What to bring / 25.02.2024

Useful information about the Bahamas. Where are the Bahamas? Capital of the state, attractions Which state does the Bahamas belong to?

Useful information about the Bahamas. Where are the Bahamas? Capital of the state, attractions Which state does the Bahamas belong to?

Bahamas– a fabulous corner of our planet that every tourist probably dreams of visiting. The Bahamas are an archipelago in the middle of the blue expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, which is the center of world tourism. The Bahamas is washed by the warm Gulf Stream, thanks to which a mild climate reigns here all year round. This state includes two and a half thousand reefs and seven hundred islands, although only thirty of them are inhabited. The Bahamian coast delights sophisticated tourists with hundreds of kilometers of snow-white beaches, beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear coastal waters and picturesque Caribbean nature. We will tell you about an amazing holiday in the Bahamas in our article.

Prices for tours and flights to the Bahamas. Holidays in the Bahamas are considered elite, so you need to be prepared that trips will be expensive. When choosing travel packages online, please note that many travel agencies offer tours to resorts in the Bahamas, without the cost of airfare. Approximately, a week-long tour to the Bahamas for two adults will cost from eight hundred euros. The price includes accommodation in a three-star hotel, with breakfast, and transfer from the airport to the hotel and back. All-inclusive meals, so beloved by Russians, are rare in the Bahamas. It is very convenient that a visa to the Bahamas is not needed for our compatriots planning to vacation there for less than ninety days. It is quite possible to buy relatively cheap air tickets to the Bahamas, but you should know that ticket prices vary depending on the time of year, the city of departure, and the availability of promotions and discounts from a given airline at that time. It is most profitable to purchase an air ticket to the Bahamas from Moscow or St. Petersburg, then a one-way economy class ticket will cost you about fifty thousand rubles. But you can find even more profitable options, for example, with Delta airline, a one-way flight will start from twenty-three thousand rubles, and with Transaero airline, departing from Vnukovo, you can go to the paradise islands for twenty-eight thousand rubles. But there are practically no direct flights to Freeport Airport; you will still have to make one or two transfers. Most transplants take place in or to the USA.

When and where is the best time to vacation in the Bahamas? There are two main seasons for the Bahamas: summer, when the air temperature warms up to thirty-three degrees and the water to twenty-eight, and winter, when the outside temperature is twenty-five degrees and the water is twenty-three degrees. Prices for tours to the Bahamas are always higher in winter, especially on holidays, but during the summer holidays, the cost of the tour will also increase. Although, it is at this time that you can find a lot of last-minute trips to the Bahamas with significant discounts. When choosing a holiday destination, it is worth knowing that the northwestern islands of the archipelago are cooler. The hottest islands of the Bahamas are the southern ones: Greater and Lesser Inagua, Mayaguana. In winter, there are rains here, but very rarely, and winds, high waves, and hurricanes are also very rare on these islands. That is why winter is more preferable for a holiday in the Bahamas. But in the period from May to October, the rainy season, typhoons and storms begins here. In all hotels, warnings are posted at the reception desk about all weather disasters predicted for the day. Relaxing in the Bahamas in the summer is quite romantic, because it is during this period that bright tropical flowers begin to bloom on the islands and shrubs begin to bloom, everything is green all around, exotic birds and insects flutter.

Resorts of the Bahamas. It is clear that all the islands of this archipelago are divided into resort areas, and each of them is attractive in its own way; tourists are offered a lot of interesting excursions and a wide variety of entertainment here. Each resort has several restaurants, bars, cabarets, casinos, and shops.

Resorts and beaches of New Providence Island is the most densely populated Bahamian island, where the capital is located - the beautiful city of Nassau, which combines all the best that the local nature has given. Calm - during the day, and capable at night, of turning anyone, even the most passive tourist, into an untied reveler. In the city one can trace a vivid mixture of architectural styles: colonial, modern - and this can be explained by the fact that this sea harbor has always been an area of ​​​​someone's interests and each people who took possession of it contributed to the urban architectural component. Connoisseurs of snow-white beaches and clear oceans, who are not ready to leave civilization and find themselves alone with nature, prefer to relax in Nassau. It is worth noting that along the entire coast of the Nassau resort there are hotel complexes, shopping centers and parks that make tourists' vacation more eventful and interesting. Moreover, Nassau is a real paradise for connoisseurs of excellent shopping. The most luxurious boutiques and numerous duty free shops are located here. The city of Nassau is one of the world's largest offshore centers, where four hundred banks and trust funds are located, it is not for nothing that it is called the “Zurich of the tropics”. The islands located near New Providence are home to fashionable hotels intended for luxury holidays in the Bahamas, there are a lot of upscale restaurants and the Crystal Palace casino. The most popular beaches on New Providence Island are: Cable Beach - “Cable Beach” is the best beach in the Caribbean islands, as well as the opposite resort islands, with Long Cay Beach and North Cay Beach.

Resorts and beaches of Grand Bahama Island is the largest island with an international airport accepting flights from America and Europe. Connoisseurs of noise and fun come to relax on this Bahamian island, because the music does not stop here, there are a lot of entertainment centers, discos, night clubs, and every shopping center has a duty-free point. The island has an excellently developed infrastructure. The main natural advantages of this island are long snow-white beaches and huge pine forests. The most popular resort in Grand Bahama is Freeport or Lucaya - a modern city with free morals. And the best beach is Gold Rock, with romantic palm trees leaning towards the water, vine bushes around and beautiful lush orchids. For those who like to tickle their nerves, we advise you to get to Tiger Beach - the habitat of tiger sharks, and then you will have enough impressions to last a lifetime. A very popular holiday destination in Grand Bahamas is the luxurious Paradise Bay Beach, which is photographed on many booklets advertising exclusive holidays in the Bahamas.

Resorts and beaches of Andros Island- this is the most uninhabited Bahamian island, with centuries-old pine groves, fragrant pine needles, beautiful mangroves and palm trees, located along snow-white sandy beaches, smoothly extending into the turquoise sea surface. Supporters of a relaxed beach holiday in the lap of nature come here to relax and enjoy strolling along the turquoise ocean to the melodic accompaniment of birds chirping: ibises, flamingos, spoonbills, hummingbirds, and Bahamian parrots. Weddings or honeymoons are often held here. But this island is no less popular among eco-tourists, amateur kayakers, ornithologists, snorkelers, divers, and just those who like to fish. The three main resorts of Andros Island: Nicholls Town, Andros Town, Congo Town. But due to the small population of the island, there is almost no developed infrastructure and public transport, and traveling by taxi will cost you a pretty penny. The most popular beach in Andros is Somerset Beach. By the way, many local hotels, knowing that newlyweds are trying to come to this Bahamian island to relax, offer a “wedding package”.

Resorts and beaches of Eleuthera island is the fourth largest island of the Bahamas, and an elite vacation spot, with the most expensive and luxurious hotels and restaurants. It is only two kilometers wide, but stretches one hundred and eighty kilometers long. Local residents live thanks to generous seafood and rich pineapple plantations, and, of course, tourism. The island of Eleuthera is a quiet but well-developed resort, with picturesque nature: high cliffs leading into the bright blue sea, numerous mysterious caves and grottoes, beautiful coral reefs, wide beaches with pink sand. The water here is very clean and transparent, and the entrance is gentle. The main beaches: “French Leave Beach”, “Lighthouse Beach”, “Surfers Beach”, “Winding Bay Beach” - are very popular among tourists vacationing on this Bahamian island. Divers who have long appreciated its beautiful underwater world love to relax on the island of Eleuthera.

Resorts and beaches of Great Abaco Island is the second largest island of the Bahamas, and a favorite vacation spot for people crazy about sailing. Yachtsmen from all over the world meet here, during the “sailboat season,” which begins with the arrival of spring and lasts almost until the end of autumn. Travelers vacationing here will certainly be delighted by the local coast with cozy bays and beautiful reefs, clear turquoise sea water, by the way, the local waters are calm and rather shallow, with a gentle entrance. The most popular sandy beaches: Ocean Beach, Tahiti Beach, Guana Cay Beach, Abaco Beach Resort, Sandy Point Beach. On Abaco you can do excellent fishing, because the local coastal waters are simply teeming with fish. For lovers of eco-tours, we recommend visiting the picturesque Abaco National Park.

Long Island Resorts and Beaches- the most picturesque Bahamian island, where there are very few tourists, but many natural places, completely untouched by civilization. The island stretches in a long, narrow strip along the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is divided in two by the ridge of an ancient reef, so Long Island has completely different shores, on the one hand dominated by high cliffs and deep caves washed by raging ocean waves, and on the other hand there are ideal white-sand beaches with a gentle entrance to calm and quiet waters . It is this contrast that makes a holiday on this Bahamian island more interesting and exciting. The main resort town here is Stella Maris, all boat excursions and other tours around the island start from here. At the northern tip of the island, the most beautiful Cape Santa Maria in the Western Hemisphere is located.

Exuma Island Resorts and Beaches is an archipelago of three hundred and sixty-five coral reefs and small islets, the largest of which are Great Exuma and Little Exuma, washed by the sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On the island of Great Exuma, tourists will find plenty of opportunities for an interesting holiday, as there are excellent resorts with hotels offering high-quality service, but you can also rent a modest fishing lodge, thus saving on accommodation. Local cozy bays, quiet bays and harbors attract numerous yachtsmen and fans of sport fishing. Here, since 1957, the world's most famous marine park was created - Exuma Case Land and Sea Park. The most popular beaches on Exuma Island among tourists are “Tropic of Cancer Beach”, “Three Sisters Beach”, “Jolly Hall Beach”, “Coco Plum Beach”, “Hamburger Beach”. No less beautiful beaches are Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Staniel Cay, Saddle Cay, Stocking Island - all of them are sandy with a gentle entrance into clear sea water.

Resorts and beaches of Bimini island- a picturesque archipelago of several islands, the largest of which are North Bimini and South Bimini. This picturesque archipelago is located on the edge of a powerful sheer underwater cliff, immersed thousands of meters into the sea abyss. The Bimini Islands are a very attractive place for people interested in the unusual and unknown, because it is here that there are several unique places on the planet and natural monuments, the properties of which have not yet been solved or explained by scientists. The most controversial place is the “Bimini Road”, which, back in the forties of the twentieth century, was discussed by the famous predictor Edgar Cayce, who said that in 1968, the ruins of one of the lost cities of the drowned Atlantis would be found here. And so it happened: in September 1968, near the shores of Paradise Point in North Bimini, neatly laid out huge limestone blocks, seven hundred meters long, were found, which were called “Bimini Road”. Long-term underwater archaeological expeditions and research began, after which it was concluded that these megaliths were actually laid by people - representatives of a long-vanished highly developed civilization, but there were other opponents who argued that these were just sea sediments - coastal rock.

Another very controversial place in Bimini is the “Fountain of Youth” - a rejuvenating source that Juan Ponce de Leon was looking for, who heard a story about it from representatives of the Arawak people, related to the Taino Indians. Many of the island's indigenous inhabitants say that their distant ancestors passed on by word of mouth the legend that this miraculous fountain is located in the shallow backwaters of South Bimini. The next mysterious place on the island is the “Healing Grotto”, located in the backwaters of the mangrove forest covering North Bimini, this place is the end of a mysterious labyrinth of underground tunnels through which, at low tide, cool fresh water, rich in mineral salts - lithium and sulfur, penetrates into this backwater , which is why it has a powerful healing effect. After bathing here, people experience physical rejuvenation and phenomenal mental clarity. The main resort of the Bimini Islands is Alice Town, with the best restaurants, shops, and hotels. Fishing enthusiasts often come here, as well as fans of eco-tourism, who enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the islands and observing the numerous representatives of the marine and aerial fauna that live here. Schools of dolphins and giant turtles swim right to the shores of the island. The most popular beaches of Bimini, with clear sea water, white sandy shores and a gentle entrance: “Radio Beach”, “Blister Beach”, “Spook Hill Beach”, “Tiki Hut Beach”.

Resorts and beaches of Greater Inagua- the southernmost island of the Bahamas, the third largest, with several lakes and a large ornithological reserve, home to eighty thousand species of birds. The island's main resort is Matthew Town, and Inagua's most popular beach is Iron Badge Beach. Fans of eco-tours, divers, as well as simply supporters of a quiet, contemplative holiday will enjoy relaxing on the island. Here you can watch the life of pink flamingos in their natural environment and swim with dolphins.

Harbor Island Resorts and Beaches- a small island, five kilometers long and a kilometer wide, with a single resort town - Dunmore Town. Here is the famous beach with pink sand - “Pink Sands Beach”, which, thanks to the coastal reefs, protects vacationers from huge waves. Harbor Island is considered the best Caribbean island and the most elite vacation spot in the Bahamas, for the richest people in the world. Holidays here are relaxing, since there are no noisy entertainment centers on the Harbor; lovers of silence and solitude in the lap of picturesque nature will like it here. Here are the most luxurious villas and luxury holiday homes in the Bahamas.

Resorts and beaches of the Berry Islands– here you will find the most economical holiday in the Bahamas. This cluster of thirty small reef islands is located southeast of Bimini. They are completely covered with greenery, there are many beautiful sandy beaches, snow-white, like flour. Thanks to their gently sloping entrance, these beaches are ideal for families traveling to the Bahamas with children. So, seven miles of the best sandy beaches await you: Dannenberg Beach, Queen's Beach, Sand Dollar Hill, Shark Creek, Shelling Beach, Sugar Beach, The Ship Yard Beach. There are also completely uninhabited islands, with pristine nature and beautiful sea depths, which have long been loved by divers and snorkelers.Sport fishing championships are held on Berry.

Paradise Island Resort- is located northeast of New Providence, and is connected to this island by a bridge. On Paradise there is a huge Atlantis hotel complex, with amazing beaches with white sand and palm trees on the shore, excellent golf courses, a huge water park, a casino, and numerous shops. Here you will find mental relaxation and entertainment for every taste.

The Bahamas are essentially one large resort and a place for elite beach holidays. Most resort areas have a well-developed infrastructure and a lot of entertainment for vacationers, here you can go diving, fishing, snorkeling, yachting, and get acquainted with interesting sights.

The full name of the state is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The state consists of more than 3,000 islands, reefs and islets. The Bahamas is located north of Cuba and Haiti and close to Florida.

Originally settled by the Lucayans, originally from the Arawakan tribe, the Bahamas became the first stop of Christopher Columbus back in 1492. Although the Spanish never colonized the Bahamas, they did send the Lucayans into slavery in Haiti, leaving the islands virtually deserted by 1513. In 1648, English colonists from Bermuda landed on the island of Eleuthera, and in 1718 the Bahamas became a crown colony.

Today, a constitutional monarchy remains the state's form of government, with Queen Elizabeth II represented by a governor general. The Bahamas has a parliamentary system of government, in which power is in the hands of a bicameral Parliament.

Capital
Nassau

Population

Population density

23.27 people/km 2

English

Religion

Christianity

Form of government

A constitutional monarchy

Bahamian dollar

Timezone

International dialing code

Internet domain zone

Electricity

The religious composition of the population of the Bahamas is diverse: 35.4% are Baptists, 15.1% Anglicans, 13.5% Catholics, 15.2% of the population belong to other Christian denominations, another part are Methodists, Pentecostals, the Church of God, are atheists or undecided.

The state's economy is based on tourism. It accounts for more than 60% of GDP. In addition, the tourism sector provides employment to more than half of the country's working population.

Climate and weather

The north of the Bahamas has a tropical trade wind climate, while the south has a subtropical climate. It is formed by the warm Gulf Stream, the influence of which is dangerous, as it provokes hurricanes in the summer. Precipitation falls in the form of rain from May to October.

Temperatures in summer range from +26...+32 °C. On the southern islands the temperature can reach +40 °C, but thanks to the trade winds the heat is easily tolerated. In winter, the temperature is between +18…+22.

You can go on vacation to the Bahamas at any time of the year, but in the summer it can be very hot on the southern beaches.

Nature

According to its geological structure, the Bahamas archipelago is a limestone plateau. The average altitude above sea level is 30 m, and the highest point in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia on Ket Island, rising 63 meters above sea level. Due to the outcropping of salt-laden limestone, many of the islands have mangrove swamps, salt lagoon lakes and sandy beaches. There are practically no rivers on the islands, so there is very little fresh water.

The flora of the Bahamas is not very diverse and is represented by low-growing shrubs, cacti, and aloe. Orchids and jasmine are growing.

The fauna is also not very diverse. In the Bahamas there are snakes, frogs, bats, and flamingos in the swamps and salt lagoons. In addition, a large number of migratory birds flock here to spend the winter.

But the underwater world of the Bahamas is simply amazing. The corals on the ocean floor are home to many species of fish that divers love. In the lagoons and creeks you can find mackerel and barracuda. There are sea turtles. The reefs are home to a huge number of corals, mollusks, and sponges.

Attractions

The Bahamas are considered the richest country in the region. Each island of the archipelago has that zest that will attract any tourist.

The Bahamian capital of Nassau has many interesting places to visit. For example, you can stroll along Bay Street, a street with numerous shops and boutiques; or visit the Adastra Gardens, the Retreat Gardens reserve, an underwater aquarium or the famous Cable Beach - an area of ​​sandy beaches, hotels, and casinos. The heart of the city is the central square with the buildings of the Supreme Court, Parliament, and Colonial Administration. The visiting card of the city is the Atlantis Hotel. The most visited places by tourists are the old water tower with a beautiful view of the city and Queen Victoria's Staircase with 66 steps carved into the rock.

The city of Freeport is suitable for lovers of water sports, outdoor activities, golf and tennis. It is also worth visiting the Garden of the Groves, monuments of the ancient culture of the Arawak Indians, and the Rand Memorial Park Reserve.

In the city of New Bight on the island of Ket there is a unique architectural monument - the Hermitage, built on the top of Mount Alvernia. The Hermitage was built by an apostate priest in 1939. The work of Father Jerome includes the Church of the Savior on the same island and many beautiful monasteries and temples built on other islands of the archipelago.

Nutrition

Seafood is the basis of Bahamian cuisine. The national ingredient of the Bahamians is the conch sea snail. All kinds of salads, appetizers, and soups are prepared from this snail.

It is impossible to imagine local cuisine without rice and pea dishes. Spiny lobster is the most expensive dish. For a very long time, various dishes and soup made from sea turtles were popular, which led this species of reptile to extinction. It is worth trying a dish of sea bass, which is served with a sauce of mushrooms, onions, spices and white wine.

Dessert is usually served with fruits (melons, pineapples, papayas, mangoes), drinks whose key ingredient is rum, and the famous Bahamian johnny cake. Non-alcoholic drinks include tea, coffee, and Pepsi-Cola.

Bahamian cuisine borrowed a lot from British, American and African cuisine, but adapted it to local conditions and opportunities.

Large cities have a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars. On average, the bill per person in an inexpensive cafe will be $10-15. At the height of the tourist season, many cafes and restaurants are crowded, so you should take care in advance so as not to be left without dinner, for example.

Accommodation

In the Bahamas there is no classification system for hotels and inns, so the assignment of a “star” level here is made either by the owner of the rental premises or by the tour operator. Holidays in the Bahamas are considered very prestigious and expensive, which is why most hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis.

As a rule, guesthouses are located on the coast, which are mainly rented to divers and surfers. Service in guesthouses may not always be at the highest level, but it corresponds to its prices.

There are also hotel complexes consisting of bungalows. There are eco-hotels that use only natural products for food and get electricity from solar panels.

If staying at a hotel is not part of the tourist’s plans, there is always the opportunity to rent a room from the local population.

Entertainment and relaxation

Most people go to the Bahamas for beach holidays, diving and surfing. The coastal area of ​​the archipelago is replete with beautiful sandy beaches, the most famous and popular of which is Pink Beach on Harbor Island. The most expensive beach holiday destination is the island of Eleuthera.

A large number of shallow reefs attract beginner divers. There is something to see underwater - sunken ships, underwater caves. Underwater feeding of sharks on the Abaco Islands, New Providence, and Long Island is very popular. Those who like a less extreme holiday will be offered swimming with dolphins.

Most hotels include water sports in the price, while some offer them for an additional fee. There are a large number of water sports centers concentrated on the islands of New Providence, Harbor Island and Grand Bahama.

The Jonkonu Festival is held twice a year in the Bahamas. Colorful processions are accompanied by musical performances and fireworks. Freeport hosts the National Windsurfing Championships every January. The Music Fest festival takes place in the last week of May. July 10 is Independence Day. The Bahamian Wine and Food Festival takes place at the end of September.

Nassau and Freeport have a large number of bars, restaurants, and clubs for nightlife lovers.

Purchases

Shops in the Bahamas are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00, followed by a lunch break and reopening from 15.00 to 17.00.

The world famous shopping street Bay Street is located in the old part of Nassau, and next to it is the Straw Market. In these places you can buy a variety of goods, ranging from fashionable clothing from world brands to exquisite jewelry, accessories and handmade souvenirs.

The second popular shopping destination is the small island of Paradise. Here, avid shopaholics will find everything their heart desires at affordable prices.

It is better to go shopping on a weekday morning, since at this time there are fewer people there.

Prices for goods in the Bahamas are comparable to those in the United States. Lovers of the beautiful life will have to shell out about $200 a day. Those who are more modest in their needs will settle for $70-150 per day. And don’t forget that the Bahamas has a duty-free system.

Transport

The Bahamas has two major international airports - Lyndell Pindling International Airport in Nassau and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport. In addition to these main ones, the Bahamas has about 60 smaller airports. Nassau, Freeport and Mathew Town have seaports.

There are no railway connections or public transport in the Bahamas. Transportation is carried out by cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, which can be rented. There are taxis in the capital. The fare is regulated by the government. So, the cost for a quarter mile when traveling in a taxi will cost $2, then the rate will be 30 cents per quarter mile.

Communication between the islands is carried out by ferries and boats.

The length of roads is 2,700 km, half of which are paved.

Connection

The communication system in the archipelago is well developed. Payphones are found everywhere, you can make international calls from them, and payment is made using a calling card. The rooms of almost every hotel have a telephone from which you can make local calls or make an international call through an operator, although this will be 10-15% more expensive than from a payphone.

Mobile communications are also well developed. Local telecom operators provide 100% coverage of the state territory.

Internet provider BaTelNet provides almost all types of services. The average connection cost is $5 per hour.

Safety

When traveling to the Bahamas, it is not necessary, but it is advisable, to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis. The widespread prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the region should also be taken into account.

Customs control is quite democratic. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, but the export of local funds exceeding $70 must be accompanied by permission from the Central Bank of the Bahamas. The import ban applies to drugs, explosives, and weapons (without special permission).

The local population is quite friendly and ready to help if necessary. However, there are some restrictions and prohibitions. Fishing using underwater guns and other devices for these purposes is not permitted.

Local authorities are waging a tough fight against drug trafficking: even drug use can result in imprisonment.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are quite common in the Bahamas, so you need to be careful. It is not advisable for girls and women to walk alone after dark.

There is virtually no government oversight of local firms offering active sports services, which leads to frequent accidents and deaths during underwater fishing, diving, and surfing.

Road traffic in the Bahamas is on the left.

Business climate

The Bahamas are considered a paradise for businessmen. It is possible to register any offshore companies here. But it is worth keeping in mind that buying real estate imposes a ban on doing business. However, it is very profitable to invest in business real estate. There are benefits for hotel owners.

There is no income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax, or property tax in the Bahamas.

Real estate

Foreign citizens have the right to purchase both development land and other types of real estate in the Bahamas: villas, apartments, townhouses. There is a restriction on the area of ​​real estate purchased by foreign citizens - it should not exceed 2 hectares, otherwise a special permit is required. The application for permission to purchase real estate must contain information about the buyer and seller, a description of the property and the purpose of its acquisition. After selecting the property, a purchase offer is drawn up in writing and an advance payment is made.

It is best to entrust the registration of real estate to a lawyer. The presence of the parties is not required. The purchased property is subject to mandatory insurance and registration with the Investment Council.

Average cost of 1 sq.m. comfortable housing in the Bahamas is $7,000. Buying a bungalow will cost $300,000-500,000, a villa will cost $500,000 or more, and a penthouse will cost $1,000,000-3,000,000.

To travel to the Bahamas you need to apply for a visa at the British Embassy. The visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days, unless it concerns employment.

Despite the high cost of services, you can save money in the Bahamas. Many hotels offer guests discount cards for entry to nightclubs for $5. This is a very advantageous offer, considering that on weekends entrance to the club costs from $50.

Prices for imported alcoholic drinks are very high, so if you want to save on alcohol, it is better to order local drinks, such as rum and beer.

Please note that tips in the Bahamas range from 10 to 15%, and some restaurants and hotels include this in the bill in advance.

When it comes to the Bahamas, many people imagine luxurious beaches surrounded by spreading palm trees, blue sea and bright sun. And this is understandable, since the tourism industry is really well developed here. But what else is interesting about this territory? We will talk about this in this article.

Bahamas on the map

The state called the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is located north-southeast of the island of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago consists of 700 islands of various sizes and coral reefs, which occupy an area of ​​250 thousand km. Only 30 of them are inhabited.

The land area can be compared to the area of ​​Jamaica. It includes the Caicos and Turks Islands, which are a British overseas land. The largest of them are Andros, Grand Bahama, New Providence, Eleuthera.

State capital

All tourists arriving there begin their acquaintance with this unusually picturesque territory from the capital of the state. It is located on the island of New Providence. This is a very small island (the smallest in the Bahamas archipelago). The capital, Nassau, is a small and modern city, which is famous throughout the world for its harmonious combination of ultra-modern buildings with colonial architecture. The once bustling and small village founded by pirates has become the wonderful modern city of Nassau (Bahamas).

Many original and colorful buildings surround the port promenade and harbor, business districts are always lively, and numerous shops and markets offer tourists goods from different countries.

At the beginning of the 20th century, after the construction of an international airport and the deepening of the harbor, the Bahamas (the capital in particular) received up to a million tourists annually. And by the 70s, when the Paradise Island Bridge was built and Cable Beach was developed, the city began to welcome up to 2.5 million guests a year.

Bahamas attractions

At the beginning of our journey, we will get acquainted with some islands that arouse the interest of tourists.

Grand Bahama is located in the north of the archipelago. It is the second most visited island in the country by tourists. Despite its name, it is not the largest island. It attracts tourists with its snow-white shores, vast forests and rich wildlife. Its most popular area is the city of Freeport.

Andros

Archipelago. It is covered with extensive palm thickets. In addition, mahogany and pine grow here. The forest here, according to the islanders, is inhabited by aggressive little red-eyed elves. They call them “chiccharniz”.

The island is sparsely populated, with only shabby shacks on its eastern shore, surrounded by old cars and abandoned refrigerators. Therefore, Andros is most often visited only by extreme divers, who are attracted here by the third longest barrier reef in the world. It stretches along all the coasts of the island. The city of Andros Town is also one of the attractions of this island, along with an old lighthouse and the beautiful Somerset Beach. In the town of Red Bay, located in the northwest of Andros, live the descendants of the Seminole Indians, who are famous for their skill in weaving various products from straw.

Eleuthera

The Bahamas, whose photos often adorn the covers of glossy magazines, attract very wealthy tourists on vacation. As a rule, they prefer this small island, which is traditionally considered elite. Luxurious resorts and various clubs alternate with magnificent villas and gourmet restaurants.

The Harbor Island Reef, located in the northwest of Eleuthera, deserves special attention. It's home to the vibrant and distinctive town of Dunmore Town, a wonderful beach and excellent snorkeling and diving sites.

Long Island

Tourists do not visit all the Bahamas. The map shows that Long Island is an elongated island (one hundred kilometers long and five kilometers wide). It is practically not visited by tourists. And completely in vain. This is the most picturesque island of the archipelago, with many corners untouched by human civilization.

The landscape of Long Island is formed by a combination of hilly terrain, surf-eroded shores, which are washed by waters rich in marine life, and sandy beaches. In the north of the island there is a long snow-white beach - one of the most beautiful in the western hemisphere.

Nassau Cathedral

But the Bahamas are famous not only for their interesting nature. The capital of the state is famous for its architectural structures. One of them is the Cathedral. This is the largest religious building in the country. The construction of the cathedral dates back to the end of the 17th century. Next to it you can see many memorial plaques with the names of people who died here during epidemics.

Queen Victoria's Staircase

There is an unusual staircase in Nassau (Bahamas). It was carved into the limestone rock by slaves in the 18th century. It has sixty-five steps. It received its current name much later. This happened during the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession to the throne.

The staircase runs along the wall of the fort. On the opposite side a small waterfall carries its waters. At the very bottom, near the steps, there is a seating area. And from the top steps there is a stunning view of Nassau.

Houses of Parliament

This small two-story building is located in the very center of Nassau, on its main square. It was built in the early 19th century for meetings of the colonial government. The first officials from Britain appeared here in the middle of the 17th century. And today the direct influence from London is felt in the state, since formally the head of the country’s Parliament is still the Queen of Great Britain.

The Parliament building has an antique portico, which is decorated with four columns. Like all the buildings on the square, it is painted a rich pink color. It looks especially beautiful in the evening hours.

Bimini Road

These are two almost parallel tracks paved with stone slabs that are under water. Some slabs reach a length of six meters. The road is located at a depth of nine meters, through absolutely transparent water it is clearly visible from the sea surface. Its length is five hundred meters, width is ninety meters.

This is not the only unusual find. Not far from the Bimini road there is a J-shaped arm. It is also lined with such slabs. Here, other strange structures were also discovered under water - platforms and concentric circles.

Alice Town

Today, many are attracted to the Bahamas, photos of which you can see in our article. They have many different clubs on their territory. Alice Town is home to the most famous of them. E. Hemingway began writing his novel “To Have and Have Not” there. Tourists are shown this historical monument, which presents unique photographs of the famous writer and his personal belongings.

Royal Victoria Gardens

The Bahamas are famous for their unusual vegetation. The capital of Nassau has a unique botanical garden on its territory, built here at the beginning of the 19th century.

The Royal Victoria Gardens contain a rare collection of plants from tropical countries. There are more than three hundred species. A huge number of rare varieties of orchids entwine the trees and fill the air with a delightful aroma.

Independence date July 10 (from UK) Official language English Capital Nassau Largest cities Nassau Form of government a constitutional monarchy Head of State Elizabeth II Governor General Cornelius Smith Prime Minister Hubert Munnis Territory 156th in the world Total 13,878 km² % water surface 28 % Population Score (2014) 321,834 people (177th) Density 23.27 people/km² GDP (PPS) Total (2012) $11.055 billion Per capita $31,382 GDP (nominal) Total (2012) $8.043 billion Per capita $22,832 HDI (2013) ▲ 0.794 (high; 49th place) Currency Bahamian dollar (BSD, code 44) Internet domain .bs ISO code B.S. IOC code BAH Telephone code +1-242 Time Zones -5 Car traffic left

Etymology

The origin of the name has not been precisely established; there are two main hypotheses in this regard. According to one of them, the name comes from the local dialect phrase “ Taíno ba ha ma"("large upper middle land"); another hypothesis is that the name arose from the Spanish combination "baja mar" ("shallow water"/"shallow sea" or "low tide"), reflecting the shallow waters in the area. It has also been suggested that this name may come from a word in the local Guanahani dialect, the meaning of which is not precisely established.

Story

Basic moments

The extensive archipelago covers an area of ​​250,000 km² and consists of 2,700 islands and coral reefs covering only 13,878 km². Humans inhabit thirty of them. The island territory is united into a state - the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, which is home to 391,232 people (2016). The most populated islands are New Providence, where the country's capital is located, and the island of Grand Bahama. The population is 3/4 African-American and mulatto. A small proportion of Bahamians are older, wealthy North Americans and Europeans who have settled on the islands after retiring.

Among the believers in the Bahamas, the majority of Christians are Protestants, Methodists, Baptists and Roman Catholics. Some local residents, and especially descendants of African American slaves, adhere to African cults.

The Bahamas is popular with travelers from all over the world, and the islands' economy is heavily dependent on tourism. People come here for a beach holiday. In addition, the Bahamas attracts diving, surfing and yachtsmen.

In recent years, medical tourism has been actively developing in the Bahamas. The level of medical care here is based on the standards adopted in the USA and is rated very highly. There are more than twenty modern medical institutions on the islands, whose specialists work in all types of healthcare. The most popular areas are joint surgery, heart surgery and plastic surgery.

History of the development of the Bahamas


The first to settle on the tropical islands were Native Americans - the Lucayans (Arawaks), who sailed here in the 5th century from the Antilles, Cuba and Hispaniola (now the territory of the Republic of Haiti). In 1492, the expedition of Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas. Three years later, Spanish colonists settled on the archipelago. For 30 years, the local inhabitants have practically died out. The reasons for this were diseases brought by Europeans and slavery. The colonists took a large number of Lucayans to Hispaniola to harvest pearls and work in the mines.

Soon the Spaniards also left the Bahamas, and for about 130 years this region remained unclaimed. Then British settlers from Bermuda came to Harbor Island. In addition to them, pirate bases arose on several islands, where sea corsairs rested and repaired their ships. Only in 1718, thanks to the British army, were the pirates driven out of the Bahamas. Since then, the islands have been assigned the status of a British colony.


The local population began to grow rapidly from the end of the 18th century. The reason for this was the eviction of eight thousand loyalists from the United States to the Bahamas, along with whom their slaves arrived. The new settlers tried to organize cotton plantations on the islands in the manner of those they were forced to leave in America. However, due to infertile soil, this venture failed. In 1807, Britain banned the slave trade and the Royal Navy freed slaves in the Bahamas.

A large influx of money to the islands occurred in 1920. At this time, Prohibition was adopted in the United States. Smuggling began to grow in the Bahamas, and the city was turned into a rum warehouse. During World War II, American military personnel vacationed in the Bahamas, and in the post-war period, the tourism industry began to develop on the islands.

Since 1973, the island state has had a democratic political regime and a Constitution in force. According to the form of government, the Bahamas is a parliamentary monarchy, when the British Queen is considered the head of state, and her interests in the islands are represented by the Governor General. Legislative functions are performed by a bicameral parliament, and executive power is exercised by the government. Administratively, the Bahamas are divided into 31 districts.

Sights of the Bahamas

All attractions of the Bahamas

Climate Features


It is no coincidence that the Bahamas is called a paradise. Their northern part lies in the tropical trade wind climate zone, and the southern part lies in the subtropical climate zone. The average temperature in the summer months ranges from +26°С to +32°С, and in winter – from +18°С to +22°С. Summers in the south are warmer than the central part of the archipelago, while winters are cooler in the northwestern part of the Bahamas.

Sea water is suitable for swimming all year round. Its temperature, depending on the season, ranges from +23°C to +27°C.

It is believed that the best time to come to the Bahamas is from September to May, when it is cooler. At this time of year there is almost no rain, and if precipitation does occur, it falls in the form of heavy short showers, after which the sun immediately comes out. From May to mid-November, the tropical storm and hurricane season begins in the Bahamas. There is heavy rainfall on the islands, and large waves rise in the coastal zone.

Nature of the islands


The land area of ​​the Bahamas covers an area of ​​10,070 km². All islands are composed of coral limestones. The surface is mostly flat, but there are also karst landforms. The highest part is on Cat Island. This is Alvernia Hill, which rises 63 m above sea level.

Frequent hurricanes and soils poor in mineral salts are the reason that there is no lush vegetation in the Bahamas. Here you can find thickets of evergreen thorny bushes and savannah. Coconut palms grow in abundance along the coast, and pine forests grow further inland.


The Bahamas is home to many birds, iguanas, bats and agoutis. In the Great Inagua Island National Park, there is the largest flamingo colony on the planet, in which over 50 thousand birds have found shelter. The coastal waters surrounding the islands are home to a variety of fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

Today, more than 25 protected areas have been created in the Bahamas, with rich flora and fauna. In local national parks you can see rare birds and animals. The most popular among nature lovers are Great Inagua Island, the northeastern part of North Andros, and Embrister Creek on Cat Island.

Beaches


Almost every island in the archipelago has excellent beaches. Pure snow-white sand, easy access to the water and warm water attract millions of travelers to the Bahamas.

The beach areas of New Providence are considered the most luxurious, especially Cable Beach. Here you can sunbathe and swim. If you wish, you can visit the local casino or cross the original bridge to Paradise Island.

Grand Bahama offers vacationers the coconut palm-lined Gold Rock Beach, Paradise Cove and Tiger Beach. On the outlying islands, many beaches are adjacent to fishing villages. They attract lovers of a more secluded holiday, as well as fans of diving and sea fishing. The beaches of Andros Island are often used for wedding ceremonies. National-style weddings are popular here, and hotels on the island offer special “wedding packages.”

Bahamas for active holidays

Not only fans of a relaxed beach holiday come to the Bahamas. The most sports centers and places where you can practice water sports are located in New Providence, Harbor Island and Grand Bahama. There are places to play golf and tennis, as well as motorcycle rides. Popular sea activities include windsurfing, surfing, kiting, water skiing and scooters.

Lovers of sea fishing go to the islands of Bimini, Berry and Andros, and those who want to feel the power of the sea waves and explore the coast from board a yacht, go to the islands of Long Island and Exuma. These places are considered a real paradise for yachtsmen, and the sailing season here lasts most of the year.

The clear waters of the Atlantic and the rich underwater world attract diving enthusiasts to the Bahamas. On most islands there are dive centers that organize training for beginners and underwater expeditions for experienced divers. Coral reef diving is practiced on the islands of Eleuthera and Abaco. In many places, travelers can swim with dolphins and even take part in feeding sharks.

Cities and resorts of the Bahamas


Most of the residents of the Bahamas live in the capital of the archipelago - the city - 274,400 people (2016), which is built on the island of New Providence. This city has a large seaport. Many come to the city for its lively nightlife, shopping and to see picturesque examples of colonial architecture. Tourists love to visit the “straw market” of the city, where they sell interesting crafts made from straw. Not far from the center lies a unique corner of tropical nature - the luxurious Adastra Gardens and Zoo.

Grand Bahama is often called a tropical paradise. The island is covered in lush forests of Cuban pine and is home to three national parks. Travelers come here to see beautiful large caves with stalagmites and rare tropical flowers.

Long Island gets its name from its elongated shape. It stretches for almost a hundred kilometers and is up to 5 km wide. Long Island is covered in low hills. It has beautiful beaches and steep headlands that drop straight into the sea.

Eleuthera is known as a luxury vacation destination. The resorts of this island contain the most luxurious hotels, beaches and clubs in the Bahamas.

Island restaurants and local cuisine


The Bahamas has many great restaurants and bars. In most places, tourists are offered dishes of British, North American or Caribbean cuisine. Lunch in a budget cafe costs $12-15, and in a reputable restaurant – $30-35. Fast food establishments are represented by world famous brands - McDonalds and KFC.

Livestock farming is poorly developed on the archipelago, so the daily menu of local residents is dominated by rice, shrimp, fish and cereal, potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Fishing is the main craft for the islanders, and Bahamian cuisine is rich in seafood. Previously, turtle soup was considered a signature dish on the islands. But time passed, the number of turtles decreased, environmentalists sounded the alarm, and such soup is no longer prepared here.

Bahamian delicacies include seafood salads, grilled conch, crab and shrimp, and red grouper cutlets. You should definitely try the boiled lobsters and reef perch fillets, which the chefs fry or bake in tomato sauce.


Restaurant menus also include meat dishes, which are served with rice or peas as a side dish. Everywhere they serve bacon and scrambled eggs, steaks, schnitzel with onions, fried chicken and French fries. A mixture of rice and peas forms the basis of most local soups. A special place in the island menu is occupied by soup, which is made from meat, water acidified with lime juice, onions, peppers and celery. This popular soup is very quick to prepare and tastes great.

For dessert in the Bahamas, it is customary to eat tropical fruits or pudding made from guava. Locals and tourists also favor coconut crumb cakes, Caribbean johnny cakes and gingerbread.

Non-alcoholic drinks on the islands include English-style tea, as well as strong brewed Brazilian or Colombian coffee. In addition, they drink a lot of fruit juices and different types of sparkling water.

In the Bahamas, you can try the local Nassau Royal rum. It tastes good and is inexpensive. A large amount of rum is produced at the Bacardi distillery, which is located south of the capital of the Bahamas. Local beer “Kalik” is also popular. It is produced in three types. Kalik Light light beer contains a small amount of alcohol. “Kalik regular” is appreciated for its refreshing soft taste. And “Kalik Gold” is the strongest of all varieties, the amount of alcohol in it reaches 7%.

Transport

Bahamasair planes fly between the major islands of the Bahamas. Flight prices are quite high, so it is often more profitable to charter a small plane privately.

New Providence has the longest and most extensive road network - 1000 km. There are 209 km of roads on Eleuthera, and 156 km on Grand Bahama. In the cities of Freeport, private minibuses also pick up passengers.


There is no public transport system, so travelers use taxis or rent cars, motorcycles or bicycles. To travel between the islands or along the coast, you can rent a boat or boat.

In the Bahamas, you drive on the left and there is heavy traffic. In densely populated areas, traffic jams occur every now and then. In addition, the road network is often submerged during floods. Along some roads there are no sidewalks; people walk directly on the sides, so those who rent cars or bikes should be extremely careful.

Safety

The Bahamas is considered safe for travelers, and the tourist centers established there have a good reputation. However, there are cases of pickpocketing and theft from hotel rooms. All tourists, and especially women, are advised to refrain from walking alone on the outskirts of cities, and especially at night.

If tourists go sport fishing, they must pay a fee of $20. In this case, there should not be more than six reels of fishing line on the boat. Spearfishing with any equipment is not permitted in the Bahamas. Prohibitions also apply to independent underwater archaeological research. These violations result in hefty fines, including expulsion from the country.

The use and distribution of narcotic drugs is punished especially severely in the Bahamas. Local laws in this area are even more severe than European or North American ones, so those convicted of drug crimes always receive long prison sentences.

Particular threats in the Bahamas may arise from natural disasters. The Bahamas are part of the Caribbean region and are in the zone of hurricanes and typhoons. Those travelers who find themselves in the Bahamas from June to November are advised to monitor the weather forecasts. Hurricanes are usually accompanied by floods. It should also be borne in mind that during severe typhoons in the Bahamas, airports are closed and tourists are not able to leave the country.

Tiger shark

Although tap water in the Bahamas is considered safe for health, you should not drink it from the tap. Every Bahamian resort sells bottled water. Due to the possibility of contracting infectious diseases, swimming in freshwater bodies of water is not recommended on the islands. The exception is hotel pools, the water in which is regularly disinfected.

To travel to the Bahamas, it is worth taking out medical insurance that covers the cost of air evacuation. The most qualified medical care can be obtained in New Providence and Grand Bahama. On small islands there are few hospitals and they are not open every day. True, on most inhabited islands you can use first responder services, which are supervised by volunteers. With the help of such services, the sick person is quickly transported to the nearest hospital.

Cancellation of currency and settlements

The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the local currency in which all payments take place on the islands. It is strictly pegged to the US dollar, however the exchange rate may vary depending on the hotel or bank. In addition, American dollars are accepted for payment anywhere in the Bahamas.

You can exchange currency in many places - in hotels, bank branches and large shopping centers. Traveler's checks are also cashed here. As is usually the case, the worst rates are offered in areas where the largest number of foreign tourists stay. The most convenient way to change currency is at bank branches in the capital of the country and the city of Freeport. From Monday to Thursday they start work at 9.00-9.30 and finish at 15.00. On Friday, bank branches are open until 17.00. It should also be taken into account that in remote places banks may not serve customers every day.

Large hotels and shopping centers accept cards for payment. In other places, cash payments are preferred.

Tipping is accepted in the Bahamas. As a rule, hotel doormen, tour guides and porters expect $1 from a grateful visitor, and room maids expect $1-2. In most establishments, the tip reaches 15%, and is immediately included in the bill. In addition, many hotels add an additional government tax of 8-10% to the bill.

Useful information for tourists


  • To visit the Bahamas, Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa. This rule applies if the trip is a private visit and does not exceed 90 days.
  • When passing through customs, there are no restrictions on the import and export of another country's currency. You are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 0.45 kg of tobacco duty-free into the Bahamas, as well as up to 0.94 liters of strong alcohol and the same amount of wine.
  • In order to export agricultural products, any plants or wood carvings from the islands, a special permit will be required.
  • To accommodate tourists in the Bahamas, huge hotel centers and small cozy hotels operating on an all-inclusive system have been built. Some travelers prefer to rent rooms and guesthouses from the local population.
  • Bay street, famous outside the Bahamas, is considered the shopping center. All goods sold there are exempt from taxes.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to the Bahamas. The best option is a flight with a transfer in London. Without taking into account the transfer itself, this will take about 13 hours. Another option is to fly through the USA. In this case, you need to apply for a US transit visa.



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