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Course Title: Room Division Management

Course Code: IHT- 425

Assignment On

TOURISM IN

BAHAMAS
Submitted To

1
Md. Shahatab Uddin
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Tourism & Hotel Management

Submitted By

Md. Mehedi Hassan


ID: 1501143010
BTHM Program
30th Batch Spring 2017

I B AI S UNIVERSITY
Dhanmondi 16 (Old 27), Dhaka
March 1th 2017
Table of Contents
Serial Name of items/Particulars Page No.
Introduction & Basic Information
1 Introduction of Bahamas 4
1.1 History 4
1.2 Tourism 6
1.3 Culture 6
1.4 Sport 7
1.5 Festival 9
1.6 Music 9
1.7 Calypso 10
1.8 Soca 10
1.9 Rake & scrape 10
1.10 Climate 10
1.11 Geology 11
1.12 Wildlife 11
1.13 Terrain 11

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1.14 Electricity 11
1.15 Government 12
2 Islands 12
2.1 New Providence 13
2.2 Grand Bahama 16
2.3 Bimini 24
2.4 Abacos 29
2.5 Eleuthera 32
2.6 Andros 39
2.7 Exuma 42
3 Cities 46
3.1 Nassau 46
3.2 Freeport 57
3.3 Mathew Town 62
3.4 Alice Town Bimini 63
4 Tourism in Bahamas 64
4.1 Airlines of the Bahamas 64
4.2 Airport of Bahamas 65
4.3 Cruise ships of the Bahamas 66
4.4 Hotels & Resort in Bahamas 68
4.5 Tourist attractions in the Bahamas 72
4.6 Dolphin Encounters 74
4.7 Other Destination 77
5 Get in 77
6 Get around 80
7 Talk 82
8 See 82
9 Do 83
10 Buy 84
11 Eat 85
12 Drink 86
13 Sleep 87
14 Learn 88
15 Work 88
16 Stay safe 89
17 Stay Healthy 89
18 Respect 89
Conclusion
Appendices

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BAHAMAS

The Bahamas or The Bahama Islands, is an archipelago consisting of about 2,000


islands if you include the cays, which are small islands that are formed on coral reefs.

The country is officially named The


Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The word Bahamas
is of Spanish origin and means 'Shallow Water'.
They are located in the Atlantic Ocean, not the
Caribbean Sea.

1.1 History The Bahamas

Arawak natives inhabited the islands when


Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New
World on San Salvador Island in 1492. British
settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands
became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence fromLocation on Map
the UK in 1973, the Bahamas
have prospered through tourism and international
banking and investment management. Because of its
geography, the country is a major transshipment
point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the
US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal
Flag
migrants into the US. Because the country is tax-free, it is well known as a business
destination, and may companies have branches here.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Bahamas

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The Bahamas known officially as the
Commonwealth of the Bahamas, is an
archipelagic state within the Lucayan
Archipelago. It consists of more than 700
islands, cays, and islets in the Atlantic Ocean
and is located north of Cuba and Hispaniola
(Haiti and the Dominican Republic);
northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands;
southeast of the US state of Florida and east
of the Florida Keys. The capital is Nassau on
the island of New Providence. The
designation of "The Bahamas" can refer
either to the country or to the larger island
chain that it shares with the Turks and Caicos
Islands. As stated in the mandate/manifesto
of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the
Bahamas territory encompasses 470,000 km2
(180,000 sq. mi) of ocean space.
The Bahamas is the site of Columbus' first
landfall in the New World in 1492. At that
time, the islands were inhabited by the
Lucayan, a branch of the Arawakan-speaking
Taino people. Although the Spanish never
colonized the Bahamas, they shipped the
native Lucayans to slavery in Hispaniola.
The islands were mostly deserted from 1513
until 1648, when English colonists from
Bermuda settled on the island of Eleuthero.
The Bahamas became a British Crown
colony in 1718, when the British clamped
down on piracy. After the American War of
Independence, the Crown resettled thousands
of American Loyalists in the Bahamas; they
brought their slaves with them and established plantations on land grants. Africans

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constituted the majority of the population from this period. The Bahamas became a haven for
freed African slaves: The Royal Navy resettled Africans here liberated from illegal slave
ships; American slaves and Seminoles escaped here from Florida; and the government freed
American slaves carried on United States domestic ships that had reached the Bahamas due to
weather. Slavery in the Bahamas was abolished in 1834. Today the descendants of slaves and
free Africans make up nearly 90% of the population; issues related to the slavery years are
part of society.
The Bahamas became an independent Commonwealth realm in 1973, retaining Queen
Elizabeth II as its monarch. In terms of gross domestic product per capita, the Bahamas is one
of the richest countries in the Americas (following the United States and Canada), with an
economy based on tourism and finance.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bahamas

1.2 Tourism
The Bahamas relies on
tourism to generate most of its
economic activity. Tourism as
an industry not only accounts
for over 60% of the
Bahamian GDP, but provides jobs for
Cruise ships in Nassau Harbour
more than half the country's workforce. The Bahamas attracted 5.8 million visitors in 2012,
more than 70% of which were cruise visitors.

1.3 Culture
In the less developed outer islands (or Family Islands), handicrafts include basketry made
from palm fronds. This material, commonly called "straw", is plaited into hats and bags that
are popular tourist items. Another use is for so-called "Voodoo dolls", even though such dolls
are the result of the American imagination and not based on historic fact.
A form of folk magic (obeah) is practiced by some Bahamians, mainly in the Family Islands
(out-islands) of the Bahamas. The practice of obeah is illegal in the Bahamas and punishable
by law.

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Junkanoo is a traditional Afro-Bahamian street parade of 'rushing', music, dance and art held
in Nassau (and a few other settlements) every Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Junkanoo is
also used to celebrate other holidays and events such as Emancipation Day.
Regattas are important social events in many family island settlements. They usually feature
one or more days of sailing by old-fashioned work boats, as well as an onshore festival.
Many dishes are associated with Bahamian cuisine, which
reflects Caribbean, African
and European influences.
Some settlements have
festivals associated with the
traditional crop or food of
that area, such as the
"Pineapple Fest" in Gregory
Town, Eleuthera or the "Crab
Fest" on Andros. Other
significant traditions include story
telling. Junkanoo celebration in Nassau
Bahamians have created a rich literature of poetry, short stories, plays and short fictional
works. Common themes in these works are (1) an awareness of change, (2) a striving for
sophistication, (3) a search for identity, (4) nostalgia for the old ways and (5) an appreciation
of beauty. Some contributing writers are Susan Wallace, Percival Miller, Robert Johnson,
Raymond Brown, O.M. Smith, William Johnson, Eddie Minnis and Winston Saunders.
Bahamas culture is rich with beliefs, traditions, folklore and legend. The most well-known
folklore and legends in the Bahamas includes Lusca in Andros Bahamas, Pretty Molly on
Exuma Bahamas, the Chickcharnies of Andro Bahamas, and the Lost City of Atlantis on
Bimini Bahamas.

1.4 Sport
Sport is a significant part of Bahamian culture. The national sport is Cricket. Cricket has been
played in the Bahamas from 1846. It is the oldest sport being played in the country today. The
Bahamas Cricket Association was formed in 1936 as an organised body. From the 1940s to
the 1970s, cricket was played amongst many Bahamians. Bahamas is not a part of the West
Indies Cricket Board, so players are not eligible to play for the West Indies cricket team. The

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late 1970s saw the game begin to decline in the country as teachers, who had previously
come from the United Kingdom with a passion for cricket were replaced by teachers who had
been trained in the United States. The Bahamian Physical education teachers had no
knowledge of the game and instead taught track & field, basketball, baseball, softball,
volleyball and football where primary and high schools compete against each other. Today
cricket is still enjoyed by a few locals and immigrants in the country usually from Jamaica,
Guyana, Haiti and Barbados. Cricket is played on Saturdays and Sundays at Windsor Park
and Haynes Oval.
The only other sporting event that began before cricket was horse racing, which started in
1796. The most popular spectator sports are those imported from United States, such as
basketball, American football and baseball rather than Great Britain due to the country's close
proximity to the United States. Unlike their other Caribbean counterparts, cricket, rugby, and
netball have proven to be more popular.
Dexter Cambridge, Rick Fox, Ian Lockhart and Buddy Hield are a few Bahamians who
joined Bahamian Mychal Thompson of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA ranks, Over the
years American football has become much more popular than association football, though
not implemented in the high school system yet. Leagues for teens and adults have been
developed by the Bahamas American Football Federation. However, association football,
commonly known as 'soccer' in the country, is still a very popular sport amongst high school
pupils. Leagues are governed by the Bahamas Football Association. Recently the Bahamian
government has been working closely with Tottenham Hotspur of London to promote the
sport in the country as well as promoting the Bahamas in the European market. In 2013
'Spurs' became the first Premier League club to play an exhibition match in the Bahamas to
face the Jamaica national football team. Joe Lewis, the owner of the Tottenham Hotspur club,
is based in the Bahamas.
Other popular sports are swimming, tennis and boxing where Bahamians have enjoyed some
degree of success at the international level. Other sports such as golf, rugby league, rugby
union beach soccer and netball are considered growing sports. Athletics commonly known as
track and field in the country is the most successful sport by far amongst Bahamians.
Bahamians have a strong tradition in the sprints and jumps. Track and field is probably the
most popular spectator sport in the country next to basketball due to their success over the
years. Triathlons are gaining popularity in Nassau and the Family Islands.
Bahamians have gone on to win numerous track and field medals at the Olympic Games,
IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Commonwealth Games and Pan American Games.

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Frank Rutherford is the first athletics olympic medalist for the country. He won a bronze
medal for triple jump during the 1992 Summer Olympics. Pauline Davis-Thompson, Debbie
Ferguson, Chandra Sturrup, Savatheda Fynes and Eldece Clarke-Lewis teamed up for the first
athletics Olympic Gold medal for the country when they won the 4 100 m relay at the 2000
Summer Olympics. They are affectionately known as the "Golden Girls". Tonique Williams-
Darling became the first athletics individual Olympic gold medalist when she won the 400m
sprint in 2004 Summer Olympics. In 2007, with the disqualification of Marion Jones, Pauline
Davis-Thompson was advanced to the gold medal position in the 200 meters at the 2000
Olympics, predating William-Darling.

1.5 Festivals
The biggest event in the Bahamian calendar is 'Junkanoo', a street parade held on Boxing Day
(26 December) and New Year's Day (1 January). Junkanoo groups "rush" through the streets
of towns, especially Nassau, wearing spectacular yet disposable costumes of crepe paper and
playing distinctive Junkanoo music, which combines African rhythms with loud brass and
cowbells, fusing them together in a medley that veers on cacophony but is exceedingly
danceable. The costumes, made from scratch every year, are disposed of on the streets as the
party ends and make a great free souvenir to bring home!

1.6 Music
There are many types of music known in the Bahamian culture but the four most prevalent
forms of music are Calypso, Soca, Junkanoo and Rake and scrape. The music of the Bahamas
is associated primarily with junkanoo, a celebration which occurs on Boxing Day and again
on New Year's Day. Parades and other celebrations mark the ceremony. Groups like The Baha
Men, Ronnie Butler and Kirkland Bodie have gained massive popularity in Japan, the United
States and elsewhere.

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1.7 Calypso
Calypso is a style of music which is of African and Caribbean decent but originated in
Trinidad and Tobago. This form of music has spread through many parts of the Caribbean,
and especially the Bahamas.

1.8 Soca
Soca is a form of music which involves dance and originated from calypso music. Originally
it combined the melodic rhythmic sound of calypso with firm percussion and local chutney
music. Soca music has grown in the last 20 years primarily by musicians from various
Anglophone Caribbean countries including Trinidad, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, United States Virgin
Islands, The Bahamas, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and Belize.

1.9 Rake & scrape


Rake and scrape music comes from the musical traditions of the Turks and Caicos Islands,
and is characterized by the use of a saw as the primary instrument. It was brought by
immigrants from those islands from the 1920s to about the 1940s, who settled on Cat Island,
and elsewhere. Rake and Scrape is traditionally used to accompany the Bahamian Quadrille
and the heel-toe polka all relics of the initial mixture of Africa and Europe. Many of these
Turks and Caicos Islanders became some of the most famous musicians in the Bahamas.
Many eventually moved back to their homelands, bringing with them junkanoo. Turks and
Caicos are now the second home for junkanoo.

1.10 Climate
The northern islands are subtropical have a very similar climate to South Florida. Summers
are hot and rainy, while winters are drier and warm. Average winter lows are in the 60s, but
cold snaps occasionally drop these into the 40s and 50s. The southern islands experience a
tropical climate, with very stable warmth year round.

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1.11 Geology
The Bahamas archipelago are in fact the tops of banks that were formed sometime between
120,000 and 90,000 years ago from coral reef formation. The well-known pink sand beaches
of the Bahamas get their vibrant appearance from the fractured pieces of seashell combined
with the sand. The highest point in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, which is 63
meters (over 200 feet) high.

1.12 Wildlife
Wildlife in Bahamas contains various species. Many different breed of crabs can be found on
the beaches. Hermit and Cardisoma guanhumi are two of the land crabs to be noted
frequently in the island. The wild horses of Abaco are famous in The Bahamas.
During a tour of the Bahamas, tourists can come across various other species including the
Bahamas Hutia, numerous frogs, rocky raccoon, snails such as Cerion, cicada, blind cave
fish, ants and reptiles.
Bahamas Wildlife features a wide range of amazing birds. Parrots and pigeons are two of the
most common and popular birds found in The Bahamas.
The Bahamas is also home to numerous aquatic life. Sharks, manatees, dolphins, frogfish,
angelfish, starfish and turtles can be viewed in the waters surrounding The Bahamas. Apart
from numerous species of fish, tourists can spot several types of worms also.

1.13 Terrain
Long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills. The highest point is Mount Alvernia
(63 m), on Cat Island. Grand Bahama Island features breathtaking white sandy beaches,
beautifully clear turquoise blue waters and plenty of lush, tropical foliage.

1.14 Electricity
Officially 120V, 60Hz, which is identical to the US and Canadian standard. Outlets are North
American grounded outlets, identical to standard US and Canadian wall outlets. Occasionally
non-grounded outlets may be found, which do not accept the third, round pin present on
grounded plugs, and require an adapter. Older North American outlets may not be polarized
(with one slot wider than the other). Otherwise, adapters are available which accept a
polarized plug and adapt it for use with a non-polarized outlet.

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1.15 Government
The Bahamas is listed as an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The
political and legal traditions of Bahamas closely follow the British ones, owing to their
commonwealth membership.
The country has a parliamentary form of democracy and regular elections are held. The
Bahamian senate consists of 16 members, who are appointed by the Governor-General. The
Governor-General also appoints the Chief Justice on the advice of the Prime Minister. The
Privy Council of the United Kingdom serves as the highest appellate court.
The local government districts in Bahamas elect local councils for town planning, business
licenses, traffic issues and maintenance of government buildings. Lower level town councils
are also accorded minor responsibilities in some large districts.

2. Islands
The vast majority of the country's population lives in Nassau on New Providence Island and
to a lesser extent, in and around the Freeport area on Grand Bahama. All other islands are
known either as the Out Islands or as the Family Islands because most people in Nassau and
Freeport have family on the Out Islands.

New Providence
(Nassau, Paradise
Island)
Grand Bahama
Bimini
Abacos
Eleuthera
Andros
Exuma
Long Island
Cat Island
Berry Islands
San Salvador Island

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New Providence

New Providence Island is, by far, the most populated island in the Bahamas and the site of
the capital Nassau. New Providence is the most populous island in the Bahamas, containing
more than 70% of the total population. It houses the national capital city of Nassau. The
island was originally under Spanish control following Christopher Columbus's discovery of
the New World, but the Spanish government showed little interest in developing the island
(and the Bahamas as a whole). Nassau, the island's largest city, was formerly known as
Charles-town, but it was burned to the ground by the Spanish in 1684. It was laid out and
renamed Nassau in 1695 by Nicholas Trott, the most successful Lord Proprietor, in honor of
the Prince of Orange-Nassau who became William III of England. The three branches of
Bahamian Government: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary, are all headquartered
on New Providence. New Providence functions as the main commercial hub of the Bahamas.
It is also home to more than 400 banks and trust companies, and its hotels and port account
for more than two thirds of the four million-plus tourists who visit the Bahamas annually.
Other settlements on New Providence include Grants Town, Bain Town, Fox Hill, Adelaide,
Yamacraw, South Beach, Coral Harbour, Lyford Cay, Paradise Island, Sea Breeze,
Centreville, The Grove (South) and The Grove (West Bay), Cable Beach, Delaporte,
Gambier, and Love Beach.

Tourism destination

By the late 19th century New Providence had begun billing itself as the "sanitarium of the
western hemisphere". Testimonials by residents and visitors emphasized its extremely mild
climate with minimal daily temperature fluctuations (often as little as 5F (3C) in any given
12-hour period) and warm winters (a typical winter morning in the range of 70 F (21 C) to
74 F (23 C), excellent drainage, ample variety and number of Christian (Protestant)
churches, well-tended and rectilinear roads, modern luxurious facilities, and native English-
speakers. Steam ships plied lines between the coastal southern United States, Cuba, and
Nassau, and the popularity of the destination proceeded to grow.

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By the late 1920s, New Providence had become well-established as an American vacation
destination with many tourist facilities, including a deepened harbour for short-visit cruise
ship visitors and hotels offering gambling. Two-thirds of the ~400,000 Bahamians live on
New Providence, although this proportion has fallen somewhat with the development of
Freeport on Grand Bahama.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Providence

Cities

Nassau the capital, whose sprawl takes up most of the eastern side of the island

Other destinations

Adelaide
Cable Beach
Lyford Cay
Sandy port

Understand
New Providence Island from space

New Providence is only 21 miles long and 7 miles wide. Paradise Island, just north, is linked
to New Providence by two bridges.

Get in

Nassau's airport, covered in Nassau, is located on the western side of the island.

See

Bacardi Distillery, 1000 Bacardi Drive, +1-242-362 1412. Tours at 11AM, 2PM
on Mon-Fri. Established in 1962, this distillery produces most of the rum sold on the
island. The free tour takes about half an hour, after which you get a chance to sample
some free cocktails and, of course, buy lots of cheap rum at their gift shop. Tours may
be cancelled if less than 10 people show up, so call ahead. Free. edit as of 2008 the
Bacardi Distillery had closed however a Bacardi gift shop is located just off
parliament square.

Do

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Stuart Cove's Aqua Adventures, On the southern part of the island, they run diving and
snorkeling tours, including some with sharks.

Stay safe

There are numerous stray dogs that are called "pancakes" by locals. Don't feed them or make
contact with them. Also, as in any tourist destination, watch out for pickpockets.

Get out

Eleuthera
Exuma
Harbour Island

New Providence

http://wikitravel.org/en/New_Providence

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Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is the northernmost of the islands of the Bahamas, and the closest major
island to the United States, lying 86 kilometers (53 mi) off of Palm Beach, Florida. It is the
fourth largest island in the Bahamas island chain of approximately 700 islands and 2,400
cays. The island is approximately 153 kilometers (95 mi) long west to east and 24 kilometers
(15 mi) at its widest point north to south. Administratively, the island consists of the Freeport
Bonded Area and the districts of East Grand Bahama and West Grand Bahama

Cities

Freeport

Understand

The 6 eco-systems of Grand Bahama


Island are:

Pine Forest
Blackland Coppice
Rocky Coppice
Mangrove Swamp
Whiteland Coppice
Beach / Shoreline
New Providence Island from space

Shop

Bahamas Dollars (BSD) are equal in value to the American Dollar. American currency is
accepted (sometimes even preferred) everywhere.

Sales tax does not exist in the Bahamas. National revenue is collected mainly through local
import tariffs.

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Duty free items such as liquor, perfume, and jewelery often surprise tourists for being so
inexpensive. It is not uncommon, for example, to find a bottle of your favorite perfume for
less than half of what you could expect to pay back home. This is the advantage and
convenience of duty free shopping.

Port Lucaya Marketplace Sea Horse Road on Bell Channel Bay, Phone: +1 (242)
373-8446. Duty free shopping in over 80 stores in 12 buildings overlooking the Bell
Channel Bay marina. The marketplace is the hub of Port Lucaya.
The International Bazaar is a shopping compound divided into separate areas that
each reflect a different part of the world. In total it comprises 90 shops, 13 restaurants,
and 6 snack/ice cream stores. There is also a straw market nearby. As of November
2007 most of the stores in the International Bazaar are closed due to the closure of the
nearby Royal Oasis resort. However, it is expected that normal business will resume
when the resort reopens (still closed as of February 2012).

Taino Beach

Talk

Locals have cellular service.

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Get in

Numerous Flights are available from South Florida. American Eagle offers daily flights from
Miami. Bahamas air, Continental Connection, and Spirit Airlines all offer daily flights from
Fort Lauderdale. Delta Connection offers flights from Atlanta. US Airways offers daily
flights from Charlotte, Philadelphia and New York. Another frugal option is to take a
Bahamas Celebration cruise ship to the island. The ship is easy on your budget and offers
great onboard amenities. The Ship leaves Florida every other day which is great for travelers
wishing to take a short two-day vacation or a one-day excursion. It drops passengers off in
the mornings and then leaves back for Florida in the evenings. Theres also bigger cruise lines
like Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines.

Get around

Taxis are typically waiting for visitors at the airport and sea port. They are also easily
summoned by phone. Please be aware that there is NO such thing as a "service fee", in some
cases a small fee for large oversized baggage and golf bags otherwise you only pay the fare,
and a tip if appropriate.

Public transport on the island consists mainly of minivans that ferry locals to and fro. It is a
dollar to take the local bus line anywhere on the island. They typically run about every 15
minutes however they will often wait until they have a full load before departing. Taxis and
Public Buses are clearly labeled and are government regulated.

Hotels sometimes have their own shuttle services to The Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Car, motorcycle, and buggy rentals are readily available. However, be cautioned that the
roads are driven on the left and locals drive aggressively.

See

Lucayan National Park, the crown jewel of the 3 national parks on Grand Bahama,
Lucayan National Park is the only place in the Bahamas where you can see all six of the
island's ecosystems. There are caves for exploration (including one of the longest underwater
limestone caves in the world; access is seasonal as the caves are also used for bat
conservation), a picturesque wooden bridge over a mangrove swamp, and a beautiful white

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beach with benches available for picnics. Visitors are advised never to leave belongings
unattended, as thefts have been known to occur.

Rand Nature Center, outside downtown Freeport, Phone: 242-352-5438. Open 9am -
4 pm Monday to Friday (Closed on Saturday & Sunday) This national park is named for
James Rand and was established as the first nature education center to preserve the habitat of
Grand Bahama. Admission $5 adults, $3 children 5-12, children under 5 free.

Peterson Cay National Park, a small island surrounded by reefs located 1 mile off the
south shore, is the perfect getaway for a day trip / picnic. It is accessible only by boat, and
visitors are instructed to anchor in specific areas away from the coral reefs. All plant and
animal life within the park boundaries is protected by law. Fishing, shelling, and damage to or
removal of any coral is strictly prohibited. Garbage disposal and leaving ash coals / embers is
also prohibited. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Taxi Service, winker005@gmail.com, (242) 442-9942 or U.S./Canada (786) 441-9550.

Do

UNEXSO Dive Center Royal Palm Way, Phone: +1 (242) 373-1244 (Make
reservations from the US or Canada: 800-992-DIVE). UNEXSO provides activities for both
experienced and non-experienced SCUBA divers. They also offer different kinds of "swim
with the dolphins" experiences as well. Some activities require a 1-day advanced registration.

Reef Oasis Viva Bahamas Dive Center, Phone: +1 242 441 6254 or +1 242 533
6727 / Land line: +1 242 350 - 2923, located inside Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort
at Churchill Drive with Doubloon Road. Reef Oasis is PADI 5* Instructor Development
Center and Dive Club offering all PADI Courses from beginners up to Instructor courses.
Everyday 3-4 dives on best dives sites of Grand Bahama, for novice and experienced divers.
From May 2014 offers special Tiger Shark Dives at famous Tiger Beach and Caribbean Shark
Dives at Shark Alley/Pretenders Wreck.

Grand Bahama Scuba at the Ocean Reef Yacht Club, runs dives Monday through
Friday and Sunday afternoon dives. They offer the popular shark dive as well.

Live Music and Dancing are available at a number of places. Most bands play a
mixture of Bahamian "Rake 'n Scrape" and American standards. Venues include Count Basie
Square in Port Lucaya, most evenings, Bikini Bottom Bar in Williamstown (near the Island

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Seas resort) on Thursdays and Saturdays, Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience on Taino
Beach, Wednesdays and alternate Sundays, and Sabor Restaurant in the Pelican Bay resort on
Saturdays.

Leo and Carol Moxie, West End, Grand Bahama Island. Ask almost anyone at Old
Bahama Bay, or most taxi drivers, and they will know about Leo and Carol. This fishing boat
captain and his Canadian-born wife/first mate can take you on the shark fishing adventure of
a lifetime. The author of this entry has been fishing with them for 20 years, since she was a
child. You can also charter them to fish for any other kind of available fish, or just to go out
snorkeling off the beaten path. They are great with kids too!

Pelican Point Adventure Co (www.pelicanpointadventureco.com), Pelican Point,


Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas: +1 (242) 442 0784 or +1 (242) 353 6042. We offer
professionally guided fly and spin fishing on Grand Bahama Island, as well as snorkelling
trips, bird watching and eco tours.

Sleep

Pelican Bay Hotel Seahorse Road, Port Lucaya, Phone: +1 (800) 852-3702. The
Pelican Bay Hotel is in Port Lucaya, 5 miles from Freeport. The hotel is next to the Port
Lucaya Marketplace and the UNEXSO facility and the resort juts into Bell Channel Bay
overlooking two marinas. This resort has been described as perfect for those with champagne
taste on a beer budget!

Wyndham Viva Fortuna Beach Resort Churchill Drive & Doubloon Road. Phone:
+1 (242) 373-4000. Fax: +1 (242) 373-5555. Grand Bahama's only truly all-inclusive resort
located on the south coast of Grand Bahama Island. Nestled on 23 acres of prime beachfront
property with 1,200 feet of white sandy beaches at your fingertips.

Old Bahama Bay, Box F-42546, West End Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas 42546,
(888)-983-6188 or (242) 350-6500. Beautiful water, extraordinary beaches and incredible
fishing abound. Surround yourself with barefoot elegance at Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht
Harbour. 73 luxury suites and 72 marina slips, only 56 miles from the Florida Coast.

Radisson Grand Lucayan 1 Sea Horse Lane Phone +1 (242) 373-1333. Located on
the picturesque Grand Bahama Island, Radisson Grand Lucayan offers guests outstanding
quality. It has 540 luxury guest rooms and suites, which are decorated in a modern Art Deco-

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inspired tropical style, and is situated on 7.5 acres of white sand beaches. Guests at the Grand
Lucayan hotel can enjoy a daily activities schedule, two 18-hole championship golf courses,
Las Vegas-style casino, spa services and three pools for some fun in the sun. On-site dining
options range from casual fare to fine cuisine, and the 90,000 square feet of meeting space
provides the ideal setting for weddings and events of all kinds.

Eat

Grand Bahama offers a wide variety of international cuisines for all tastes. The local
Bahamian cuisine consists mainly of seafood, poultry, or pork, typically fried, steamed, or
curried, with various kinds of rice and salads. Spices are used in abundance. Finding
authentic, quality Bahamian food in touristic areas can be rather hit-or-miss, so asking
friendly locals their personal recommendations will go a long way to ensuring an experience
your taste buds won't forget.

Conch (a type of large sea mollusk, pronounced 'kongk') is a quintessentially Bahamian food
served in various forms. Island favorites include: conch salad, infused with citrus and served
cold; cracked conch, tenderized and lightly batter-fried; and conch fritters, small balls of
deep-fried batter mixed with minced conch and served with dipping sauce.

Check your bill carefully. A 15% service charge is included in some restaurants and bars. If
not a standard 15% tip is appreciated.

Fish fries are like the Bahamian version of a neighborhood barbecue, serving fried fish with
various side dishes. Some fish fries cater specifically to tourists, but these are generally
grossly overpriced ($50+, compared to local-run fish fries which cost less than $10 per plate)
and the food pales in comparison to those run by locals, for locals.

The Port Lucaya area has a wide array of dining experiences for all budgets, at all times of
the day. This is not a complete listing of restaurants in the area, but the overall best options.
Prices reflect the expected apparel. In alphabetical order:

Cappuccino's, Italian-owned, with an Italian chef, offering Italian cuisine. Prices are
in the mid-to-high range. Due to high popularity, reservations are recommended.
Agave, Caribbean-Latin fusion cuisine. Prices are moderate to high, but the food is
worth it.
China Beach, authentic Asian cuisine. Prices are steep but the food is worth it.
Giovanni's, authentic Italian cuisine. Prices are reasonable and the food is superb.

21
Sabor, eclectic gourmet menu, superb food, high prices. Jacket, tie and reservation
recommended.
Luciano's, for those with refined tastes and expectations. Jacket and tie
recommended.
Pisces restaurant and bar. Local and international cuisine, good prices.
Shennanigan's, Irish pub and restaurant, frequently packed. Amazing food,
moderate prices.
Zorba's, delicious Greek cuisine, good prices.
Banana Bay, located in Fortune Bay near Lucaya. Situated feet from the ocean on a
beautiful white beach, perfect for families who want a refreshing lunch, with indoor
and outdoor patio dining available. Delicious local cuisine at good prices.
Pier One Restaurant, (near the cruise harbor). Has a beautiful waterfront view and
serves delicious, high-end food, but what it is best known for are its nightly shark
feedings. Sharks are summoned to the water below with the ring of a bell, and guests
can watch them chow down, and even throw food to them. A highly recommended,
unique experience.

Drink

Goombay Punch Soda. sweet pineapple soda, with a slight lemon taste (like a
pineapple heavy Pina Colada).
Kalik Beer. Locally bottled beer. A very world common lager beer. On the milder side
(between a Corona and a Corona Light).
Bahama Mama. Alcoholic drink - Is told to be the local drink of choice. Rum, juice,
and Grenadine.

Stay safe

The Bahamas, though well known for its festive culture and friendly people, does have a high
crime rate amongst its people that reflects severe social disparities. Areas that cater to tourists
are heavily policed and kept exceptionally safe, but foreigners should not venture outside

22
these areas alone (a desolate beach at night is incredibly romantic, but be sure to tell the
security guard at your hotel where you are going, just to be safe.)

While the idea of being swept off one's feet by a good-looking local may sound romantic to
some, serious caution is advised. Local men in particular often frequent the beaches near
hotels, wooing foreign women as a hobby. It is imperative that safe sex be practiced, as in any
country.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Grand_Bahama

Main settlements

Freeport is the main city of Grand Bahama, it holds the commercial ship harbour and
the main airport.
Lucaya is a tourist destination on the island, with beaches and hotels.
West End is the capital of Grand Bahama. It first achieved notoriety as a rum-running
port during the Prohibition.
In the 1950s it became home to the Jack Tar marina and club. However, over the years
the marina fell into disrepair, and the whole city of West End was of little economic
import to Grand Bahama. In 2001, the resort was reopened as Old Bahama Bay Resort
& Yacht Harbour
Eight Mile Rock is the largest settlement in Grand Bahama and all of The Bahamas. It
stretches out 8 miles of rocky shore, hence its name. It is home to many of recent
NBA and WNBA players such as Buddy Hield and Jonquel Jones
McLeans Town is the easternmost settlement and a 30-minute ferry ride from the
northernmost settlement of the neighbor island of Abaco.ts of East Grand Bahama and
West Grand Bahama.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Bahama

23
BIMINI

Bimini is a district of the Bahamas and consist of two main islands located 50-miles east of
Florida. Bimini is surrounded by shallow reefs near shore, the depth increases to 80 to 100
feet before dropping into the abyss of the Gulf Stream. Bimini is a group of small islands in
the Bahamas. Bimini is only 50 miles east of Miami Beach, Florida. Bimini has three main
islands: North Bimini and South Bimini. These coral islands are small, only 7 miles long and
only 200 yards wide at their narrowest. Perched at the west end of the Bahamas Bank, Bimini
is surrounded by shallow water (only 20 to 30 feet deep) to the north, south, and east. To the
west, the Gulf Stream current flows north through the deep water between Miami and Bimini,
where the ocean is over 6000 feet deep. The Gulf Stream brings hundreds of marine animals
near to the shores of Bimini.

Regions

Bimini district of the Bahamas is a chain of three major islands: North, South and East
Bimini.

North Bimini is an island of only 1600 residents. North Bimini is long, flat, and
narrow.
South Bimini houses an airstrip, and offers a quiet alternative to the slow bustle of
North Bimini. There is a small community of homes on South Bimini known as Port
Royale. For many years, South Bimini tourists were limited to boaters because there
were few accommodations other than private homes.

Cities

Alice Town is the main village on North Bimini.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Bimini

History

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Bimini is home to several landmarks said to contain mystical properties of obscure origins.
Much of the historical data about these places is speculative in nature, and experts in various
fields have opined across the full spectrum of explanation. Also, during the period of
Prohibition in the United States, Bimini was a favorite haven and supply point for the rum-
running trade. Some claim that the term "the real McCoy" was applied to the rum provided
by William S. McCoy, who used Bimini to transport whiskey to America during the
Prohibition.

Another interesting fact is that Bimini was a common travel destination for Hemingway. In
fact, its said that his love of Bimini inspired him to write The Old Man and The Sea, as well
as Islands in The Stream.

In the 1920s Bimini shipped tons of liquor to a "dry" America during the prohibition against
strong drink.

It is also rumored that the Fountion of Youth, which was searched for by Juan Ponce de Len,
is said to exist within the shallow pools of South Bimini. And that the Lost City of Atlantis is
believed to be in the shallow waters off of Bimini where divers can observe the Bimini
Stones. Many people believe that the Bimini Stones may have been a road into Atlantis.

Bimini has remained relatively unchanged over the years and is a very quiet and peaceful
place to live or stay. Its population is a bit over 1,600 and Biminites are friendly and welcome
you to join them for conversation.

Other destinations

Being such a small island, besides the main town of Alice Town, there aren't many other
destinations on the island.

Get in

Located only 50 miles from Florida, the closest to the united states, it is an easy topical
destination for Americans and Canadians.

You have two options to travel to Bimini by Air as you can land at either the South Bimini
airport or the North Bimini Seaplane Base. Tropic Ocean Airways offers scheduled seaplane
service and private seaplane charters from both Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the
Miami Seaplane Base. JetBlue and United Airlines also serve Bimini, flying in to the airport

25
on South Bimini. If you land at the airport you take a "taxi" to the ferry which take five
minutes to North Bimini and costs $5 total for both.

Get around

North Bimini is crossed by two small paved roads which run the length of the 7-mile long
island. A bicycle or golf cart is all you need to get around if you really need to go anywhere.
The main road is the Kings Highway where most shops, hotels and restaurants are located.
The smaller Queen's Highway follows the east coast and is where the beaches are located.

See

Bimini's fame comes from Hemingway and fishing. Hemingway spent a few seasons in
Bimini fishing and writing 'To Have and To Have Not' and later based his novel 'Islands in
the Stream' here. A small Hemingway museum and sign marking his time on the island were
destroyed by fire in 2006 along with the Compleat
Angler Hotel where he once stayed.

The Bimini Museum has a very interesting


collection of artifacts and exhibits on the island's
history. The museum is located in Alice Town on
the southern end of main road (the Kings
Bimini Museum, Bimini Bahamas
Highway).

Weather

Bimini is a sub-tropical destination with pleasant temperatures around the year. The summer
months are warmer with calm seas, while winters on Bimini are a bit cooler with an ocean
breeze. Mid-winter temperatures on Bimini can be cool at times, especially if a strong cold
front has come through South Florida. At these times the seas can be very rough and not so
hospitable for man nor boats. There is a rainy season on Bimini with occasional rainfall and
rare hurricanes from June to December.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Bimini

Do

26
The economic fuel of Bimini comes from deep sea fishing and the island is known as the
"Deep Sea Fishing Capital of the World." The storied past can be seen in the many black and
white photos of record catches around the island, but commercial overfishing has greatly
reduced the big game. The seasons in Bimini are opposite the normal Bahamas with tourists
flocking from April - July to take advantage of the calm seas for fishing and diving. Wealthy
Floridians make the short trip to the island in their yachts creating a fairly lively party scene.

Since Bimini is so close to Miami, many American travelers go to the island by boat to fish or
to enjoy the local nightlife.

SCUBA diving and snorkeling are also popular activities, as there are many reefs and
shipwrecks in the area, such as the wreck of the SS Sapona, which ran aground in 1926
during a hurricane.

Bimini was named one of the Top Ten Snorkel Destinations in the Caribbean by The Travel
Channel.

Bars outnumber restaurants in Bimini two to one and a large liquor store occupies a choice
location in the harbor. The weather is hot in the summer with afternoon thundershowers and
warm and windy in the winter months. If you are not there to fish other activities include
bone fishing, scuba diving, boating and relaxing. Bimini has several small beaches, but it is
not a 'beach island'

Bimini Undersea. Tour and Watersports operator, with high quality service. Located in the
Fishermans Village in Resorts World. US Phone (786)462-4698, Bahamas Phone (242)347-
2941

Eat

Bimini Big Game Resort & Marina, North Bimini, Kings Highway. Best on Island
End of the World Sandbar, North Bimini, South Kings Highway. Great Pizza
CJ's Deli, North Bimini, Alice town. Inexpensive and quick.
Bimini Twist, South Bimini. Great view and food. One of the more elegant places.
Mackey's Sand Bar, South Bimini. Amazing pizza, and great views.
Petite Conch Restaurant, South Bimini. The best breakfast.

Drink

Sheries on the Beach Alice town. Simple bar/shack on the beach

27
Big Johns Alice town. Has taken over as the crowded spot now that the Compleat
Angler is gone.
End of the World Bar. Longtime favorite spot - panties, bras, business cards and
such line every square inch of the walls and ceiling! *(It's not like this anymore, was
there in April 2014, they took down all of the panties and bras and such. BUT you can
ask for a marker and you can sign your name anywhere in the bar or outside the bar
which is fun!) Make sure to try the goo bay smasher! The most amazing bar ever!
Mackey's Sand Bar, Great place to go if you're staying at the Bimini Sands Resort.
Not far and you can drive there in your rented golf carts and drink while you drive
there. Super fun. Wednesday nights are karaoke nights when a bunch of north island
people come to the south to drink and sing. Play the Hoop and Ring Game on the wall
when you are there. Super fun game and you can try and beat the locals.

Sleep

Bimini Big Game Resort & Marina, 800-737-1007


Bimini Blue Water Resort, 242-347-3166
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina, 1-242-347-3500

Big Club Game Resort, Bimini


http://wikitravel.org/en/Bimini

28
ABACOS

The Abaco Islands lie in the northern Bahamas 180 miles (290 km) east of south Florida
with similar weather with the exception of local patterns. They comprise the main islands of
Great Abaco and Little Abaco, along with smaller barrier cays. The northernmost are Walker's
Cay, and its sister island Grand Cay. To the south, the next inhabited islands are Spanish Cay
and Green Turtle Cay, with its settlement of New Plymouth, Great Guana Cay, private
Scotland Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Elbow Cay, with its settlement of Hope Town.
Southernmost are Tilloo Cay and Lubbers Quarters. Another of note off Abaco's western
shore is onetime Gorda Cay, now a Disney Island and cruise ship stop and renamed Castaway
Cay. Also in the vicinity is Moore's Island. On the Big Island of Abaco is Marsh Harbour, the
Abacos' commercial hub and the Bahamas' third largest city, plus the resort area of Treasure
Cay. Both have airports. A few mainland settlements of significance are Coopers Town and
Fox Town in the north and Cherokee and Sandy Point in the south. Administratively, the
Abaco Islands constitute seven of the 31 Local Government Districts of the Bahamas: Grand
Cay, North Abaco, Green Turtle Cay, Central Abaco, South Abaco, Moore's Island, and Hope
Town.

Cities

Grand Cay Crown Haven Fox Town Cooperstown New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay

Treasure Cay Great Guano Cay Settlement Man-O'-War Cay Marsh Harbour

Hope Town, Elbow Cay Little Harbour Cherokee Sound Crossing Rocks

Sandy Point

Talk

You should not have problems speaking for they speak English and most employees speak
Spanish.

Eat

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Go to the stingray adventure to feed stingrays
Curly Tails, (242) 367-4444. Despite a very fun, touristy air to the place, Curly
Tails features great gourmet food breakfast through dinner. $$$.
Magnolia Cafe. Maybe the best restaurant in the Abaco Islands? Situated in Man 'O
War key, run entirely by a local man and wife.
Baker's Bay. World class dining in the brand new Baker's Bay marina on the north
end of Great Guana Cay.

Drink

Nipper's. Three story bar overlooking the ocean with a famous Nipper's cocktail and
a pig roast every Sunday afternoon.

Sleep

Ocean Frontier. Great Guana Cay, Abacos, Bahamas, 1.888.828.6745, Well equipped
cottages on the Atlantic beach of Great Guana Cay with private decks and well
landscaped property provide privacy as well as direct access to the beach. All cottages
are air conditioned and include a full kitchen and grill, a three-piece bath, two private
bedrooms and a loft with additional sleeping quarters.

Transportation

Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) and Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) serve the needs of the
Abacos, and all Abaco travel connects or originates in Florida or Atlanta. On the main island
cars and boat rentals are available. On some of the cays, rental golf carts and boats are the
main mode of transportation, along with bikes or scooters. Marsh Harbour Airport was the
site of a plane crash that took the lives of nine people, among them was R&B singer Aaliyah,
on August 25, 2001

The cays can be reached by ferries. The southern cays can be reached from Marsh Harbour
and another ferry leaves from the Treasure Cay ferry dock about a half-hour from Marsh
Harbour by road. Ferry service is also to be found between Nassau and Sandy Point on the
southern end of Great Abaco on weekends.

Environment

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The Abaco Islands boast important natural areas, especially important coral reef areas,
barrier-island terrestrial habitats and large forests of Bahamian pine (Pinus caribaea var.
bahamensis), some of which still contain old-growth trees. As development expands in the
Abacos, local groups have begun to fight for the preservation of their natural resources, such
as in the development case on Great Guana Cay.

Notable species of birds include the Bahamian subspecies of Cuban amazon (Amazona
leucocephala bahamensis), which exists only in Cuba, the Cayman Islands, the southern
Bahamas and Abaco. This population is unique in that it nests in limestone solution cavities
rather than tree cavities. Abaco is also known for its intact elkhorn and staghorn coral
structures, and for its critically endangered breed of feral horse, the Abaco Barb.

Get out

Elbow Cay is several miles east of Great Abaco Island. This six-mile stretch of land is less
than an hour-long ferry rides from Great Abacos Marsh Harbor.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Abacos

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abaco_Islands

31
ELEUTHERA

Eleuthera is an island in Bahamas.

Get in

By plane

Eleuthera has 3 airports: North Eleuthera (ELH), Governors Harbour (GHB), and Rock
Sound (RSD). All airports are small, open-air and convenient. ELH and GHB have onsite
bars and ELH has an onsite restaurant.

ELH has the most flights arriving and departing. ELH is a short taxi ride and water taxi ride
to Harbour Island. Most car rental places on the island will gladly pick you up at ELH and
drive to another town on the island. ELH is 15 to 20 minutes north of Gregory Town.

GHB is the centrally-located airport, located just south of the town of James Cistern and a 10
to 15-minute drive to Governor's Harbour, the largest town on Eleuthera.

Aztec Airways has scheduled service from Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport to Governors
Harbour (GHB) and North Eleuthera (ELH.) These flights are direct and currently operate 3
times weekly. United flies into ELH from Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA). It's about
an hour's flight from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Eleuthera. Silver Airlines flies from West
Palm Beach to ELH. You can fly from Nassau to Eleuthera on Southern Air or Bahamas Air;
the flight is less than 30 minutes from Nassau. Pineapple air also does flights from Nassau to
RSD.

By boat

Bahamas Ferries. The ferry docks on Eleuthera at Governor's Harbour, Spanish Wells and
neighboring Harbour Island. To get to and from Eleuthera and Harbour Island or Spanish
Wells, you take a water taxi and a cab ride to reach your destination.

Regions

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Harbour Island to reach Harbour Island, one can take a water taxi (~$5) from the main island
of Eleuthera. Harbour Island has the highest concentration of hotels; many of them upscale.
Harbour Island is more densely populated than Eleuthera. The 3-mile beach on Harbour
Island features pink sand and clear waters and has often been cited by various travel
magazines as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Get around

Eleuthera has no public transport system. There are taxis and car rentals. It's generally best to
rent a car to explore Eleuthera. Hitchhiking is popular and locals are generally helpful and
friendly. Don't be afraid to ask for a ride! Bicycling is increasingly popular, but see notes
below.

Eleuthera is 110 miles long, and delightful to explore. Be prepared: Eleuthera's gas prices are
$1-2 higher than the U.S. Car rental costs are based on a per day basis and never involve
extra fees. In most cases, you don't sign papers. No car rental chain companies exist on
Eleuthera -- you rent from locals who may keep a fleet of rental cars in their yards. Some
entrepreneurs combine their car rental companies with a gas station or with a taxi company.
As you drive around (on the LEFT-HAND side of the road), you will need a good map or
good local knowledge.

By bike

Eleuthera with its rolling hills (and three killers around Gregory Town) is the most
challenging island of the Bahamas. The main road, Queen's Highway (the only option for
road bikes) should not be ridden by beginners. For more casual riders, mountain bikes are
fine; a hybrid is an ideal compromise. There are no bike shops and serious riders usually
bring their own, but several resorts and individuals rent mountain bikes or hybrids. Refer to
other pages on Eleuthera for details.

Bicycling is a growing sport and Eleuthera hosts the Cancer Society "Ride for Hope," with
50-75-100 mile competitions, every April. The Queen's Highway is well paved (watch out for
road repairs north of Governor's Harbour airport). Drivers are generally courteous, giving
bikes a wide berth, but use a rearview mirror and wear a helmet. The greater danger lies
ahead: cars pulling out to pass who may not see you coming at them. Be alert when you see
an oncoming car closely following another. Another problem: being chased by local dogs

33
("pot-cakes"). Lately there haven't been many, but be on the lookout south of Tarpum Bay
and around Gregory Town.

See

The many beautiful beaches


Current Cut in North Eleuthera
Preachers' Cave in North Eleuthera
Glass Window Bridge in North-Eleuthera
Queen's Bath south of Glass Window Bridge
Surfer's Beach south of Gregory Town
Hatchet Bay Caves south of Gregory Town
Ocean Hole in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera
Lighthouse Beach / Bannerman Lighthouse south of Bannerman Town
The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve
Hill-Top Farms. Hill-Top Farms (Petting Farm) in North Eleuthera
The Blue Seahorse Gift Shop & Deli (Blue Seahorse), Rock Sound, Eleuthera
(Perched on the Queens Highway main street just north of the South Eleuthera
Mission), 242 334-2860. 8:00 am - 5:30 pm. The Blue Seahorse Gift Shop and
Deli you'll find Bahamian handcrafted souviners and gifts with a Deli serving coffee,
smoothies, sandwiches and more!

Do

Enjoy (walk, swim, snorkel, get a tan, or whatever you like to do on beaches) the many great
beaches. The water is usually rougher (bigger waves) on the Atlantic side of the island but
that's also where you'll have most of the coral reefs and better snorkeling. Some of the best
beaches are accessible only via small, overgrown and/or very rocky roads.

Surfing near Gregory Town in North-Central Eleuthera ("Surfer's Beach").

Swim, snorkel or dive the tidal current at Current Cut (North Eleuthera). Thrilling!

Fishing is one of the biggest sports in Eleuthera. Several people have recommended Paul
Petty as a good local fishing guide.

Explore the Hatchet Bay Cave... bring a friend and at least one flashlight (preferably one
each - or a back-up candle and matches - you don't want to get stuck without light down
there!). Bring swimming gear if you want to explore the lowest level, which is half-filled
with water. There are some friendly bats in the cave, but not many.

34
Explore some of the other caves on the island (there are several)! A) There is one just north
of Ten Bay Beach (South of South Palmetto Point) - called "Bat Cave" by some. Can be hard
to find since the "Bahamas Heritage" sign on Queen's Highway has been removed. This one
has a huge colony of bats, you can't miss them, and you will need a flashlight here! B) There
is a nice system of caves just south of Rock Sound - look out for the "Bahamas Heritage" sign
opposite to a church where the trail to the caves start. You don't need any flashlight here.
There is a small colony of bats in one of the caves. Also, look out for the turtle in the nearby
"bottomless" pond, right next to where the trail starts. C) Preacher's Cave, close to a nice
beach at the northern end of Eleuthera, is of historic interest as "The first Bahamian
settlement". No flashlights needed here. The road to the cave from the Queen's Highway has
been paved in recent years and is now an easy drive.

Watch the Junkanoo parade in Tarpum Bay (this is a must if you happen to be on the island
during Christmas time)! Check with the locals for the exact schedule.

Take in a movie at the Globe Princess Theatre in Governor's Harbour (main Queen's
Highway). Showtime is 8:15pm nightly except Thursdays. Playing current feature films!

Feed the fishes (or swim with them) in the Ocean Hole in Rock Sound.

Take a bath in "Queen's Bath", a mile or so south of the Glass Window Bridge. But make sure
to watch out for big waves!

Attend a "Friday Night's Fish Fry" in Governor's Harbour. A large percentage of all
tourists on the island seems to gather here every Friday for some BBQ, drinks and loud
music. Be prepared to wait for an hour or more to get your food once you have ordered.

Visit nearby Harbour Island accessible via water taxi, approximately 10 minutes from the
boat dock just east of North Eleuthera Airport.

Buy

Island Farm (Island Farm Eleuthera), Queen's Highway (.5 miles south of Palmetto
Point Crossroads), 242-332-0141. Island Farm sells nursery plants and

35
landscaping materials. They are known for their fresh bread baked on the premises,
fresh produce, greens and herbs, jams, jellies, dressings and pestos, honey, hot sauce,
maps, postcards and souvenirs. Island Farm also offers free Wi-Fi service on the
premises.
Island Made Gift Shop, Queen's Highway (Downtown Gregory Town), 242-335-
5369. Nice souvenir shop. Large selection of hats, caps, T shirts, postcards, maps, and
clothing.
Rebecca's Straw Market, Queen's Highway (Downtown Gregory Town). Rebecca is
an artist and local expert on flora and fauna. She has her own hot sauce: Pirate's
Revenge. Pete is a character. Buy a cigar or beer and get a story.
The Beach Book, Eleuthera, Bahamas edition. The ultimate guide to finding ALL of
Eleuthera's 135 beaches complete with maps, descriptions, stunning photos,
north/south directions, driving times/distances, and insider information to help plan,
find, and enjoy the beaches of Eleuthera. $34.95.

Eat

Mate & Jenny's (Mate & Jenny's Pizza Restaurant & Bar), South Palmetto Point
(Turn towards South Palmetto Point from Queen's Highway and you will have Mate
& Jenny's on the right very soon), 242-332-1504. Reasonable prices and good
pizzas. A good place for a laid back dinner. The owner seems to have run the place for
many decades.
Sammy's Place (Sammy's Restaurant & Bar), Rock Sound (Follow the signs or ask
the locals when in Rock Sound), 242-334-2121. Very reasonably priced and good
local food.
The Beach House Tapas Bar & Lounge, Club Med Beach (On the Atlantic side
beach next to the road between Governor's Harbour and North Palmetto Point). Great
food. Live music and open air "home cinema" alternates.
The Laughing Lizzard Caf, Gregory Town (On a hillside next to the main road just
north of Gregory Town). Closes at 4 pm.. Good place for lunch. Tasty wraps and
smoothies.
Buccaneer Club Restaurant, Governor's Harbour. OK and reasonably priced food.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
The Bistro at Sky Beach Club, Queen's Highway, Govenors Harbour (4 miles south
of the Governors Harbour airport), 242-332-3422. Beachside and poolside

36
restaurant with excellent seafood and international cuisine. Serves breakfast, lunch,
and dinner.
Tippy's Restaurant, Banks Road (Banks road between Governor's Harbour and
North Palmetto across from Pineapple Fields.), 242-332-3331. Lunch 12:30-2:30
Dinner 6-10 p.m. Open air dining and a breathtaking view of Club Med beach and the
Atlantic Ocean. New York Times said "This is not some down-at-the-heels fish fry,
but the epicenter of the islands emerging social whirl." Reservations should be made
for dinner.
Twin Brothers Restaurant & Bar, Hatchet Bay. Great place for a relaxing outdoor
meal. Delicious seafood, including conch burgers and fritters. Reasonable prices.
1648 Bar & Grille, Queen's Highway, Governor's Harbour (in the French Leave
resort). Upscale restaurant with good food and good service.

Drink

Tippy's, on a very nice pink sand beach between Governor's Harbour and Palmetto
Point.
Elvina's, rustic night spot in Gregory Town where Lenny Kravitz performs
occasionally. Open mike jam sessions with local musicians on Tuesday and Friday
nights.
Fish Fry, Governor's Harbour, next to Haynes Library, fish-fry every Friday night
where locals and tourists meet on the water front. The food and drinks are good -- the
music very loud.
Governor's Harbour Bakery. Local bakery with Bahamian bread, donuts and meat
pies. You can ask at the grocery or liquor store for directions.
Kel-D's Bar & Grill, Queen's Highway (across from pier in heart of James Cistern),
242-335-6061. Basic local bar, cold beer and good Bahamian food.

Sleep

On Eleuthera there are only about 3 hotels on the waterfront even though the island is 100
miles long. Many foreigners rent their homes.

Pineapple Fields Hotel, Banks Road (Banks Road south of Governor's Harbour),
242-332-2221. Pineapple fields is a residential Island resort development with

37
spectacular ocean views, just a step away from our breath-taking beach on the island
of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
The Rainbow Inn, Queen's Highway, P.O. Box EL25053, Governor's Harbour (2.6
miles south of Hatchet Bay), 242-335-0294.
Quality Inn Cigatoo, Haynes Avenue PO Box 86, Governors Harbour, (242) 332-
3060. The beautiful pink Bahamas beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
are all within walking distance of this Governors Harbour hotel.
Hut Pointe Inn, Queens Highway, north of Governors Harbour (3 miles north of
Governors Harbour and 4 miles south of the Governors Harbour airport.), 760-
908-6700. check-in: 2 p.m.; checkout: 11 a.m. Hut Pointe Inn is a lovely, family
owned, eco-friendly, inn featuring recently renovated 2 bedroom suites on lush
grounds centrally located near the town of Governors Harbour. From $210.
Sky Beach Club, Queens Highway, Governors Harbour, Eleuthera (3 miles north of
Governors Harbour, 4 miles south of Governors Harbour airport), 239-482-8173,
msimon@skybeachclub.com. check-in: 2 p.m.; checkout: 10 a.m. Put your feet up,
relax and enjoy a book on the pink sand beach. Bistro, with a full-service swim-up
cocktail bar. Sky Beach Club blends modern amenities with the splendor of
unmatched natural beauty and excellent service. From $300/night.
Unique Village (Unique Village Resort), North Palmetto Point (Follow the road along
the Atlantic side in Palmetto Point until you see the signs). Friendly budget
hotel/resort on a gorgeous pink-sand beach. Has rooms, apartments, villas, a small
pool and a restaurant. The second-floor "de-luxe" rooms and the restaurant have great
ocean views. From $90/night.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Eleuthera

Andros Island is an archipelago within the Bahamas, the largest of the 26 inhabited
Bahamian Islands. Politically considered a single island, Andros in total has an area greater
than all the other 700 Bahamian islands combined. The land area of Andros consists of

38

South Eleuthera - Eleuthera, Bahamas


hundreds of small islets and cays connected by mangrove estuaries and tidal swamp lands,
ANDROS
together with three major islands: North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros. The three
main islands are separated by "bights", estuaries that trifurcate the island, connecting the
island's east and west coasts. It is 104 miles (167 km) long by 40 miles (64 km) wide, at the
widest point.

Tourism

Tourism is Andros Island's largest industry, and the largest private employer. The Bahamian
tourism industry markets Andros as the least-explored island in the chain. From Nicholls
Town in the north to Little Creek in the south are 3540 hotels, motels, resorts, guest houses
and lodges (the number varies), with a total of approximately 400 rooms. Tourists are
composed primarily of scuba divers, attracted to the barrier reef, Tongue of the Ocean, and
the Blue Holes; bone fishing anglers, and others looking for relaxation.

Andros Island was the site of two of the first dive-dedicated resorts in the world, and the first
in the Bahamas, both founded by Canadians. Small Hope Bay Lodge near Fresh Creek was
founded by Dick Birch in 1960. It continues to operate as a dive resort under the ownership
and management of Dick Birch's children.

The second resort was Forfar's at North Blanket Sound, which was founded by Archie Forfar
in 1962. After his death in a diving accident in 1971, his property was purchased by
International Field Studies, Inc. (IFS) of Ohio in 1972. Renamed Forfar Field Station, it has
been adapted for IFS programs, of week, month or semester duration, in science, sailing,
diving and culture. These are attended mostly by American high school and university
students.

Andros Island is surrounded by thousands of square miles of fishable flats, home to permit,
tarpon, and especially bonefish. The island is known as the bonefish capital of the world.
Bonefish are considered among the world's premiere gamefish for anglers. Other varieties of
fishing are available on Andros. Deep sea fishing beyond the reef in the Tongue of the Ocean
offers dorado, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and jacks. Locals fish regularly on the reef for abundant
snapper and grouper.

Blue holes

39
The island's blue holes are
water-filled cave systems, which
attract divers from all over the
world.

"All the main islands of the


Bahamas have blue holes, but
those of Andros are the best
known. Andros has 178 on land
with at least 50 in the sea. Blue
holes can best be described as Guardian Blue Hole
entrances to the intricate cave systems which run underneath the island and sea floor.

"Their openings can be found among the shallow creeks, inland lakes, and the shallow banks
of the Bahamas. The caves, which have developed within the Bahamian carbonate platforms,
can be laterally and vertically very extensive. Lateral cave passages can extend to several
kilometers and vertically may range in depth from ten to several hundred meters

Noted oceanographer and environmentalist Jacques Cousteau visited Andros Island in 1970
to explore and film the Andros Blue Holes. The video of this expedition, called The Secret of
the Sunken Caves, is included in the 2005 Cousteau video collection, The Jacques Cousteau
Odyssey: The Complete Collection. Cousteau explored several ocean blue holes, and the
inland blue holes known as Uncle Charlie's, Church's, and the Guardian.

National Geographic magazine has featured the Andros Blue Holes several times over the
past thirty years, most recently in August 2010.

Transportation

Andros Island has four airports with paved runways: San Andros Airport at Nicholls Town,
Andros Town International Airport located at Fresh Creek, the Clarence A. Bain Airport at
Mangrove Cay and Congo Town Airport in South Andros. Andros Town International is an
international port of entry for private pilots. The island is served by multiple daily flights
from Nassau by Bahamas Air, Western Air, and Le Airthe flight to any of the four airports
is 1525 minutes. Daily scheduled flights to Nassau from London, Paris, New York City,
Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm

40
Beach, Orlando and other major cities provide easy connection from Andros to the rest of the
world.

Regularly scheduled charters provide direct service to Andros Town from Miami and Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, mostly offered by Gulfstream International Airlines. Continental
Connection offers seasonal scheduled flights from Fort Lauderdale, operated by Gulfstream
for Continental under contract.

Andros is connected to Nassau by Sea-Link ferry, which runs daily to Morgan's Bluff on the
north end of the island and Fresh Creek in central Andros. It is also reachable by mail boat
from Nassau and for inter-island travel with stops at numerous Andros settlements. There is
no public transport on Andros Island, but a private shuttle bus service on North Andros
connects Nicholls Town with Behring Point. Taxi service is available at all four airports.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andros,_Bahamas

41
EXUMA

Exuma is a district of the Bahamas, consisting of over 360 islands (or cays). The largest of
the cays, and the only one with any significant population, is Great Exuma, which is 37 mi
(60 km) in length.

Islands

Many of the islands in the Exumas are privately owned. Only inhabited islands open to the
public (or at least paying guests) are listed
here.

Great Exuma
Fowl Cay
Iguana Cay
Musha Cay super-exclusive
resort that hosts only one group of
up to 20 guests at a time
Staniel Cay
Compass Cay a few houses for rent and aHalf
marina thatBeach,
Moon is popular for yachtsmen
Saddleback Cay
Big Major Cay an island with swimming pigs

Cities

George Town on Great Exuma

Get in

The Exuma island chain is 130 mi (209 km) long. The northernmost islands are under an hour
away from Nassau by speedboat and many tour operators offer day trips. Great Exuma has
the airport, which receives flights from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Nassau and Toronto. This
airport is approximately 10 mi (16 km) north of the main settlement of George Town. Staniel
Cay has an airstrip with scheduled flights from Ft. Lauderdale-executive (via Water Makers)
and Nassau Regional. Flamingo Air will usually drop of passengers at nearby Exuma airstrips

42
(like the one on Black Point) on their regular Nassau-Staniel flights. Visiting any of the other
islands more or less requires your own boat.

Get around

Great Exuma can be seen via car. The other islands are accessible only by tour charter or
boat.

Car and boat rental is available in George Town, Great Exuma and at the airport. Must have
international or US driver's license.

Note that Exuma - like all the Bahamas - drives on the left side of the road. Rental cars can
typically be specified as left/right wheel configurations subject to availability.

Water Taxi to Stocking Island

Leaves twice daily from Peace and Plenty Restaurant in Georgetown Harbour to the
neighboring Cay of Stocking Island.

See

Saddleback Cay. A private island


owned by Island World Adventures,
which runs one-day trips from Nassau
daily ($190/pp). The island has seven
beaches, including the gorgeous Half
Moon Beach, shallow reefs in the
vicinity and a spot where giant nurse
Rock iguana, Leaf Cay
sharks gather daily to be fed.
Thunder ball Grotto, where the James Bond film Thunder ball was filmed.
Big Major Cay. An uninhabited island populated by swimming feral pigs, thus the
locals had called this place Pig Beach. The swimming pigs attract many tourists every
year.

Do

1. Boating
2. Snorkeling
3. Diving

43
4. Fishing
5. Golfing

The Four Season's Hotel closed and is in process of conversion to a Sandal's Resort scheduled
to open in late January 2010. It has an 18-hole golf course that may or may not be open to
non-Sandal's guests in the future. The course was closed as of December 2009.

Eat

Chat and Chill, The Point, Stocking Island, Exuma (A water taxi is available from
Great Exuma), 242.336.2700. Wonderful local restaurant famous for its Garlic
Coleslaw is an excellent place to have a beer and relax or have a nice beach side
dinner.

Drink

Thunder ball Club on Staniel Cay


Splash! Beach Bar & Grill, Palm Bay Beach Club (Great Exuma, Bahamas),
242.336.2787. Famous Conch Chowder

Sleep

Fowl Cay - Private Island Resort, 305-284-1300 ext 4800


(yepstein@fowlcay.com). $7,945-$14,588/week.
Palm Bay Beach Club, Great Exuma, Bahamas (Just 7 miles from Georgetown
Airport), 242.336.2787 (info@palmbaybeachclub.com). check-in: 3PM; checkout:
12 Noon. The resort has over 70 beachside cottages and hillside villas. There is a
choice of studio, one bedroom, two bedrooms and three bedroom villas all with either
a full or partial kitchen.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, (242) 355-2024 (info@stanielcay.com, fax: (242) 355-
2044). $145-$255.

Stay safe

The crossing from Nassau to the northern end of the Exumas is only 40 miles, but it's across
open water and can get choppy if it's windy. Bring along a warm, ideally waterproof coat, and
try to get a seat near the middle of the boat to minimize both bumpiness and sea spray.

44
There are nurse sharks and lemon sharks in the waters around the islands. They don't usually
bother humans, but it's best to ask for local advice on where to swim shallow water is
usually fine.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Exuma

Nurse shark, off Saddleback Cay

45
3. Cities
01. Nassau Capital 02. Freeport
03. Matthew Town 04. Alice Town Bimini

NASSAU

Nas
sau is the capital of the Bahamas, a member of the British Commonwealth. It is the largest
city in the Bahamas and its low-rise sprawl dominates the eastern half of New Providence
Island.

Weather

The climate is best described as


subtropical. With a climate identical to
South Florida, the area usually
experiences very warm, humid weather
throughout the year, with cool nights in
the 40s during wintertime occasionally,
and cold snaps sometimes hitting the
region. Snow was reported once.
Downtown Nassau
Understand

Founded around 1650 by the British as Charles Town, the town was renamed in 1695 after
Fort Nassau. Due to the Bahamas' strategic location near trade routes and its multitude of
islands, Nassau soon became a popular pirates' den, and British rule was soon challenged by
the self-proclaimed "Privateers Republic" under the leadership of the infamous Edward
Teach, better known as Blackbeard. However, the alarmed British soon tightened their grip,
and by 1720 the pirates had been killed or driven out.

46
Today, with a population of 260,000, Nassau contains nearly 80% of the population of the
Bahamas. However, it's still quite low-rise and laid back, with the pretty pastel pink
government buildings and the looming giant cruise ships that dock daily.

Orientation

Orienting yourself in central Nassau is fairly easy. Bay Street, which runs parallel to the
shore, is the main shopping street, filled with an odd mix of expensive jewelry boutiques and
souvenir shops. The hill that rises behind Bay St contains most of the Bahamas' government
buildings and company headquarters, while the residential Over-the-Hill district starts on the
other side.

Get in

By air

Nassau's Lynden Piddling International Airport (IATA: NAS, Template: ICAOO) is the
largest airport in the Bahamas. Major U.S. airlines have flights to Nassau. Limited service
from Toronto and London also exists.

The two most popular Fixed Based Operators (FBO) located at Lynden Piddling International
Airport Are Executive Flight Services and Odyssey Aviation. Air taxi and air charter
companies such as Jetset Charter', Monarch Air Group, Mercury Jets fly a variety of private
charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins
for small groups and individuals into and out of Nassau.

For many years, travelers complained about LPIA's rundown and overcrowded passenger
terminal. A new passenger terminal was finally completed and opened in 2011. LPIA is one
of the few airports with jetbridges that can connect to airplanes of nearly every size
(including smaller aircraft for which most airports use airstairs), so visitors arriving on long-
distance flights from colder climates don't have to worry about descending airstairs and
crossing the tarmac in the tropical heat.

The free drinks occasionally served on arrival and the live band serenading the Immigration
hall help set a lively tone for arriving travelers. No public transport is available at the airport,
but there's a list of fixed taxi fares posted at the exit. It's about US$25 and 10 mi (16 km) to
most hotels in central Nassau.

47
On the way back, note that there are three terminal concourses: domestic and charter flights,
flights to the US, and non-US international flights. Nassau is one of the few airports that
offers US immigration and customs preclearance. This means that US-bound passengers are
always processed in Nassau before entering the secure terminal area, US-bound flights are
treated as domestic upon arrival with no additional formalities required, and US-bound
baggage can be checked through directly to all US destination airports reachable on the same
airline, codeshare alliance, or airline alliance.

Historically, preclearance was notoriously slow and it was widely recommended that U.S.-
bound travelers show up at least two hours before their scheduled departure time or even
three or four hours in advance on major U.S. holidays. However, the new U.S. passenger
concourse has multiple security lines and the U.S. immigration and customs process has sped
up dramatically with the introduction of a kiosk-based system in 2014. The main bottleneck
is now the check-in counter for your airline and whether they have multiple full-size
passenger jetliners with departure times scheduled too closely to each other on your departure
date (which means you need to check your airline's published schedule for LPIA). Otherwise,
it is now possible, even on the busiest holidays, to go from curb drop-off to entering the
secure area for U.S. passengers within one hour, which means that arriving two hours in
advance of your departure time should be more than sufficient.

Security for other destinations is considerably more laid back, and arriving an hour in
advance of your scheduled departure should suffice.

By sea

Nassau is a favorite port of call for the many cruise ships plying the Bahamas. Up to seven
cruise ships can dock at the Prince George Wharf Cruise Terminal adjacent to downtown
Nassau. Water taxi and yacht charter companies, such as Bahamas Boat, offer a variety of
private crewed charters, in and around Nassau for small groups and families.

Get around

By water taxi

48
A water taxi service is an available alternative to a taxi to get to Paradise Island from
downtown. It is picked up under the bridge and costs $6 round trip. The water taxi stops
operating at 6PM.

By minibus

Minibuses (locally know as jitneys) act as the bus system of Nassau city and New Providence
island. Jitneys are found on and near Bay Street. The famous #10 Jitney to Cable Beach loads
passengers on George & Bay Streets (in front of McDonalds, across from the British Colonial
Hilton). Other jitneys are located on Charlotte & Bay Streets. A bus will typically wait until
it's full before departing. Understanding the various routes can be complex. Many have
destinations painted on the bus, but there is no standard as they are run by multiple
companies and individuals. Ask around for your destination. Note that there is no jitney that
goes to Paradise Island (Atlantis Resort).

Journeys cost $1.25 per person, per ride. A round trip, even if not getting off the bus (ie:
sightseeing), is counted as two rides. Payment is received by the driver when disembarking.
No change is given, and there is no transfer credit for changing busses.

The Jitney is definitely a very inexpensive way to enjoy the local culture. Be aware that the
jitneys stop operating between 6 and 7 PM. The only way back to downtown after 7 PM is by
taxi which can be quite expensive. The buses (also called Jitneys) are 32-seaters and travel to
many parts of the Island. They operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, except on Sundays
when there is limited service. The basic fare is $1.25 per person and $2 for areas on the
outskirts of town. Exact fare is required. The schedule is as follows:

From Bay Street (opposite Parliament Street) to the Eastern end of the Island (including foot
of the bridge to Paradise Island) and return -- Bus Numbers: 1, 9, 9A, 9B, 19, 21, 21A, 23

From Bay Street (opposite Market Street) to the Marathon Mall and return -- Bus Numbers:
1, 1A, 3, 19, 21

From Frederick Street (Bay Street) to Town Center Mall and return -- Bus Numbers: 4, 4A, 5,
5A, 6, 6A, 11A, 12, 15, 15A

From Bay Street (George Street) to Cable Beach and return -- Bus Numbers: 10, 10A

By taxi

49
Taxis, often minivans and always identifiable by their yellow license plates and little Gothic
blackletter "Taxi" lettering, roam the streets of Nassau. They're equipped with meters but will
usually refuse to use them, so agree on the fare in advance. Expect to pay $15-$20 for even
the shortest of trips from downtown to Cable beach.

Here are some of the rates: $4 (per person, $11 minimum) from Paradise Island to
Downtown.

They will often try to change the rate in the car. They used this tactic twice on me while I was
there before I learned.

By car

You could also rent a car. All major U.S car rental shops are in Nassau. Worthy of note for
travelers from the UK is the very British feel of the roads. Unlike the nearby US, cars drive
on the left side of the road, have UK road signs and even the odd roundabout.

By scooter

Scooter (small motorcycle) rental is also popular in Nassau.

By bike

Bicycle rental is not popular and not recommended as traffic is bad, there are many blind
corners in the old streets of Nassau, and cars drive recklessly and on the left side of the road,
which you may not be used to.

By foot

Within downtown Nassau, you could walk around. Distances are very short and a walking
tour is a pleasant way of exploring downtown Nassau.

See

Take a walk around Old Town, an interesting mixture of abandoned buildings and
bright Caribbean structures. It doesn't take long to get away from the over-scrubbed tourist

50
areas in the very center. Walk ten
minutes uphill to the pink
Parliament Building, which has a
statue of an enthroned Queen
Victoria out front.

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo &


Conservation Center, 242-323-
5806 (info@ardastra.com, fax:
242-323-7232). 9AM-5PM. Visit
Parliament House
the Bahamas' only zoo. See the marching flamingo shows. Let the parakeets land on you as
you feed them. $15.

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, West & West Hill Streets, 1-242-328-
5800. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. Opened in 2003, this showcases Bahamian art from the precolonial
era to the present. The quality of art is rather uneven to say the least, but the renovated
building once the residence of the Chief Justice is a sight in itself. Adults $5,
Students/seniors $3.

Pirate Museum, 1-242-356-3759 (piratesofnassau@batelnet.bs). M-Sa 9AM-


6PM, Su 9AM-noon. Recreations of a pirate town, a pirate ship and a pirate battle, with a few
real artifacts mixed in. Cheesy, but fun.
Try to catch a guided tour. $12.

Fort Fincastle, A small fort built in


1793 which overlooks the city of
Nassau from a small hill south of town.
Several cannons are on display. Tours
are conducted Monday through Sunday,
8am to 3pm.
Fort Fincastle
Do

The bus tours are pretty interesting. They'll drive you around, and tell you about the local
government, tell you about different points of interest, and take you to old forts, and to
Paradise Island, to see the famous Atlantis hotel resort and its stunning aquarium.

51
Buy

Straw Market, Bay St. Originally a locals' market, this is now devoted to touristy bric-
a-brac. If you are in the market for some souvenirs, this is the place to come. Don't be
discouraged by the initial price of things, as this is the only place you can haggle for a
better one. Americans don't have to worry about exchanging any money either, as US
currency is accepted universally.
Potters' Cay, under the Paradise Island bridge. Best known for its fish market, and
there are plenty of stalls that prepare fresh conch salad, conch fritters and other
Bahamian seafood delicacies, but there's plenty of other exotic tropical produce
available too.

Eat

Get out of the hotel and try real Bahamian fare. You can get greasy fish, sides and desserts at
one of the holes-in-the-wall in downtown Nassau for around $8. On the upscale side, there's
no shortage of waterside seafood restaurants where it would be easy to part with $50 for an
excellent piece of lobster. Sbarros, McDonalds and Chinese restaurants are mixed in to satisfy
the budget diner or someone who has had enough conch.

Mid-range

The Shoal Restaurant and Lounge, Nassau Street, 323-4200. Sa-Th 7:30AM-11PM, Fri
7AM-7PM. If the tourist crowds are getting you down, take a taxi out to where the locals eat.
Enjoy fish that falls off the bone, friendly service, and a dessert of guava duff. $10-$20.

Splurge

Cafe Matisse, Bank Lane (behind Parliament Sq, off Bay St), 1-242-356-7012. Tue-Sat
noon-11 PM. Tucked away on a quiet lane, Matisse serves excellent Italian food with fresh
local ingredients. Reservations recommended; try to get a seat in the delightful garden
courtyard, which is shady by day and lit up at night. "Proper" dress (no shorts or sandals)
required for dinner. $50-70.

Drink

52
Nassau isn't a spring break mecca for nothing. The club scene is nightly and rowdy. Some
popular establishments:

Seor Frogs, (242) 323-1777. 11AM-3AM. right next to the cruise dock. Situated
next a stinky sewer pipe, check which way the wind is blowing before you order.
Doesn't serve Kalik.
Club Waterloo, East Bay Street. 8PM-4AM. on the north side of the island, about
two miles from the dock.
Cocktails and Dreams, West Bay Street, (242) 328 3745. draws a sketchier
crowd, although it is on the beach. Come here in a group.

Cover charges average $20, although all major hotels sell "passes" for $5. With a pass, cover
charge is only $5, so you actually pay $10. Cover charges on weekends can climb up to $45,
so it's a good idea to get a pass from your local taxi driver/hotel desk.

You can also opt for an all-inclusive entertainment pass, which will include a schedule.
Expect to follow this itinerary with at least 5,000 other co-eds. (It might be a good idea to
pick up this schedule even if you don't plan on participating. It will give you a good idea of
places to avoid on certain nights.)

Drinks in clubs can get expensive, depending on the club and its location. Most locals "drink
up" before going out, to defray this cost... That or they can be found in the parking lots with a
cooler ;) Expect to pay at least $4 for a beer and $5 for a cocktail. The one exception is rum,
which is cheap and plentiful. Cocktails with rum at a club, will be strong.

John Watling's Distillery, 17 Delancy Street (Within walking distance from the cruise
ship port in Downtown Nassau, John Watlings Distillery is located on Delancy
Street), 322-2811. open from 10am-6pm, seven days a week and on Friday's until
9pm. John Watling's Distillery JOHN WATLINGS rum, the Spirit of The
Bahamas offers complimentary tours at its home, the Buena Vista Estate, in
Downtown Nassau. The historic Estate, founded in 1789 and overlooking the harbor,
is the site where Bahamians hand-craft JOHN WATLINGS small-batch Pale, Amber
and Buena Vista rums. At the Estate, John Watlings features a museum-like tour,
shopping and signature Bahamian cocktails at its Red Turtle Tavern. Free Tour.

Sleep

53
Many of Nassau's hotels are located outside the city core on Paradise Island or Cable Beach.

British Colonial Hilton Nassau, One Bay Street, +1 (242) 322-3301 (fax: +1
(242) 302-9010). A hotel catering more to business travelers than package tourists.
Occupies the site of a historical landmark (Fort Nassau), and has its own private
beach, from which you get a fantastic view of the cruise ships going into, going out
of, and berthed at the docks. Step out of the hotel and you're right downtown on Bay
Street's shopping attractions.
Quality Inn Nassau Bahamas, West Bay & Nassau Street, +1 (242) 322-1515
(hotelhelp@choicehotels.com, fax: +1 (242) 322-1514). check-in: 3PM; checkout:
11AM. Located across the street from Junkanoo Beach, this hotel offers stunning
views of white sandy beaches and the crystal-clear blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sunrise Oceanfront Cottage (www.hostelworld.com), Eastern Point, Nassau,
Bahamas (Eastern Road travelling East, pass Prince Charles Drive T-junction on your
right, beach on the left, after the 3rd house on your left, turn left, straight ahead
yellow cottage on the ocean), 001-242-324-0105. $50. pp.

Another option for lodging is to use priceline.com to bid on hotels in the area of cable beach.
The Sheraton that normally charges around $232.00 a night or more can sometimes be had
for $100.00 a night by bidding on rooms. Obviously the cost would depend on availability
and also bidding several months prior to your visit. Similar deals can be found via
www.hotwire.com though the locations are only revealed after purchase.

54
Stay safe

The "Over-the-Hill" area south of


downtown is the poorest part of
Nassau, and tourists might want to be
wary. It is, however, much nicer than
"slums" in the Third World and,
indeed, parts of the United States.

Some criminals target restaurants and


nightclubs frequented by tourists. The
Colonial
most common approach is to offer victims a ride, either as a wreck, Over-the-Hill
"personal favor" or by claiming
to be a taxi, and then robbing and/or assaulting the passenger once in the car. Take care to
ride only in licensed taxis, identifiable by their yellow license plates.

Be wary of the natives offering goods and services. They will tell you anything to get you jet-
skiing, on booze cruises, etc.

Locals may solicit tourists with offers of marijuana, hair braiding services, or a taxi ride. It
gets monotonous but a friendly "no, thank you" and moving on will keep both you and the
local happy.

Most Cuban cigars for sale in Nassau are counterfeit. Buy only from reputable dedicated
tobacconists. See warning on main Bahamas page.

There is a high crime rate in Nassau at the moment. US Dept. of State has labelled New
Providence "Critical" and Grand Bahama "High". Crime previously among drug-related
groups has now moved toward armed robberies of tourists. Recent local news reports suggest
this is not abating.

You always hear about the murders on the Paradise Island Bridge; it doesn't look very safe
and who walks there at night anyway? If you happen to be there just don't go out walking late
at night and you'll be ok. If you do want to go somewhere late at night just use a reliable taxi
company. Be careful when crossing the roads as well, as Bahamian people drive like crazy.
Watch out especially for the pick-up truck drivers.

Cope

55
Embassies

Greece, Olympia Building, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N7682, +124 2323-3495
(fax: +124 2323-3523).
United States, Queen Street #19, 242-322-1181 (embnas@state.gov, fax: 242-
356-7174).

Get out

Paradise Island Located just across a bridge from Nassau, it is home to the lavish Atlantis
hotel and resort.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Nassau

Nassau Bahamas

56
FREEPORT

Freeport is a city on Grand Bahama.

Get in

Numerous Flights are available from South Florida. American Eagle offers daily flights from
Miami. Bahamas air, Continental Connection, and Spirit Airlines all offer daily flights from
Fort Lauderdale.

There are many cruises departing from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) that offer cheap
tickets to Freeport and Nassau. Another frugal option is to take a Bahamas Celebration cruise
ship to the island. The ship is easy on your budget and offers great onboard amenities. The
Ship leaves Florida every other day which is great for travelers wishing to take a short two-
day vacation or a one-day excursion. It drops passengers off in the mornings and then leaves
back for Florida in the evenings. Theres also bigger cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian
cruise lines.

Another option is Balearic Bahamas Express- ferryexpress.com located in Port Everglades in


Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (The base fare in August was $75.00 each way with an
"operational charge of $9.00. The total ticket was $196.00.) The ferry leaves from Port
Everglades Terminal One. There is parking from https://www.bookparkngo.com. Book ahead
for a discount rate. Port Miami offers parking, too at garage J, next to Terminal J.) The ferry
departure dates are seasonal. I would not book a "day trip" since you really have only 4 hours
to look around. The car rentals are at the local non-U.S. airport about 10 minutes away. I
wouldn't book over the phone since the phone service was terrible. There is also a local rental
agency, but they require a three-day minimum.

Climate

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The weather is semi-tropical. Occasionally, freezes affect the area. Usually, though, the
weather is hot and humid.

Get around

The Bahamas is expensive, expect to pay approximately 10% or 15% more than in USA for
the same things. American dollars are received everywhere, and if you pay in cash, many
sellers will not charge you tax.

There are many forms of transportation available in Freeport. Taxis which are available at all
the major tourist stops discuss a flat rate before the trip depending on how far you go and
number of passengers. There are many tour bus services and taxis available to give you a tour
of the city of Freeport and highlight its features which may be more difficult on your own.
Rental Cars is another option to see what Freeport has to offer.

See

Although Freeport may not have the same number of attractions or tourists as Nassau, there
are many activities and places to see for those that are willing to explore.

Places worth visiting:

Lucayan National Park - Home of Gold Rock Beach, this spectacular park was the filming
site of Pirates of the Caribbean II and III. Although mostly underground, the park also
contains one of the cavern entrances to the limestone cave system, one of the largest
underwater cave systems in the world.

Port Lucaya - Port Lucaya is the tourist 'hub' of the island and is the location of many
restaurants and shops. Various water-related activities as well as tours can be organized
through the tourist booths in Port Lucaya. Live music and entertainment is also offered
weekly, although Friday and Saturday nights tend to be the most popular nights (especially
during spring break).

Garden of the Groves - Former private garden of city founder Wallace Groves, this tropical
paradise is well worth your time. http://www.thegardenofthegroves.com/

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Fish Fry(s) - Although there are many local Fish Frys, the most popular is located on Taino
Beach and held every Wednesday evening/night.

Beaches - Freeport is the site of a ridiculous number of amazing white-sand beaches. Some of
the more popular ones are located at Our Lucaya, although for those looking for their own
private location, it is well worth the trip to check out some of the others. The further you
travel; the less other tourists you will see. Recommended locations - Coral Beach, Williams
Town Beach, Xanadu Beach, Taino Beach, Barbarry Beach, Plane-crash Beach, Gold Rock
Beach etc. In general, the entire south side of Grand Bahama Island is beach, while the north
side is mainly mangroves and swamps.

On the water - Various ocean relate activities provide a completely different perspective than
what you will tend to find on land. For those who love swimming, either snorkling or scuba
diving the coral reefs are a must. The amount of tropical fish you will encounter is amazing.
As well, various dive shops offer other interesting dives such as exploring ship wrecks,
diving with sharks or dolphins, as well as exploring under water caverns in the limestone
caves.

Other water related activities include parasailing, jet skiing, glass bottom boat tours, as well
as Booze Cruises.

The rest of the Island - For those more adventurous a trip either out to Maclean's Town or to
West End is well worth while. If you are willing to explore you may be surprised by what
little restaurants, shops, beaches, and hang out places you may discover. It will also give you
a better understanding of the 'true' Bahamas, in contrast to what you will find in Port Lucaya.

Do

The beaches are very nice, and you can book water bikes or diving lessons there. Book
directly in the beach for lower prices.

Do get away from the tourist spot. Drive to 8 Mile Rock and see another side of the Bahamas.
Look for the street that hugs the water and discover ancient Indian natural pools. There are
beautiful secluded beaches at the Lucayan National Park by taking a 10-minute walk through
the Mangrove path. Take in the natural beauty of the curly tailed lizard.

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Buy

The only important market is the Lucayan Market: most of this place has many international
shops with higher prices so don't go there. The market is not so big and if you walk enough.
you will find a place with less fashion and more hand-made souvenirs. Ask for Allan
Robinson, a friendly Rastafari who makes masks, sculptures and souvenirs: the advantage of
shopping with him is that he is not a reseller so you will have better prices and without risk to
buy something made in China.

Off the beaten path, you can go to the local markets such as Butler's. It has a deli that offers
island favorite dishes such as Conch (pronounced conk) salad and mutton stew. Food is far
cheaper in the deli than at the tourist spots. A local's spot is Bo Jangles. It has the most
delicious Tropical Conch Salad. There is also a little tourist area at the same location where
you can buy trinkets, baskets, hair braiding, fruits, and conch shells about half the price of the
tourist areas. Fresh coconut water was $2.00 compared to $5.00 in Lucayan Market.

Eat

In the back of the Lucayan Market are many international restaurants. The cheapest
hamburger is $5 USD: a decent lunch will cost you $20 USD approximately.

Go to the local's spot, Sires (pronounced Sigh-rees or See-rees). Has reasonable prices but
ask the waitress about the special of the day.

Find your way to the "Fruit and Vegetable Exchange" which has two small outdoor places to
eat Bo Jangles and directly across Bo Jangles is Alice's (no sign, but the building is bright
pink). Try the Tropical Conch Salad at Bo Jangles and have the owner fix you his signature
drink). Shop around the small stalls with prices 25-50% cheaper than at the tourist traps.

Drink

Some alcohols are cheaper than in USA or at least are duty free.

Freeport nightlife may not be as vibrant as Nassau nightlife, but it still has alot to offer.

Club Amnesia. This club attracts the likes of locals as well as tourists. One of
Freeports largest night clubs playing a wide variety of hits.

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Prop Club, Radisson Our Lucaya Resort. This club is located on the Radisson Our
Lucaya property. This interactive club engages its guest from karaoke to live
Bahamian bands and even caters to its sports fans with Sports TV Sundays

Also try their "national" drink, Bahama Mama.

Sleep

The hotels are really expensive, and there are NO cheap accommodations; it is better to book
a hotel (4 or 5 stars) before travel or to rent a cabin on a cruise.

Freeport has a wide variety of sleeping accommodations to cater to whatever your trip
specifically needs. From all-inclusive resorts to hotels.

Pelican Bay at Lucaya, Seahorse Rd, Freeport City, (242) 373-9550. Conveniently
located near the Port Lucaya Marketplace as well as walking distance from the beach.
Hotel is small, but still offers many high end amenities including two pools and two
restaurants/ bars.
Radisson Our Lucaya Resort, (242) 373-1333. This resort has many activities to
keep you busy including spending some time at The Senses Spa or try your luck at
Treasure Bay Casino as well as many on site restaurants which offer a variety of tastes
from Bahamian cuisine to Asian, Italian and even Middle Eastern dishes. Also located
at this resort is Prop Club (see Drink)

Get out

Do get out of tourist area. Do eat at Sires. Do talk to locals. Do go to the Lucayan National
Park. Do go to the Fruit and Vegetable Exchange and eat a Tropical Conch Salad.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Freeport_(Bahamas)

Freeport Bahamas

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METTHEW TOWN

Matthew Town is the chief and only settlement on Great Inagua Island of the Bahamas. It is
located on the southwest corner of the island. It was named after Bahamian Governor George
Matthew (1844-1849) and first settled during
his tenure in office. It has several buildings
dating to the 19th century including the 1870
Great Inagua Lighthouse.

Matthew Town, Bahamas


Almost the entire population of Inagua resides in
Matthew Town (approx. 1000 people), and many
of them are employed by the Morton Salt

Matthew Town Company

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Town

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ALICE TOWN

Alice Town is a town in the Bahamas. It is located on North Bimini island and the population
is 300 as of the 2010 census

Alice Town is the center of the tourist trade on Bimini: there are several hotels, bars and
restaurants. North of Alice Town is the main settlement (where most islanders live) called
Bailey Town. To the north of Bailey Town is Porgy Bay.

Transportation

The town is served by South Bimini Airport on nearby South Bimini.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Town

Alice Town Bimini Bahamas Hemingway

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4. Tourism in the Bahamas
4.1 Airlines of the Bahamas
This is a list of airlines which have an Air Operator Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation
Authority of Bahamas.

List of airlines of the Bahamas:

Defunct airlines of the Bahamas:

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4.2 Airports in the Bahamas

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4.3 Cruise ships of the Bahamas

Cruise ships of the Bahamas include cruise ships designed, built, or operated by the Bahamas.

Celestyal Crystal, previously Louis Cristal, is a cruise ship operated by the Cyprus-based
Celestyal Cruises and previously Louis Cruise Lines, both in the Louis Group. The ship was
originally built as the cruise ferry MS Viking Saga in 1980 at Wrtsil Turku New Shipyard,
Turku, Finland for Rederi Ab Sally. In 1986 she was renamed MS Sally Albatross, and rebuilt
into a cruise ship the following year. The ship was destroyed by a fire in 1990, and
completely rebuilt at Finnyards, Rauma, Finland. She was re-delivered in 1992, still named
Sally Albatross. After partially sinking 1994 she was rebuilt at Industrie Navali Maccaniche
Affini, La Spezia, Italy, re-entering service as MS Leeward for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Subsequently she sailed as MS SuperStar Taurus for Star Cruises, MS Silja Opera for Silja
Line and spent a year laid up as MS Opera prior to entering service with her current owner in
2007

Although the 1980 ship and the 1992 ship appear superficially unalike both externally and
internally, they share the same IMO number because they are technically the same ship.

MS Cristal in Istanbul, 2010


MS Viking Saga in original appearance and livery.

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In 2005
Sally Silja Opera's
Albatross as she livery wasafter
appeared altered
the with
1992additional
rebuilding.blue
Thestripes,
model resembling theat
is on display
livery she carried as SallyMaritime
the Finnish AlbatrossMuseum.
between 1992-1994.
4.4 Hotels &
Resorts in the

Bahamas
British Colonial

Hilton Nassau

The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is a luxury five-star or AAA four-diamond


colonial hotel in downtown Nassau, Bahamas, located on
the only private beach in Nassau, on the site of
the Old Fort of Nassau. The

hotel,
originally
opened in 1924, is located in a grand
colonial building and has been described as "the Grand Dame of all
Nassau hotels, the most elegant and most expensive hotel in town", and
"the most distinctive and pleasant of the island's large hotels".

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Website: www.bchiltonnassauhotel.com

Atlantis Paradise Island

Atlantis Paradise Island is an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It


features
a
variety of

accommodations built around Aquaventure, a 141-acre waterscape,


which includes fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools,
marine habitats, and water slides and river rides.

Website: www.atlantisbahamas.com

Baha Mar

Baha Mar is a resort under construction on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas,
owned by Baha Mar Resorts Ltd. and managed by CEO Sarkis Izmirlian. Planned amenities
include four hotels Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar, SLS LUX,
Rosewood at Baha Mar with 2,200 rooms, 284 private residences, a 100,000-square-foot
(9,300 m2) casino, a 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m2) spa, and the Tournament Players Club at
Baha Mar golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

On 30 March 2010 an agreement


on the redevelopment of the resort was announced. The project will be
financed by China Exim Bank while
construction will be
performed by China
Construction America
(CCA). Groundbreaking for
the redevelopment took place on 21
February 2011 with the resort opening
expected on March 27, 2015. The whole project will cost around US$3.5 billion.

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The flagship of the project is the Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, which is planned to have 1,000
rooms and more than 1,100 slot machines and 150 table games. Global Gaming Asset
Management was selected to operate the casino-hotel. As of April 2016, construction had
been halted for nearly a year with the resort 97% complete. Chapter 11 bankruptcy
(permitting reorganization rather than winding-up) was filed on June 29, 2015 in a Delaware
court but dismissed in September. A Bahamian judge put provisional liquidators in charge.
The resort blames delays in construction with no source of income for the problem. CCA
blames the delays on mismanagement by the developer.

http://www.bahamar.com/

Sandals Resorts

Sandals Resorts is a Jamaican operator of all-inclusive resorts for couples in the Caribbean
and part of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company
of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, Grand Pineapple
Beach Resorts, Fowl Cay
Resort and several private
villas. Founded by Jamaican-
born Gordon "Butch"
Stewart in 1981, SRI is
based in Montego Bay,
Jamaica and is responsible
for resort development, service
standards, training and day-to-
day operations. Sandals
Resorts International has properties throughout the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, The
Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Turks & Caicos, and most recently Barbados, and Grenada
with fifteen Sandals Resorts, three Beaches Resorts, two Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts, one
Fowl Cay private island resort and four villa properties in Jamaica.

69
Website: http://www.sandals.com/

Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina

The Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina, also known as the


Xanadu Princess Resort & Marina, is a resort and marina on the
island of Grand Bahama in the Bahamas. Built in 1968, the resort
was purchased by Howard Hughes in 1972 and was for
several years the most celebrated resort in the Caribbean and served
as a hideaway for the Hollywood jet set of the era. The resort
comprises 20 acres (81,000 m2) of beachfront, 215 rooms and an 80 slip marina on the
southern coast of Grand Bahama. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanadu_Beach_Resort_
%26_Marina

Albany, New Providence

Albany is a luxury resort community on the island of New Providence in The Bahamas,
which opened October 2010. Tavistock Group, Tiger Woods, and Ernie Els created the
community on approximately 600 oceanfront acres on the southwestern end of the island.
Albany offers a broad array of amenities, including an Els-designed 18-hole championship
golf course, a luxury boutique hotel, a family water park, an adult pool, a spa and fitness
center, a children's clubhouse, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a 71-slip mega-yacht
marina that will feature luxury residences designed by some of the most respected [according
to whom?] architects in the world.

Albany is named after a historic pink Bahamian colonial mansion called Albany House,
which was formerly owned by French film maker Jean Chalopin, the creator of the animated
television series Inspector Gadget.

Albany House also served as arch villain Dimitrios beachfront home in the 2006 James Bond
movie Casino Royale.

Many top professional golfers are members of Albany, including Els, Woods, Tim Clark,
Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter, and Justin Rose.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albany,_New_Providence

Resorts World Bimini

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Resorts World Bimini Bahamas is a 750-acre Caribbean beachfront resort and casino located
on North Bimini Island. It is operated by the Malaysia-based Genting Group. Their corporate
office for the southeast USA is located in
downtown Miami, Florida. The
resort is located in Bimini,
Bahamas, 42 miles east of
Miami, Florida.

http://rwbimini.com/

4.5 Tourist attractions in the Bahamas


National Art Gallery of the Bahamas

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is


an art gallery in Nassau, The Bahamas. In
September 2011 the gallery announced
Amanda Coulson, as the new Director and 4
new staff appointments. John Cox joined the
gallery in January 2012 as Chief Curator.

http://nagb.org.bs/_m1640/News/2011-
Appointments

Conception Island National Park

The Conception Island National Park is a protected area in the Bahamas. The island lies
between Cat Cays to the north and Rum Cay to the south. The vegetation consists of
mangrove communities, with typical strand vegetation, and the island is visited by green
turtles, sea birds and migrating birds.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a protected area in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas.
The protected area extends from Shroud Cay in the north to Bell Cay in the south. The

71
vegetation consists of mangrove communities, with the east sides being clad in low scrub and
the western sides with taller scrub. There are many epiphytic orchids and bromeliads.

Inagua National Park

Inagua National Park is a national park on the island of Great Inagua in The Bahamas. It was
established in 1965 and has an area of 220,000 acres (890 km2).

From as far back as 1904 there was rising concern about the West Indian flamingo
populations. During the 1960s, the Bahamas National Trust formed the Inagua National Park,
which is where the world's largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingoes can be found.
Forty years ago this flamingo species made a comeback from the brink of extinction to a
colony of over 50,000 birds. The park has contributed to increasing bird populations in
nearby islands such as Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Cuba, and Andros. In 1997 the
park was designated a wetland of international importance. It is also known as a bird
watchers' paradise as it was designated an Important Bird Area.

The park encloses all of Lake Rosa, the largest salt-water lake in the Bahamas.

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre in Nassau, The Bahamas opened in 1937
though the work of the Jamaican horticulturist, Hedley Vivian Edwards.

From the Latin Ardua astrum,


Ardastra means "Striving for the
stars".

In the 1950s the Bahamian government brought


flamingoes with the intention of
breeding, as they had become rare
there. In 1982 the gardens were
bought by Bahamian, Mr. Norman
Solomon, who started the first Bahamian zoo. Best known for its flamingos, the zoo now has
about 200 animals.

72
http://www.ardastra.com/

4.6 Dolphin Encounters

Dolphin Encounters is a natural seawater dolphin facility


located on Blue Lagoon Island, (Salt Cay), Nassau,
Bahamas. The company started as a rescue facility in
1989. The beach scenes in the movie Splash were taped
on Blue Lagoon Island and the facility houses Atlantic
bottlenose dolphins, (tursiops truncatus) and California
sea lions. Dolphin Encounters is owned and operated
by a local family. The facility has received a Cacique
Award from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. In
2003, Dolphin Encounters and Project B.E.A.C.H.
received the Cacique Award from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
http://www.dolphinencounters.com/

History

Blue Lagoon Island, a private island previously known as Salt Cay, was used by pirates and
privateers in the 19th century. From 1916 to 1979, the island was owned by John T.
McCutcheon, an American political cartoonist and Pulitzer Prize winner. In October 1979,
L.A. Meister became the 6th owner.

Dolphin Encounters began in Nassau, Bahamas when two dolphins from a closed aquarium
were rescued and relocated to a large seawater habitat in Abaco, Bahamas. Soon after, six
more dolphins were imported into the facility on Salt Cay. A few years later, the marine park

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on Blue Lagoon Island opened. In 1995, after a multimillion-dollar expansion, the operation
was renamed Dolphin Encounters.

Location and facilities

Dolphin Encounters is located on Blue


Lagoon Island, 1 mile from Paradise Island and
Nassau, Bahamas. The only way to access
Dolphin Encounters is by boat. The island
encompasses over 3 acres of natural saltwater
habitat, research & educational center with
classrooms, photo & video lab, gift shops, restaurant, and guest services.

Dolphin Encounters has waterproof wheelchairs for handicapped visitors to interact with
dolphins.

Hollywood connection

In 1996, Universal Studios


used three Dolphin Encounter
owned dolphins in the movie
Flipper. Some of the dolphins
also starred in the Mary Kate &
Ashley Olsen adventure film,
"Holiday in the Sun." A couple
of the sea lions have starred as
the lead in the movies
"Andre"[6] and "Slappy and the Stinkers." In 2013, Dolphin Encounters served as the
location for Beyonc's H&M promo video "Standing on the Sun."

Professional affiliations

Member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (I.M.A.T.A)


Member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (A.M.M.P.A)
Member of the Bahamas National Coastal Awareness Committee (NCAC)

Educational programs

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The facility offers education and marine conservation programs to local schools and
underprivileged children.

Interactive programs

The facility offers several interactive programs to the public as well as a Program
Observation. Interactive programs include Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Encounter, Sea Lion
Encounter, Stingray Swim, and Beach Day on Blue Lagoon Island.

Non-profit

A non-profit element of the marine park called Project B.E.A.C.H (Bahamas Education
Association for Cetacean Health) hosts and organizes the annual coastal cleanup event in the
Bahamas, a worldwide volunteer effort led by Ocean Conservancy. The facility has
participated in the Make-A-Wish Foundation program and research programs involving the
dolphins and dolphins in the wild to help scientists learn more about marine mammals.

Awards

In 2003, Dolphin Encounters and Project B.E.A.C.H were awarded the Cacique Award - the
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's highest honor for excellence in tourism.

In 2009, Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island became the first member of the
International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) to receive accreditation for their
animal trainer program. [11] In 2009, Dolphin Encounters earned re-accreditation for
Excellence in Mammal Care by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums
(AMMPA), an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos,
research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care
for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific
study, and wildlife presentations.

Marine mammals

Dolphins and sea lions

All of the dolphins at the facility are native to Bahamian waters. The original group of sea
lions were displaced following Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport, Mississippi.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphin_Encounters

4.7 Other Destinations


Several cruise lines operate private island retreats in the Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line owns
Castaway Cay, Norweigan Cruise Line owns Great Stirrup Cay, Princess Cruise Line owns
Princess Cay, Holland America Cruise Line/Carnival Cruise Line Own Half Moon Cay, and
Royal Caribbean owns Coco Cay (aka Little Stirrup Cay). To visit these islands, you usually
have to be a passenger on the cruise line that owns the island.
Dolphin Encounters is an all-natural seawater dolphin facility with Atlantic Bottlenose
Dolphins and California Sea Lions located on Blue Lagoon Island, (Salt Cay), a private island
retreat and tourist attraction 5 km (three miles) from Nassau, Bahamas.

5. Get in
Visa-free
Citizens of Antigua and
Barbuda, Belgium, Canada,
Denmark (including
Greenland and Faroe Islands),
Greece, Iceland, Italy,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
Switzerland, Turkey, the
United Kingdom (excepting
its territories), and the United
Yachts aplenty, Paradise
States (excepting its Island
territories and those residing in Puerto Rico) can visit 8 months visa-free.

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Citizens of all EU/EEA member states not listed above, all British and American overseas
territories, plus Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh,
Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Cape Verde, Chile, China
(PRC), Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, the Gambia, Georgia,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati,
Kuwait, Lesotho, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands,
Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman,
Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, So Tom and Prncipe,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka,
Suriname, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab
Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe can visit 3
months visa-free.
Visitors will be asked to complete an immigration form, which must be (presumably)
returned upon departure from the Bahamas.
Holders of diplomatic or official passports issued to nationals of Haiti and holders of
diplomatic, official or service passports issued to nationals of Cuba do not require a visa for
the Bahamas.

Visa
If you require a visa to enter the Bahamas, you might be able to apply for one at a British
embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no
Bahamian diplomatic post. For example, the British embassies in Al Khobar, Amman,
Belgrade, Budapest, Damascus, Guatemala City, Helsinki, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kiev, Moscow,
Phnom Penh, Prague, Pristina, Qatar, Rabat, Riga, Riyadh, Rome, Sofia, Tallinn, Tashkent,
Vienna, Warsaw and Zagreb accept Bahamian visa applications (this list is not exhaustive).
British diplomatic posts charge 50 to process a Bahamian visa application and an extra 70
if the authorities in the Bahamas require the visa application to be referred to them. The
authorities in the Bahamas can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with
you directly.
Travelers returning to the United States from the Caribbean must display their passport to get
back into the States. This applies to minor children as well as adults. US immigration pre-
clearance facilities are available at Nassau and Freeport.

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By plane
The largest airports in the Bahamas are at the capital Nassau, on New Providence, and
Freeport, on Grand Bahama. Smaller airports are scattered amongst the other islands. As of
July 1, 2013, a new tax has been imposed on planes landing in the Bahamas, whether it be
private or commercial, for a stay or a technical stop, all will now incur an extra usage fee.
Private flights using the C7A Inward General Declaration forms will be charged a $50.00 fee
upon arrival, paid to Customs. The Outbound General Declaration Form is covered in the
initial fee. Commercial flights using the C7 Inward General Declaration forms will now be
charged a $75.00 when entering and another $75.00 when exiting the Bahamas to be
collected by Customs. These taxes are in addition to the Departure tax of $25.00 per person,
including crew.

By boat
The Bahamas are a popular port of call for cruise ships plying the Caribbean. The capital,
Nassau, on New Providence Island is one of the world's busiest cruise ship ports, and is well
served by ships that originate from Florida. Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is a growing
destination as well.
Most island groups have customs and immigration available for those arriving by yacht. The
customs fee for a private yacht is $150 for 35' and under and $300 for over 35'.
Royal Caribbean has their own island in the Bahamas called Coco Cay. This island is leased
by Royal Caribbean, rather than being fully owned such as Disney's ownership arrangement
for Castaway Cay. It is strictly for Royal Caribbean cruises. The island has 25 little shops for
souvenirs and their own private beaches, as well as water games in the middle of the clear
crystal blue ocean. They have a BBQ and main picnic area for the cruise employees as well
as the people that Royal Caribbean hire to live and work on the island. Royal Caribbean is
busy all year round because of the hot climate in the Bahamas, that they have frequent
travelers through all the months of the year.
Disney's Castaway Cay, formerly known as Gorda Cay, is a privately owned island near the
island of Abaco, close to Sandy Point. This island differs from most of the leased cars in the
fact that it is privately owned by The Walt Disney Company and has its own dock so that
tendering is not necessary. Castaway Cay has separate areas for families, teens and adults.
The island also contains a fiber optic network which connects to the ship.

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There are ferries that leave from Fort Lauderdale.

Yachts and shallow water


The coastal Bahamas is defined by its shallow waters and it is distinguishable from most
other Island areas of the Caribbean for this reason. Bahamas actually equates to shallow
water in old Spanish. Shallow coastal water is a doubled edged sword for tourism, because
although it often means the scenery, beaches, anchorages and landscapes are scenic and
perfect for water based activities it also means yachts with deep draughts cannot easily cruise
the area. One solution is catamarans and another is shallow draught motor yachts. There are a
number of shallow boats based in the area and typically shallow boats visit in larger numbers
than deeper ones. Accordingly, visiting and local yacht charter boats tend to also have
shallow keels.

6. Get around
By plane
Bahamas air offers a comprehensive network radiating out from Nassau and covering most
population centers. However, fares are expensive, frequencies are low, planes are small and
the airline is notorious for extensive delays, and many travelers in a hurry opt to charter
planes instead.
Another option to travel around the islands of the Bahamas is to take some of the newest
alternative airlines such as Sky Bahamas, Western Air, Southern Air, Flamingo, Pineapple or
Lee Air. Sky Bahamas occasionally travels into Ft Lauderdale to and from the Bahamas from
Bimini Island. But the other airlines as mentioned before can take you from Nassau (the
capital) to Freeport in the North to as far as Rum Cay in the Southern Bahamas. Check out
the destination list below to see which airline flies to which destination in the Bahamas.

Sky Bahamas- Nassau to Freeport, Exuma, Long Island, Bimini, Abaco, Cat Island & Ft
Lauderdale.
Western Air- Nassau to Freeport, Abaco, Bimini, Andros
Flamingo Air- Nassau to Staniel Cay, Exuma
Lee Air- Nassau to Eleuthera, Staniel Cay, Exuma
Southern Air- Nassau to Eleuthera, Long Island, Rum Cay, Cat Island
Pineapple Air- Nassau to Eleuthera, Cat Island

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By bus
Nassau/New Providence have a system of buses called jitneys, discussed in the Nassau
article. Bus travel on the other islands (with the exception of Grand Bahama) is very limited.

By taxi
Taxis are very expensive. A short ride from the airport to Cable Beach costs $18 and to
downtown Nassau is $26. Between Cable Beach and downtown Nassau expect to pay $15-
$20 with no room to negotiate.
By car
Major car rental agencies are available at the international airports at Nassau and Freeport but
are harder to find on the Out Islands.
The car rental agencies at the airports use the secure parking lot model where they walk out
with you to the car. When you come back, you go back into the car rental center to return the
key and close out your account.
Unfortunately, like many other CARICOM nations, the Bahamas government has failed to
implement common sense reforms to make rental cars visually indistinguishable from
ordinary private vehicles. Rental cars are marked as such by a "SD" (self-drive) prefix on
their license plate numbers, which marks tourists as targets.
Bahamians drive on the left - like the United Kingdom - and the speed limits are in miles per
hour. However, owing to the proximity to the United States, many vehicles are left hand
drive. Therefore, take extra care whilst driving.
The Bahamas follow the British tendency to implement roundabouts instead of traffic lights
where space allows. Most Bahamians drive aggressively and recklessly, similar to New York
City residents, and this is most evident in congested central Nassau. Lane markings fade
rapidly in the tropical heat and rain, there are huge potholes everywhere, signage (especially
street name signs) is frequently missing or unclear, and driveways lack the reflecting mirrors
used in the United States to help drivers see around blind corners.
Renting a car is very expensive in Nassau and Freeport ($80 per day and up) and less
expensive ($60 per day and up) on the Out Islands. Many car rental agencies do not offer
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or cannot offer CDW that will completely reduce your
liability for damage to the vehicle to $0. Most Nassau agencies offer relatively new vehicles
but that is not always the case on the other islands.

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Also, many luxury resorts have only valet parking or charge high self-parking fees.
Remember that you are not in Hawaii or Puerto Rico; the Bahamas lack significant mountains
or tropical rain forests and are dominated by scrub brush. (There were a few forests on some
of the larger islands but they were all cut down by early European settlers.) Outside of the
cities, resorts, and beaches, there is really not that much beautiful scenery to see. Thus,
whether you can justify the cost of renting a car comes down to the pure convenience of
being able to go where you please when you please, without having to wait for a jitney or
having to keep finding and paying taxi drivers.

By boat and yacht


Mail boats serve almost all populated islands in the Bahamas, and are amongst the
cheapest way to reach many areas, though far from the fastest or most comfortable.
The government has a mailboat schedule of mailboat routes online which may or may
not reflect reality.
Yacht charters are common, especially for wealthy visitors who hire larger super and
mega yachts for the high season in the Caribbean.

7. Talk
While English is the official language of the Bahamas, a vast majority of the population
speaks Bahamian Dialect. There are some minor regional differences from island to island in
terms of pronunciation.

African influence in Bahamian dialect, some African words and expressions have been
retained, such as:
yinna - you (plural) (Yoruba) jook (v.) - to stab or poke (Fulani). nanny -(v.n.)- feces or the
act of defecation (probably of Kongo origin, from the word nene, of similar meaning) cut eye
- an expression found in many Caribbean and Atlantic creoles, meaning to glare, literally
squint or 'cut' your eyes /roll your eye Jumbay - ghost, related to the Kongo word nzumbi of
similar meaning Yam - to eat, still in use in some southern and eastern islands, related to the
African word nyam' Bey - meaning boy or a young boy or young lady

8. See

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Bahamas beaches are an attraction in themselves but Bahamas is known for also possessing
landmarks. Some landmarks include The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation
(formerly known as The Vendue House) and Paradise Island which possesses many
attractions in itself. There are Forts and monuments all over the city of Nassau and they are
open every day for your viewing pleasure. Also there are several art galleries such as the
National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, the Central Bank (Lobby), the National Treasury
building (Lobby), the D'Aguliar Art foundation and many others where you can view original
Bahamian works of art.
Take the distillery tour at John Watlings or try out the Tru Bahamas Food Tours where you
can restaurant hop and enjoy authentic Bahamian food at its best. Or be the artist for the day
and pop in to the Earth & Fire Pottery Studio and create your own work of art there or try out
the Bahama Hand Prints Studio and learn the unique craft in making our national Ambrosia
prints and designs.

9. Do
Water is a big part of the Bahamas and its perfect for water sports, kiteboarding, kayaking,
snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, bone fishing, wave runners, island boat tours, wild dolphin
excursions and even shark encounters. Averaging 80F year-round, its like warm bath water.

Other activities include boat cruise excursions like the Booze Cruise or the Flying Cloud,
trying your luck at the Casino at Paradise Island Atlantis Casino, the Crystal Palace Casino at
the Cable Beach Strip, or in Bimini. There are many eco/environmental tours and
opportunities to get to know the wild life up close and plenty of activities for the kids at
Atlantis, Adastra Gardens or at Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island.
For the nature lovers there are several Eco Adventures like the nature walks at the Clifton
Heritage Site and various Cave tours in Nassau and on many other islands. There is also
Golfing at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island or at Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, then you can opt to rent a vehicle and tour the
islands by yourself. If in Nassau many opt to visit the National Art Gallery, the Pirates
Museum, and several historic sites like Fort Charlotte or Fort Montague just to name a few. If
you want more water action you can sign up for the "Booze Cruise", the Flying Cloud tour or
book a day excursion to Rose or Blue Lagoon Island and enjoy swimming, beach pic nick's or
meet the friendly Dolphins.

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There are also many festivals that go on year round in the Bahamas especially during the
summer time like the Goombay (Nassau), Pineapple (Eleuthera) and Rack n' Scrap (Cat
Island) Festivals. Lastly you can occasionally view a Junkanoo performance in the summer
time as well.
Bahamas Dolphin Encounters (Swim with Dolphins in the Bahamas), One Marina
Drive, P.O. Box SS-6257, Nassau, (800) 205-0729. No Bahamas vacation would
be complete without an encounter with dolphins, and booking a dolphin experience
through Bahamas Dolphin Encounters is a sure way to make sure this dream comes
true for you and your family. It's an incredible feeling to get up close and personal
with friendly dolphins, and even on a deserted island or in the open ocean.

10. Buy
The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), but it's tied to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio
and US dollars are accepted everywhere at par. There is thus no need for Americans to change
money, and many tourist-oriented businesses will even give change back in US$. Do keep an
eye out for the famous (but now rare) three-dollar bill and 15-cent coin, both originally made
to ease the 1966 transition from British pounds to dollars, $3 being roughly equivalent to 1
and $0.15 approximating a shilling. If you are coming from Bermuda, East Timor, or Panama,
you will also find that the Bermudan Dollar, East Timor Centavo, and Panamanian Balboa
coins are in equal value to the Bahamian dollar, but you will still need to exchange your
currencies. But understanding the prices will not be a problem.
All the usual Caribbean luxury retailers are found in Nassau and Freeport, including both
stand-alone boutiques for international luxury brands as well as regional Caribbean retailers
that specialize in representing multiple brands.
There is very little made in the Bahamas, but some luxury goods can be purchased at a
bargain, although you should do your research in advance and make sure you can properly
import any purchases under your home country's duty-free allowance.
On 1 Jan 2015, the Bahamas replaced the 10% Hotel Guest Tax with a broad-based 7.5%
Value Added Tax (VAT). Because the Hotel Guest Tax primarily targeted tourists and the VAT
targets both tourists and locals, you can't get a refund for it.
Salespeople in the Straw Markets (arts and crafts markets) have a very direct but often
humorous manner of negotiating the price of a product. A sense of humor is greatly
appreciated in this island nation.

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Groceries (including fresh fruits and vegetables) must be imported (see the "Eat" section
below) and are very expensive. Most brands are similar to those found in the mainland United
States but certain UK and European brands are also available. Some brands are found
primarily in their Caribbean/South American versions (i.e., Kit Kat) instead of their U.S.
version. U.S. tourists may be shocked to realize that prices are similar to those of Aruba or
other remote destinations in the southern Caribbean, even though the Bahamas sit just off the
Florida coast.
Beware of purchasing Cuban cigars. The vast majority of "Cubans" for sale in the Bahamas
are counterfeit. Only buy cigars from reputable and dedicated tobacconists, do not buy on the
street, in the market, or from rinky-dink combination cigar/liquor shops. Real Cubans cost
upwards of USD30 per cigar. If the price is $10, it's 100% fauxhiba. If you do plan to buy
cigars, some online research may assist you in identifying authentic Cubans. The Havana
Journal Counterfeit Vs Real Cohibas may be particularly useful to you.

11. Eat
As you'd expect in an island nation,
seafood is very popular. The national dish is conch
(pronounced "conk" with a hard K), a type of mollusk,
served deep-fried ("cracked") or raw with a twist of
lemon, and as elsewhere in the Caribbean, the
classic accompaniment is peas and rice.
Cracked conch looks like and tastes a little
like fried calamari, but conch meat is
tougher than squid and has a stronger flavor. Cracked conch, peas and rice, coleslaw and a
cold Kalik beer
Like most islands in the region, the Bahamas is unable to grow the majority of fresh fruits
and vegetables and lacks ranching capability to grow chicken or cattle on an industrial scale.
As a result, all those items must be imported from the mainland, either via air cargo or in
refrigerated container units. Expect any dish based primarily on such imported items (as
opposed to local items like conch) to cost at least as twice as much as its mainland
counterpart or even higher.
Ordinary meals can be purchased for anywhere from $5-25 a plate. Authentic island food can
be found at the Fish Fry, a collection of small open-air restaurants where many locals hang
out. Meals can be had for about $8. Sunday night the locals flock to this area for some

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authentic Bahamian nightlife. You can find fast-food chains such as KFC or McDonald's,
especially in the downtown areas, but because the Bahamas is a heavily tourism-oriented
country, you can find many nice restaurants serving many different cuisines. Most restaurants
serve American or British food, though you can easily find the normal island flair, especially
during the Fish Fry during June. A 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill at
most establishments; additional tips are optional.
Service is distinct from the American standard. There is a concentration on the customer at
hand. You are expected to patiently wait your turn. At fast food restaurants the server will
take care of only the first customer until they have left the service area. Don't expect to be in
a hurry even at a fast food establishment.
Service in the Bahamas takes place at a relaxed pace. Travelers can expect a leisurely pace to
their meal. Expect polite, if slow, service at most establishments.

12. Drink
Carbonated drinks
Soda can be quite expensive in the hotels, and you will find it only on a soda tap if you are in
a good restaurant; otherwise, you will usually get it in a can. The cheapest way to get this
would be to go to a local "Food Mart."
"Goombay Punch" is the local soda. It has a pineapple flavor and is what the locals call a
"Sweet" soda versus a cola. It is sold in cans at all grocery stores and also available in almost
every Bahamian eatery.
Non-alcoholic malt beverages are also very popular. The primary brand of choice is Vita-
Malt.

Beer
Kalik is the national beer of the Bahamas and is always served at "all-inclusive" resorts.
There are three rather distinct types: "Kalik regular" which has 4% alcohol and a smooth
refreshing taste, "Kalik Light" which has been often compared to a Budweiser is a light lager
which delivers the same great taste as the regular kalik but with a lower alcohol content and
less calories, "Kalik Gold" has 7% alcohol, though very potent it has an excellent taste, which
gives you an extra feel of the island. Guinness is also very popular.

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A new beer is available -- called Sands. It can be obtained at many resorts and in the local
liquor stores. It is a similar style product to Kalik. Sands is now readily available in both
regular and light.
Imported beer can be incredibly expensive in the hotels but is not overly priced in bars and
liquor stores. Cases of beer are available in a variety of Duty Free liquor stores.
In Freeport, the Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina has many bars offering two Kaliks (and
some other brews) for $5.

The drinking age is 18, however it is weakly enforced and teenage drinking is common.

Hard Liquors
The Bahamas has significant amount of liquor stores in relation to the population of the
country. You can find liquors stores downtown, in the hotels, the port lucaya marketplace and
as you continue to the tour the island, if you may not be sure of exactly where one may be
located please feel free to ask for assistance.

Rum
This the best choice of drinks in the Bahamas. It's as cheap as you can get ($2-10 a bottle),
tastes great, and it's made fresh by 3 different companies, the largest being the Bacardi Rum
factory on New Providence south of Nassau, where you can take tours and get free drinks if
you go on a 2-hour bus ride. Plant is now closed.
The Bahamas has its own native rum to offer with a variety of brands which include Ron
Ricardo rum, Ole Nassau Rum and a very popular Fire in the Hole Rum, while this fire in the
hole rum is gold in color it has a very distinct bottle label which is sure to be a good
conversation piece in the home. The Ron Ricardo rums and Ole Nassau rums both come in a
variety of flavors. Ron Ricardo has the best leading coconut rum which is used to make the
ever so popular island drink "The Bahama Mamma". Other flavors include mango, pineapple
and banana, a gold rum, light rum and one 151 rums. The Ole Nassau rum also offers all of
the flavors to that of the Ron Ricardo. Its bottle label too is very unique and creative
portraying a pirate ship along the Bahama Islands.

13. Sleep

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Accommodation in the Bahamas is expensive, and there is virtually no backpacker/hostel-
type lodging. The cheapest hotels start at around $70, and most hotels cost $200-300/night,
with the very best resorts easily pushing up above $500. Deals may be available in the
summer off-season though.
Be aware the Bahamas charge a "Service Fee or Resort Fee" to every person staying
overnight. Hotels collect the fee of $18 per night per person as well as a $6 per person one-
time bellhop fee. This is an addition to the rate of the room and is not optional and cannot be
waived. Often tourists first hear about this when checking into their hotel for the first
time.The Bahamas Government levies a Hotel Guest Tax which is payable by each guest.
This tax is 10% of the hotel rate, it submitted monthly to the Bahamas Government by the
hotel operator.

Hotels in the Bahamas may levy a number of other charges upon guests in addition to the
standard bill, including; gratuities-maid/bellman), a hotel 'Levy' (Promotion Board), cable,
telephone, water & sewerage, energy surcharge, pool/towels.
Most hotels and resorts in the Bahamas are located in New Providence (Nassau) and
neighboring Paradise Island. The rest of the country remains rather off the beaten track for
tourism, and places like Eleuthero, despite being 100 miles long, has only three hotels.

14. Learn
School attendance in Bahamas is required between the ages of 5 to 16. Out of the 210
primary schools run in the country, 158 are operated by the government. The remaining 52
schools are operated by private owners. Higher education is also offered by many non-
Bahamian colleges in the country.
The College of the Bahamas is the main institution that offers post-secondary education in the
country with several schools including an undergraduate business school, an undergraduate
social science. Other tertiary educational institutions in the country include Success Training
College, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and Nova Southeastern University. The
University of the West Indies also has a campus in the Bahamas.
There are also some international universities that offer programs in the country such as the
University of Miami's MBA program.

15. Work

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In most cases non-citizens may not work within The Bahamas. There are exceptions for those
possessing skills not available from a Bahamian, as well as migrants of Creole descent who
may or may not be in the Bahamas legally. The employer must show legitimate proof of
strenuous searching for a suitable Bahamian prior to applying for a work permit for the
foreign candidate. However, any ordinary position that does not require any specialized skills
will not readily qualify as an employment opportunity for a foreigner. Should a foreign nation
apply for a position as a maid or anything along that line of employment, they would
definitely be denied the occupation. This line of employment shows no necessary skills that a
Bahamian could not possess.
Tourism is the main industry followed by banking.
50 percent of the national GDP is generated by tourism.

16. Stay safe


By the middle of the year 2007, the country had already recorded 42 murders. The murder
count for 2010 was 96. Police statistics will show that most murders are linked to domestic
violence or gang related disputes, mostly fuelled by competition in the illegal drug trade. In
2011 the Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force stated that the vast majority of
murder victims in New Providence (Nassau), were already well known to police. A report
done by an international body stated that The Bahamas ranks amongst the top for crimes
committed against women. However, to maintain good local and international relations, the
police have increased their presence and the judicial system vowed to bring about "swift
justice".
Visitors should exercise caution and good judgement when visiting The Bahamas. Violent
crime has increased in the recent past, and the American Embassy has received several
reports of sexual assaults on American tourists, including teen-aged girls.
Firearms
It is illegal to import a firearm or ammunition into The Bahamas or to possess a firearm in the
country without appropriate permission. Tourists who arrive by private boat are required to
declare firearms to Bahamian Customs and leave firearms on the boat while in The Bahamas.
Penalties for illegal possession of a firearm or ammunition are strict, and can involve heavy
fines, lengthy prison terms, or both.
Penalties
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar
offences. Persons violating Bahamian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or

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imprisoned. Police enforcement is aggressive in tourist areas, as drug dealers are known to
frequent areas where tourists congregate. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal
drugs in the Bahamas are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy
fines.

17. Stay healthy


The adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has reached 3.0%, which is 3 in 100 adults. Be careful
who you take home and use a condom.

18. Respect
Bahamians are good-natured but do not suffer fools gladly.

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