There is nothing better than an island vacation; the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and the sand beneath your feet combine to give you the feeling that you have stepped out of your ordinary, everyday life completely and been transported to a mythical paradise.
It’s not at all surprising that the Bahama Islands are one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Comprising 700 islands and about 2,500 cays, there’s something here for everyone – from the excitement of casinos in Paradise Island to the quietude of a secluded beach on an uninhabited island.
This archipelago, located just southeast of Florida, includes approximately 700 islands and more than 2,500 cays, each unique in what they have to offer visitors.
One of the most popular islands is New Providence Island, which is home to the capital city, Nassau, and more than 170,000 people, over half the Bahamian population, and is a center of industry, commerce and communication for the Bahama Islands.
Besides shopping and watersports, there are plenty of activities unique to the island. Here you can visit the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, which is made up of 5.5 acres of tropical gardens and a zoo that is home to several tropical species such as iguanas, monkeys, snakes and birds as well as the world-famous marching flamingos.
Also see the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation; originally used for slave auctions in the 18th century, the Vendue House is now a museum portraying the slavery and post-emancipation era of The Bahamas.
Grand Bahama Island is the second most popular tourist destination in the islands of the Bahamas, with such popular hotspots as Freeport and Lucaya. Besides strolling around the International Bazaar which has shops, restaurants and cafes representing several countries around the world, visitors enjoy experiencing what it’s like to swim with dolphins and touch sharks – with the aid of the Underwater Explorers Society.
But, if you’re in the mood for a quiet, relaxing vacation without all the energy of busy ports and other tourists, you may want to stay on one of the less popular islands like Andros, Berry or Bimini. Here you can have all the pleasures of a tropical get-away and also explore sights like Morgan’s Cave on Andros which is a wide system of subterranean limestone caves believed to be the hiding place of Sir Henry Morgan’s buried treasure.
Bahamas Facts
• Climate: Temperatures range from the lower 60s to the upper 80s Fahrenheit year-round.
• Currency: The Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar, so either will be readily accepted.
• Language: English.
• Population: Approximately 300,000, more than half of whom live in Nassau. Only 30 of the 70 islands are inhabited.
History
Originally settled by the Arawak Indians who came to the islands around the 9th century, the Bahama Islands were taken over by gold-searching conquistadors in 1500 after Columbus “discovered” the area. Soon the Indians died away due to enslavement, disease and other hardships forced upon them by the outside world, causing the Spanish to abandon the islands.
Next came the English who settled the island in search of religious freedom. Later pirates such as Blackbeard and Henry Morgan took advantage of the landscape and used the islands to trap unsuspecting ships for their treasures. Their reign lasted about 50 years until Britain recognized the Bahamas as a colony.
The islands remained under British colonial rule for 250 years until they gained their independence in 1973 and became a member of the British Commonwealth.
Where to Stay
These hotels are recommended:
Nassau/Paradise Island:
Aliceanna’s Guest House – Nassau
Astoria Hotel – Nassau
Best Western British Colonial Beach Resort
Club Crystal Resort – Nassau
Compass Point Beach Club – Nassau
The Corner Hotel – Restaurant and Bar, Nassau
El Greco Hotel – Nassau
Grand Central Hotel – Nassau
Harbor Moon Hotel – Nassau
Lyford Cay Club – Nassau
Nassau Harbour Club Hotel & Marina – Nassau
Ocean Spray Hotel – Nassau
Breezes Superclubs – Cable Beach, Nassau
Nassau Marriott Resort & The Crystal Palace Casino – Cable Beach
Radisson Cable Beach Casino & Golf Resort – Cable Beach
Paradise Island:
Atlantis Hotel
Bay View Village
Club Mediterranee
Comfort Suites
Paradise Harbour Club & Marina
Paradise Island Fun Club
Pirate’s Cove Beach Hotel
Grand Bahama Island:
Bahama Grand Resort
Bahama Inn
Castaways Resort
Club Fortuna Beach
Grand Bahama Beach Hotel
New Victoria Inn
Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club
Princess Country Club
The Royal Islander
The Running Mon Marina & Resort
Silver Sands Hotel
Sun Club Resort
Top Things to Do in the Bahamas
When you go on vacation you don’t just want to go on vacation; you want to go on the trip of a lifetime! It’s impossible to have a once in a lifetime experience without knowing where to go or what to do in order to ensure that you get the most out of your vacation, which is why I’ve pulled together a brief guide to the hottest spots in the Bahamas in order to help you to plan a dream trip and reap as much enjoyment from your island experience as possible.
Lucayan National Park
Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island is home to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, and offers an opportunity for tourists to try their hand at exploring while at the same time coming to appreciate the fact that there is no limit to the flora that can be found on a tropical island-Lucayan National Park is home to a vast population of pine trees that put those found on the mainland to shame.
Grand Bahama Island
If you want to visit the hustle and bustle of a busy city, take the time to visit Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Eager scuba divers can take the time to visit Theo’s Wreck, the main diving attraction of the island, and to enjoy a bonfire on the beach with all of the local cuisine they can eat.
The Out Islands
For tourists looking to get away from life there is nothing like the Out Islands. Offering sanctuary for groups of up to 200 in their resorts, the Out Islands are ideal for anyone suffering from burnout at the hands of their busy lifestyle.
Pelican Cay National Park
Scuba divers can have a field day at Pelican Cay National Park located in the Abacos Islands. Night diving offers tourists the chance to see what the sea looks like when the fishermen have put away their nets at the end of the day.
Bimini
If you are a literary nut then you are familiar with the island of Bimini; it was home to Ernest Hemingway for many years. It is also home to some of the finest beaches and fishing spots in the world.
Blue Lagoon Island
No island vacation would be complete without taking a swim with the local marine life, and on Blue Lagoon Island tourists can dance with the dolphins through the clear coastal waters.
San Salvador Island
History buffs will have a marvelous time touring the island of San Salvador, the original landing spot of Christopher Columbus. This island was also home to buccaneer George Waiting, allowing tourists to appreciate the rich and diverse past that the island has enjoyed.
The Straw Market on Nassau
Regardless of where you are from, there is nothing quite like the straw market on the island of Nassau. Local craftsmen come together to create their wares out of straw-and you’ll be amazed at what you find!
Food
As you would imagine, since the islands are surrounded by water a large amount of their sustenance comes from the ocean. Crawfish, conch, land crabs and fish can be found in a number of the local delicacies and are a favorite of tourists (therefore generally considered safe for consumption); however, this also means that they are found in a majority of the dishes served on the island. If you have an allergy to any form of seafood it would be wise to speak with your server prior to ordering and enquire as to what items on their menu are safe to eat.
Boiled fish and grits is as ordinary a breakfast on the islands as toast and eggs would be elsewhere, and grouper is often served alongside a helping of the local island bread. An ordinary meal in the Bahamas, regardless of the time of day, contains some form of seafood; however, conservative land lubbers will be happy to find such familiar dishes as potato salad, baked macaroni and cheese and rice right alongside.
If you are on a limited budget you would be wise visit local establishments and try local specialties, such as peas and rice (pigeon peas with salt, pork or bacon, tomatoes, celery, rice, thyme and pepper) and Johnny bread, rather than international cuisine. Fast food options are also available at a low cost too.
If you find yourself in the Bahamas for a holiday around the Christmas period, you will probably find yourself looking at such familiar favorites as baked ham and turkey, yams and sweet potatoes, peas and rice and steamed vegetables and potato salad.
If you prefer not to take a step out on the wild side when you are eating in the Bahamas rest easy; there are a vast quantity of options available for international cuisine that will allow you to find dishes you are more familiar with. A number of world-renowned chefs have set up shop on the islands, allowing travelers to find the dishes that they are so familiar with. Regardless of your tastes, there is something on the island to appeal to your taste buds and ensure that you do not walk away from the Bahamas with an empty stomach.
Nightlife and Entertainment
For these people the Bahamas host a booming nightlife, giving visitors the opportunity to drink in the atmosphere of the islands every moment of their visit.
If you enjoy casinos you will want to ensure that Paradise Island is on your list of places to visit, ensuring that you will have the opportunity to pay a visit to the Atlantis Casino and Resort. It is a casino like any other, but the glittery contrast to the casual atmosphere of the islands during the day presents tourists with the opportunity to enjoy the complete experience. In addition to the casino, Atlantis is also the home of the Joker’s Comedy Club, offering alcohol and comedic relief (which are often related) to tourists seeking a quiet spot to sit back and relax at the end of a busy day.
While on the island of Nassau, take the time to stop and pay a visit to the Rain Forest Theatre. Here you will be able to sit back in the lush greenery of the rainforest and enjoy live entertainment on stage. You will have the opportunity to see magicians, comedians, musicians and dancers marketing their trade to the tourist population-just be careful you do not find yourself chosen to be a part of it! If you find yourself wanting to kick up your heels a bit after the show you can hop a taxi to the Paradise Palace Hotel and enjoy an evening of music and entertainment in their social club.
The Yellow Bird on Grand Bahama island also has a great deal to offer the tourist by way of entertainment; you will have the opportunity to watch professional fire and glass eaters and Bahamian musicians celebrating their natural rhythms while enjoying some of the finest cuisine the island has to offer. The prices here are extremely reasonable as well, a rarity on an island chain that is run primarily based on its tourism trade.
If you prefer unfettered fun to structured social events you should take the time to visit Port Lucaya and take the time to hop on board the Bahama Mama Booze Cruise, which will allow you to happily dance and drink the night away while sailing on the Atlantic under a tropical sky. If the concept of hopping on board a “Booze Cruise” is enough to shock your sensibilities, you will be happy to know that Port Lucaya is also home to the Sunset Cruise and Show, which sails just as the sun begins to sink into the horizon and affords you an opportunity to see the true beauty of the ocean and its wildlife while relaxing with a cocktail and an evening’s entertainment.
Bahamas Travel Tips
Language
The official language of the islands is English (British, not American), with a mix of words from their native heritage and a dialect all their own thrown in for good measure. Creole is also spoken in parts of the island primarily inherited by those whose families came over from Haiti. A familiarity with basic Creole will serve you well if you plan on traveling far from the central urban areas of the islands.
Culture
If you are unprepared for the cultural differences that you are going to experience when you travel to the Bahamas they may jump out and catch you by surprise, leaving you floundering and dimming the joy you would otherwise find when vacationing in Eden. On the other hand, forewarned is forearmed, and if you are prepared for the strange sights you are going to see then you will be able to take them in without so much as batting an eyelash.
The first thing you should be prepared for is the difference in dress, particularly if you are going to be there for a festival or celebration for which formal costume will be worn. These costumes generally consist of brightly colored outfits and headdresses which would seem greatly out of place elsewhere in the world but which are as accepted as Mardi Gras beads in the Bahamas.
Despite the fact that many aspects of the islands vary greatly from life on the mainlands you should not find it difficult to fit in. Tourism is a major part of the economy of the Bahamas, and because of this the people as a whole are extremely hospitable. If you find yourself out of your depth, take the time to ask-and let yourself enjoy! The whole point of taking a vacation is to step away from your daily life, so be prepared to embrace the cultural differences of the island and to have the vacation of a lifetime.
What to Wear
Everyday wear on the islands is the same casual summer wear enjoyed elsewhere in the world; however, be aware that despite the island heat and the quantity of tourists that come to town each year beach dress is considered to be unacceptable on the city streets. Also, be aware that whatever you may heard, nude and topless sunbathing are strongly frowned upon; if you consider this to be a part of your complete vacation experience you are going to want to take the time to search out abandoned stretches of beach near the beginning of your visit.
Gambling / Alcohol
One major change between the islands and the mainland is that the legal drinking and gambling age is 18 rather than 21, a fact which causes many tourists to stop in their tracks as they see men and women who appear barely old enough to drive happily lifting their glass.
How to Visit the Bahamas on the Cheap
These tips will help keep budget concerns at bay while still allowing you to enjoy a bit of luxury.
Experiences
Dinner guests at Graycliff – an antique Bahamian mansion that’s played host to the likes of Winston Churchill and Aristotle Onassis – enjoy free viewing tours of the on-site cigar factory and the Graycliff’s award-winning wine cellar, which boasts one of the largest private wine collections in the world. Reservations in the cellar’s private dining room ring in at roughly $1,000, but five-star entrée prices at the restaurant begin at less than $50, providing a comparable – if slightly less private – experience. Western Esplanade Beach is free to access, and strolling through Straw Market in Nassau will score you affordable souvenirs. Hiking the 18th- century limestone steps of the Queen’s Staircase will take you to historic Fort Fincastle, which is accessible for only a buck.
Perks
Many hotels and resorts in the Bahamas offer sweet perks to entice penny-pinching traveller. For example, the Sandals resort on Great Exuma includes unlimited scuba sessions for certified divers, premium wine and spirit selections and spa facility access with their room rates. Comfort Suites on Paradise Island includes hot American-style breakfasts for guests, and complimentary day passes to the Atlantis water park facilities, where brave souls can experience the massive Mayan-themed water slide. These park passes typically cost $110 per adult! The One and Only Ocean Club includes the water park day passes as well, along with free use of bicycles, complimentary morning beach yoga and a number of day camp adventures for young travelers.
Transport and Getting Around
Cab costs can be significant in Nassau. Fortunately, a number of cultural attractions are easily accessible on foot. For those that aren’t, public busses – known as jitneys – run from the hotels to downtown Nassau several times per day for a one-way cost of $1.25. Also of note are the ferry boats, which will take you from Nassau to Paradise Island proper. The roughly $6 ride will take approximately 10 minutes, and includes a waterfront view of Nassau’s harbor. Hotels offering free shuttle service are an additional avenue to savings. For example, guests of the Atlantis resorts can access no-cost passenger vans between venues, and travelers staying at Paradise Island’s One and Only Ocean Club receive complimentary transportation via private vehicle to a number of nearby casino and restaurant venues.
There is something in the Bahamas for everyone – what are you waiting for?