The Bahamas
Top Tips for Your Trip: The Bahamas Travel Guide
Discover food and drinks to try, sites to see, phrases to know, and more in our travel guide for The Bahamas!
When to Visit
Planning a holiday to The Bahamas? View details on weather throughout the year and peak travel seasons. That way you can book your perfect window to explore the 700 islands and 2,400 cays!
■ Weather: It’s a rare day when you can’t soak up the sun! And while the ocean breeze does cause a slight drop in the evenings and early mornings, the average daily temperature rarely dips below 60°F. Which leads to the winter months typically hovering in the low 70’s and summer reaching up to 90°F.
■ Save on Your Trip: You can expect pricey rates and a surplus of tourists from December to mid-April. With numbers dropping during shoulder season which ends in May. Hurricane season then begins in June and runs through November. Which brings heavy discounts, but a possible cancellation of your vacation.
“Dean’s Blue Hole – Long Island, Bahamas”
“Pig Beach – Big Major Cay. Bahamas”
Whether you island hop by plane or ferry, here are twelve picturesque spots you can find in The Bahamas.
■ Hope Town: Located on Elbow Cay just north of Tahiti Beach.
■ Harbour Island: Home to Pink Sands Beach on Eleuthera.
■ Cat Island: Mount Alvernia is the highest point in The Bahamas.
■ New Providence: You can tour Nassau and Paradise Island.
■ Long Island: Dean’s Blue Hole is the second deepest in the world.
■ Berry Islands: 30 cays like the Billfish capital, Chub Cay.
■ Bimini: 50 miles from the Florida coast known for sport fishing.
■ Great Abaco: Great views at Treasure Cay or Green Turtle Cay.
■ The Exumas: You can swim with stingrays, pigs, and nurse sharks.
■ Scotland Cay: Luxury private island south of Great Guana Cay.
■ Grand Bahama: Freeport is The Bahamas’ second-largest city.
■ Andros: Lush greenery with scuba diving and fishing spots.
“Mount Alvernia – Cat Island, Bahamas”
“Scuba Diving in the Bahamas”
TOP THINGS TO SEE
The Bahamas is an oasis for relaxation and entertainment. And with so much land to cover, the ideas on what to do are endless. So here are just ten to start!
■ Island Hop: There are countless crystal clear beaches, cool bars, and local cuisines to try. And because each island has its own personality, there is so much to discover.
■ Water Activities: Grab your sunscreen for some fun in the sun! As fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, sailing, and kayaking might be calling your name.
■ Grottos & Blue Holes: Visit an underwater cave system at Thunderball Grotto! As well as the submerged chambers at Dean’s Blue Hole and Blue Holes National Park.
■ Queen’s Staircase: While this limestone landmark is nicknamed “The 66 Steps”, only 65 steps are now visible as the bottom step is buried by asphalt.
■ Art Galleries: Experience the culture and history of The Bahamas at the National Art Gallery, Leo’s Art Gallery, and Doongalik Studios. Just to name a few!
■ Wildlife: Swim with stingrays at Great Harbour Cay, pigs on Big Major Cay, and nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Plus, watch iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay and flamingos on Mayaguana.
■ Versailles Gardens and French Cloister: A European-style garden filled with statues and fountains. Made even more beautiful with The Bahamas as its backdrop.
■ National Parks: History and nature all wrapped into one. Check out Ben’s Cave at Lucayan National Park and the underwater art museum at Clifton Heritage National Park.
■ Garden of the Groves: A magical nature display in Freeport, Grand Bahamas that features waterfalls, vibrant landscaping, statues, and flowing ponds.
■ Atlantis and Aquaventure: This mega-popular resort even has a waterpark! Both of which can be enjoyed as a hotel guest or by purchasing a day pass.
“Lighthouse View – Hope Town, Bahamas”
“French Cloister – Nassau, Bahamas”
What to eat and drink
Get excited for fresh seafood, dreamy drinks, and more during your trip to The Bahamas. Below are just twelve of the country’s many delicious creations.
■ Cracked Conch: Battered and fried conch. Other recipes include fritters, salad, and chowder.
■ Crawfish: What Bahamians call spiny or rock lobster. Which don’t have claw-like most lobsters.
■ Goombay Smash: Cocktail of several rums, pineapple and orange juice, with hints of coconut.
■ Rum Cake: A vanilla bundt cake covered with a butter rum sauce once it comes out of the oven.
■ Peas n’ Rice: No peas here! Just legumes called pigeon peas with rice, tomatoes, onions, and pork.
■ Johnnycake: Top this tasty bread with butter and jam, or on the side of a savory dish like soup.
■ Guava Duff: This spiral loaf is filled with guava and then served in slices with a rum butter sauce.
■ Switcha: A refreshing drink created with only four ingredients: lemon, lime, sugar, and water.
■ Souse: Stew featuring vegetables, lime juice, potatoes, spices, and a protein like chicken.
■ Kalik Beer: You can find the beer of The Bahamas in light, regular, gold, lime, and radler.
■ Baked Crab: Crab that is baked in the shell with bread crumbs, veggies, butter, and herbs.
■ Bahama Mama: Lots of rum, fruit juice, and some coffee liquor make up this tropical beverage.
“Wild Flamingos – Mayaguana, Bahamas”
“Pink Sand Beach – Harbuor Island, Bahamas”
CURRENCY INFORMATION
Get the scoop on the local currency and all things money-related!
■ Currency Overview: The Bahamas uses the Bahamian Dollar (B$), sometimes seen as BSD. Notes are available in B$½, B$1, B$3, B$5, B$10, B$20, B$50, and B$100. With coins in 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 15 cents, and 25 cents. Meaning 100 cents equal B$1.
■ Traveling to Nearby Countries: For those traveling outside of The Bahamas, you will need to make a currency exchange. If you’re staying in The Caribbean, find out if your next destination has its own currency. Or if they part of the countries that use the Euro, US Dollar, or East Caribbean dollar.
■ Currency Exchange in The Bahamas: The US dollar is widely accepted in The Bahamas as it is of equal value. So there is no need to make an exchange if this is your local currency. For those arriving from outside of America, it is advised to make an exchange before your trip. While larger islands may have exchange options at the airport, local banks, or foreign exchange bureaus, smaller islands likely will not. Doing so beforehand may also get you a better exchange rate and a smaller commission fee.
■ ATMs and Bank Cards: Most larger islands have ATMs if you prefer to take out local currency through this method. Don’t want to carry around cash and coins? Many spots accept debit and credit cards. Just be sure to keep some cash with you as not all mom-and-pop shops or smaller islands accept cards. And before your trip, be sure to let your bank know of your travel plans. Also, to ask if any charges will incur by using an ATM or your debit or credit card.
“Queen’s Staircase – Nassau, Bahamas”
“Harborside Resort – Paradise Island, Bahamas”
CUSTOMS TO NOTE
From what to wear and how much to tip to the side of the road you’ll be driving on and suggested greetings, here are some do’s and don’ts of The Bahamas.
■ Greetings: Bahamians are known for their friendly and outgoing demeanor. So feel free to say hi to people you meet. And to give family and friends a handshake or hug!
■ Tipping: A 15% tip is custom while eating out or in a taxi. Some might automatically add a tip to your bill, so double-check before paying. $1-$2 is also appreciated per round of drinks at a bar.
■ Driving: The Bahamas are part of just 30% of the world who drive on the left side of the road. But because the islands are so small, you shouldn’t need a car. For those who do, rental companies should have automatic and manual options.
■ Clothing: While the weather may be warm year-round, it does get cool in the evenings. So pack a jacket and jeans just in case! When you’re not hanging out by the water, throw on a cover-up to show the locals courtesy while out exploring.
■ Eating: Hold your fork with the tines facing down in your left hand and the knife in your right. While some countries switch utensils between hands, The Bahamas does not.
■ Nature: Help maintain The Bahamas’ beauty by thoughtfully interacting with the islands and wild animals. Coral is also at risk for extinction. And if touched, can be damaged or even killed.
■ Tap Water: While tap is typically safe, bottled is most commonly consumed. Staying at a hotel? Ask about their options and advice on nearby restaurants. For rentals on small islands, ask the owner if well water is used.
■ Junkanoo: A parade kicks things off on December 26 with dancing, music, and costumes. The fun continues on January 1 with a summer festival to follow. Visitors are welcome, but should be respectful while enjoying the cultural festivities.
“Nippers – Great Guana Cay, Bahamas”
“Nurse Sharks – Compass Cay, Bahamas”
PHRASES TO KNOW
Bahamian English is the official language of the country, with roots from British English and many African languages. Creole is also spoken by some residents. Experience the islands like a local by keeping an ear out for some of the words and phrases below!
■ What da wybe is? = What’s up?: “What day wybe is? Everything good?”
■ Een nothin’ = Nothing much: “What da wybe is? Een nothin’. How about you?”
■ Jitney = Bus: “The jitney will take you to the north side of the island today.”
■ Jam up = Crowded: “We’re jam up with no tables right now.”
■ Sip sip = Gossip: “What did I miss earlier? Give me all of the sip sip!”
■ Well Mudda Sick = Oh my gosh: “Well mudda sick, I accidentally missed my flight!”
■ Leg short = Arrived Too Late: “You’re leg short! The ferry left five minutes ago.”
■ Potcake = Stray dog: “We help take care of the potcakes.”
“Stingrays – Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas”
“Marina Views – Freeport, Bahamas”
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Which island are you most excited to visit? And for those who have been, share your must-dos below!
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April 1, 2021
