Welcome to Bahamas

For families, honeymooners and sun seekers, the Bahamas is one of the quickest ways to paradise. The 700 subtropical islands and 2,400 (mostly uninhabited) cays that make up these unfathomably beautiful islands between the North Atlantic and Florida’s eastern coast are convenient, accessible and always welcoming.

Spend your days with your toes in the sand and or your body in the warm surf. Dive into blue holes. Tee up on expansive golf courses with unbeatable views. Stroll through the bustling marketplaces of Nassau and Freeport. Sail down 60-foot waterslides on Paradise Island. Kayak and kiteboard in the Exumas.

Attend a fish fry on Grand Bahama, where locals gather for the best grouper, lobster and snapper each week. Get back to nature (marine and on land) at Lucayan National Park, home to a vast underwater cave system. Life does slowly here, giving you all the time in the world to unwind.

Unique Facts

• The name Bahamas comes from the Spanish phrase, baja mar, which means shallow sea in Spanish. The water around The Bahamas is quite shallow. The white calcium carbonate sand and the light reflecting off the bottom give the water its turquoise appearance.
• The world’s deepest blue hole, Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island, is in The Bahamas.
• Did you know The Bahamas are not technically in the Caribbean? The archipelago actually lies north of the Caribbean.
• Visit the day after Christmas, December 26^th, and join in the largest Boxing Day celebration in the world, Junkanoo, complete with live music, parades, costumes and parties.
• The Bahamas is one of the best places in the world to go cave diving. There are hundreds of limestone caves throughout the islands, created thousands of years ago.

Language

The Bahamas’ official language is English. You may also hear Bahamaian English, a mix of the Queen’s diction, African influence and island dialect.

When To Go

The best time to visit The Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April. Temperatures year-round rarely dip below 60 degrees. The islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may occur between June and November.

Airports

Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau
Grand Bahama International Airport, Freeport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

None

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage: 120V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Bahamian Dollar.

Getting Around

Get around The Bahamas by jitney (public buses). This is the most common way to travel to your island destination from the major airports (Nassau and Freeport). There is no jitney service on the other islands, including New Providence Island and Paradise Island, so plan on using a taxi or rental car. For inter-island air service, you can use a pricey water taxi service or fly on Bahamasair from Nassau.

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license required from your country of residence.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Nassau
P.O. Box N-8197
#42 Queen Street
Nassau, The Bahamas
Telephone: +(242) 322-1181
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(242) 322-1181
Fax: +(242) 356-7174
csnassau@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
P.O. Box N-3701
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: 242-302-2000
Toll Free: 1-800-Bahamas
Fax: 242-302-2098
tourism@bahamas.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 919

Safety and Security

Maintain awareness of your surroundings and valuables when in public areas, beaches and pools. Only accept rides from licensed operators on land and sea. Do not swim alone. Book excursions directly through hotel or travel provided, not individuals who approach you on the beach or street.

The criminal activity on New Providence Island, including Nassau and Paradise Island, is high. Armed robbery and sexual assault is on the rise in New Providence. If you are operating your own boat or plane, be aware that you may encounter boats or planes operated by smugglers.