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 The
Bahamas.
So close, yet so far away. The Bahamas chain is within
a scant 50 miles from the coast of Florida, but in that
50 miles you cross into another dimension. A time and
place without worries, a relaxing atmosphere, and friendly
people. Even though you can reach the Bahamas in less
than an hour's flight from the Florida coast, the country's
natural beauty and exotic appeal make it seem more like
a far-flung outpost. The water ranges from pale aqua
to deep sapphire, the spectrum changing hourly as the
relentless Bahamian sun sweeps across the island sky.
You can choose an island with lots of activities, shopping,
dining and nightlife. Or maybe an island where few other
people will be seen, and the afternoon activities include
swinging in your hammock and watching the sun fall from
the edge of the earth. It's up to you.
The islands offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba
diving in the world. Every island is rimmed by coral
reefs, and the waters offer exceptional visibility and
year-round temperatures that make wetsuits unnecessary.
 There
are plentiful ship and plane wrecks to explore - even
a train off Eleuthera. The Bahamas is renowned for wall
dives along the sheer-faced trenches at the edges of
the Bahama Banks. There are also blue holes, caves,
shallow reefs, shark and dolphin dives, drift dives,
incredible night dives and more. If you enjoy snorkeling,
all of the islands offer clear, shallow areas.
And the visibility, how about an average of 100'+, and
200' not an uncommon occurance. Dive services range
from small personal 6-paks where you may be one of the
few on the boat, to large personal operations with multiple
boats where you will get a chance to meet and dive with
scuba enthusiasts from all over the world. Where will
you dive? The choices are yours to make.
Climate Winter 60 - 75F Summer 80 - 85F
Water Temp Winter 72 - 75F Summer 84 - 88F
Visibility 80 - 100 ft (and up to 200 ft)
Dive
Services / Accommodations
ANDROS
Seascape Inn
PO Box 023824
Mangrove Cay, Andros
Bahamas
Tel. (242) 369-0342
relax@seascapeinn.com
www.seascapeinn.com
Limited to ten guests, your
hosts will show you some of the most pristine dive sites
in the world! Bone fishing can be done from the shore,
or a guide can be arranged. Or you can spend your day
relaxing in a hammock.
Small Hope Bay Lodge
P.O. Box 23324
Fresh Creek, Andros
Bahamas
Ph. (800) 223-6961 or (242) 368-2013/4
Fax. (242) 368-2015
SHBinfo@smallhope.com
http://www.smallhope.com
Perfect for SCUBA divers, snorkelers, eco-tourists,
fishermen. Third largest barrier reef. Twenty cottages
on the beach. Dock/Dive Shop on property. Rest, Relaxation,
Rediscovery
NASSAU/PARADISE
ISLAND
Sunrise
Beach Villas
Casino Drive
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel.: 1-800-451-6078 , 242-363-2250
E-Mail: rentals@sunrisebeachclub.com
Web: http://www.sunrisebeachclub.com
Experience the relaxing atmosphere of one of the few
remaining quaint private properties located on one of
the world’s finest beaches, on popular Paradise
Island by Nassau, Bahamas. Soak up the sun in our two
private pools that have abundant lounging and sunning
areas. Convenient to dive services.
Island
Overview
ABACOS
At the top of the Bahamas chain is a cluster of islands
and cays stretching nearly 130 miles southeast. They
are called the Abacos, and they are approximately 175
miles east of Palm Beach and 106 miles north of Nassau.
The two largest islands are Great and Little Abaco,
and are surrounded by smaller islets such as Walker's
Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay, Man-O-War Cay,
Elbow, and Great Guana Cay. Famous for its beautiful
clear blue water, the Abacos have long been a favorite
of sailors and fisherman. A mixture of old world charm
and just a touch of modernization makes all of these
islands a welcome relief from a hectic world.
There are three airports in the Abacos. Walker's Cay
in the north, Treasure Cay in the middle and Marsh Harbor
in the south. A number of commercial flights are scheduled
to and fron Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and several points
within the Bahamas. While there are ports of entry for
those arriving by boat, there is no commercial cruise
ship travel to the Abacos.
Accommodations in the Abacos are mainly seaside getaways
comprised of villas, smaller hotels and Bed and Breakfast
inns. Lacking are the high-rise glitz and glamour of
the large casino hotels and chains. Activities include
diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, relaxing on
the beach, dining, shopping, and hiking.
Transportation around the islands are by taxi and ferry
boat.
Diving includes reefs, wrecks and wall for your enjoyment.
There are many beautiful shallower dives here with extended
bottom times.
ANDROS
Located southeast of Miami and Bimini, and only 35 miles
from Nassau is Andros, one of the most interesting of
Bahamas Islands. Andros is the largest island, stretching
over 100 miles from top to bottom, and 40 miles across.
Yet it's 2300 square miles has the smallest population
of the inhabited islands. it is also one of the least
explored of the islands. With numberous inlets and lakes,
Andros is effectively separated into three sections
called north, middle, and south Andros.
Andros has three airports with service to and from the
mainland as well as other islands. In the north is San
Andros, in the middle is Andros Town, and in the south
in Congo Town. There is no commercial cruise ship service
to Andros. During your stay, transportation includes
taxi and private transport provided by some resorts.
Accommodations throughout Andros range from seaside
villas to all-inclusive resorts. On Andros, you will
not find high rise casinos and hotels.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, windsurfing,
fishing (Andros is a mecca for bonefish anglers), hiking,
nice deserted beaches.
Diving in Andros provides many unique opportunities.
Shallow and deep reefs abound on the third largest barrier
reef in the world. In addition, you can add walls and
fantastic blue hole diving to your daily fare.
BIMINI
Long known for it's famous big game fishing, Bimini
provides excellent diving and is the closest island
to the United States. Bimini is less than 50 miles from
Miami and a favorite trip for weekend getaways for Floridians.
Bimini is split into two parts, North Bimini and South
Bimini. In all, it is only 7 1/2 miles long and covers
only 9 square miles. Most of the islands 1500 residents
live in Alice Town on North Bimini. This is the center
of activity and a famous haunt of Ernest Hemingway in
days past.
There is only one airport, located on South Bimini.
It is serviced by both the mainland and inter-island
commercial flights. Although the island is bustling
with boat traffic, it does not accommodate cruise ships.
On island transportation is handled in two ways. The
Bimini Bus handles your transport along the strip on
North Bimini, while the water taxi will get you between
the two islands.
Activities include diving, snokeling, fishing, great
beaches, nightlfe and shopping.
Diving off Bimini provides a number of thrills for the
diver. Bimini's location on the edge of the Bahama Bank
and and gulf stream offers shallow and deep reefs, walls,
and blue water drift diving along the 2000' abyss of
the continental shelf.
EXUMA
The Exumas are situated roughly in the middle of the
Bahamas, and consist of more than 350 little cays. The
exceptions are Little Exuma and Great Exuma which are
connected by a single lane bridge. Of the most interest
to divers is George Town on Great Exuma. The beautiful
surrounding waters and small population make this a
great laid back getaway.
Air service is available from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale
as well as via Nassau. Private charters are also available.
The airport is located in George Town.
There is a good selection of accommodations on Great
Exuma in George Town. No glitz and glamour, just beautiful
smaller seaside lodging.
Taxi service is reaily available between airport and
hotels in George Town.
The best dive sites are the reefs in depths between
15' and 100'. There are also a series of caverns nearby.
GRAND BAHAMA
Grand Bahama, just 60 miles east of Palm Beach, is a
modern, commercial center and the second most populated
island in the Bahamas with over 41,000 residents. Freeport/Lucaya
are bustling tourist areas about midway down the 530
square mile island. Only two other inhabited areas exist
on the island. West End on the western tip and McLeans
Town near the east end. Thick brush and forest cover
most of the island. Great nightlife exists in the hotel
areas with casinos, shows, and entertainment on the
wharf area, where there are bands, dancing, shopping,
and watering holes.
The airport is located in Freeport and flights are regular
and numerous from the U.S. and from throughout the islands.
Transportation is readily available by taxi, bus service,
and rental cars. A rental car on Grand Bahama is nice
as there are nice scenic drives to get you away from
the crowd.
Diving is out of the Lucaya area and offers reefs, wrecks,
blue holes and specialty shark dives. There are a number
of operators out of Lucaya that offer great diving packages.
LONG ISLAND
At 60 miles long and 400 square miles wide, Long Island
seems sparsely populated with only 3500 residents. It
is believed that Long Island was Columbus' third stop
in the new world. If so, Columbus saw a beautiful island
with alternating flatlands and hills, and white sand
beaches as far as you can see.
Airports are at Stella Maris and Deadman's Cay and are
serviced from Nassau on a regular basis. Private charters
are available direct from Ft. Lauderdale to Stella Maris.
Taxi service is available to and from the airports at
Stella Maris and Deadman's Cay.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, relaxing on beautiful
deserted beaches, hiking, winsurfing. Shopping and nightlife
are limited, this is an island for peace and quiet.
Dive sites are almost limitless off Long Island. Reefs,
wrecks and walls are plentiful and will provide new
dives for everyday of your stay.
NEW PROVIDENCE
Usually just referred to as Nassau, New Providence Island
is also home to Cable Beach and Paradise Island. Within
it's 80 square miles are 172,000 residents, almost two-thirds
of the population of the Bahamas. In adidtion to being
the capital, Nassau is also the center of commerce.
Mail and most imported shipments arrive in Nassau and
are then dispersed throughout the islands. In addition
to fantastic diving, Nassau has casinos, shows, shopping
and endless activities.
Airports are located in Nassau and Paradise Island.
Flights are regular and numerous from Florida, New York
and Europe.
Transportation around New Providence is by just about
any mode imaginable. Taxis, bus service, rental cars,
scooters and bikes are readily available.
Accommodations, like transportation, run a full range.
Small hotels, villas, American hotel chains, and giant
casino resorts. If you want it, they got it.
Dive sites are numerous including shallow and deep reefs,
walls, wrecks, and specialty dives with dolphins and
sharks. Dive services are also numerous, ranging from
small private charters to multi-boat operators.
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Getting
There
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All
of the islands have airports, or at least an airstrip.
Flying into the Bahamas, you will usually arrive in
Nassau or Freeport, and if bound for an out island,
a smaller commuter plane will complete your journey.
Listed below are scheduled airlines, however there are
a number of charter flights available, check with your
travel agent.
Nassau/Paradise Island Airport Service
Air
Canada - Toronto, Montreal
Air
Jamaica - Montego Bay, Philidelphia, Newark, New
York
Bahamasair
- Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando
American
Eagle - Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa
Gulfstream
Chalks
Ocean Airways
Delta
US
Airways
Grand Bahama Airport Service
Bahamasair
Gulfstream
Continental
Miami
Air
Lauda
Air
Tran
American
Eagle
Treasure Cay Airport Service
US
Airways
Continental
/ Gulfstream
International
Bahamas
Air
Air
Sunshine
Gulfstream
Marsh Harbour Airport Service
American
Eagle
Gulfstream
North Eleuthera Airport
Gulfstream
Entry
Requirements
| Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The
proposed implementation timeline has two phases:
Beginning
January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S.
citizens, traveling by air between the United
States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America,
the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to
present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S.
Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien
Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
As
early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including
U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including
ferries), may be required to present a valid passport
or other documents as determined by the Department
of Homeland Security. While recent legislative
changes permit a later deadline, the Departments
of State and Homeland Security are working to
meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample
advance notice will be provided to enable the
public to obtain passports or passport cards for
land/sea entries.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S.
citizens traveling to or returning directly from
a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly
from a U.S. territory are not considered to have
left the United States and do not need to present
a passport. U.S. territories include the following:
Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands. More
Details...
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USA
Citizens
To enter The Bahamas, U.S. citizens are required to
have a passport and also need a return or onward journey
ticket and proof of funds to support the visit. If you
are using an electronic ticket, please show Bahamas
Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket
number. Stays are not to exceed eight months.
Canadian Citizens
To enter The Bahamas, Canadian citizens need one of
the three documents listed below, accompanied by a return
or onward journey ticket and proof of funds to support
the visit. Stays not to exceed 21 days.
NOTE:
A married woman whose birth certificate does not match
her Government issued identification should also bring
along her marriage license.
If you are using an electronic ticket, please show Immigration
a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number.
Passport
Current or expired (up to a maximum of five years since
expiration date).
OR
Official Birth Certificate
For persons 17 years of age and older:
An original certificate issued by the Canadian Govt.
or court-certified copy (raised or ink seal) is required,
accompanied by an Official Photo ID issued by the Canadian
Govt. (driver’s license, or voter's card). Current
and expired IDs are accepted. Student Photo ID alone
is not acceptable as adequate documentation.
For persons 16 years of age and younger:
A birth certificate is all that is required. If the
traveler is a student and possesses a student ID, the
traveler should also carry the student ID to facilitate
being processed by Bahamas Immigration.
For persons 16 years of age and younger, traveling alone:
A notarized parental letter of consent is required.
In the case of organized group travel, a letter is not
necessary. It is assumed that the chaperon has obtained
prior permission.
NOTE:
A laminated credit card-sized birth certificate is acceptable,
as long as it is an original or certified copy (raised
or ink seal).
OR
Original Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate
An original certificate is required, accompanied by
a recent photo if photo on naturalization paper is not
recent.
NOTE: Persons are advised to purchase return tickets
(and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the
unused ticket), even when they are certain to return
via a private boat – the chance of an airline/cruise
line ticket agent allowing travel on a single ticket
is very slim. If, however, the person gets to the point
of Bahamas Immigration on a single ticket, the Captain
of the boat would have to present himself and the cruising
permit. However, a copy of the cruising permit will
be permitted for crew members, who may be arriving by
plane and returning by boat as their names will appear
on the manifest. A letter will not suffice.
Citizens from other countries
To enter The Bahamas, citizens from countries other
than the U.S. and Canada require a Passport that must
be valid for six (6) months beyond the dates of travel
and/or a valid Bahamas Visa. You must also possess a
return or onward journey ticket and proof of funds to
support the visit.
NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please
show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and
ticket number. PASSPORT refers to a valid passport from
the individual's country of birth. VISA refers to a
Bahamas Visa only. If a person is born in one country
and resident in another (other than the U.S. or Canada),
the documentation required is based upon the country
of birth.
Upon
your arrival to The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will
be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure
Card, which you will keep part of until your departure.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from
travellers over one year of age coming from the following
countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso,
Colombia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador,
French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia,
Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Peru and Sudan. Travellers are
required to be vaccinated 10 days prior to entering
The Islands Of The Bahamas and must have a valid certificate
of vaccination against Yellow Fever.
Customs
When you enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will
be asked for a verbal baggage declaration. However,
your luggage is also subject to customs inspections.
If you are carrying dutiable items, you will need to
fill out a Baggage Declaration Form.
Custom Duty
Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but
baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case there
are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required
to complete a Baggage Declaration Form. Each adult is
allowed 50 cigars or cigarettes or one pound of tobacco
and one quart of spirits free of Customs Duty, in addition
to personal effects. In addition, purchases up to a
value of one hundred dollars ($100.00) are permitted
by all arriving passengers.
Household effects, such as small appliances (such as
blender etc.) are dutiable at 45% of the cost. Linen
and china are duty free for each arriving visit. Computers
such as laptops are considered a part of your personal
effects and therefore are duty-free.
For
the latest entry requirents for your country, please
visit:
http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/about/entryrequirements.aspx?sectionid=59196
Getting
Around
Taxis are accessible from all areas at all times. Jitney
buses run from downtown and Cable Beach in Nassau/Paradise
Island and from several depots at Freeport/Lucaya on
Grand Bahama Island at ten minute intervals for 75 cents
per ride.
Driving
Rental cars, scooter, and bikes are available on almost
every island. British rules apply, so please drive on
the left. Visitors may use their home license for up
to three months and may also apply for an international
driver's license.
Helpful Tips
What to Bring
Airlines restrict the amount of baggage you may bring
to the Bahamas, especially if you are commuting on the
out islands. Try to pack light. so you'll meet the baggage
restrictions. The planes that fly to The Out Islands
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!
It's a good idea to set aside B$15.00 to cover the departure
tax, unless you are leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas
from Freeport on Grand Bahama, where the departure tax
is B$18.00. You may substitute United States dollars
for Bahamian dollars since American currency is accepted
everywhere and the exchange rate is the same. You will
also need to have the appropriate documents for entry
into The Islands Of The Bahamas. Please click here to
view these documents.
Plan to wear spring and summer attire. The Islands Of
The Bahamas have a semitropical climate with temperatures
ranging from 70°F to 80°F.
Electricity
Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances
are fully compatible.
Water
The quality of water varies from island to island. The
water is drinkable; however, bottled water is available
in our hotels, restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets.
Tipping
Tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters
usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers
(waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Many establishments
include the gratuity in their bills, so look at your
bill before you leave a tip.
Shopping
Stores in downtown Nassau generally open for business
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays.
In Grand Bahama, the principal shopping areas are the
Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar which
are open for business at 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Mondays
to Saturdays. With the exception of the straw markets
and malls, only a few stores in the downtown area of
Nassau/Paradise Island and the International Bazaar
and Lucaya Marketplace in Grand Bahama will be found
open on Sundays. The straw markets and malls are usually
open for business on Sundays. On the out islands shops
and store hours may vary, check with your hotel or host
for more information.
Other Activities
(when you are not diving)
The Bahamas have some of the most beautiful white powdery
sand beaches in the world. On the out islands, you may
find yourself all alone to enjoy.
Dining in The Bahamas can be an enjoyable experience,
differing from meal to meal. Most dishes center around
seafood like conch or rock lobster, but you’ll find
a tremendous variety of fare throughout the islands.
Exploring nature and the environment is a fun and exciting
vacation activity. The Bahamas has many national parks
that protect and preserve the natural environment and
offer unsurpassed viewing of rare and indigenous wildlife.
There seems to always be a carnival or some sort of
festivities somewhere in the islands. You may experience
some of the most lively and varied events of any place
on the planet! Events celebrating everything -- fishing,
sailing, shopping, eating, drinking, dancing and more
-- can be found on the islands throughout the entire
year. In The Bahamas, the party never stops.
The Bahamas have long been known as a mecca for sportfishing.
Deep-sea fishing and bonefishing are the two standouts,
with events held nationwide throughout the year. Experienced
guides and fishing lodges are plentiful in the islands
and are fully outfitted to make sure you have the very
best fishing experience possible. From chartered boats
to flats fishing, The Bahamas have just about every
type of fishing for first-timers and fanatics.
Are you a high roller or are slot machines more your
speed? The casinos of Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya
offer cards, dice, roulette, slots, sports betting and
live shows.
One of the real pleasures of the Bahamas is that each
island has its own personality. No matter what kind
of nightlife entertainment you want, you’ll find it
on one of our islands. Peaceful nighttime serenity abounds
on The Outer Islands. A world of glamour and gaming
thrive on Grand Bahama and Nassau/Paradise Island. Whether
you choose to spend your vacation nights under the stars
or under the bright lights, there’s an island waiting
for you, or if it’s variety you seek, some islands offer
both!
Cruising the islands can be fun and adventurous. Day
sailing on catamarans, or overnight bareboat experiences
await. Cruise and enjoy what the islands are all about.
Request
More Bahamas Information
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