Entry Requirements: A valid US passport is required.
Departure Requirements: The departure tax is $15.00 throughout the Bahamas; in Grand Bahama (Freeport) there is an additional $3.00 airport security fee for a total of $18.00. Small children are exempt.
Language: English
Currency: Bahamian dollar, but the US dollar is accepted throughout the islands.
Electricity: 120 volts/60 cycles (same as US).
Climate: The Bahamas have a typically subtropical oceanic climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream in winter and cooled by trade winds in summer. Average temperatures rang e from 75 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 84 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. Average annual rainfall is 46”.
Leisurely, lovely, and outright fun, The Bahamas delivers a steady stream of sun-filled days and glittering nights. When you want to get into non-stop action – or get away from it all – The Bahamas has an island for you!
A series of over 700 islands and more than 200 cays just off the east coast of Florida, The Bahamas plays host to adventure seekers and tourists looking to escape into the beauty of the Caribbean. All powdery sand and endless beaches – and barely rising above sea level – the islands of The Bahamas are a popular, affordable, and easily reached retreat.
Beyond the sands are the sophisticated pleasures of New Providence (home of Nassau, the capital, and popular Cable Beach), Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama, where glitz, gambling, top cuisine, great golfing, nightclubs, and world-class spas are found.
Nassau is the seat of Bahamian culture, history, and shopping. Packed with colonial charm, it offers the closest thing to an urban experience and is an ideal base for day trips to nearby Paradise Island and many of the quieter Out Islands. Neighboring Cable Beach is a glittering strip of hotels, restaurants, and casinos.
Paradise Island’s many resorts mark it as an adult playground, albeit one where Bobby Flay, Nobu Matcuhisa, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten rule the culinary roost. Their home is The Atlantis, certainly the most over-the-top resort in The Bahamas (and one you must see to believe).
Grand Bahama’s Freeport and Lucaya resort areas are ideal for families, with broad beaches, challenging golf courses, out-of-this-world scuba diving spots, and plenty of water sports excitement.
There are fewer crowds on the sultry Out Islands, such as Abaco, Harbour Island, and Long Island, partly because of their lack of accessibility. Many are reached only via boat, but these are really the places to get away from it all.
When people say “It’s better in The Bahamas,” they know what they’re talking about!
Beach Scene:
Cable Beach (New Providence Island): The Bahamas’ most well-know strip of sand, Cable Beach in Nassau is easily accessible and loaded with facilities and resorts, making it a favorite among families and recreation-oriented vacationers.
Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island): Lined with cocoa plums, sea grapes, and casuarinas, Cable Beach is a veritable institution for sunbathing and sports on Paradise Island. Sprint across the white sands and dive into blear aquamarine water, but watch out for all the WaveRunners and sailboats – this is a beach with loads of energy!
Xanadu Beach (Grand Bahama Island): Calm waters make for carefree swimming on Grand Bahama’s most popular beach. Rent chairs and umbrellas, and lounge the day away. Or go sailing and jet-skiing with the entire family. Dining, shopping, and the International Bazaar are all within walking distance.
Note: Nudity is not allowed in public areas, though toplessness is permitted at some beachfront resorts; The Bahamas’ only clothing-optional resort is on Cat Island.
