-7012. Tue-Sat noon-11 PM. Tucked away on a quiet lane, Matisse serves excellent Italian food with fresh local ingredients. Reservations recommended; try to get a seat in the delightful garden courtyard, which is shady by day and lit up at night. "Proper" dress (no shorts or sandals) required for dinner. $50-70.
Bahamas Shopping & Nightlife
The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (B$), but it's tied to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio and US dollars are accepted everywhere at par. There is thus no need to change money, and many tourist-oriented businesses will even give change back in US$. Do keep an eye out on the famous (but now rare) three-dollar bill and 15-cent coin, both originally made to ease the 1966 transition from pounds to dollars, $3 being roughly equivalent to £1 and $0.15 approximating a shilling.
There is very little made in the Bahamas, but some luxury goods can be purchased at a bargain. Cuban cigars are also readily available. Salespeople in the straw market have a very direct but often humorous manner of negotiating the price of a product. A sense of humor is greatly appreciated in this island nation.
Sales tax does not exist in the Bahamas. National revenue is collected mainly through local import tariffs.
Duty free items such as liquor, perfume, and jewellery often surprise tourists for being so inexpensive. It is not uncommon, for example, to find a bottle of your favourite perfume for less than half of what you could expect to pay back home. This is the advantage and convenience of duty free shopping.
Port Lucaya Marketplace on Sea Horse Road on Bell Channel Bay, Phone: +1 (242) 373-8446. Duty free shopping in over 80 stores in 12 buildings overlooking the Bell Channel Bay marina. The marketplace is the hub of Port Lucaya.
The International Bazaar is a shopping compound divided into separate areas that each reflect a different part of the world. In total it comprises 90 shops, 13 restaurants, and 6 snack/ice cream stores. There is also a straw market nearby.
Straw Market, Bay St. Originally a locals' market, this is now devoted to touristy bric-a-brac. If you are in the market for some souvenirs, this is the place to come. Don't be discouraged by the initial price of things, as this is the only place you can barter for a better one. You don't have to worry about exchanging any money either, as US currency is accepted universally.
Potters' Cay, under the Paradise Island bridge. Best known for its fish market, and there are plenty of stalls that prepare fresh conch salad, conch fritters and other Bahamian seafood delicacies, but there's plenty of other exotic tropical produce available too.
Night Scene
Nassau isn't a spring break mecca for nothing. The club scene is nightly and rowdy. Some popular establishments:
Señor Frogs, (242) 323-1777. 11AM-1AM. right next to the cruise dock.
Club Waterloo, East Bay Street. 8PM-4AM. on the north side of the island, about two miles from the dock.
Cocktails and Dreams, West Bay Street, (242) 328 3745. draws a sketchier crowd, although it is on the beach. Come here in a group.
Dune Bar, Ocean Club, Paradise Island. If you want to check out the Ocean Club without paying through the nose for a room or dinner, this is your cheapest option. Open through the day and great sea views onto the beach. Drinks from $10, or go for the Royale Martini at $15.
Hurricane Hole, Paradise Island, just east of the bridge (in the marina). Officially the Waterfront Bar and Grill, this is an un-touristy outdoor drinking joint frequented by a motley mix of locals and yachties from the marina. Very generously poured rum-based drinks from $3.50.
Cover charges average an outrageous $20, although all major hotels sell "passes" for $5. With a pass, cover charge is only $5, so you actually pay $10. Cover charges on weekends can climb up to $45, so it's a good idea to get a pass from your local taxi driver/hotel desk.
You can also opt for an all-inclusive entertainment pass, which will include a schedule. Expect to follow this itinerary with at least 5,000 other co-eds. (It might be a good idea to pick up this schedule even if you don't plan on participating. It will give you a good idea of places to avoid on certain nights.)
Drinks in clubs can get expensive, depending on the club and its location. Most locals "drink up" before going out, to defray this cost... That or they can be found in the parking lots with a cooler ;) Expect to pay at least $4 for a beer and $5 for a cocktail. The one caveat is rum, which is cheap and plentiful. Cocktails with rum might still be pricey at a club, but they will be strong.
Getting To & Around the Bahamas
Getting There
Visitors from most industrialized countries (including US, Canada, EU and Japan) do not need an advance visa for stays of up to three months. Visitors do not need to complete the Customs form.
Travelers returning to the United States from the Caribbean must display their passport to get back into the States. This applies to minor children as well as adults. US immigration pre-clearance facilities are available at Nassau and Freeport.
By plane
The largest airports in the Bahamas are at the capital Nassau, on New Providence, and Freeport, on Grand Bahama.
By boat
The Bahamas are a popular port of call for cruise ships plying the Caribbean. The capital, Nassau, on New Providence Island is one of the world's busiest cruise ship ports, and is well served by ships that originate from Florida. Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is a growing destination as well.
Most island groups have customs and immigration available for those arriving by yacht. The customs fee for a private yacht is $150 for 35' and under and $300 for over 35'.
Getting Around
By plane
Bahamasair offers a comprehensive network radiating out from Nassau and covering most population centers. However, fares are expensive, frequencies are low, planes are small and the airline is notorious for extensive delays, and many travellers in a hurry opt to charter planes instead.
By bus
Nassau/New Providence have a system of buses called jitneys, discussed in the Nassau article. Bus travel on the other islands (with the exception of Grand Bahama) is very limited.
By car
The best way to go around the larger islands (Grand Bahama, Grand Exuma, Andros, etc) is to hire a car. There are many opportunities to rent a vehicle on Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) and can be well worth it if you want to get away from your resort. The Lucaya resort area has a nice town center with a wide variety of shopping in walking distance.
Driving is on the left, but due to the many American tourists there are many pavement markings to remind you. Although driving is on the left, many cars' driver's seats still are on the left side of the car. A particular challenge is always the turning circle. Gasoline is expensive, but distances are low.
The information on this page has been extracted from http://wikitravel.org/en/Bahamas and is based on work by Jani Patokallio and Michele Ann Jenkins, Wikitravel user(s) DorganBot, Cacahuate, Jonboy and Episteme, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.
