🐾 Traveling to Bahamas with Pets
Pet-Friendly Bahamas
The Bahamas is welcoming to pets, particularly dogs and cats, with many resorts and beaches allowing leashed animals. From Nassau's urban parks to the Out Islands' secluded shores, pets can join family adventures in this tropical paradise.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Import Permit
All pets require an import permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture before arrival.
Apply online or via embassy; permit costs BSD 10-20 and must accompany health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination at least 30 days but not more than 1 year before entry.
Vaccination certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and include pet details.
Microchip Requirements
Pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Chip number must be listed on all documents; scanners available at entry points.
Health Certificate
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming pet is healthy and parasite-free.
No quarantine for pets from rabies-free or low-risk countries like the US, Canada, and EU.
Restricted Breeds
Certain breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers may face restrictions or require special approval.
Check with Bahamas customs; aggressive breeds might need muzzles and leashes at all times.
Other Pets
Birds and exotic animals require additional CITES permits and quarantine in some cases.
Contact Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture for specific rules on non-dog/cat pets.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across the Bahamas on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Resorts (Nassau & Freeport): Many beachfront resorts welcome small pets for BSD 20-50/night, with beach access and pet amenities. Chains like Viva Wyndham are reliably pet-friendly.
- Island Villas & Cottages (Out Islands): Private rentals on Exuma or Andros often allow pets at no extra charge, offering beachfront privacy. Ideal for relaxed stays with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in Grand Bahama. Entire homes provide space for pets to play.
- Eco-Lodges (Eleuthera & Abaco): Nature-focused stays welcome pets and feature outdoor areas. Perfect for families seeking eco-adventures with animals.
- Campsites & Beach Parks: Designated camping areas on several islands are pet-friendly, with leashed access to beaches. Popular in Lucayan National Park vicinity.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like Orange Hill Beach Inn offer pet services including walking areas and gourmet treats for traveling companions.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Beaches & Swimming
Bahamian beaches like Cable Beach and Gold Rock are pet-friendly with leashed access.
Designated dog areas allow swimming; always clean up and respect other beachgoers.
Snorkeling & Water Tours
Many boat tours to reefs welcome leashed dogs; shallow waters around Nassau are ideal.
Pet-friendly operators provide life jackets; check for calm, family-oriented excursions.
Cities & Parks
Nassau's Arawak Cay and Freeport's parks allow leashed pets; outdoor markets welcome animals.
Historic sites like Fort Charlotte permit dogs on grounds; avoid indoor exhibits.
Pet-Friendly Dining
Beachside restaurants and bars often have outdoor patios welcoming leashed pets.
Water bowls are common; inquire about indoor access, especially in Nassau eateries.
Island Walking Tours
Guided eco-tours on Andros and Exuma welcome leashed dogs for nature exploration.
Trails are flat and pet-safe; avoid peak heat hours for comfort.
Ferries & Boat Rides
Inter-island ferries allow small pets in carriers; larger dogs may need leashes and fees of BSD 5-10.
Book pet spots in advance; some operators provide shaded areas on deck.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Ferries (Mailboat Service): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs require tickets (BSD 5-15) and must be leashed. Allowed on deck but not in cabins.
- Domestic Flights (Bahamasair): Pets under 10kg in cabin for BSD 25-50; larger in cargo with health cert. Book early for limited spots.
- Taxis & Shuttles: Most taxis accept pets with notice; fees BSD 2-5 extra. Resort shuttles often pet-friendly for short trips.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Budget allow pets with cleaning deposit (BSD 50-100). Jeeps ideal for island roads and pet comfort.
- Flights to Bahamas: Check airline pet policies; American Airlines and Delta allow cabin pets under 9kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: JetBlue, Southwest, and Bahamasair accept pets in cabin (under 20lbs) for BSD 100-125 each way. Larger pets in hold with vet certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Nassau (Animal Medical Centre) and Freeport provide urgent care.
Travel insurance recommended; consultations cost BSD 50-150, with English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pet stores like Pet Paradise in Nassau stock food, meds, and accessories.
Pharmacies carry basic pet treatments; import prescriptions for chronic conditions.
Grooming & Day Care
Resort areas offer grooming and daycare for BSD 30-60 per session.
Book in advance during high season; many hotels partner with local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services in Nassau and Freeport provide sitting for day trips; BSD 40-80/day.
Resort concierges recommend trusted sitters familiar with tropical environments.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in public areas, beaches, and near roads. Off-leash allowed in designated private areas away from crowds.
- Muzzle Requirements: Not generally required but recommended for larger breeds on transport. Carry one for compliance if needed.
- Waste Disposal: Carry and dispose of waste properly; bins available at beaches and parks. Fines up to BSD 100 for violations.
- Beach & Water Rules: Leashed pets allowed on most beaches; avoid swimming areas during peak hours. Respect turtle nesting seasons (May-Oct).
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating welcomes leashed pets; keep them calm and off furniture. Indoor access rare but ask politely.
- National Parks: Pets allowed on leashes in parks like Lucayan; stay on paths to protect wildlife and avoid fines.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Bahamas
Bahamas for Families
The Bahamas is a family dream with pristine beaches, water parks, and marine adventures. Safe resorts, kid-focused activities, and all-inclusive options make it easy for parents. Facilities include splash pools, kids' clubs, and beach toys everywhere.
Top Family Attractions
Aquaventure Water Park (Nassau)
World's largest water park at Atlantis with slides, lazy rivers, and marine exhibits.
Day passes BSD 100-150 adults, BSD 70-100 kids; includes lazy river and aquarium access.
Dolphin Cay (Nassau)
Interactive dolphin encounters and sea lion shows in a natural lagoon setting.
Shallow water sessions BSD 200-250; family packages available for multi-species experiences.
Cable Beach (Nassau)
Powder-white sands with resort activities, water sports, and sunset strolls.
Free public access; resort day passes BSD 50-100 include pools and kids' programs.
Shark Wall Snorkeling (Freeport)
Guided snorkel tours to see nurse sharks and colorful reefs in calm waters.
Tours BSD 60-80 per person; child-friendly with life vests and shallow sites.
Swimming Pigs (Exuma)
Boat trip to Pig Beach where friendly pigs swim with visitors in crystal waters.
Full-day tours BSD 150-200 including lunch; unforgettable for kids of all ages.
Lucayan National Park (Freeport)
Boardwalk trails through mangroves, caves, and beaches with easy family hikes.
Entry BSD 5-10; guided cave tours add adventure for older children.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across the Bahamas on Viator. From snorkeling adventures to island hopping, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Resorts (Nassau & Paradise Island): All-inclusive spots like Atlantis offer family suites (2 adults + 2 kids) for BSD 300-600/night. Features kids' clubs, water parks, and babysitting.
- Beachfront Family Hotels (Freeport): Resorts with family programs, pools, and beach access. Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach caters to families with entertainment.
- Villa Rentals (Out Islands): Private villas on Exuma with pools and beach access for BSD 200-400/night. Space for family meals and play.
- Self-Catering Apartments: Condos in Grand Bahama with kitchens and laundry for longer stays. Ideal for families needing flexibility.
- Budget Family Guesthouses: Affordable options in Nassau for BSD 100-200/night with family rooms and proximity to attractions.
- Luxury Family Resorts: Baha Mar provides kids' programs, aquariums, and spacious suites in a tropical setting.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Nassau with Kids
Atlantis water park, Junkanoo Beach, Ardastra Gardens zoo, and pirate museum.
Straw Market shopping and conch fritter tastings delight young explorers.
Grand Bahama with Kids
Underwater Explorer Society, Garden of Groves, beach horseback riding, and kayaking.
Family eco-tours and sunset cruises keep everyone engaged.
Exuma & Out Islands with Kids
Swimming pigs, iguanas on Great Exuma, snorkeling grottos, and sandbar picnics.
Private island boat trips offer calm waters and marine life spotting.
Andros with Kids
Blue Holes National Park, bonefishing, and mangrove kayaking adventures.
Easy trails and shallow reefs perfect for young nature lovers.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Domestic Flights: Children under 2 fly free on laps; ages 2+ pay full fare. Bahamasair offers family seating with space for strollers.
- Ferries: Family discounts available; kids under 5 free. Life jackets provided for all ages on calm inter-island routes.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (BSD 10-15/day); book ahead. Minivans suit families for island exploration.
- Stroller-Friendly: Resorts and main paths are accessible; beaches may need all-terrain strollers for sand.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Resorts offer child portions of burgers, pasta, and fish for BSD 10-20. High chairs standard.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Beach shacks and resort buffets welcome kids with play areas and casual vibes. Try conch salad safely.
- Self-Catering: Markets like Potter's Cay sell fresh fruits, baby food, and local treats for apartments.
- Snacks & Treats: Bahamian guava duff and coconut water keep kids happy; ice cream stands abound.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in resorts, malls, and airports with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies: Stock diapers, formula, and kids' meds; English labels and helpful staff.
- Babysitting Services: Resorts provide certified sitters for BSD 20-30/hour; certified and background-checked.
- Medical Care: Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau has pediatric services; travel insurance advised.
♿ Accessibility in Bahamas
Accessible Travel
The Bahamas improves accessibility with resort ramps, beach wheelchairs, and adaptive tours. Major attractions prioritize universal access, though some islands have uneven terrain.
Transportation Accessibility
- Flights: Nassau airport offers wheelchair assistance, ramps, and accessible lounges. Airlines provide priority boarding.
- Ferries: Main ferries have ramps and accessible decks; book assistance for boarding.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-accessible vans available in Nassau; call ahead for reservations.
- Airports: Lynden Pindling International provides full services including tactile paths and priority lanes.
Accessible Attractions
- Resorts & Beaches: Atlantis and Baha Mar offer ramps, pools with lifts, and beach mats for wheelchairs.
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Historic Sites:
Nassau's forts have partial access; guided tours accommodate mobility needs.
- Nature & Parks: Lucayan Park boardwalks are wheelchair-friendly; snorkel tours offer adaptive equipment.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-April) for sunny beaches and calm seas; avoid hurricane season (June-November).
Shoulder months (May, November) offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower rates.
Budget Tips
All-inclusive resorts save on meals; family packages bundle activities and transport.
Public beaches and markets keep costs low while enjoying authentic experiences.
Language
English is official; Bahamian dialect friendly and easy for tourists to understand.
Locals welcoming to families; simple greetings go a long way with kids.
Packing Essentials
Sunscreen, hats, swim gear, and insect repellent for tropical climate; reef-safe products.
Pet owners: bring tick prevention, fresh water bowl, leash, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
Bahamasair for flights, Google Maps for navigation, and local pet services apps.
Resort apps provide activity schedules and on-site bookings.
Health & Safety
Bahamas safe for families; drink bottled water, use sunscreen. Clinics available island-wide.
Emergency: dial 911; travel insurance covers medical and evacuation needs.