Bahamas Travel Essentials
Ideal Duration: 5-7 days for exploring Nassau and nearby islands; 10 days for a more relaxed island-hopping experience
Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD (B$))
Best Time: December to April
Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $25-50
Budget: $80-150
Mid-range: $200-300
Luxury: $350 and above
Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $20-40
Mid-range: $50-80
Visa Policy for Indians: Visa required, various types available
Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Visa required, various types available
Getting In Bahamas: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau
Getting Around Bahamas: Taxis, ferries, rental cars for inter-island travel
"An Ocean of Gorgeous Landscapes"
Bahamas Tourism
The Bahamas offers over 700 islands waiting for visitors to explore. It is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean. This Paradise of beaches is located 50 miles off the east coast of Florida and is heaven for beach lovers. The Bahamas provides the quintessential island experience, gorgeous beaches and numerous tours and activities. The breathtaking scenery and pleasant weather are one of the few reasons to plan a vacation to the Bahamas. One of the perks of visiting the Bahamas is you get to interact with the marine life, and that is once in a lifetime experience. No matter what your interest are, you will love the stay in the Bahamas.
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Tourist Places to Visit In Bahamas
Best time to visit Bahamas
Winter season is considered to be the best time to visit the Bahamas. It is appropriate for people who want to escape snow and ice during chilly winters and want to relax at sunny beaches in the Bahamas. The Bahamian winters will give you feel like late spring with moderate climate but it can get chilly in the early morning and at night. The temperature during this season ranges between 25-degree celsius during the day time to 17-degree celsius at night. As this time of the year is the peak time, you need to get reservations at least 2 to 3 months prior. Prices skyrocket and you'll likely be waiting in line for everything from your rental car to your tee time. At some hotels, it is impossible to get accommodations during Christmas and New Years. In the Bahamas, hotels charge their highest price during this season, therefore do not opt for this time if you do not want to spend way too much and want to avoid the crowd. Also, winter is the driest season of all.
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Holidify's opinion on Travel to Bahamas
What's Great about Travelling to Bahamas?
White-washed shores. Duty-free shops. Fishing, and Scuba Diving Excursions. Casinos. Luxury accommodations. Seafood. Vast golf courses. Dolphin watching. Zoos and Aquariums.
What's Not So Great about Travelling to Bahamas?
Too expensive. Infrastructure not well developed. Unsafe for women. Drinking and driving not allowed. Dirty. People spit around beaches and road.
Who should Travel to Bahamas?
Families. Spring breaks. Honeymooners. Beach lovers. Nature enthusiasts. Bargain hunters, and Golf lovers.
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Exchanging Money in Bahamas
The local legal tender in the Bahamas is Bhamanian Dollar and is equivalent to US Dollar. For people travelling from the US are not required to convert their currency into the legal tender as USD is also widely accepted everywhere. For people travelling from any other nation, one should convert their money into either of two before arriving. American Express is not widely accepted as MasterCard and Visa. Credit cards are widely accepted, although a minimum purchase may be required. There is no restriction on bringing foreign currency into The Bahamas. You can buy traveller's checks at most banks. They are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%. Try not to exchange money at airports or hotels as they will offer a very low exchange rates rather go for ATMs which will give you better rates than all.
Nightlife in Bahamas
Nassau is the appropriate place to enjoy the nightlife in The Bahamas. Most of the action and fun is centred around the Paradise island and downtown waterfront. Fluid, Aura and Bambu are three of the hotspots in the Bahamas. DJs at Bambu turn a super-charged blend of the most recent salsa, soca, calypso, reggae, and reggaeton; Aura (in the Atlantis resort) is more upscale and contemporary (blending main 40 and hip-jump with island top picks) and draws in a superstar group; and Fluid is about the most recent reggae jams. Every one of the three clubs runs around midnight, with Bambu keeping the gathering bouncing until 4 am in the morning. Expect dress codes, cover charges and VIP areas, just like as you would find in New York, Miami, or LA.
Shopping in Bahamas
Shopping in the Bahamas is a vibrant mix of native arts &crafts with international brands. The shops for tourists especially is located on and around Bay Street. You may find a number of duty-free shops where you can steal a great deal. If youÍre looking for souvenirs, browse through the local markets that sell unusual items that make interesting gifts. Do not miss out Nassau's famous Straw Market where you can shop products made out of ceramics, spices and local handcrafts. Nassau also has some very stylish local boutiques. Grand Bahama has large shopping centres and the Out Islands also have many stores along with local crafts and Jewellery.
Festivals of Bahamas
The most famous festival of Bahamas is Junkanoo, which is celebrated somewhere between Christmas and New Year. During this celebration, the streets are filled with locals partying the night away. Tourists and Foreigners are free to join the party. The main centre of the festivities is Bay Street in Nassau but the feel of the festival can be felt anywhere and everywhere in the Bahamas. The famous Caribbean Muzik Fest is held during the month of May which is a show of celebrating the vibrant music tradition in the Bahamas. As music is very much infused with the atmosphere and tradition of Bahamians this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show every year. Worldwide Cultural Weekend has held amid the time of October annually. The celebration highlights amusement, food, arts and specialities of the worldwide groups. The International Cultural Weekend furnishes you with a chance to comprehend the assorted societies of the world in two days.
Hygiene in Bahamas
Public toilets are uncommon in the Bahamas, particularly in most of the tourist's zones. In order to use any restrooms in the restaurants or bistro, you are required to buy something. 2016 saw some Zika infections reported in the Bahamas, but generally, there are no exceptional health concerns for visitors. Crimes against people & property have increased since 2010 certainly in some areas of Nassau. Drug- and gang-related crime are highest in the suburbs south of downtown, popularly known as 'Over the Hill'. Generally speaking, the Out Islands are safe, quiet and conservative, and most of the country is safe for visitors. the tap water is fine to drink but try avoiding tap water and go for bottled water offered at the resorts as tap water can be unpleasant at some places. Nassau and Grand Bahama have modern hospitals with emergency rooms open 24/7, but free care is only provided to legal residents.
Customs of Bahamas
Religion is considered very important in the Bahamas. They have several churches even for small communities. Music is another front which remains uncompromised with the Bahamian people. Music plays a vital role in Bahamian culture. Their instruments are made out of natural trees and barks and even animal skin and barrels. People here use bush medicines for various medicinal purposes. Examples like aloe vera, crab bush, fish leaf and white sage. People here like to get to know people, say hello to strangers and invite people into their homes. Sharing a meal is the most common way to build a relationship. Bahamians have a good sense of humour and use it often in all manner of situations. If invited to a BahamianÍs home, bring fruit, flowers, or wine for the hosts. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Meals are often served buffet style or family style. Handshakes are the norm. They should be firm and friendly.
Tips for visiting Bahamas
1) Keep currency in smaller denominations as many of the cab drivers do not have change for bigger denomination notes. 2) Carry a mix of everything in the currency ie traveller's cheque, local currency and USD. 3)Tap water in Nassau Paradise Island is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available throughout the island. 4)As accidents and illness are always possible do get yourself and your luggage insured before travelling. 5)Restaurants and hotels automatically add 15% to all food and beverage checks in lieu of gratuity. Therefore no need to tip them extra. 6)Taxi drivers should be tipped about 15% of the fare. 7)Hotel check-in time is generally 3 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m. 8)Buying fresh seafood is often less taxing than reeling it in yourself. 9)BYOB(bring your own beer) if you're going to Spanish Wells.
Food of Bahamas
Being an international tourist destination, you can rest assured that you can find any type of food here. But while youÍre here, give your taste buds a chance to discover Bahamian cuisine. ItÍs spicy and uniquely flavoured. One can give a try to the famous local cold beverages like a Kalik or Sands, a Bahama mama, or Goombay Smash. There is this cocktail named Sky Juice made from coconut water blended with sweet milk and gin. And donÍt forget to try Switcher, a refreshing drink made from native limes. Seafood is the daily food in Bahamians life. delicacies made of Lobster, Crabs are enjoyed and loved by many locals and visitors. People here love land crabs and the Bahamian ñrock lobster. They have special desire for fresh fish, especially boiled fish served with grits. Many dishes here are served with pigeon peas and rice mixed with spices, tomatoes and onions.
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Photos of Bahamas
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FAQs on Bahamas
How to reach Bahamas from India?
One can reach the Bahamas only via air. You can book flight tickets from various online portals to the Bahamas, fares of which is subject to the season you are visiting (high during winter and low during summer season). All the major airports in India will facilitate flights to the Bahamas and most of them would be connecting flights with halts in between. usually, there are frequent flights to the Bahamas but finding a nonstop fight is very rare. The major airlines that en route to the Bahamas are Air India, British Airways, Emirates and Vistara. These flights take halts in London mostly. In order to get the best deal book tickets 2 to 3 months prior. The occasional free drinks on arrival and a live band playing in the airport hall will definitely set the pace for a great Caribbean holiday!
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