Bahamas Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore the Bahamas: From the Vibrant Streets of Nassau to the Serene Beaches of Exuma

National Flag of the Bahamas

Top 15 Most Searched Questions About the Bahamas

The capital is Nassau, located on New Providence, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant markets.

Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, and many other countries don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. More in our Documents tab.

The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. More in our Currency tab.

Generally safe, but petty crime can occur in Nassau and Freeport. More in our Safety tab.

English is the official language, though locals often speak Bahamian Creole in casual settings.

It’s famous for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and attractions like the Exuma Cays and Junkanoo festival. More in our Top Attractions tab.

December to April offers dry, sunny weather with temperatures around 75-85°F. The rainy season (June-November) can bring hurricanes.

It can be pricey—budget travelers spend around $120-$180 per day. Resorts are expensive, but local food stalls are affordable.

Tap water is usually safe in tourist areas like Nassau, but bottled water is recommended on remote islands.

Highlights include the Exuma Cays, Atlantis Paradise Island, and Dean’s Blue Hole. More in our Top Attractions tab.

Tropical, with average temperatures of 80°F year-round. The dry season is December to April, while June to November is wetter.

Yes, Junkanoo on December 26 and January 1 features colorful parades and music. The Bahamas International Film Festival draws global attention in December.

Popular souvenirs include straw hats, handmade jewelry, and Bahamian rum from markets in Nassau.

Taxis cost $15-$30 for short trips. Car rentals are $50-$70 per day. Ferries connect islands like Nassau and Exuma ($20-$50 one-way).

Try conch salad, cracked fish, and guava duff. Wash it down with a Goombay Smash. More in our Local Cuisine tab.

About the Bahamas

The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays in the western Caribbean, spans 5,358 square miles, with only 30 islands inhabited. Nassau, the capital on New Providence, is the economic and cultural hub, featuring historic forts, bustling markets, and pastel-colored colonial buildings. The population is around 400,000 (2023 estimate), predominantly of African descent, with English as the official language and Bahamian Creole widely spoken in informal settings. Gaining independence from Britain in 1973, the Bahamas remains part of the Commonwealth, with King Charles III as its monarch. The islands are world-renowned for their turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and luxury resorts like Atlantis on Paradise Island. Tourism and offshore banking drive the economy, supplemented by fishing and agriculture, including exports of citrus fruits and seafood. The tropical climate averages 80°F year-round, with a dry season from December to April—the best time to visit—and a rainy season from June to November, which can bring hurricanes. Budget travelers can expect to spend $120-$180 per day, with local meals like conch salad costing $8-$15 at roadside stalls. Taxis are the main transport in Nassau ($15-$30 for short trips), while car rentals ($50-$70 per day) are useful for exploring islands like Grand Bahama. Ferries connect islands like Exuma and Eleuthera ($20-$50 one-way). Cultural events like Junkanoo, held on December 26 and January 1, bring vibrant parades, traditional music, and dance. The islands’ history, from indigenous Lucayan inhabitants to British colonization, is evident in sites like Fort Charlotte in Nassau. The Bahamas also offers natural wonders like the Exuma Cays, where you can swim with pigs, and Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the world’s deepest underwater sinkholes. With its laid-back vibe, rich Afro-Caribbean culture, and stunning natural beauty, the Bahamas is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a tropical escape.

Visa & Passport for the Bahamas: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. If transiting through another country (e.g., the US), it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from that country. For direct travel from the Bahamas, 3 months validity beyond departure is sufficient. Children require their own passports—they cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU (including Schengen countries), US, Canada, the UK, and many Commonwealth nations do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Schengen-area citizens (e.g., from France, Germany, Italy) can travel visa-free under an EU-Bahamas agreement, allowing a 90-day stay within a 6-month period. Indian nationals holding a valid visa or permanent residency in the US, UK, Canada, or a Schengen country can obtain a visa on arrival for 90 days. Other nationalities, such as those from Cuba, Iran, and Vietnam, must apply for an e-visa through the official Bahamas immigration website. A single-entry e-visa is valid for 3 months, while multiple-entry visas can be valid for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on prior visa history.
  • Schengen-Specific Information: If traveling from a Schengen country and transiting through the US, your stay in the Bahamas counts toward the 90 days within 180 days allowed by your ESTA (for the US). Check your visa status with US authorities to avoid issues upon return.
  • Other Requirements: A return or onward ticket is required, along with proof of accommodation (hotel booking or private address). You must show sufficient funds (approximately $200 USD per day). Declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 USD upon entry and departure. If traveling from a country with a yellow fever risk, a vaccination certificate is mandatory.

Driving in the Bahamas: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: A valid international driving permit (IDP) or a national driver’s license from the EU, US, or Canada is accepted for up to 3 months. After this period, a local license is required (available for $25 USD).
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the left side. Speed limits are typically 30 mph in towns and 50 mph on highways. Seatbelts are mandatory, and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited without a hands-free device.
  • Road Conditions: Roads in Nassau are well-maintained, but on islands like Andros, they can be unpaved and bumpy. Watch for stray animals on rural roads.
  • Car Rental: Available in Nassau and Freeport for $50-$70 per day. Book ahead during peak season (December-April).
  • Parking: Parking is often free outside Nassau, but paid zones ($1-$2 per hour) apply in downtown areas.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 911 for emergencies, including police, ambulance, or fire services.

Currency in the Bahamas: Using the Bahamian Dollar for Your Trip

  • Bahamian Dollar (BSD): The official currency, pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. US dollars are widely accepted everywhere.
  • Currency Exchange: Banks and ATMs in Nassau and Freeport offer the best rates. Airport exchange booths charge higher fees.
  • Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is necessary at small stalls and on remote islands.
  • Costs: A local meal costs $8-$15 USD, while a mid-range hotel in Nassau costs $150-$250 USD per night.

Legal Guide for the Bahamas: Laws Travelers Need to Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession, including marijuana, is illegal and can lead to imprisonment, even with a medical prescription.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect local traditions, especially during Junkanoo. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photographing government buildings or military areas is prohibited without permission.
  • Public Behavior: Public drunkenness and topless sunbathing are illegal and can result in fines.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol duty-free. Declare cash exceeding $10,000 USD.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 911 for emergencies. For non-urgent matters, contact the Royal Bahamas Police Force at 242-322-4444.

Travel Safety in the Bahamas: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in Nassau and Freeport. Keep valuables in a safe and avoid isolated areas after dark.
  • Road Safety: Be cautious while driving, especially on narrow roads outside Nassau. Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting.
  • Health Risks: No major health risks, but use insect repellent against mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season (June-November).
  • Natural Hazards: Hurricanes can occur from June to November. Monitor local weather reports and be prepared for evacuation plans.
  • Scams: Be wary of unregistered taxi drivers or watersport vendors. Book through official companies.
  • Medical Facilities: Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau is the main hospital. Travel insurance is recommended.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 911 for emergencies. The US Embassy in Nassau can be reached at 242-322-1181.

Culture & Etiquette in the Bahamas: What to Know

  • Greetings: A friendly “good morning” or “good afternoon” is customary. Handshakes are common for formal introductions.
  • Dining Customs: Tipping 15% is standard in restaurants, often automatically added to the bill.
  • Community Respect: Bahamians are welcoming—be respectful and avoid loud behavior in quiet areas.
  • Festivals: Junkanoo (December 26 and January 1) features parades with traditional costumes and music. The Goombay Festival in summer celebrates Bahamian culture.
  • Language Tips: English is spoken, but you’ll hear Bahamian phrases like “tings” (things) or “bey” (friend).
  • Beach Etiquette: Don’t litter on beaches and respect roped-off areas for turtle nesting.

Local Cuisine in the Bahamas: Must-Try Dishes and Drinks

  • Conch Salad: A fresh salad of raw conch (sea snail), marinated with lime, onion, and peppers.
  • Cracked Fish: Fresh fish, often snapper, breaded and fried, served with peas and rice.
  • Guava Duff: A sweet dessert of guava wrapped in dough and steamed, often with rum sauce.
  • Goombay Smash: A tropical cocktail with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut rum.
  • Kalik Beer: A light, locally brewed beer, perfect for hot days.
  • Where to Eat: In Nassau, The Poop Deck offers authentic Bahamian dishes like conch salad with ocean views. On Exuma, Santanna’s Bar & Grill is a local favorite for cracked fish and cocktails. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in the Bahamas: Must-Visit Places

  • Exuma Cays (Exuma): A paradise with turquoise waters and swimming pigs at Pig Beach. Search for a tour on Tiqets.
  • Atlantis Paradise Island (Nassau): A luxury resort with a massive waterpark and aquarium. Search for activities on Tiqets.
  • Dean’s Blue Hole (Long Island): One of the world’s deepest underwater sinkholes, ideal for diving. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Fort Charlotte (Nassau): An 18th-century historic fort with panoramic views. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Lucayan National Park (Grand Bahama): Home to underwater caves and golden beaches. Search for activities on Tiqets.
  • Thunderball Grotto (Exuma): An underwater cave famous for its role in a James Bond film. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Where to Eat: In Nassau, The Poop Deck serves classic Bahamian dishes like conch salad in a relaxed setting with ocean views. On Exuma, Santanna’s Bar & Grill is a local gem for fresh cracked fish and tropical cocktails, right on the beach.

Flights to the Bahamas: Travel Options

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau is the main entry point, with flights from cities like London, New York, and Miami. A taxi from the airport to downtown Nassau costs around $20-$30 USD and takes 20 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for the Bahamas

Travel Tips for the Bahamas

  • Connectivity: Local SIM cards from BTC or Aliv cost $15 USD with 3 GB of data. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafés in Nassau.
  • Health Prep: No vaccinations are required, except for yellow fever if coming from a risk area. Pack sunscreen (SPF 50) and insect repellent.
  • Weather Prep: Light clothing is ideal, but bring a rain jacket for the rainy season (June-November).
  • Beach Safety: Swim where lifeguards are present, especially at Cable Beach, due to strong currents.
  • Hurricane Season: From June to November, monitor weather reports and be flexible with travel plans.