The Bahamas

1. What are the best beaches in The Bahamas?
Top beaches include Cable Beach in Nassau for its white sands and water sports, and Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island for its unique rosy hue. Visit Treasure Cay Beach in Abaco for its powdery sand, Gold Rock Beach in Grand Bahama for its serene beauty, and Tropic of Cancer Beach on Exuma for its turquoise waters.

2. What is the best time to visit The Bahamas?
The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season, with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C), ideal for beach activities and exploring. May to November is the rainy season, with a higher risk of hurricanes (peaking in September), but it offers lower prices and fewer crowds.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to The Bahamas?
US, Canadian, UK, and EU citizens can visit The Bahamas visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport. Other nationalities may need a visa, which can be checked via the Bahamas Immigration website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, and US citizens need a return ticket.

4. What are the top things to do in Nassau?
In Nassau, explore the Straw Market for local crafts, visit the historic Fort Charlotte, and swim with dolphins at Atlantis Paradise Island. Snorkel at Rose Island, take a food tour to try conch fritters, and visit the Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step landmark carved by enslaved people in the 18th century.

5. Is The Bahamas expensive to travel to?
The Bahamas can be pricey, with daily costs averaging $100–$200 per person for accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range trip can cost $1,000–$2,000 for a week. Nassau and Paradise Island are more expensive, but you can save by staying in the Out Islands, eating at local spots, and visiting during the off-season.

6. What are traditional Bahamian foods to try?
Try conch salad, a fresh mix of conch, peppers, and citrus, and cracked conch, a fried delicacy. Savor boiled fish with grits, a breakfast staple, and guava duff, a steamed dessert with guava sauce. Pair your meal with a Goombay Smash cocktail or a Kalik beer, the national brew.

7. What are the best activities in the Exumas?
In the Exumas, swim with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkel at Thunderball Grotto, and visit the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park for marine life. Kayak through the mangroves, relax on the sandbars of Staniel Cay, and take a boat tour to see the nurse sharks at Compass Cay.

8. What are the best events in The Bahamas?
Top events include Junkanoo, a vibrant street festival on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day, with colorful costumes and music. The Bahamas International Film Festival (December) in Nassau attracts global talent, while the Regatta in the Exumas (April) features sailing races and beach parties.

9. What is the best way to visit the Out Islands from Nassau?
To visit the Out Islands from Nassau, take a domestic flight with Bahamasair or Pineapple Air, with flights to places like Exuma or Eleuthera costing $100–$200 round trip and taking 30–60 minutes. Ferries like Bahamas Ferries also connect islands like Eleuthera or Andros, taking 2–3 hours and costing $60–$100 round trip.

10. How can I travel around The Bahamas?
In Nassau, taxis and rental cars are common, with car rentals costing $50–$80 per day (driving is on the left). Local jitney buses are cheap at $1.25 per ride but limited to New Providence. Inter-island travel is best by domestic flights or ferries. On smaller islands like the Exumas, rent a golf cart or bike to get around.