A nation of over 700 islands the Bahamas is a glorious retreat blessed with golden sunshine, white sandy beaches, and clear, axure seas.

    Catch the sprit in Nassau, the bustling hub of the Bahamas since the days of the legionary pirate Blackbeard. This historic city seduces visitors with its tropical splendor combined with world-class shopping gourmet dining and lively nightlife. Relax on the world-renowned, power white sands of Cable Beach by day and enjoy exciting casino action at night. Luxurious hotels and gourmet restaurants help make Cable Beach one of the hottest vacation spots in the Bahamas. Paradise Island offers unspoiled natural beauty and is easily accessible from Nassau. Cross the bridge or take a ferry to visit on of the most glamorous and celebrated resort areas in the world. Offering exclusive tranquility or plenty of action, Paradise Island is much more than a "pair o' dise!"

    Nassau is the vibrant capital city and Freeport/Lucaya on Grand Bahamas offer a complete resort community while the OUT Islands, including the Abacos, are more secluded, quiet and pristine. Unhurried and utterly breathtaking, you'll find an endless rainbow if delights in the Bahamas. 

    An array of water sports, golf, duty-free shopping and non-stop nightlife make the Bahamas the perfect destination for the vacationer that wants to do it all!

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Things you should know

Airport Description:
Nassau International Airport

Best Time to Visit:
November through April

Resort Areas:
Cable Beach, Paradise Island, South Ocean Beach, Downtown Nassau.

Travel with minors:
Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country. If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check in at the airport.

Bank Information:
Normal banking hours are Mondays - Thursdays 9:30 am - 3:00 pm; Fridays 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. ATMs are available, many are open 24hrs

ATM Available:
Yes

Currency:
Bahamian and U.S. dollar accepted

Departure Taxes:
$18.00, USD

Drinking Water:
The water throughout Nassau is safe to drink.

Duty Free Shopping:
Duty free shopping is available throughout Nassau and Paradise Island, and there is no Sales Tax in the Bahamas. Duty free shops are designated by a pink flamingo.

Climate/Topography:
The Islands of The Bahamas enjoy the idyllic climate most people associate with tropical seas. The temperatures seldom drop below 60° F, or rise above 90° F. Most of the rain comes in brief summer showers. The surrounding sea normally ranges from the low 80's in the summer, to about 74° F in midwinter. The subtropical and tropical climate makes Nassau a good year- round destination. It is a low lying island with lush vegetation and white sand beaches.

Electricity:
Standard North American 110 volt, 60 cycle.

Gambling:
The Crystal Palace Casino and Atlantis Paradise Island Casino are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. They feature slot machines, roulette, craps, and blackjack. The gambling age is 18 years.

Inoculations/Vaccination:
None required unless coming from an infected area.

Language:
English is the principle language of the Bahamas.

Location Description:
Nassau is central to the Bahamas island chain and surrounded by the Bahamas Out Islands, all of which lie within a 150 mile radius. The Bahamas are located in the Atlantic Ocean, 160 miles east of Miami.

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Golf Courses:
There are three golf courses in Nassau. The Cable Beach Golf Club was built in 1929 and designed by Devereux Emmet, featuring lakes and ponds on 10 of its 18 holes. It is a Par-72 course with 7,040-yards (Tel: 242 327-6000, Fax: 242 327-6987). The Paradise Island Golf Club is widely considered one of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean, and home to the Paradise Island Invitational (Tel: 242 363-3925, Fax: 242 363-1479). And the South Ocean Golf & Beach Resort offers a secluded and peaceful course steeped in history with challenging features and a resident golf pro (Tel: 242 362-4391).

Dress Description:
Casual dress is protocol for daytime, although swimwear is frowned upon in downtown Nassau, churches, restaurants and casinos. Spring- and summer-weight clothing is appropriate throughout the year, but many restaurants and casinos require jackets for men in the evening, and don't permit shorts. Daytime casino attire, as for most of the island, is strictly fun and comfortable.

Handicap Information:
With rising concern for improving and extending leisure-time facilities and services for wheelchair users, many cruise ships and hotels in the Bahamas, including some resorts in the Out Islands, have made their accommodations more accessible to these visitors. Nassau's Crystal Palace Hotel, for instance, has set aside a number of specially designed rooms for people in wheelchairs. The Bahamas Paraplegic Association, based in Nassau, has made a survey of hotels and resorts throughout the Bahamas where ramps, elevators, dining areas, baths, and other facilities can also serve those with limited mobility. Contact the association at 242-322-2393 or 242-323-1392. Renal House, a dialysis facility, recently opened in Nassau. Visitors needing dialysis may make arrangements with this modern professional clinic by calling Princess Margaret Hospital at 242-322-2861.

Rental Car Information:
Bahamians drive on the left-hand side, and a valid U.S. driver's license will allow travelers to drive within the Bahamas for up to 3 months. Major rental agencies such as Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National can be found throughout Nassau.

Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time, observes Daylight Savings

Tipping & Taxes:
15%, many hotels and resorts automatically add a 15% service charge; bellboys and porters - $1 per bag.

Tourist Board Phone #:
1-800-866-3438

Wedding Requirement:
Couples can be married after being a resident in the Bahamas for 24 hours. No blood test is required, and the marriage license cost is approximately $40 US. For more information, call toll free 1-888-NUPTIAL.

Weather Conditions:
The Gulf Stream and trade winds help maintain a temperature range of 68-86°F during the day, and 62-70°F during the night, all year round. Seawater temperature ranges from 73°F in February to 82°F in August.

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