General
Information
 The Bahamas. So
close, yet so far away. The Bahamas chain is within
a scant 50 miles from the coast of Florida, but
in that 50 miles you cross into another dimension.
A time and place without worries, a relaxing atmosphere,
and friendly people. Even though you can reach the
Bahamas in less than an hour's flight from the Florida
coast, the country's natural beauty and exotic appeal
make it seem more like a far-flung outpost. The
water ranges from pale aqua to deep sapphire, the
spectrum changing hourly as the relentless Bahamian
sun sweeps across the island sky.
You can choose an island with lots of activities,
shopping, dining and nightlife. Or maybe an island
where few other people will be seen, and the afternoon
activities include swinging in your hammock and
watching the sun fall from the edge of the earth.
It's up to you.
The islands offer some of the best snorkeling and
scuba diving in the world. Every island is rimmed
by coral reefs, and the waters offer exceptional
visibility and year-round temperatures that make
wetsuits unnecessary.  There
are plentiful ship and plane wrecks to explore -
even a train off Eleuthera. The Bahamas is renowned
for wall dives along the sheer-faced trenches at
the edges of the Bahama Banks. There are also blue
holes, caves, shallow reefs, shark and dolphin dives,
drift dives, incredible night dives and more. If
you enjoy snorkeling, all of the islands offer clear,
shallow areas.
And the visibility, how about an average of 100'+,
and 200' not an uncommon occurance. Dive services
range from small personal 6-paks where you may be
one of the few on the boat, to large personal operations
with multiple boats where you will get a chance
to meet and dive with scuba enthusiasts from all
over the world. Where will you dive? The choices
are yours to make.
Climate Winter 60 - 75F Summer 80 - 85F
Water Temp Winter 72 - 75F Summer 84 - 88F
Visibility 80 - 100 ft (and up to 200 ft)
Dive
Centers & Accommodations
Island Overview
ABACOS
At the top of the Bahamas chain is a cluster of
islands and cays stretching nearly 130 miles southeast.
They are called the Abacos, and they are approximately
175 miles east of Palm Beach and 106 miles north
of Nassau. The two largest islands are Great and
Little Abaco, and are surrounded by smaller islets
such as Walker's Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Treasure
Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Elbow, and Great Guana Cay.
Famous for its beautiful clear blue water, the Abacos
have long been a favorite of sailors and fisherman.
A mixture of old world charm and just a touch of
modernization makes all of these islands a welcome
relief from a hectic world.
There are three airports in the Abacos. Walker's
Cay in the north, Treasure Cay in the middle and
Marsh Harbor in the south. A number of commercial
flights are scheduled to and fron Miami, Ft. Lauderdale
and several points within the Bahamas. While there
are ports of entry for those arriving by boat, there
is no commercial cruise ship travel to the Abacos.
Accommodations in the Abacos are mainly seaside
getaways comprised of villas, smaller hotels and
Bed and Breakfast inns. Lacking are the high-rise
glitz and glamour of the large casino hotels and
chains. Activities include diving, snorkeling, windsurfing,
fishing, relaxing on the beach, dining, shopping,
and hiking.
Transportation around the islands are by taxi and
ferry boat.
Diving includes reefs, wrecks and wall for your
enjoyment. There are many beautiful shallower dives
here with extended bottom times.
ANDROS
Located southeast of Miami and Bimini, and only
35 miles from Nassau is Andros, one of the most
interesting of Bahamas Islands. Andros is the largest
island, stretching over 100 miles from top to bottom,
and 40 miles across. Yet it's 2300 square miles
has the smallest population of the inhabited islands.
it is also one of the least explored of the islands.
With numberous inlets and lakes, Andros is effectively
separated into three sections called north, middle,
and south Andros.
Andros has three airports with service to and from
the mainland as well as other islands. In the north
is San Andros, in the middle is Andros Town, and
in the south in Congo Town. There is no commercial
cruise ship service to Andros. During your stay,
transportation includes taxi and private transport
provided by some resorts.
Accommodations throughout Andros range from seaside
villas to all-inclusive resorts. On Andros, you
will not find high rise casinos and hotels.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, windsurfing,
fishing (Andros is a mecca for bonefish anglers),
hiking, nice deserted beaches.
Diving in Andros provides many unique opportunities.
Shallow and deep reefs abound on the third largest
barrier reef in the world. In addition, you can
add walls and fantastic blue hole diving to your
daily fare.
BIMINI
Long known for it's famous big game fishing, Bimini
provides excellent diving and is the closest island
to the United States. Bimini is less than 50 miles
from Miami and a favorite trip for weekend getaways
for Floridians. Bimini is split into two parts,
North Bimini and South Bimini. In all, it is only
7 1/2 miles long and covers only 9 square miles.
Most of the islands 1500 residents live in Alice
Town on North Bimini. This is the center of activity
and a famous haunt of Ernest Hemingway in days past.
There is only one airport, located on South Bimini.
It is serviced by both the mainland and inter-island
commercial flights. Although the island is bustling
with boat traffic, it does not accommodate cruise
ships.
On island transportation is handled in two ways.
The Bimini Bus handles your transport along the
strip on North Bimini, while the water taxi will
get you between the two islands.
Activities include diving, snokeling, fishing, great
beaches, nightlfe and shopping.
Diving off Bimini provides a number of thrills for
the diver. Bimini's location on the edge of the
Bahama Bank and and gulf stream offers shallow and
deep reefs, walls, and blue water drift diving along
the 2000' abyss of the continental shelf.
EXUMA
The Exumas are situated roughly in the middle of
the Bahamas, and consist of more than 350 little
cays. The exceptions are Little Exuma and Great
Exuma which are connected by a single lane bridge.
Of the most interest to divers is George Town on
Great Exuma. The beautiful surrounding waters and
small population make this a great laid back getaway.
Air service is available from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale
as well as via Nassau. Private charters are also
available. The airport is located in George Town.
There is a good selection of accommodations on Great
Exuma in George Town. No glitz and glamour, just
beautiful smaller seaside lodging.
Taxi service is reaily available between airport
and hotels in George Town.
The best dive sites are the reefs in depths between
15' and 100'. There are also a series of caverns
nearby.
GRAND BAHAMA
Grand Bahama, just 60 miles east of Palm Beach,
is a modern, commercial center and the second most
populated island in the Bahamas with over 41,000
residents. Freeport/Lucaya are bustling tourist
areas about midway down the 530 square mile island.
Only two other inhabited areas exist on the island.
West End on the western tip and McLeans Town near
the east end. Thick brush and forest cover most
of the island. Great nightlife exists in the hotel
areas with casinos, shows, and entertainment on
the wharf area, where there are bands, dancing,
shopping, and watering holes.
The airport is located in Freeport and flights are
regular and numerous from the U.S. and from throughout
the islands.
Transportation is readily available by taxi, bus
service, and rental cars. A rental car on Grand
Bahama is nice as there are nice scenic drives to
get you away from the crowd.
Diving is out of the Lucaya area and offers reefs,
wrecks, blue holes and specialty shark dives. There
are a number of operators out of Lucaya that offer
great diving packages.
LONG ISLAND
At 60 miles long and 400 square miles wide, Long
Island seems sparsely populated with only 3500 residents.
It is believed that Long Island was Columbus' third
stop in the new world. If so, Columbus saw a beautiful
island with alternating flatlands and hills, and
white sand beaches as far as you can see.
Airports are at Stella Maris and Deadman's Cay and
are serviced from Nassau on a regular basis. Private
charters are available direct from Ft. Lauderdale
to Stella Maris.
Taxi service is available to and from the airports
at Stella Maris and Deadman's Cay.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, relaxing
on beautiful deserted beaches, hiking, winsurfing.
Shopping and nightlife are limited, this is an island
for peace and quiet.
Dive sites are almost limitless off Long Island.
Reefs, wrecks and walls are plentiful and will provide
new dives for everyday of your stay.
NEW PROVIDENCE
Usually just referred to as Nassau, New Providence
Island is also home to Cable Beach and Paradise
Island. Within it's 80 square miles are 172,000
residents, almost two-thirds of the population of
the Bahamas. In adidtion to being the capital, Nassau
is also the center of commerce. Mail and most imported
shipments arrive in Nassau and are then dispersed
throughout the islands. In addition to fantastic
diving, Nassau has casinos, shows, shopping and
endless activities.
Airports are located in Nassau and Paradise Island.
Flights are regular and numerous from Florida, New
York and Europe.
Transportation around New Providence is by just
about any mode imaginable. Taxis, bus service, rental
cars, scooters and bikes are readily available.
Accommodations, like transportation, run a full
range. Small hotels, villas, American hotel chains,
and giant casino resorts. If you want it, they got
it.
Dive sites are numerous including shallow and deep
reefs, walls, wrecks, and specialty dives with dolphins
and sharks. Dive services are also numerous, ranging
from small private charters to multi-boat operators.
Getting
There
All
of the islands have airports, or at least an airstrip.
Flying into the Bahamas, you will usually arrive in
Nassau or Freeport, and if bound for an out island,
a smaller commuter plane will complete your journey.
Listed below are scheduled airlines, however there
are a number of charter flights available, check with
your travel agent.
Nassau/Paradise Island Airport Service
Air
Canada - Toronto, Montreal
Air
Jamaica - Montego Bay, Philidelphia, Newark, New
York
Bahamasair
- Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando
American
Eagle - Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa
Gulfstream
Chalks
Ocean Airways
Delta
US
Airways
Grand Bahama Airport Service
Bahamasair
Gulfstream
Continental
Miami
Air
Lauda
Air
Tran
American
Eagle
Treasure Cay Airport Service
US
Airways
Continental
/ Gulfstream
International
Bahamas
Air
Air
Sunshine
Gulfstream
Marsh Harbour Airport Service
American
Eagle
Gulfstream
North Eleuthera Airport
Gulfstream
Entry
Requirements
| Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The
proposed implementation timeline has two phases:
Beginning
January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S.
citizens, traveling by air between the United
States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South
America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be
required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS
card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document,
or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if
applicable.
As
early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including
U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including
ferries), may be required to present a valid
passport or other documents as determined by
the Department of Homeland Security. While recent
legislative changes permit a later deadline,
the Departments of State and Homeland Security
are working to meet all requirements as soon
as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided
to enable the public to obtain passports or
passport cards for land/sea entries.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S.
citizens traveling to or returning directly
from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning
directly from a U.S. territory are not considered
to have left the United States and do not need
to present a passport. U.S. territories include
the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
More
Details...
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USA Citizens
To enter The Bahamas, U.S. citizens are required to
have a passport and also need a return or onward journey
ticket and proof of funds to support the visit. If
you are using an electronic ticket, please show Bahamas
Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket
number. Stays are not to exceed eight months.
Canadian Citizens
To enter The Bahamas, Canadian citizens need one of
the three documents listed below, accompanied by a
return or onward journey ticket and proof of funds
to support the visit. Stays not to exceed 21 days.
NOTE:
A married woman whose birth certificate does not match
her Government issued identification should also bring
along her marriage license.
If you are using an electronic ticket, please show
Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket
number.
Passport
Current or expired (up to a maximum of five years
since expiration date).
OR
Official Birth Certificate
For persons 17 years of age and older:
An original certificate issued by the Canadian Govt.
or court-certified copy (raised or ink seal) is required,
accompanied by an Official Photo ID issued by the
Canadian Govt. (driver’s license, or voter's
card). Current and expired IDs are accepted. Student
Photo ID alone is not acceptable as adequate documentation.
For persons 16 years of age and younger:
A birth certificate is all that is required. If the
traveler is a student and possesses a student ID,
the traveler should also carry the student ID to facilitate
being processed by Bahamas Immigration.
For persons 16 years of age and younger, traveling
alone:
A notarized parental letter of consent is required.
In the case of organized group travel, a letter is
not necessary. It is assumed that the chaperon has
obtained prior permission.
NOTE:
A laminated credit card-sized birth certificate is
acceptable, as long as it is an original or certified
copy (raised or ink seal).
OR
Original Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate
An original certificate is required, accompanied by
a recent photo if photo on naturalization paper is
not recent.
NOTE: Persons are advised to purchase return tickets
(and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the
unused ticket), even when they are certain to return
via a private boat – the chance of an airline/cruise
line ticket agent allowing travel on a single ticket
is very slim. If, however, the person gets to the
point of Bahamas Immigration on a single ticket, the
Captain of the boat would have to present himself
and the cruising permit. However, a copy of the cruising
permit will be permitted for crew members, who may
be arriving by plane and returning by boat as their
names will appear on the manifest. A letter will not
suffice.
Citizens from other countries
To enter The Bahamas, citizens from countries other
than the U.S. and Canada require a Passport that must
be valid for six (6) months beyond the dates of travel
and/or a valid Bahamas Visa. You must also possess
a return or onward journey ticket and proof of funds
to support the visit.
NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please
show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and
ticket number. PASSPORT refers to a valid passport
from the individual's country of birth. VISA refers
to a Bahamas Visa only. If a person is born in one
country and resident in another (other than the U.S.
or Canada), the documentation required is based upon
the country of birth.
Upon
your arrival to The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will
be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure
Card, which you will keep part of until your departure.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required
from travellers over one year of age coming from the
following countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil,
Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic
of Congo, Ecuador, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana,
Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Peru and Sudan.
Travellers are required to be vaccinated 10 days prior
to entering The Islands Of The Bahamas and must have
a valid certificate of vaccination against Yellow
Fever.
Customs
When you enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will
be asked for a verbal baggage declaration. However,
your luggage is also subject to customs inspections.
If you are carrying dutiable items, you will need
to fill out a Baggage Declaration Form.
Custom Duty
Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral,
but baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case
there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required
to complete a Baggage Declaration Form. Each adult
is allowed 50 cigars or cigarettes or one pound of
tobacco and one quart of spirits free of Customs Duty,
in addition to personal effects. In addition, purchases
up to a value of one hundred dollars ($100.00) are
permitted by all arriving passengers.
Household effects, such as small appliances (such
as blender etc.) are dutiable at 45% of the cost.
Linen and china are duty free for each arriving visit.
Computers such as laptops are considered a part of
your personal effects and therefore are duty-free.
For
the latest entry requirents for your country, please
visit:
http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/about/entryrequirements.aspx?sectionid=59196
Getting Around
Taxis are accessible from all areas at all times.
Jitney buses run from downtown and Cable Beach in
Nassau/Paradise Island and from several depots at
Freeport/Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island at ten minute
intervals for 75 cents per ride.
Driving
Rental cars, scooter, and bikes are available on almost
every island. British rules apply, so please drive
on the left. Visitors may use their home license for
up to three months and may also apply for an international
driver's license.
Helpful Tips
What to Bring
Airlines restrict the amount of baggage you may bring
to the Bahamas, especially if you are commuting on
the out islands. Try to pack light. so you'll meet
the baggage restrictions. The planes that fly to The
Out Islands may restrict you to one bag and one carry-on
bag.
Besides lightweight garments and comfortable shoes,
you'll probably want to bring a camera, sunscreen,
sunglasses and a beach towel. You can also bring your
own fishing or scuba diving equipment, although these
items can be purchased or rented at most beach resorts.
Whatever you do, remember to leave enough room for
souvenirs!
It's a good idea to set aside B$15.00 to cover the
departure tax, unless you are leaving The Islands
Of The Bahamas from Freeport on Grand Bahama, where
the departure tax is B$18.00. You may substitute United
States dollars for Bahamian dollars since American
currency is accepted everywhere and the exchange rate
is the same. You will also need to have the appropriate
documents for entry into The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Please click here to view these documents.
Plan to wear spring and summer attire. The Islands
Of The Bahamas have a semitropical climate with temperatures
ranging from 70°F to 80°F.
Electricity
Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances
are fully compatible.
Water
The quality of water varies from island to island.
The water is drinkable; however, bottled water is
available in our hotels, restaurants, gas stations
and supermarkets.
Tipping
Tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and
porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other
servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Many establishments
include the gratuity in their bills, so look at your
bill before you leave a tip.
Shopping
Stores in downtown Nassau generally open for business
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays.
In Grand Bahama, the principal shopping areas are
the Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar
which are open for business at 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mondays to Saturdays. With the exception of the straw
markets and malls, only a few stores in the downtown
area of Nassau/Paradise Island and the International
Bazaar and Lucaya Marketplace in Grand Bahama will
be found open on Sundays. The straw markets and malls
are usually open for business on Sundays. On the out
islands shops and store hours may vary, check with
your hotel or host for more information.
Other Activities (when you are not diving)
The Bahamas have some of the most beautiful white
powdery sand beaches in the world. On the out islands,
you may find yourself all alone to enjoy.
Dining in The Bahamas can be an enjoyable experience,
differing from meal to meal. Most dishes center around
seafood like conch or rock lobster, but you’ll find
a tremendous variety of fare throughout the islands.
Exploring nature and the environment is a fun and
exciting vacation activity. The Bahamas has many national
parks that protect and preserve the natural environment
and offer unsurpassed viewing of rare and indigenous
wildlife.
There seems to always be a carnival or some sort of
festivities somewhere in the islands. You may experience
some of the most lively and varied events of any place
on the planet! Events celebrating everything -- fishing,
sailing, shopping, eating, drinking, dancing and more
-- can be found on the islands throughout the entire
year. In The Bahamas, the party never stops.
The Bahamas have long been known as a mecca for sportfishing.
Deep-sea fishing and bonefishing are the two standouts,
with events held nationwide throughout the year. Experienced
guides and fishing lodges are plentiful in the islands
and are fully outfitted to make sure you have the
very best fishing experience possible. From chartered
boats to flats fishing, The Bahamas have just about
every type of fishing for first-timers and fanatics.
Are you a high roller or are slot machines more your
speed? The casinos of Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya
offer cards, dice, roulette, slots, sports betting
and live shows.
One of the real pleasures of the Bahamas is that each
island has its own personality. No matter what kind
of nightlife entertainment you want, you’ll find it
on one of our islands. Peaceful nighttime serenity
abounds on The Outer Islands. A world of glamour and
gaming thrive on Grand Bahama and Nassau/Paradise
Island. Whether you choose to spend your vacation
nights under the stars or under the bright lights,
there’s an island waiting for you, or if it’s variety
you seek, some islands offer both!
Cruising the islands can be fun and adventurous. Day
sailing on catamarans, or overnight bareboat experiences
await. Cruise and enjoy what the islands are all about.
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