Bahamas- a fabulous corner of our planet, which, probably, every tourist 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. The composition of this state includes two and a half thousand reefs and seven hundred islands, although only thirty of them are inhabited. The Bahama coast delights sophisticated tourists with hundreds of kilometers of white sandy beaches, beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear coastal waters and picturesque Caribbean nature. About the amazing vacation in the Bahamas, we will tell in our article.
Price for tours and flights to the Bahamas. Holidays in the Bahamas belong to the elite, therefore, you need to be prepared that vouchers will be expensive. When choosing tours online, please note that many travel agencies offer tours to the resorts of the Bahamas, without 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. So beloved by Russians, all-inclusive food in the Bahamas is a rarity. It is very convenient that a visa to the Bahamas for our compatriots planning to rest there for less than ninety days is not needed. It is quite possible to buy relatively cheap tickets to the Bahamas, you just need to know that ticket prices vary from time of year, city of departure, availability of promotions and discounts from this airline at that moment. It is most profitable to purchase a ticket to the Bahamas from Moscow or St. Petersburg, then an economy class one-way ticket will cost you about fifty thousand rubles. But you can find even more profitable options, for example, with the Delta airline, a one-way flight will start from twenty-three thousand rubles, and with the Transaero airline, with a departure 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 still have to make one or two transfers. Most transplants take place in or in the USA.
When and where is the best time to visit the Bahamas? For the Bahamas, there are two main seasons: summer, when the air temperature warms up to thirty-three degrees, and the water to twenty-eight, and winter, when the temperature outside is twenty-five degrees, and the water is twenty-three degrees. Prices for tours to the Bahamas are always higher in winter, especially since they rise on holidays, but during the summer holidays, the cost of a 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 vacation spot, you should know that the northwestern islands of the archipelago are cooler. The hottest islands of the Bahamas are southern: Big and Small Inagua, Mayaguana. In winter, it rains here, but very rarely, and winds, high waves, hurricanes on these islands are also very rare. That is why, it is winter that is more preferable for holidays in the Bahamas. But in the period from May to October, the season of rains, typhoons and storms begins here. In all hotels, at the reception desk, warnings are posted about all weather disasters predicted for the day. Resting 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 bloom, everything is green 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, here everywhere tourists are offered a lot of interesting excursions and a variety of entertainment. Each resort has several restaurants, bars, cabarets, casinos, shops.
Resorts and beaches of New Providence Island- This is the most densely populated Bahama 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, to turn anyone, even the most passive tourist, into an unleashed reveler. In the city, one can trace a bright mixture of styles of architecture: 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 a clear ocean prefer to relax in Nassau, who are not ready to leave civilization and be alone with nature. It is worth noting that along the entire coast of the Nassau resort there are hotel complexes, shopping centers and parks that make the rest of tourists more intense and interesting. And yet, Nassau is a real paradise for connoisseurs of excellent shopping. Here are the most luxurious boutiques, numerous duty free shops. 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". Located near New Providence, the islands are the location of luxury hotels designed for an elite vacation in the Bahamas, there are a lot of upscale restaurants and the Crystal Palace casino. The most popular beaches of New Providence Island are: Cable Beach - "Cable Beach" is the best beach in the Caribbean, as well as the opposite resort islands, with Long Cay Beach and North Cay Beach.
Resorts and beaches of Grand Bahama Island- the largest island with an international airport that receives flights from America and Europe. Connoisseurs of noise and fun come to relax on this Bahama Island, because the music does not stop here, there are a lot of entertainment centers, discos, nightclubs, and in every shopping center there is a duty-free point. The island has a superbly developed infrastructure. The main natural advantages of this island are long white beaches, huge pine forests. The most popular resort of Grand Bahama - Freeport or Lukaya - is a modern city with free spirits. 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 for a lifetime. A very popular holiday destination in the Grand Bahamas is the chic 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 Bahama island, with centuries-old pine groves, fragrant pine needles, beautiful mangroves and palm trees, located along snow-white sandy beaches, smoothly fading into the turquoise sea surface. Supporters of a laid-back beach holiday in the lap of nature come here to relax, walking along the turquoise ocean with pleasure, to the melodic accompaniment of bird chirping: ibises, flamingos, spoonbills, hummingbirds, Bahamian parrots. Weddings and honeymoons are often held here. But this island is no less popular among eco-tourists, amateur kayakers, ornithologists, snorkelers, divers, just lovers of fishing. 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 the newlyweds are trying to come to rest on this particular Bahama island, offer a “wedding package”.
Resorts and beaches of Eleuthera Island- This is the fourth largest island in the Bahamas, and a place of elite recreation, with the most expensive and luxurious hotels and restaurants. It is only two kilometers wide, but stretches for one hundred and eighty kilometers in length. The locals live off the generous seafood and rich pineapple plantations, and, of course, tourism.
Eleuthera Island is a quiet but well-developed resort with picturesque nature: high cliffs that go into the bright blue sea surface, 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 on this Bahama island. Divers love to relax on the island of Eleuthera, who have long appreciated its beautiful underwater world.
Resorts and beaches of Great Abaco Island is the second largest island of the Bahamas, and a favorite vacation spot for people obsessed with sailing. Yachtsmen from all over the world meet here, in the "sailing season", which begins with the arrival of spring and lasts almost until the end of autumn. Travelers vacationing here will surely be delighted with 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 are: 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.
Resorts and beaches of Long Island- the most picturesque Bahama 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 coasts, on the one hand, high cliffs and deep caves, washed by raging ocean waves, prevail, and on the other hand, these are ideal white-sand beaches with a gentle entrance to calm and quiet waters . It is this contrast that makes the rest of the Bahamas more interesting and exciting. The main resort town here is Stella Maris, all boat trips and other tours around the island start from here. At the northern tip of the island, there is the most beautiful Cape Santa Maria in the western hemisphere.
Resorts and beaches of Exuma island- this is an archipelago of three hundred and sixty-five coral reefs and small islands, the largest of them are Great Exuma and Little Exuma, they are washed by the sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On the island of Great Exuma, tourists are waiting for a lot of opportunities for an interesting holiday, as there are excellent resorts here, with hotels offering high-class 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, Exuma Case Land and Sea Park, has been created. The most popular beaches among tourists on Exuma Island 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 to 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 in the sea abyss for thousands of meters. The Bimini Islands are a very attractive place for people who are 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 unraveled and explained by scientists. The most controversial place is the “Bimini Road” - “Bimini Road”, about which, back in the forties of the twentieth century, the famous predictor Edgar Cayce spoke, saying 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, on North Bimini, they found neatly laid out huge limestone blocks seven hundred meters long, which they called "Bimini Road". Long-term underwater archaeological expeditions and studies began, after which it was concluded that these megaliths were indeed laid down by people - representatives of a highly developed civilization that had long disappeared, but there were other opponents who claimed that these were just marine 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 him from representatives of the Arawak people - akin to the Taino Indians. Many indigenous people of the island say that their distant ancestors passed from mouth to mouth, the legend that this miraculous fountain is located in the shallow backwaters of South Bimini. The next mysterious place of the island is the “Healing Grotto”, located in the creeks of the mangrove forest that covers North Bimini, this place is the end of the mysterious labyrinth of underground tunnels through which, at low tide, cool fresh water, rich in mineral salts - lithium and sulfur, enters this creek. , 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, hotels. Fishing enthusiasts often come here, as well as fans of eco-tourism, who are happy to get acquainted with the natural beauties of the islands, watch the numerous representatives of the marine and air fauna that live here. Flocks of dolphins and giant turtles swim right up to the shores of the island. The most popular beaches of Bimini, with clear sea water, a white-sand shore 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 main resort of the island is the city of Matthew Town, and the most popular Inagua beach is Iron Badge Beach. Fans of eco-tours, divers, as well as just supporters of a quiet contemplative vacation will really like to relax on the island. Here you can watch the life of pink flamingos in their natural environment, swim with dolphins.
Resorts and beaches of Harbor Island- a small island, five kilometers long and a kilometer wide, with the only resort town - Dunmore Town. Here is the famous pink sand beach - Pink Sands Beach, which, thanks to coastal reefs, protects vacationers from huge waves. Harbor Island - considered the best Caribbean island and the most elite holiday destination in the Bahamas, for the richest people in the world. Rest here is calm, since there are no noisy entertainment centers on the Harbor, lovers of silence and solitude in the bosom 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 vacation 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, snow-white, like flour, beaches. With a gentle slope, these beaches are ideal for families visiting 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 chosen 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. Paradise has a huge complex of hotels "Atlantis", 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 spiritual relaxation and entertainment for every taste.
The Bahamas are, in fact, one big resort and a place for an elite beach holiday. 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 Bahamas is synonymous with a luxurious beach holiday: wide white sandy beaches, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and excellent coral reefs, as well as profitable duty-free shopping and hundreds of casinos. Everything about the Bahamas from the Subtleties of tourism: prices, tours, photos and hotels.
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Great Abaco is the second largest island in the Bahamas, well known to all yachtsmen in the world. The sailing season here lasts from spring to autumn. Vast coastal shallow waters are teeming with fish. Here you can do any of the existing water sports, fishing, or visit the duty-free shops of the largest city of the island - Marsh Harbor.
Long Island is almost never visited by tourists. But in vain - this is the most picturesque island of the Bahamas, with beautiful nature and many places completely untouched by civilization. At the northern tip of the island, Cape Santa Maria is a long white sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in the western hemisphere. The main city of the island, Stella Maris, is a small but quite modern settlement, the starting point for diving and fishing expeditions.
The Exuma island ridge includes over 360 small islands, and in its southern part there are two rather large islands - Greater and Lesser Exuma, where all the local civilization is concentrated. This archipelago is a real paradise for yachtsmen, because the local places are considered one of the most beautiful in the world: constant tides, changing the depth of coastal shallows, make the sea extraordinarily beautiful. Diving enthusiasts will also have great fun here. All the details about the cities and resorts of the Bahamas - on the page "Subtleties of tourism"
Paradise holidays in the Bahamas
Customs
There are no foreign exchange controls and restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. The export of local currency over 70 BSD per person must be authorized by the Central Bank of the Bahamas.
Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450 g of tobacco is allowed; up to 0.94 liters of strong alcoholic beverages and up to 0.94 liters of wine, as well as any other goods and products with a total value of up to 100 USD.
The transit of narcotic and explosive substances, objects of historical and cultural value and weapons is prohibited - without appropriate permits. The export of agricultural products, plants of all kinds and wood carvings requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the country.
Bahamas phone numbers
The nearest Embassy of Russia is located in Cuba.
Rescue Service: 911
Ambulance: 322-21-21 (New Providence), 352-26-89 (Freeport)
Air Ambulance Service at Sea (BASRA): 322-38-77
Cities do not have their own telephone codes. Payphones for making international calls are ubiquitous and work with calling cards sold at post offices, telephone company offices, hotels and supermarkets. You can also make a call from a payphone through an operator. As a rule, the cost of a call from a hotel is 10-15% more expensive than from a pay phone. You can also call to another country from the post office.
Long Island is almost never visited by tourists. But in vain - this is the most picturesque island of the Bahamas, with beautiful nature and many places completely untouched by civilization.
Tourist safety
All popular tourist areas are quite safe, but petty crimes are not uncommon: theft in hotel rooms and pickpocketing. With the onset of darkness, tourists, and especially women, are better off walking alone.
Spearfishing with the use of spearguns and other devices is prohibited on the islands. Sport fishing is allowed, but a fee of 20 USD must be paid for one trip to the sea - provided that no more than six reels of fishing line are installed on the vessel. Independent archaeological work on sunken ships is also prohibited. Violation of these rules can result in a hefty fine and deportation from the country.
Do not forget to tell tourists that local laws regarding drug trafficking are very strict: for the sale and even just the use of drugs, it is quite possible to get a long prison term.
The climate of the Bahamas
The climate is tropical trade winds in the north and subtropical in the south. The average summer temperature is +26...+32 °C. On the southern islands (Big and Small Inagua, Mayaguana) in summer it is much warmer than in the central part of the archipelago. In winter, the average temperature is +18...+22 °C, the coolest is in the northwestern islands. The average water temperature is usually +27 °C in summer and about +23 °C in winter. The best time to visit the country is the cool season from September to May.
Bahamas Hotels
Hotels in the Bahamas are very diverse: there are large high-rise complexes and small cozy establishments. The local all-inclusive system is recognized as the best in the Caribbean.
Mains voltage: 120 V, 60 Hz. American standard plugs with two flat pins are used.
Money
The country's monetary unit is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), in 1 dollar. Current exchange rate: 1 BSD = 62.27 RUB (1 USD = 1 BSD, 1 EUR = 1.1 BSD).
Currency can be exchanged at bank offices, hotels and large stores. The Bahamian dollar is firmly pegged to the US dollar, but the exchange rate can vary widely between institutions. The most stable exchange rate is in the offices of international banks in Nassau and Freeport, the most disadvantageous is in tourist areas.
All types of credit cards are accepted for payment. Traveler's checks can be cashed in the same place where you can change currency - at bank offices, hotels and large stores. Some hotels, restaurants, and money changers charge high commissions for cashing checks, so it's always best to find out the terms and conditions in advance.
Tipping is usually 15% in most places, including taxis. Some hotels and restaurants include them on the bill. Messengers, guides, porters and porters usually expect around USD 1 per piece of luggage or excursion, and maids, depending on the hotel, USD 1-2 per day. A government tax is added to the bills of many hotels, from 10% (Nassau and Grand Bahama) to 8% (Family Islands).
Banks are usually open from 9:00-9:30 to 15:00 from Monday to Thursday, on Fridays - from 9:30 to 17:00. However, opening hours on different islands may vary. Some banks in the periphery are often only open one or two days a week.
US dollars are freely circulating in the country.
Holidays in the Bahamas
It is in the Bahamas that you can rent an entire beach and throw an awesome party. The newlyweds do not crawl out of the warm nests of their hotels, having eaten the famous local aphrodisiac - the conch mollusk, which is mixed here with almost every dish. Families with children bombard the Instagram feed with their selfies against the backdrop of white and pink sand. Beautiful ladies enjoy amazing spa treatments while their boyfriends storm the "Caribbean Vegas", sitting at the gambling table not in a smoky room, but on a wooden terrace overlooking the sea. Will it be too little? Then get more ecotourism in nature reserves, diving near sunken ships, snorkeling with dolphins, fishing for giant marine reptiles, getting to know the legacy of pirates, as well as the hospitality and cordiality of always smiling locals.
Cuisine and restaurants
Local delicacies: seafood salads, spiny lobsters and shrimp, charcoal-roasted crabs, red snapper (reef perch) fillets, shells of all kinds, etc.
The most popular soft drinks are tea (English style) and coffee (mostly very strong Colombian or Brazilian coffee). The islands produce classic rum, the best variety of which is Nassau Royal, and you can also buy imported alcohol everywhere. The local beer "Kalik" tastes good and is sold everywhere on the islands.
Entertainment and attractions of the Bahamas
There are about 25 protected areas on the islands. Great Inagua Island is an excellent birdwatching destination; also rich in wildlife are the Abaco National Park, the Main-au-Var reef (Abaco Cay), the protected area around Love Hill on the northeast coast of North Andros and Embrister Creek north of New Harbor on Cat Island -Island.
Every Bahamian resort has an abundance of nightlife restaurants, bars, cabarets and casinos. In addition, the islands have everything for outdoor activities and water sports. Most sports centers on the island of New Providence, as well as on the islands of Grand Bahama and Harbor Island.
Islands Andros, Berry, Bimini - fishing. Abacos and Eleuthera islands - diving in coral reefs. Exuma and Long Island - yacht trips. Inagua Island - pink flamingos, exotic iguanas, swimming with dolphins and even the opportunity to feed the sharks. Grand Bahama Island - for those who are fond of scuba diving, fishing.
Prices on the page are for November 2019.
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 are located north of Cuba and Haiti and not far from Florida.
Originally inhabited by Lucayans, originally from the Arawak tribe, the Bahamas became the first stop of Christopher Columbus back in 1492. Although the Spanish never colonized the Bahamas, they sent the Lucayans into slavery in Haiti, with the result that the islands were almost empty by 1513. In 1648, English colonists from Bermuda landed on Eleuthera Island, and in 1718 the Bahamas became a crown colony.
Today, the constitutional monarchy remains the form of government in the state, Queen Elizabeth II is represented by the Governor General. The Bahamas has a parliamentary system of government, in which power is in the hands of a bicameral Parliament.
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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 represent Methodists, Pentecostals, the Church of God, are atheists or undecided.
The economy of the state is based on tourism. It accounts for more than 60% of GDP. In addition, the tourism sector provides employment for more than half of the country's working population.
Climate and weather
The north of the Bahamas is in the zone of a tropical trade wind climate, and in the south the climate is subtropical. It is formed by the warm current of the Gulf Stream, the influence of which is dangerous, as it provokes hurricanes in summer. Precipitation falls as rain from May to October.
The temperature in summer fluctuates between +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 within +18…+22.
You can go on vacation to the Bahamas at any time of the year, but in summer it can be very hot on the southern beaches.
Nature
Geologically, the Bahamas is a limestone plateau. The average height above sea level is 30 m, and the highest point of the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia on Ket Island, rising 63 meters above sea level. Many of the islands have mangrove swamps, salty lagoons and sandy beaches due to the salt-laden limestone coming to the surface. 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 undersized shrubs, cacti, and aloe. Grow orchids, jasmine.
The fauna is also not very diverse. There are snakes, frogs, bats in the Bahamas, flamingos in 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. In the corals at the bottom of the ocean, there are many types of fish that divers love so much. Mackerel and barracuda can be found in lagoons and backwaters. There are sea turtles. A huge number of corals, mollusks, sponges live on the reefs.
Attractions
The Bahamas are considered the richest country in the region. On each island of the archipelago there is a highlight that will attract any tourist.
There are many interesting places in the Bahamian capital of Nassau. For example, you can walk along Bay Street - a street with numerous shops, boutiques; or visit the Adastra Gardens, the Retreat Gardens, an underwater aquarium or the famous Cable Beach - an area of sandy beaches, hotels, casinos. The heart of the city is the central square with the buildings of the Supreme Court, the Parliament, the Colonial Administration. The hallmark 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 the Queen Victoria stairs 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, the monuments of the ancient culture of the Arawak Indians, the Rand Memorial Park.
In the city of New Bight on Ket Island, there is a unique architectural monument - the Hermitage, built on top of Mount Alvernia. The Hermitage was built by an apostate priest in 1939. The work of Father Jerome belongs to 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, snacks, soups are prepared from this snail.
It is impossible to imagine the local cuisine without rice and pea dishes. Spiny lobster is the most expensive dish. A variety of dishes and sea turtle soup were popular for a very long time, which led this species of reptiles to extinction. It is worth trying the sea bass dish, which is served with a sauce of mushrooms, onions, spices and white wine.
Dessert is usually served with fruits (melons, pineapples, papayas, mangoes), drinks, the key ingredient of which is rum, as well as the famous Bahamian johnny cake buns. From non-alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, Pepsi-Cola are found here.
Bahamian cuisine borrowed a lot from British, American and African, but adapted it to local conditions and opportunities.
In large cities there are a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars. On average, the bill for one 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 not to stay, for example, without dinner.
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 rented premises or by the tour operator. Holidays in the Bahamas are considered very prestigious and expensive, so most hotels work on an all-inclusive basis.
As a rule, guesthouses are located on the coast, which are mainly rented out 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 take electricity from solar panels.
If staying at a hotel is not included in the tourist's plans, there is always the opportunity to rent a room from the local population.
Entertainment and recreation
Most people go to the Bahamas for a beach holiday, diving and surfing. The coastal zone 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 Eleuthera Island.
A large number of shallow reefs attract beginner divers. Under water there is something to see - sunken ships, underwater caves. Underwater feeding of sharks on the islands of Abaco, New Providence, Long Island is very popular. Fans of less extreme recreation will be offered swimming with dolphins.
Most hotels include water sports in the price, while some offer them for a fee. New Providence, Harbor Island and Grand Bahama have a large number of water sports centers.
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 Championship every January. The Music Fest takes place in the last week of May. July 10 is Independence Day. At the end of September, the Bahamas Wine and Cooking Festival is held.
Nassau and Freeport have a large number of bars, restaurants, clubs for lovers of nightlife.
Purchases
Shops in the Bahamas are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a lunch break and reopening from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The world-famous Bay Street shopping 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 clothes of world brands to exquisite jewelry, accessories and handmade souvenirs.
The second popular place for shopping is the small island of Paradise. Here, avid shopaholics will find everything their heart desires at affordable prices.
Shopping is best done in the morning of a weekday, as at this time they are the least crowded.
Prices for goods in the Bahamas are commensurate with American ones. Lovers of a beautiful life will have to shell out about $ 200 a day. Those who are more modest in needs will meet $ 70-150 per day. And don't forget that the Bahamas has a duty-free system.
Transport
The Bahamas has two major international airports, Lindel Pindling International Airport in Nassau and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport. In addition to these main ones, there are about 60 smaller airports in the Bahamas. Nassau, Freeport and Matthew Town have seaports.
There is no rail connection, as well as public transport, in the Bahamas. The movement is carried out on cars, motorcycles, bicycles, which can be rented. There is a taxi 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 fare will be 30 cents per quarter mile.
Communication between the islands is carried out by ferries and boats.
The length of motor roads is 2,700 km, half of which is 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 phone card. The rooms of almost every hotel have a telephone from which you can make local calls or make an international call through the 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 territory of the state.
Internet provider BaTelNet provides almost all types of services. The connection cost is on average $5 per hour.
Safety
Going to the Bahamas, it is not necessary, but it is advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis. The high prevalence of HIV and AIDS in this region should also be taken into account.
Customs control is quite democratic. There is no restriction on the import and export of foreign currency, but the export of local funds in excess of $ 70 must be accompanied by permission from the Central Bank of the Bahamas. The import ban applies to drugs, explosives, weapons (without special permission).
The local population is quite friendly and ready to help if needed. However, there are some restrictions and prohibitions. Fishing with the use of underwater guns and other devices for these purposes is not allowed.
Local authorities are waging a tough fight against drug trafficking: even for use, imprisonment can be threatened.
In the Bahamas, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are quite common, so you need to be careful. It is undesirable for girls and women to take walks alone after dark.
There is practically no state supervision over local firms offering services in active sports, which leads to frequent accidents and deaths during underwater fishing, diving, and surfing.
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 should be borne in mind that the purchase of 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, property tax in the Bahamas.
Real estate
Foreign citizens have the right to purchase in the Bahamas both building land and other types of real estate: 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. An application for obtaining a permit to acquire real estate must contain information about the buyer and seller, a description of the object and the purpose of its acquisition. After selecting an object in writing, a purchase offer is made 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. Purchased real estate is subject to mandatory insurance and registration with the Investment Council.
The average cost of 1 sq.m. comfortable housing in the Bahamas is $ 7,000. Buying a bungalow will cost $300,000-500,000, villas $500,000 or more, and a penthouse $1,000,000-3,000,000.
To travel to the Bahamas, you need to apply for a visa at the British Embassy. A 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 to enter nightclubs for $5. This is a very advantageous offer, given that on weekends the entrance to the club costs from $50.
Prices for imported spirits are very high, so if you want to save on alcohol, it is better to order local drinks, such as rum and beer.
Keep in mind that tips in the Bahamas range from 10 to 15%, and some restaurants and hotels include them in the bill in advance.
The Bahamas is one of the archipelagos that have not been trampled down by mass domestic tourists. The secret of his unpopularity in the post-Soviet space is simple: far, expensive, and for some - and uninteresting.
The Bahamas is one of the archipelagos that have not been trampled down by mass domestic tourists. The secret of his unpopularity in the post-Soviet space is simple: far, expensive, and for some - and uninteresting. There is no exciting "excursion" here, from entertainment - yachting, diving, fishing, ecotourism, descent of money in casinos or shops and carefree lying in a sun lounger on a pink-sand beach.
However, there are connoisseurs of these simple joys: the Bahamas are dearly loved by Hollywood stars, many celebrities have long acquired cozy mansions here. Anyone with a few extra tens of millions of dollars can follow suit. At the service of the rest - rooms in luxury hotels and pretty villas, standing in the middle of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where rest will seem like a true paradise.
Season
The Bahamas were nicknamed the islands of eternal June because of the abundance of sunny days - there are from 300 to 340 of them a year. However, there is nothing special to do here in calendar June: during this period, heat, rains and hurricanes hit the resort, which "stay" until October .
The high tourist season in the archipelago is from November to May. Water and air temperatures are kept at the optimal levels for adults and children, but it can be cool at night.
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beach holiday
The Bahamas are a group of 700 large and small islands, each of which has an incomparable beach with white or slightly pinkish sand and rare palm trees. For those who want to be alone with this beauty, we can recommend the beautiful and sparsely populated Long Island. Those wishing not only to lazily fry in the sun, but also to break away in the evening in a club or bar, or even look into a casino or a shopping center, should go to the capital of the archipelago - the city of Nassau on the island of New Providence.
The most beautiful beaches - with pink sand - should be looked for on Harbor Island, the most "green", surrounded by thickets of tropical vegetation, on the island of Grand Bahama.
Leisure
The Bahamas is one of the most favorite points on the map for divers from all over the world. Here, deep-sea divers and sharks will be fed, and the most beautiful coral reefs will be shown (for example, near the islands of Eleuthera and Abaco). And those who are braver will be "led" to the mysterious Dean's blue hole off Long Island, which is considered the second deepest on the planet. Freedivers speak especially fondly of Dean.
Yachting is considered to be the key sport in the archipelago. Professionals and amateurs arrange sailing along the coasts of Long Island and Exuma. More experienced yachtsmen go deep into the straits between small islands.
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Ecotourism
Tourists come to one of the largest islands of the archipelago, Inagua, to watch outlandish birds, mammals and reptiles. It is famous for being home to the largest colony of pink flamingos, as well as many other bird species. Here you can swim with dolphins and admire the slow-moving iguanas.
Near the island of Grand Bahama is the underwater national park "Peterson Cay" (off. site in English) - the focus of beautiful coral reefs. And on the island itself there is a green Lucayan National Park (off. site in English), where pines, palm trees, orchids and ferns grow and there is a unique system of ancient caves in which traces of the life of local aborigines of the pre-Columbian era were found.
Guests of the capital island will not have to travel far for natural beauties either: New Providence is home to the Harold and Wilson Ponds park, home to rare species of birds.
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Vacation with children
Travelers with small children should choose calmer, "family" islands - Abaco, Andros, Cat. Their nightlife is not so stormy, the beaches are surprisingly picturesque, the entry into the sea is gentle and there are almost no waves in the high season.
Finding a hotel to accommodate with children is not a problem. Some complexes accommodate children under the age of 17 free of charge without providing a separate bed.
Weddings, shopping, casino
For these types of recreation, the archipelago is almost more suitable than all other resorts in the Atlantic Ocean. The most beautiful weddings, expensive restaurants, cool nightclubs and entertainment centers, high-rise shops and colorful markets are all of the Bahamas. It is necessary to have a rest here beautifully and on a grand scale, and the costs for all this should be laid down appropriately.
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an island archipelago in which 30 of the 700 islands are inhabited. The Bahamas are located 90 km from Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. In the Caribbean, these islands are located in the very north. The islands of Abakos, Andros, Aklins, Exumas, Berry, Biminis and some others are considered the largest in the archipelago. The total area of the state is approximately 14 thousand square meters. km. The capital is Nassau. This is the largest city in the country, which is both its cultural and commercial center.
Population of the Bahamas
The number of inhabitants of the Bahamas is approximately 366 thousand people. Blacks and mulattoes make up more than 80% of the population.
Nature in the Bahamas
Hundreds of kilometers of white sand beaches, 2500 coral reefs, transparent coastal waters heated by the Gulf Stream have long been associated with the concept of "luxury vacation" by most vacationers. The untouched nature of most of the islands attracts crowds of tourists. Rare pink flamingos and iguanas are found on Inagua Island.
Climatic conditions
The Bahamas has a humid subtropical climate. The rainy season starts in May and lasts until October. Due to the mild wind from the equator, the winter is very warm with a temperature of +15°C, and in summer, due to the trade winds, the temperature is not higher than +32°C. The warm Gulf Stream, washing the Bahamas from the west, contributes to the warming of sea water to about + 25 ° C throughout the year.
Language
In the Bahamas, the only official language is English. It is freely spoken by the entire population of the country.
Kitchen
The cuisine in the Bahamas is fruits and all kinds of fish, crab and seafood dishes. The main ingredient of most dishes is the sea shellfish "konk". This is a well-known aphrodisiac, widely used here. In the Bahamas, people like to cook very spicy dishes, combining them with lime juice. And coconuts are used even in ice cream.
Currency of the Bahamas
The national currency is the Bahamian dollar. In relation to the US dollar, it is equivalent, and therefore the American currency is also freely used in the Bahamas.
Religion
In the Bahamas, the island population is Christian, but belonging to other religious denominations is not condemned, thanks to the complete freedom of religion.
Holidays
December 26th is Boxing Day in the Bahamas. This very solemn and bright event is considered traditional for all former British colonies. The holiday is very colorful, in the form of a colorful carnival, which begins at midnight on Bay Street.
The main resorts of the Bahamas
The most visited resorts in the Bahamas are located on the Paradise Islands, Grand Bahama and New Providence. Grand Bahama Island has a golf course, tennis courts, spearfishing and diving. On Inagua Island, you can swim with dolphins.
Attractions
In the center of the capital of the Bahamas is the famous Parliament Square, where in the 19th century the buildings of the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Colonial Administration were built around the statue of Queen Victoria.
The Nassau Underwater Aquarium, the Retreat Gardens, the beautiful beaches of Cable Beach are perfect for nature lovers. Not far from the center of the capital is Fort Charlotte, which was built back in 1788. Tourists will not be indifferent to the labyrinth, which resembles the ruined Atlantis. The unique tunnel passing under water and amazing with the beauty of the underwater world has no analogues in the world. "Sea Gardens" is a place where you can get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of the underwater world. Handmade souvenirs created by local craftsmen from clay, straw and shells are very popular all over the world.
But the main attraction of the islands is the unique nature. Walking to the reefs, visiting natural places where flamingos live, watching the underwater world of the Atlantic will be an entertaining pastime for all tourists.
