Bahamas Travel Guide | Islands, Beaches & Things to Do

The Bahamas is a spectacular archipelago of more than 700 islands and 2,000 cays scattered across 100,000 square miles of turquoise Atlantic Ocean. Located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, this remarkable destination is known for its powder-soft white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best marine life in the Caribbean.

Many travellers begin their journey in Nassau and Paradise Island, the lively tourism hub of the Bahamas. Here visitors will find luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants and world-class shopping, all set against the backdrop of beautiful beaches and calm turquoise seas.

Beyond Nassau lies the true magic of the Bahamas: the Out Islands, where each destination offers its own distinct character and landscape. The stunning Exumas are famous for their brilliant shades of blue water and the world-famous swimming pigs. Long Island is home to dramatic cliffs and Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the deepest underwater sinkholes on the planet. On Eleuthera and Harbour Island, travellers discover pastel-coloured towns and some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful pink-sand beaches.

From the sailing paradise of The Abacos to the wild natural beauty of Andros, the largest island in the Bahamas, the archipelago offers extraordinary diversity within a single destination.

Whether you come for diving along vibrant coral reefs, sailing between secluded cays, exploring untouched beaches or simply relaxing in the Caribbean sunshine, the Bahamas remains one of the world’s most captivating island destinations.

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Where To Stay

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Best time to visit

Thanks to the Gulf Stream’s clear warm waters on the Bahamas western shores, and balmy southeastern trade winds, at night the temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit/16 degrees Celsius or rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit/32 degrees Celsius. There are occasional rainfalls during the summer and brief, refreshing showers, that usually end soon after they begin. The Bahamas crystal waters can be enjoyed all year round. Temperatures generally reach 86 degrees Fahrenheit/30 degrees Celsius in summer and are around 77 degrees Fahrenheit/25 degrees Celsius in winter.

Getting to the Bahamas

For departures, arrivals, reservations and other information, contact:

American Airlines 1 800 433 7300

Immigration Matters

All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of departure from the Bahamas as well as a return ticket.

Transportation

Car hire is available on most of the islands: please note that driving is on the LEFT and the speed limit is 30 mph in settlements and 45 mph in highways. Motor scooters (for which helmets are compulsory) and bicycles are also available for hire. Taxis are available throughout the Bahamas. You can travel to the Out islands on regularly scheduled flights with Bahamasair or on one of the many local airlines.

Phone Calls

Visitors will find that telecommunication services in The Bahamas are comparable to the services found in most developed countries. The Bahamas Telephone Company (BTC) provides a variety of services beyond the telephone: fax, telex, Internet, cellular service, private line service, satellite and radio leasing, and an enhanced VHF-FM radiotelephone service that allows you to contact vessels at sea.

Free Wi-Fi Zones

There are numerous free Wi-Fi zones available throughout the Bahamas and can be mainly found in the main tourist areas on the larger islands.

Religious Services

There are several churches on the Bahamas, including Anglican, Baptist, Protestant, Adventist and Methodist churches.

Tax and Tipping

For porters, the expected tip is $1-$2 per bag. Most restaurants include a service charge of 15%. If not, it’s customary to tip this amount.

Currency

The Bahamian dollar is the legal tender and is the equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are accepted throughout the islands. Please note that if you pay in Bahamian or U.S. dollars, you will receive change in the same currency you paid with.

Banking & ATMs

Banks in Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island are open from 09.30 to 15.00 Monday to Thursday and on Fridays until 17.00. In the Out Islands service is often very limited. Major credit cards are accepted throughout the islands. ATMs offer Bahamian dollars but there are some ATMs in the tourist areas on the larger islands, that dispense U.S. dollars. Please note that there aren’t many ATMs available in the out-islands.

Medical Facilities

There are two main hospitals in the Bahamas — the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, and the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Community clinics and satellite clinics provide medical care to people living or staying on the Out Islands.

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Paradise for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles.

Things to do

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By Banita Sadhra

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Where To Stay

Where To Eat

By Banita Sadhra

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Destination Wedding

Best time to visit

Getting to the Bahamas

Immigration Matters

Transportation

Phone Calls

Free Wi-Fi Zones

Religious Services

Tax and Tipping

Currency

Banking & ATMs

Medical Facilities

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