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Bahamas Facts
- Location: top
The Commonwealth of Bahamas, a geographical conglomerate of over 700 islands, is located on the North Part of the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the State of Florida (in the United States).
Slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut.
- Language: top
The official language of The Bahamas is English, more British than American. You’ll probably hear the Bahamian dialect intertwined with English as you walk around town.
- Electricity: top
Electricity in The Bahamas is the North American standard 120 volts at 60 cycles.
- Tipping: top
The usual tip on the islands, similar to U.S. practice, is 15 percent. Many resorts and hotels add a service charge to cover gratuities. While most bills clearly state the service charge, ask if such charges have been included in your bill.
- Driving: top
British rules apply, so please drive on the left and watch those roundabouts. Visitors may use their home license for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's license.
Car rentals are available in Nassau, Freeport and on some of the larger outislands. Taxis or private transportation are widely available. Helmets are compulsory when using a motor scooter. All drivers should be advised that throughout The Bahamas, driving is on the left side of the road.
- Telephone Code: top
From North America, dial 1 + 242 + the seven-digit local number. From elsewhere, dial your country's international direct dialing prefix + 1 + 242 + the seven-digit local number.
- Time Zone: top
Eastern Standard Time prevails on all the islands except during the summer, when Eastern Daylight Savings Time is adopted.
- Entry Requirments: top
You must carry a valid passport with photograph, and a two-way air or sea ticket, to enter and exist Bahamas as a tourist. No visa is required. For more information, or longer stays, contact your consulate or embassy.
- What to See and Do: top
Historic Nassau Downtown Nassau features private and government buildings and other attractions dating as far back as the 18th century. Be sure to walk down the 65 steps of Queen's Staircase and visit Government House and Parliament Square.
Nassau Casinos, New Providence Island When the stars come out, visitors to New Providence Island visit one of the many restaurants and nightclubs or try their luck at the Crystal Palace Casino at the Nassau Marriott Resort on Cable Beach, or at the Paradise Island Casino at Atlantis. Both are Las Vegas-style casinos - casual, big, and noisy. No one under 21 is admitted.
Nassau Shopping, New Providence Island Nassau has some of the best shopping in the Bahamas. The duty-free shops offer a good selection and especially good prices on perfumes, jewelry, cameras, china, and other fine merchandise. The Straw Market in downtown Nassau is a must for colorful clothing, decorated straw handbags, and other items and souvenirs. Unlike in the duty-free shops, visitors should feel free to negotiate prices at the Straw Market.
- Climate: top
The Bahamas are slightly cooler than other Caribbean island groups owing to their proximity to the continental North American cold air systems. Required clothing: Lightweight or tropical, cottons all year round. Light raincoats are useful during the wet season.
Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) during the winter season, and 30°C (86°F) during the summer. Humidity is fairly high, particularly in the summer. The rainy season is May-October, when the showers are usually short but heavy. June-November is the official hurricane season. The climate of the Bahamas, although somewhat unstable, is very nice. You might want to schedule your vacation outside the hurricane season, of course, but the rest of the year is really delightful. The weather is pleasant in the winter season although cold fronts from the North American continent can bring strong north winds, some rain and surprisingly low temperatures. The summer months are warm and humid, there can be occasional thunderstorms.
Because of the Gulf Stream, winters in the Bahamas are fairly mild, about 10 degrees F/5 C warmer than in nearby Florida. The summers can be humid, rainy and warm (day temperatures reaching into the low 90s F/33 C), but are moderated by trade winds. High season is from November to mid April, when the weather is generally good. Hurricane season is from July to October, and most rain falls at that time. There really is no bad time to go, but take along at least a sweater during the winter. Average day temperatures in fall and spring are in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C, with nights in the 60s F/15-22 C. Winter temperatures can be about 10 degrees F/5 C cooler.
The Bahamas lies in the region between the sub-tropical and tropical climactic belts, and its weather and climate accurately reflect the country's physical situation. A good reference to the weather of the Bahamas is to consider it to be a maritime climate moderated by the north-east trade winds, with some effect from northerly weather systems in winter, and from southerly weather systems in summer.
There are only two seasons in the Bahamas, summer and winter. In summer the tradewinds shift northwards so the Bahamas lies near their southern border, heavy with moisture. With even minor disturbances in this pattern causing rain, the summer is the wet season, bringing double the amount of rain as in winter.
In the winter, the Trade Winds then shift southwards, making that time of the year drier.
At almost any time, air masses from other directions can cause a change in weather. The skies over the Bahamas are a veritable mixing pot of air, and wind direction is variable, no matter what the season.
Avg. Daily Max. Temps (F)
Jan(77.3), Feb(77.5), Mar(79.7), Apr(81.8), May(84.6), Jun(87.3), Jul(89.1), Aug(89.3), Sep(88.4), Oct(85.4), Nov(81.8), Dec(78.7)
Avg. Daily Min. Temps (F)
Jan(62.1), Feb(62.5), Mar(63.8), Apr(66.2), May(69.8), Jun(73.3), Jul(74.7), Aug(74.8), Sep(74.4), Oct(71.9), Nov(68), Dec(63.8)
Average Rainfall (inches)
Jan(1.86), Feb(1.59), Mar(1.57), Apr(2.12), May(4.58), Jun(9.17), Jul(6.21), Aug(8.5), Sep(6.75), Oct(6.91), Nov(2.23), Dec(2.04)
- Business Hours: top
Store hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 5:30 pm; Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm. Many stores tend to close for lunch and most are closed on Sundays.
Restaurants: Most restaurants are open 7 days a week with varying hours.
Banking hours: 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 am-5:00 pm on Fridays.
- Packing: top
Try to pack light so you'll meet the baggage restrictions. The turboprop commercial planes flying to The Islands Of The Bahamas often have tighter requirements and your excess or overweight luggage could get "bumped" from your flight. The planes that fly to The Out Islands are even smaller. They may restrict you to one bag and one carry-on bag.
Besides lightweight garments and comfortable shoes, you'll probably want to bring a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses and a beach towel. You can also bring your own fishing or scuba diving equipment, although these items can be purchased or rented at most beach resorts. Whatever you do, remember to leave enough room for souvenirs!
- Travel Documents: top
Citizens of the United States, Canada and The United Kingdom and Colonies do not need a passport for a visit that does not extend beyond three weeks. Visitors from these areas do need to present adequate proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and photo identification. For further information on extended stays and passport/visa requirements for visitors from other countries not listed above, please contact The Bahamas Consulate in your country.
- Taxis: top
Taxis are a nice way to know the islands, fares are regulated by the government and units have meters. Transportation can also be arranged by bus or on a rented car, an attractive option for the more independent travelers.
- Spring Break Season: top
Spring break season runs February 28 - April 10. This is important information, whether you're aiming to avoid the spring break season altogether or intent upon landing right in the middle of this month-long youthfest. Beach parties, sports meets, and musical entertainment lead off the packed Spring Break calendar.
- Economy: top
The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone accounts for more than 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs 40% of the archipelago's labor force. Moderate growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to an increase of the country's GDP by an estimated 3% in 1998, 6% in 1999, and 4.5% in 2000. Manufacturing and agriculture together contribute only 10% of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run will depend heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector and continued sturdy growth in the US, which accounts for the majority of tourist visitors.
- Junkanoo: top
Junkanoo, a Bahamian national festival, is a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. The rhythmic sounds of cowbells, goat skin drums and whistles, accompanied by an array of brass instruments, create a sweet musical beat that will move you; while brilliantly coloured costumes capture your eye, and bring much visual delight.
The biggest National Festival of the Bahamas. The Junkanoo Parade is held twice a year, December 26th, boxing day and January 1st New Years Day. It is the most exciting display of Art and Culture in the world, displaying elaborate and colorful costumes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Junkanoo is a national festival in The Bahamas, the only place where it holds such an honor. There is even a museum showcasing Junkanoo costumes, art and artifacts in downtown Nassau--a cultural highlight and must-see attraction for all visitors.
The event is hosted at various venues around Christmas and New Year, when streets and settlements resound with cowbells, whistles and goatskin 'goombay' drums, drawing in thousands of foreign visitors.
Junkanoo, named after the West African John Canoe Festival, originated in the Bahamas around the 17th century as a masquerade. Slaves, their faces hidden under a flour paste, celebrated on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. Later flour paste was replaced by wire masks held on a stick. Junkanooers blew bugles and horns, and beat on goatskin drums. In the late 20's when sponging was big business in the Bahamas many Junkanooers covered themselves totally in sea sponges! Our 1935 photo shows a Junkanoo in a fabric costume skirted with strips of rags: he danced for 'coppers' to fill the money pouch hanging from his wrist.
http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/bahamasweb/VisitingTheBahamas.nsf/Subjects/Junkanoo
- Diving Seasons: top
The Bahamas has a yearlong diving season, with water temperatures ranging from 76°F in the winter in the Northern Bahamas to 84°F throughout the islands in the summer. The topside temperature is fairly constant during the year, averaging about 82°F (except in the northwestern Bahamas, which are somewhat cooler in the winters), and usually accompanied by a mild breeze.
Divers can use Lycra, Darlexx and Polartec suits during late spring, summer and well into the fall. During winter, experienced divers usually bring along a neoprene shorty or jumpsuit as well. Operators do have wet suits for rental.
- Medical Services: top
Excellent medical care is available in The Bahamas. Hospitals in Nassau and Freeport offer private, general and maternity care and provide the services of a variety of specialists. Dental clinics and dentists are also available. Modern, dependable medical centers and private practitioners serve the outislands.
- Holidays: top
New Year's Day January 1
Good Friday Friday before Easter
Easter Sunday in mid-March or early April
Whit Sunday Last Sunday in May
Whit Monday Last Monday in May
Labor Day First Monday in June
Independence Day July 10
Emancipation Day First Monday in August
Discovery Day October 12
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
- Communications: top
Direct dial telephones, fax and telex service is widely available in Nassau, Freeport and many of the outislands.
- Population: top
259,367 people, with an approximate of 85% European Descendents, and 15% African Descendents.
- Internet: top
There are a few Internet cafes on Grand Bahama Island and Nassau Island open seven days a week. Laptop connections are available, as are webcams and facilities for scanning and copying. The main ISP is BaTelNet (website: www.batelnet.bs).
- Taxes and Service Charges: top
The Bahamas is a tax haven, with no income, capital gains or sales taxes. However, resort & accommodation taxes, property tax, departure tax and import duties are levied. Note that the resort levy is 6% and the room toll of 6% is applied to all accommodation bills. Tipping is not expected in restaurants and hotels, but use your discretion. Generally tip those who provide service, such as drivers, porters, etc.
- Money: top
The Bahamian dollar (B$) is freely interchanged with American dollar throughout The Bahamas. It trades on an even oar with the U.S. dollar and it is not necessary to change U.S. dollars into Bahamian currency. Traveler's checks in dollar denominations may be cashed almost anywhere. Credit cards are widely accepted. The Bahamas maintains cordial relations with all international banks and is known internationally for its banking and financial services.
- Location: top
Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida.
- Getting There: top
The Islands Of The Bahamas -- with its close proximity to Florida -- is easy to reach by air or by sea. Most of the islands have at least one airport and several marinas. Nassau's harbour alone can accommodate up to six cruise ships! Once you arrive in The Islands Of The Bahamas, you can use public transportation or rent a car to get about. There are plenty of charter plane companies, so movement between the islands is easy, too.
- Religions: top
Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2%
- Hyperbaric Chamber: top
There is a hyperbaric chamber in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Air evacuation services are available on all islands that supply diving services. All Bahamas diving operators carry oxygen and emergency first aid supplies.
- Departure Tax: top
Before you leave The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will need to pay a departure tax. The tax is B$15 for all islands, except Freeport on Grand Bahama, which charges B$18. Children under the age of six are exempt from this tax. You may substitute United States dollars for Bahamian dollars since American currency is accepted everywhere and the exchange rate is the same.
- Emergency Numbers: top
Grand Bahama Island
Police: 919
Fire: 42-353-888
Ambulance: 242-352-2628
New Providence Island, the Abacos, North Andros, Bimini, and the Exumas
Police and Fire: 919
Ambulance (New Providence): 242-322-2221
- Literacy: top
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 98.2%
male: 98.5%
female: 98% (1995 est.)
- Clothing: top
Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year; but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings from December to February. Most hotels/restaurants/casinos require jackets for men in the evening, especially in cosmopolitan Nassau. Though walking the streets in swim trunks in mid-January might sound irresistible, beach clothing is inappropriate on the streets of downtown Nassau, in churches, restaurants and casinos. On the more laid-back Out Islands, dress-codes are much more flexible.
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