travel tips | bahamas (eng.)

BAHAMAS

TRAVEL TIPS

VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

Definitely a tropical paradise, the Bahamas islands are fascinating, full of life and very charming. The tropical climate, play on the white sand and watch the turquoise sea feels like a dream. The beaches, people, culture, everything is a dream that comes true.

Situated in the northeastern Caribbean, the Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands and islets, with thousands of beautiful reefs. The mainland is about 8.700 miles long and is surrounded by 500 miles of crystal clear water. With a little over 300.000 inhabitants, this country is blessed by magnificent scenery, the kind you can only believe if you see.

Perfect for those who like beach tours, ecotourism, diving, sailing, fishing, water sports or just for some peaceful moments. It is also an excellent place for those who seek for a comfortable life and worry-free vacation. The population is mostly African descent. They are very nice people and wherever you are there is always a local citizen smiling at you. The Bahamians are very creative with their colorful art, exciting music and dance. Do not miss the beauty of the local culture.

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Spring break takes place between February and April, so if you’re looking for peace, try another time of the year. If you are looking for fun with a lot of excitement, especially for children and teenagers, this is the perfect time to go, because there are several activities at beaches, such as sports tournaments, festivals and concerts.

In the holidays there are always some kind of special entertainment. On January 1st and December 26th there is the Junkanoo parade. It is a beautiful presentation of color and harmony. Dozens of multicolored costumes seem to create their own life with great music at the sound of whistles, drums and rattles. You can say that it is a mixture of Carnival and African rituals. It usually happens in the first hours of the day, around one o’clock in the morning on Bay Street in Nassau.

Other holidays: first Friday of June is Labor Day, the 10th of July is Independence Day, first Monday in August is the Emancipation Day holiday, the day takes place on October

In the Bahamas, the climate is temperate and the temperatures are always around 30°C, but since the breezes are constant, the temperature is warm but very pleasant. Overall, it is like this throughout the year, there is no significant temperature change between seasons. From May to October is the rainy season, storms can occur but they go by quickly and this happen specially on the islands to the north because they are usually 2 degrees colder. Between April and September the temperatures are cooler, the average is between 21°C and 25°C.

Regardless of the season, at night the weather is always cooler. It is important to remind that the hurricane season occurs from June to November. This phenomenon doesn’t happen too often in the islands but it is always good to be aware. If you want to cancel bookings due to an accurate warning, most hotels will refund at no cost.

12 Day of Discovery of America by Columbus, and on 25 December is Christmas. There’s always a festival.

Another important event is the Seafood Festival that happens in the same days that the Heritage of Great Bahamas. These festivities take place in October at Arawak Cay, Nassau. It is a cultural event with a lot of traditional music, food and Bahamian local storytellers.

This archipelago has the clearest ocean in the entire planet. Visibility can be up to 200 feet deep. One of the many attractions is that each island has its own diversity. The 14 main islands are:

NASSAU / PARADISE ISLANDNassau is not only the capital of the Bahamas but the whole center of the country. There are resorts, casinos, malls and a sparkling nightlife. Nassau is on New Providence Island where 70% of the population lives (and it is only the 11th largest island). Here you can

find cathedrals, colonial mansions, forts and eighteenth-century Queen’s Staircase which takes you to a magnificent view. Paradise Island is next to Nassau, connected by two bridges, it is 10 times smaller than the capital. Both of them are great destinies to tourists, with a mix of the international glamour and the tropical tranquility.

GRAND BAHAMAIs the fourth largest island and is just 55 miles from Miami, which is why it is one of the most visited by tourists. It is a unique destination as it combines a fascinating nature and astonishing architecture. There are endless attractions and it is difficult to decide what to choose first. This island is known for its shallow waters, the underwater caves, the three national parks, endless beaches and impressive marine life.

CAT ISLANDThis Island is 47 miles long with a peculiar form of hook. Do not be fooled by its name. Cat refers to the pirate’s name Arthur Catt. The beautiful beaches offer a wide variety of water sports. Because it is one of the places less visited by tourists, Cat Island has an eccentric sense of an unexplored deserted island. It is located near the Tropic of Cancer, that is why it has one of the most pleasant temperatures with constant breezes.

THE ABACOSMany small islands, resulting in about 190 kilometers of beaches. It is in an interesting boomerang shape, creating naturally protected waters forming the Sea of Abaco. Surrounded by deep water, these islands are known as the Yachting Capital of the World. This place is a


combination of colonial architecture from New England with an unusual ecosystem, perfect for outdoor activities.

ACKLINS / CROOKED ISLANDTogether they form an area of about 520 km ². Acklins Island is only 6.5 km long at its widest section. There are several hills with peculiar rock formations, beautiful beaches with a wide variety of plants and animal life. The largest city is Salt Point with about 130 local inhabitants. For those who love tropical birds, marine life and beaches with hidden coves, this is a private paradise. Crooked Island has almost the same characteristics as Acklins. Colonel Hill is the capital and is where the evening activities happen. On Fridays and you can dance all night long at some local bar.

ANDROSIt’s the largest island in the Bahamas with 6,000 km. It is divided into North, Central and South. The island is well known by divers due to the second largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere, and is the bonefishing capital of the world. The island has many impressive life diversity. There are over 40 species of wild orchids, rare birds, iguanas over one meter tall, desert beaches, pine forests and channels forming an oasis Atlantic. People tell that the treasures of the pirate Henry Morgan are buried on this island.

BERRY ISLANDSIt’s an archipelago of 30 islands and over 100 islets. It is the fishing capital of the “billfish”. Sport fishing is one of the main attractions, besides the uninhabited cays, countless secluded beaches and exciting diving places. But its main attraction is the seclusion and



privacy from the many islands. Situated on Berry Islands south part, Big Whale is one of the largest islands where there is a magnificent historic lighthouse at the western end.

BIMINILocated just 55 miles away from Miami, Florida, it is one of the most popular destinations among Americans. Every year, fishermen come

all over the world to quality sport fishing. Bimini is made up of three main islands: North Bimini, South and East. Most residents live in Baily Town in North Bimini, where many hotels and restaurants are.

ELEUTHERA / HARBOUR ISLANDThe island of Eleuthera is 110 miles long, with beaches with white pinkish sand. This island is known not only for its sand dunes formed naturally by winds from the east coast, but also for its pineapple plantations. Eleuthera is divided into North and South, there are colonial villages and a quiet casual sophistication. Harbour Island was considered the best Caribbean island by an American magazine. It is known as the Briland by Its local inhabitants. It is about 3.5 miles long and only 1.5 miles wide. Dunmore Town is the only town on the island but it is not disappointing at al. There are resorts and really cordial people, who are almost entirely dedicated to tourism. The image of the trees that margin the narrow and colorful streets is the image you will have from your trip.

EXUMASIt’s a set of 365 islands and islets, many of them unexplored. This archipelago is considered one of the most beautiful in the Bahamas, after all its secluded beaches with white shinny sand give a striking contrast with the water in emerald and turquoise shades. This is the place if you are looking for peace and quiet. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful and the cities are quiet with very friendly residents. The residents live in Great Exuma where you can find stores and tourist attractions.

INAGUA

It consists of two islands, Great Inagua and Little Inagua, and they are less than 60 miles away from Cuba. Great Inagua is known for its more than 80,000 flamingos. It is prefect for those who enjoy ecotourism. In the Inagua National Park is possible to see flamingos and many other exotic birds such as pelicans and herons. The park occupies more than half of 461 km² of the island. Another attraction of the island are the facilities for the extraction of sea salt, which is the main economic activity in Inagua. Little Inagua has a huge reef barrier that prevents ships get too close. There are 77 km² uninhabited land, except for wild donkeys, goats and a large number of birds.

LONG ISLANDIt’s 80 miles long with only 4 miles at its widest point. This is an island of contrasts, while in the east there are numerous rocks and caves that go below water, to the west there are seemingly endless beaches. Clarence Town is the most beautiful port city on the island and is also the seat of the government. You can see two beautiful churches on the hills, besides the salt lakes in the south of the city. Deadman’s Cay is the island’s largest city, where stores, churches, clinics, schools and even some restaurants are. Do not forget that this is one of the quietest islands of the Bahamas. You can also visit some local farms.

MAYAGUANAWith only 350 Inhabitants, this is the most secluded island in the Bahamas. Because it was completely uninhabited until 1812 the island is also less developed. But for those who like peace, this is the place. Mayaguana is also known for its unique inhabitants, the Bahamas hutias, a small animal from the mixture of a rat and a rabbit. This is also a stop for yachtsmen on their way to the Caribbean.

SAN SALVADORIt’s visually very tied to the past when Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492. San Salvador is the exposed peak of a huge mountain submerged. It is 12 miles long with many monuments and ruins that tell its past, still living in these lands. There are many secluded and untouched beaches. The immensity of the turquoise sea and its impressive transparency will enchant you at first sight. Be sure to visit the sparkling lakes at the island. There is also an interesting museum full of historical elements.


English is the official language of the Bahamas. Signs, menus in restaurants, supermarkets are in english. Each island has its own dialect, but nothing that is not possible to understand if spoken slowly.

It is important to remember that will be required a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever for travelers from the following countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cameroon, Congo, Ecuador, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Guinea, Liberia , Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Peru and Sudan.

Despite being a tropical country, walking only swimsuit streets, churches, restaurants and casinos is prohibited. Despite Being a

tropical country, swimsuit walking only streets, churches, restaurants and casinos is Prohibited.

Many islands allow you to make direct calls to the United States and Canada.

TRANSPORT

To get around the Bahamas you can go by air, land or sea. To get from one island to another, the best option is usually by the sea. There are several boats of all types, sizes and prices. To the islands that there are bridges connecting them, the best option is to take the road.

FERRYAlmost all the islands offer a ferry service to transport tourists and local residents. The experience is indescribable, because besides the ride, the driver will be an attraction to share with all the joy of the Bahamian people. The schedule and fees vary according to the distance. Tickets can be bought at the pier and cost about $ 6 per person. You can negotiate and book groups in advance.

POST OFFICE BOATSThese boats depart from Nassau to all major islands and every week. Usually, a one way ticket costs $ 35. These boats are not fast, actually, it seems like there’s no hush at all, so if looking for something faster, you should take some other means of transportation.

CATAMARANThis service is more specific. Some bats are faster than others. It is the most modern and safe way to travel between islands. This is a private service and rates vary according to destination and number of people. The maximum capacity of each catamaran is approximately 177 passengers.

FLIGHTPeople who think the islands are not designed for this type of transport are completely wrong. Throughout the Bahamas there are over 50 airports, some with better facilities than others. Large aircrafts cannot land on most of them. Some major ones are: Nassau International Airport, International Airport in Freeport Grand Bahama, Exuma International Airport in George Town, Andros Town International Airport, International Airport in Eleuthera Rock Sound South among others.

The islands also offer several ways to get from one place to another. It may be by buggy, taxi, motorcycle, van or even rent a car. An important tip is to stay tuned to the immigration service, if you are taking your own vehicle. There is plenty of paperwork to hand.

ATTRACTIONS

Enjoy the sun, relax on the beaches (some untouched), go diving, explore the marine life, fishing, boating, canoeing, riding a jet ski, kitesurf, it is possible in all territories of the

Bahamas. There are many attractions waiting for you. Check some of the specific programs and a must go for your trip:

FORT CHARLOTTELocated about one and half miles west of downtown Nassau, this is the huge fort with 400,000 meters. It is situated on a hilltop with a magnificent view of Paradise Island and a part of Nassau. It was built in 1788 and has dungeons, underground passages and more than 40 cannons. There are tour guides there that would love to tell the whole story in exchange for some money. Admission is $ 5 for adults, $ 2 for children and $ 3 for seniors.

HERITAGE TRAILA former transport route in Grand Bahama known as the Old Freetown Road. New roads were built and this one was abandoned. But since nature is always priceless, it regained the place and became one of the main trails in the region. It is only 5 miles long, but it is an unforgettable adventure with over 30 species of plants, 18 kinds of birds, 7 species of butterfly and the remains of the old highway. It is also possible to see the ruins of the oldest building on the island.

LIGHTHOUSE OF HOPE TOWNSituated in Abacos, was built by the British Imperial Lighthouse service. With White and red stripes, it started working in 1863. Considered an artifact, is one of only two lighthouses free from automation. The local residents conserve this beautiful monument.


BARRIER REEFLocated in North Andros, is the third largest barrier reef in the world with more than 139,81 miles. There are countless species of fish, some are only possible to find in this region.

CAVES AT SUGAR BEACHIt’s a must go for anyone who spend some time at the Berry Islands. These caves are considered by many the most beautiful place in the Bahamas. It’s worth checking the sandy bays between the cliffs of this place. For collectors, there are many shells in this region.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTHLocated in South Bimini, near the road to the airport, this is one of the most famous freshwater sources in the region. According to local residents, it is believed that this is the fountain of youth discovered around 1500 by Indians who lived on the island. The fountain is 10 meters deep and bubbles into a “sink” naturally created millions of years ago.

LONELY TREESituated on the east coast of Harbour Island, this is a curious attraction. It is a tree in the middle of the beach with no leaves or fruits, but their roots keep growing. It is believed that after a terrible storm, the tide brought a tree trunk and the wind turned it over. Today it is one of the attractions of the region.

ELIZABETH HARBOUR PORTIt’s one of the favorites ports for yachtsmen from all over the world. It is 24 km long and is considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the Bahamas. Watching the sunset here it

is worth a postcard. Over the past 50 years, it performs the National Family Island Regatta, there is always the last week of April.

LITTLE INAGUASituated at the southern of the archipelago, is the largest uninhabited island in the Caribbean. Since 2002 it is the Bahamas Government National Park. Besides this island’s thousands

of species of fauna and flora, it also serves as breeding of marine turtles, seriously endangered. There are about 12 000 hectares of land with lots of surprises and learning experiences for those who visit.

NEW WORLD MUSEUMSituated in Cockburn Town, in the middle of the island of San Salvador. Placed in an 1910

building where it was a state prison, this museum has several important artifacts from the life of Christopher Columbus. The island’s history remains alive in this place.

WHERE TO STAY

There are a many places prepared to host you. Almost all the Bahamas islands are tourism-oriented, so every season there are new hotels coming up, one better then the other. You will find different kind of hotels, from glamorous resorts to modest hotels. An important thing to consider when you look for resorts is that you will probably be secluded in it. Most all them are all-inclusive, from dining to boating, and they also have a private beach. If you want to be closer to the local culture you should choose another type of accommodation.

DINING OUT

In Bahamas there are several restaurants serving international dishes, but you should try the local cuisine. You can easily find restaurants on the islands, by the sea, by the roads or at the villages.

You can eat at restaurants in humble guesthouses and also at fancy restaurants with international chefs.

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In some islands like the Exumas you can go to restaurants with French and Italian cuisines, for example. In Alice Town, Bimini island, are perfect for those who enjoy going out at night. There are many places with an excellent combination of fun music and tasty food. A great place for tourists and local inhabitants.

Grand Bahamas is the capital of cuisine. On this island you can find all kind of food. From the traditional to specialties such as Chinese, British, French and even Greek. There are also fast food restaurants. Nassau is also a great place to eat, there are several specialties on the island such as Mexican, Mediterranean and even Italian.

The ingredients are always fresh, sometimes a little too fresh, like the crab that can be seen in the surroundings of some restaurants (yes, believe me). The dishes are a little bit spicy and they are usually seafood and vegetables, often served with rice and Bahamians peas.

The ‘conch is a type of white meat big mollusk. This delicacy of the region is found raw, fried, cooked in soups and even salads. The Red Lobster is also part of Bahamian menu, usually grilled, on the salad. There’s also grilled fish with cereal, popular for brunch. And the famous peas, used on soups, cakes and casseroles.

Do not be alarmed if you find the peculiar taste of the soup, many tourists are not used to ‘strengthen’ the soup that is usually with pig’s feet, tongue, lamb or oxtail.

Alcoholic drinks are easily found, especially with the rum drinks, a specialty of the region.

SHOPPING

Shopping in the Bahamas is an excellent tour on your journey. There are nice local products such as ceramics, crafts, natural straw products. Since 1992 there is no tax over products that come from other countries, such as perfumes, leather goods, jewelry, bedding, bath and kitchen linen, watches, photographic equipment, telescopes, and others. Stay tuned to see if the store has this discount, note the stamp with the logo DFS. The saving can be up to 50% on prices paid in the United States.

Visit the Androsia Batik Factory & Outlet Store. It is a factory of the famous colorful fabrics Bahamians, the batik. If you book in advance, you can take printing classes. Coloring, drying, cutting and still take them home. The factory store sells a big variety of fabrics, garments, jewelry, crafts, books, baskets and various souvenirs. The opening hours are from 8 am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. Saturdays and holidays from 9 am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays. It is on Fresh Creek, Andros North.

Another excellent place for shopping is the International Bazaar in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. It is 40,000 meters long with restaurants, coffee shops, beauty salons and stores, a lot of stores. It’s like a theme park in a shopping mall. It is split into different sectors, each one of them representing one country of the world. French Sector, Indian Sector are good examples. Many stores sell imported products such as watches, perfumes, cigars, and others.


In almost all the Bahamas islands you can find at least small stores. There is always a local craftsman happy to show their work. It may be jewelry, baskets, clothing, bags, hats, sculptures or paintings. Regardless of the art, you will be welcomed wherever you are.

Besides crafts and local products, there are also markets with food, personal hygiene products, and specific products such as swimsuits, fishing rods. Especially in the islands that receive a large number of tourists.

STREET MARKETSIn Nassau there is a huge and complete: the Straw Market. You can find every kind of straw artifact. There are baskets, hats, mats. There are also jewelry, clothing, crafts and homemade candy. It is located on Bay Street in Nassau and is opened every day of the week. It opens at around 8am and stays opened until 8pm. Do not forget to bargain! This is another attraction.

New Providence is the largest straw market, but in many other small islands are small markets like this one. All of them showing the beautiful local culture in their works of art.

CURRENCYThe local currency is Bahamian Dollar (B$). There are notes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. The coins are 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and $ 5. It is equivalent to U.S. dollars. Although the Bahamas has its own monetary system, the U.S. dollar is accepted all over the Bahamian islands. You can exchange the money at airports and in some banks where you have a specific sector for this type of exchange.

1 242919919

COUNTRY CODE

EMERGENCIES

FIRE STATION

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

NASSAU

377 0209

POLICE

NASSAU

919322 4444

TOURIST INFORMATION

MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF THE BAHAMAS

302 2000

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

travel tips | bahamas (eng.)

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