Bahamas: Travel Tips

Seven hundred strong (30 are populated), the islands of the Bahamas are among the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The Bahamas boast the world’s third longest barrier reef and visibility of over 200 feet. You can also explore the world’s longest underwater cave and cavern system at Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Caribbean weather is generally good year round. The Caribbean high season spans Christmas and spring break and offers the driest weather of the year. To get the best rates, visit in the late spring or summer months—or get even better rates by traveling in the fall (September–October).

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Getting To Bahamas

If you are traveling from the west coast, plan on leaving as early as 7 a.m., or take a red-eye flight to Miami, Atlanta, or New York and connect from there. Coming from New York, you can expect to travel approximately five hours, from Atlanta or Miami it can be approximately three hours and as long as eight hours from Seattle. In any case, plan on leaving early or on a red-eye flight from the West Coast.

Flight times to Nassau

  • 1 hour from Miami
  • 2 hours from Charlotte
  • 4.5 hours from New York City

Flight times to Freeport

  • 50 minutes from Miami
  • 3 hours from Newark

Staying In Bahamas

More than three-fourths of the Bahamas lies underwater, making them ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing, sports fishing, even swimming with dolphins. Landlubbers play golf and tennis, nature lovers hike and bird-watch in national parks. Energetic Nassau/Paradise Island offers the largest variety of activities, while exclusive Exuma and Harbour Island lure privacy-seekers to secluded beaches.

Things to do

  • Island-hop: Fly to Grand Bahama or sail to the Out Islands—12 wild, remote islands.

Must-see Sights

  • Paradise Island: See the world’s largest aquarium or the casinos of Cable Beach.
  • Freeport: Visit the second largest city in the Bahamas.
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Traveling In Bahamas

Classic can arrange convenient and comfortable transfers at the time of booking. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel via taxi or shared transfer. In some locations, a private car transfer can be arranged to avoid the stops. Classic can also arrange friendly and fast car-rental service on many of the Caribbean Islands; with an availability of the most popular car rentals, from convertibles to minivans to four-wheel-drive jeeps. Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road on many islands.

While traveling in the Bahamas we recommend:

  • Private transfers at time of booking - Private transfers include a meet-and-greet by English-speaking drivers, luggage assistance, and bottled water in modern vehicles.

Things to Know

Entry Requirements

  • A valid passport is generally required for entry into the Caribbean and return to the United States.
  • Some countries may also require you to present a return airline ticket.
  • It is the traveler’s responsibility to obtain the proper documents.

Currency

  • U.S. currency is accepted nearly everywhere you go in the Caribbean.
  • Currency can be exchanged at banks and island hotels (although for slightly more than the standard exchange rate).
  • Most major American and European credit cards are accepted throughout the islands.
  • ATMs are widely available throughout the Caribbean.

Time Difference

  • The islands that make up the Caribbean span several time zones.
  • Most Caribbean islands lie in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, but a few are in the Eastern Time Zone.
  • Many of the islands do not observe daylight savings time.

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