Budget holidays in the Bahamas. Bahamas: tour or independent trip? What about transfer and insurance?

Consent to the processing of personal data

I hereby, being the Customer of tourist services included in the tourism product, and the authorized representative of the persons (tourists) specified in the Application, give consent to the Agent and his authorized representatives to process my data and the data of persons (tourists) contained in the Application: last name, name, patronymic, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, series, passport number, other passport data indicated in the passport; residence and registration address; home and mobile phone; E-mail address; as well as any other data relating to my identity and the identity of the persons specified in the Application, to the extent necessary for the implementation and provision of tourism services, including those included in the tourism product generated by the Tour Operator, for any action (operation) or set of actions ( operations) performed with my personal data and the data of the persons specified in the Application, including (without limitation) collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, clarification (updating, changing), extraction, use, transfer (distribution, provision, access), depersonalization, blocking, deletion, destruction of personal data, as well as the implementation of any other actions provided for by the current legislation of the Russian Federation, using automation tools, including in information and telecommunication networks, or without the use of such means, if the processing of personal data without the use of such means corresponds to the nature of the actions (operations) performed with personal data using automation tools, that is, it allows, in accordance with a given algorithm, a search for personal data recorded on a tangible medium and contained in file cabinets or other systematized collections of personal data, and/or access to such personal data, as well as the transfer (including cross-border) of this personal data to the Tour Operator and third parties - partners of the Agent and the Tour Operator.

The processing of personal data is carried out by the Agent and his authorized representatives (Tour Operator and direct service providers) for the purpose of fulfilling this agreement (including, depending on the terms of the agreement - for the purpose of issuing travel documents, booking rooms in accommodation facilities and with carriers, transferring data to consulate of a foreign state, resolving claim issues when they arise, submitting information to authorized government bodies (including at the request of courts and internal affairs bodies)).

I hereby confirm that the personal data provided by me to the Agent is reliable and can be processed by the Agent and his authorized representatives.

I hereby give my consent to the Agent and Tour Operator to send me emails/information messages to the email address and/or mobile phone number I have provided.

I hereby confirm that I have the authority to provide personal data of the persons specified in the Application, and undertake the obligation to reimburse the Agent for any costs associated with my lack of appropriate authority, including losses associated with sanctions of inspection authorities.

I agree that the text of my consent to the processing of personal data, given by me of my own free will, in my interests and in the interests of the persons specified in the Application, is stored electronically in a database and/or on paper and confirms the fact of consent to process and transfer personal data in accordance with the above provisions and take responsibility for the accuracy of the provision of personal data.

This consent is given for an indefinite period and can be withdrawn by me at any time, and insofar as it concerns a specific person, the subject of personal data specified in the Application, by the specified person by sending a written notice to the Agent by mail.

I hereby confirm that my rights as a subject of personal data have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

I hereby confirm that the consequences of withdrawing this consent have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

This Consent is an annex to this Application.

The Bahamas are called paradise islands not only due to the azure water and snow-white sand, but also due to the fact that you can go here on vacation all year round. The annual streak of Caribbean hurricanes passes through the archipelago infrequently. The most comfortable time to be in the Bahamas is the high season. It lasts from November to May.

Accordingly, the low season in the Bahamas begins with the arrival of summer. At this time it becomes not only very hot, but humid. The air temperature can reach up to +33°C. If you don’t know when is the best time to go to the Bahamas, then due to the trade wind, tropical climate, the air temperature here never drops below +17°C.

Features of holidays in the Bahamas in winter

Winter is the period when flying to the Bahamas will be most comfortable. Despite the fact that tropical air masses often change their course, during the climate of winter, a vacation in the Bahamas will seem very pleasant.

Due to the fact that the islands of the archipelago are very low above sea level, the weather in the Bahamas in winter can seem quite windy. However, this is a common occurrence in the Bahamas. There are practically no heavy rains or thunderstorms from December to February. The humidity level at this time is quite low.


Features of holidays in the Bahamas in spring

Holidays in the Bahamas in the spring are associated not only with a paradise and secluded vacation, but also with a secret place for pirate treasures. Here, every new day is different from the previous one. It's easy to forget about the time of day in this archipelago, as you'll be endlessly strolling through picturesque and colorful terrain during the day and partying every night.

If you don’t know when is the best time to vacation in the Bahamas to get the most vivid and dizzying emotions, then wait until spring. At this time, several national holidays are held on the territory of the archipelago; combining your holiday with them, you will get even more positive emotions.

With the arrival of spring, the weather in the Bahamas changes somewhat. The air temperature rises to +27°C, and the air humidity also becomes higher.


Features of holidays in the Bahamas in summer

Holidays in the Bahamas in the summer may not seem as favorable as it might seem at first glance. This is due to the fact that with the advent of calendar summer, the wet season begins in the country. During the climatic summer period, the weather in the Bahamas is influenced by the southeastern trade winds, which, at least occasionally, bring hurricanes to the territory of the archipelago.

Summer is the period when only those tourists who love the sultry sun should go to the Bahamas. The temperature at this time reaches +33°C, and 100% humidity makes the heat unbearable. If you decide to spend your holiday here in the summer, do not forget to take skin protection.

Several times a year, fortunately it doesn’t take too much time to travel, and the quality of the tourist infrastructure allows you to enjoy the ideal seascapes conveniently and comfortably. A Russian tourist on a distant archipelago is not seen so often: a long flight and the opportunity to enjoy local pleasures cost a pretty penny. And yet, search queries for “when is the best time to vacation in the Bahamas” are found on the Internet, which means that the Caribbean is of interest to potential tourists, despite the thousands of nautical miles separating the continents.

Let's take a look at the map

The Bahamas archipelago is made up of coral islands, islets and reefs of all sizes and shapes. The largest inhabited islands, where the country's best resorts are located, are New Providence with the capital Nassau, Andros and Grand Bahama with the second largest city of Freeport.
The weather and climatic features of the islands allow tourists to relax here almost all year round, but the Bahamian calendar also includes periods that are most suitable for beach relaxation, and a “low” season:

  • The islands lie in a tropical climate zone, the formation of which is especially influenced by the warm ocean current and constant trade winds blowing from the southeast.
  • The highest probability of rain in the archipelago occurs in May-June and the first half of autumn. July and August, although they belong to the rainy season, can boast of relative calm and not too high rainfall.
  • Between May and October in the Bahamas, air humidity increases significantly - up to 90%. At this time, the intense heat is very difficult to bear, and in the summer it is better not to rest in the Bahamas for those who have problems with the lungs or blood vessels.
  • The average air temperature at resorts in January is about 21°C, in July – from +30°C and above.

With the arrival of summer, hurricane season begins in the archipelago, as well as throughout the Caribbean region. Officially, it lasts until the last days of November, but the greatest likelihood of heavy winds and severe storms occurs in August and September. Hurricanes are a fairly common occurrence in the Bahamas, but most often they do not cause serious damage to either the tourist infrastructure or the vacationers themselves. And yet, if you want to relax calmly, sunbathe and swim comfortably and safely, choose the time to fly to the Bahamas especially carefully.

Features of a beach holiday

The beaches of the Bahamas archipelago await guests throughout the year. Even in January, the thermometer rarely drops below +25°C during the day, and the water warms up to +23°C even during the Christmas holidays. The warmest weather is on the southern islands - Little and Great Inagua and Mayaguana, a little cooler in the northwest, on Grand Bahama and New Providence.
Beach holidays will seem most comfortable to you from September to May. During this time, the likelihood of rain drops to almost zero, although heavy and powerful tropical downpours can occur at night and in winter. They usually last only a few minutes and freshen the air, making the morning and the first half of the following day more comfortable for a beach holiday.
Do not forget about the special activity of the sun in tropical latitudes. Even in cloudy weather in the Bahamas, you should not neglect protective equipment to avoid sunburn. Take sunglasses and hats with you to the Bahamian beaches and limit your exposure to the open sun, especially in the first days of your vacation.

Variegated calendar

When going to the Bahamas for a beach holiday, the most inquisitive tourists do not forget to look at the schedule of local holidays in order to diversify their vacation by participating in interesting events and colorful activities.
The most famous holiday in the Bahamas is the Jonkonu festival, celebrated widely and on a grand scale on the first day of the new year and again immediately after Christmas. Carnival processions fill the streets and squares of Bahamian cities these days, and their main participants are cows with bells around their necks. The highlight of the entertainment program is dance shows, in no way inferior to the Brazilian ones. In the evening of each day, the winners are awarded prizes, and the sky is colored with dozens of fireworks.
On other days of the year, the Bahamas also does not let its many guests get bored:

  • In January, you can take part in golf competitions or at least become a spectator and make sure that there are rules to this game, and that it itself may seem boring only at first glance.
  • Tourists are offered to get acquainted with the customs of local aborigines in July. At this time, a festival takes place, the purpose of which is to preserve national culture, folklore and customs. If the Bahamas has captivated you and you are staying until the end of the summer, take part in the fishing tournament in August.
  • The end of summer smoothly flows into the Bahamian Food and Wine Festival in September. You can taste local drinks and national cuisine both in hotels and at street vendors.

Music fans will be pleased to find themselves on vacation in the Bahamas at the end of May. The Caribbean music festival lasts for a whole week and includes not only concerts, but also lively dance lessons. Everyone will definitely be taught how to dance bachata, lambada and reggae.
Four times a year, a magnificent musical ceremony is held at Rawson Square in the center of the capital, organized by the Nassau Police Department. The Orchestra of Law Enforcement Officers is one of the favorite musical groups of local residents and guests of the islands.

Useful observations

If you love to go sailing or just enjoy watching yachts, book your tickets to the Bahamas from April to November.

  • The sailing season on Great Abaco Island lasts all summer and autumn, and several local regattas are quite capable of quenching the thirst of a person who misses the flapping of canvas in the wind.

If you are not too fond of noise and crowds on the beaches, do not choose the end of March and the first half of April for a holiday in the Bahamas. At this time, many Americans with children come to the islands, whose spring break begins.

  • You are unlikely to be able to sunbathe calmly even on Christmas, but the end of November may turn out to be completely deserted. On the fourth Thursday of the month, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in the States, where the whole family traditionally gathers. During this period, almost all American tourists remain at home.

The "low" season in the Bahamas does not become an obstacle to travel for tourists who decide to save a little money. During the rainy season, prices for hotels and flights can be significantly reduced, and therefore the vacation will be cheaper. During rainy times in the Bahamas, you can inexpensively undergo a range of spa treatments for face and body care. In the summer, salon owners offer huge discounts to visitors who are not afraid to fly to the islands during hurricane season.

  • And yet, when deciding to fly to the Bahamas during the rainy season, carefully study the offers of hoteliers. Many hotels are completely closed from May to September.

Diving in the Bahamas is another popular activity for Americans who come here on vacation. There are schools for studying the art of immersion at almost every resort and at many hotels. When choosing the best time to vacation in the Bahamas, if you are a diver or just want to learn the art of diving, book tickets for the dry season. At this time, the water is most transparent and the sea is calm. You will be able to observe underwater inhabitants completely freely.

  • The water temperature in January can drop to +23°C, and if such values ​​​​do not seem too comfortable to you, try to fly to the Bahamian resorts in November-December or April-May, before the next tropical rain season begins.

When choosing the Bahamas as your destination for a long-awaited vacation, book your flights and hotel rooms as far in advance as possible. The Caribbean is very popular among residents of the Western Hemisphere, who tend to plan trips in advance, and therefore tickets and hotels for the dates you need may not be on sale at all several days or even weeks before the trip.

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 pink sand beach - “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 calm, 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.

Capital: Nassau.

The Bahamas has long been considered a symbol of luxury and relaxation and is one of the largest resort areas in the Western Hemisphere.

Customs and traditions: The traditional culture of the Bahamas is far removed from the heavily American-influenced urban centers of Nassau and Freeport. The island's folk art is reflected in a large number of fairy tales, natural medicine, music and religious rituals brought here by slaves from Africa. Despite the fact that the Bahamas has not yet produced writers who are gaining worldwide fame, and visual art is also developing slowly, the islands have formed a distinctive musical culture. The country gave birth to several traditional forms of music, including goombay, a fusion of calypso, soca and English folk songs, as well as a working-class scratch-and-scratch style, with its distinctive guitar sound, accordion and rattles made from the pods of the poinciana tree.

Bahamian children enjoy playing basketball. They literally live on the basketball court, and most towns have their own small basketball court with makeshift baskets. The Bahamas follow American basketball (and baseball) teams with great zeal.

Holidays and non-working days: New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (at various times), Second Day after Easter (at various times), Spiritual Day (seven weeks after Easter), Labor Day (first Friday in June), Independence Day (July 10), Emancipation (first Monday in August), American Discovery Day (October 12), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26).

One of the most colorful celebrations that coincides with the celebration of Christmas and New Year is the Junkanoo festival. This is a carnival, a theatrical procession, and a folk festival at the same time. Participants show off fantastic costumes that delight the audience. Great attractions include the regatta, held annually in April in Elizabeth Harbor on Family Island, and The Goombay Summer Festival, which is held for tourists in June.

Geography: In the western Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Florida Peninsula, is the vast Bahamas archipelago. It has more than 700 islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. Most of the islands are small and are coral reefs. These are the northernmost islands of the Caribbean. The total area of ​​the islands is 13.9 thousand square meters. km. The largest islands are Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera, New Providence, and Great Inagua.

Climate: Beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and colorful coral reefs make the Bahamas one of the most popular winter resorts in the Western Hemisphere. The Bahamas has a tropical and subtropical climate. The western coast of the islands is washed by the warm Gulf Stream, and a soft equatorial wind constantly blows from the southeast. Therefore, in winter the temperature rarely drops below +15C, and in summer it does not exceed +32C. The temperature of the crystal clear sea in winter is usually about +23C, and in summer about +27C. The greatest chance of precipitation is from May to October, although there is no distinct rainy season.

Population: The population of the island is about 280 thousand people, the majority are descendants of black slaves and mulattoes (85%), the white minority comes from England, Canada, and the USA. Residents of the islands under 15 years old make up 15% of the population, over 60 - 5%. The population density per square mile is about 50 people.

Language: The official language is English. Bahamians speak with a local accent and use a number of words derived from the Arawak Indian language as well as African languages.

Religion: Freedom of religion, the majority of the population belongs to the Christian Church.

Currency: The national currency is the Bahamian dollar, the exchange rate of which is pegged to the American dollar. Both currencies are in circulation on the islands. There are coins in circulation in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 dollars; banknotes in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.

Currency exchange: It is better to change money in banks. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday - from 9.30 to 15.00, Friday - from 9.30 to 17.00. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmericanExpress, Diners Club, etc.) are accepted in many places. Traveler's checks are also widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange transactions, take checks in US dollars.

Customs regulations: In addition to personal belongings, you can bring with you 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 1 pound (~0.450 kg) of tobacco, as well as 1 liter of alcoholic beverages. Upon departure, only those departing on flights to the United States will pass through customs (US Customs Service). There is a $15 airport tax when departing from the Bahamas.

Transport: The easiest way to get to the Bahamas is from the USA. A flight from Miami to Nassau will take about 35 minutes, from New York to Nassau - 2.5 hours, from Philadelphia - 2 hours 45 minutes, from Toronto (Canada) - 3 hours. If the cost of air tickets seems too high to you, you can purchase tickets for charter flights or use the services of rebators, who provide discounts of up to 30% on the cost of tickets and hotel rooms. Charter flights are available from Nassau/Paradise Island Express and Carnival Airlines. Discounted tickets and rooms - Travel Avenue, Smart Traveler, Travel Management International.

Car rent: Driving is on the left. Rental prices at Budget Rent-a-Car range from $42 to $54 per day, depending on the class of car and type of transmission. All car rental prices include:
- unlimited mileage;
- third party liability insurance;
- a document waiving the obligation to pay compensation in the event of a collision;
- insurance in case of accidents;
- insurance against theft;
- additional airport fees and all local taxes.
Necessary requirements:
- the driver’s age is at least 21 years;
- availability of an international driver's license;
- driving experience of at least one year.

Electricity: The voltage and frequency of the electrical network in the Bahamas correspond to the US standard and are 120 volts and 60 hertz. Sockets and plugs are also American-made, so tourists from Europe need a special converter and adapter to use electrical appliances made in Europe.

Connection: The international code for the Bahamas is 809. If you are calling from Russia, dial 8, then 10, followed by 1809, the area code and the local number. You can also order a conversation through an operator, tel. in Moscow - 8-194, 8-196. AT&T provides free telephone calls to travel agencies, cruise lines and airlines that serve tourists traveling to the Bahamas within the United States. AT&T phone number in the USA is 800/874-4000.

Accommodation: Hotels in the Bahamas, based on the cost of a two-room room in the winter season, can be divided into expensive (from 190 to 300 dollars), average (from 95 to 190 dollars) and cheap (from 65 to 95 dollars). All hotels and guesthouses costing less than $55 are classified as "budget".

Prices: The Bahamas is a test of the strength of your wallet. Moderate expenses will cost you about $100 per night (inexpensive hotel room - $30-75, dinner in an inexpensive restaurant - $25). In winter, hotel accommodation costs 30% more.

Tips: The country has adopted a system of “tipping” for services provided. The receptionist expects to receive $1 for each suitcase delivered to the room; you can pay the maid $2 a day for additional services, for example, for a washed and ironed shirt or blouse. In most cases, “tips” to taxi drivers, waiters, and servants amount to 15% of the cost of services (in the most luxurious restaurants - 20%).

Emergency numbers: If you are in danger, call the police or fire department by calling 919. The Bahamas has a well-functioning health care system for Bahamians and visitors. The islands have hospitals and clinics equipped with modern medical equipment. Calling an ambulance:
New Providence Tel: 322-2121;
Freeport Tel: 352-2689.

Read also: