Bahamas

New Providence is the largest of 700 tiny islands that make up the Bahamas archipelago. Nassau, the islands capital, offers a wealth of activities. On the northern coast is stunning Cable Beach ideal for watersports enthusiasts or those simply seeking relaxation. Two long bridges link Nassau with neighbouring Paradise Island, which offers an idyllic base away from the crowds, yet close enough to enjoy Nassau's internationally famous nightlife. The islands offer a high standard of accommodation and great sunbathing, diving, fishing and boating.
What To See
Nassau has a great variety of architecture and colonial styles epitomised by the Houses of Parliament and old Fort Fincastle. Nearby is Crystal Cay, an underwater observatory and marine park where visitors can view the feeding of sharks. Paradise Island's attractions include Royal Victoria Garden, the Queen's staircase and Bay Street, the heart of the shopping district. Grand Bahama's most popular area is Freeport/Lucaya. Points of interest include Garden of the Groves, Rand Memorial Nature Centre with nature trails and Lucayan National Park with the world's largest known underwater cave system, complete with bats and blue holes.
Food & Drink
Choose from a wide choice of restaurants and bars for specialities such as conch, grouper cutlets, baked crab and red snapper fillets. Fresh fruit is plentiful ranging from pineapple, mango, breadfruit and papaya. Local drinks are based on rum which is served in fruit juices and soda and the local liqueur is Nassau Royal. In Grand Bahama the entertainment and restaurants are at the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya.
Shopping
Look out for local handicrafts such as sea shell jewellery, woodcarvings and all types of straw artefacts. Other special purchases include china, cutlery, Japanese cameras and leather. In Nassau tourists can shop in the bustling straw market, where local vendors create unique straw goods on the spot. Grand Bahama has more sophisticated shops in Bay Street.
Activities
Watersports are well catered for in the Bahamas. These include water-skiing, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, sport fishing (for wahoo, tuna, white marlin) and some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world. There is a variety of marine life, coral reefs and ship and plane wrecks to explore. Excellent facilities exist for tennis and squash.
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Airport
There are two main international airports: Nassau International which is 10 miles (16km) west of Nassau; and Freeport International which is 3 miles (5km) from Freeport. Departure tax is B$15.
Climate
The Bahamas has a pleasant year round climate with constant trade winds. It is cooler than the other Caribbean islands due to its proximity to North America. The summer (June-August) is hot with breezes and the winter (December-February) temperatures rarely drop below 60 F/16 C. The rainy season is from May-November, when hurricanes/tropical storms, can occur. The northern islands can be cooler and wetter than the southern islands.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing is recommended year round and light raincoats are useful during the wet season. Casual wear is acceptable during the day. In the evenings, especially for dining and casinos in Nassau and Freeport, formal clothes are required. Beachwear should not be worn in towns.
Currency
Bahamian Dollar (approx. B$1.8 to £1) or US Dollar.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
Electricity
The current is 110/120 volts AC, 60Hz.
Flying Time
Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes from London.
Getting Around
Taxis are readily available especially in Nassau and Freeport, where they can be hailed in the street. Hiring a car is a good option and there are several major rental companies in Nassau and Freeport. Remember to drive on the left. Motorcycles, scooters and bicycles are also available for hire. Water taxis operate to the Family Islands and Paradise Island. Intra-island flights are the quickest way to travel between islands. There is no public transport on the Family Islands, only taxis.
Health Advice
No compulsory vaccinations required, check with your GP for any recommended inoculations prior to travel. See Health Advice in our FAQ's section.
Holidays
January 1 (New Year's Day), April 14 (Good Friday), April 17 (Easter Monday), June 2 (Labour Day), June 5 (Whit Monday), July 10 (Independence Day), August 7 (Emancipation Day), October 12 (National Heroes' Day), December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day).
Language
English.
Opening Hours
Banks are open Monday to Thursday 9:30am-3pm, Friday 9:30am-5pm. The Post Office is open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5:30pm, Saturday 8:30am-12:30pm.
Time
GMT - 5 hours.
Tipping
15% is expected for most services including taxis. Some hotels and restaurants include the service charge on the bill.
Tourist Board
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is located in the Commerce Centre British Colonial Hilton, Nassau. Bahamas Tourist Office (UK): 0207 355 0800.
Visa Requirements
None for UK passport holders (up to 8 months), but passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.