Why Choose the Bahamas?

Just off the coast of Florida lies the Bahamas, with its soft, white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and friendly people. You'll fall in love with the Bahamas!

• Crystal clear water!
• Pine forests, white sandy beaches, limestone caves, lush plantations, bonefishing flats and the world's third largest barrier reef.

Just a short trip off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas, with its 700 unique islands and over 2000 cays, present party-goers with more activities and experiences than most spots on the planet. The topography of the islands range from pine forests to white sandy beaches, limestone caves to lush plantations, and is also home to the world's third largest barrier reef. The islands have their own individual histories as well, with different cultures and traditions for you to enjoy. There are a mind-boggling number of daytime activities and sports available, and the exotic Bahamian nightlife offers many pubs and pumpin? discos, casinos, and shows with fantastic local music and dancing.

History

Bahamian culture consists of many different backgrounds, traditions and beliefs, displayed in the colorful life and lifestyles of their residents. Over the past three centuries, their traditions have developed as people from different countries have settled on the islands, and diverse cultures have lived side-by-side. Each island eventually developed the culture that was unique to their country. Collectively, Bahamians are a dynamic, independent and friendly people who love music. Churches are plentiful as religion is an important part of their lives.

About the Bahamas

The Bahamas, located off the coast of Florida in the North Atlantic Ocean, consists of 700 islands that cover approximately 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. About 40 of these islands are populated, of which Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera, Abaco, Bimini, Andros and Exuma are the most popular destinations. The water around the islands and the smaller cays vary from deep blue to pale turquoise to ultramarine, depending on the depth and features underwater. This produces breathtaking views when seen from the air and offers a spectacular scenic background for the many water sports available.

Daytime Activities

During the day, you can enjoy the sun and surf on the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas, wander through the many markets of the downtown area, do some bird watching in the lush foliage, or just lay out pool side and catch a tan at your hotel. Paradise Parties throws numerous beach bashes and events at various locations, with music, food and drink, outrageous contests, and hot giveaways. Don?t forget to participate in one of the many water sports that the Bahamas has to offer, such as parasailing, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and waterskiing. Also, the active party-goer can do some rollerblading or horseback riding, and play some squash or tennis. Golf fans can catch a quick 18 on one of the most stunning golf spots on the planet. Don?t miss out on the most incredible Spring Break experience of your life!

The NightLife

The Bahamian night lights up when Spring Breakers go to town. The glittering casinos set off the gambling bug in everyone, offering blackjack, roulette, slots, and most of the games you would find on the Vegas strip, as well as some spectacular shows for your entertainment. Between casinos are dozens of bars of every type and style, as well as sizzling nightclubs for every taste, all groovin? until the early hours of morning. Those who want something more romantic can take a moonlit stroll on the beach beneath the island stars.

The Weather

The Bahamas have year-round good weather, rarely experiencing extreme high or low temperatures. Summer lasts from May through September, with nighttime temps averaging 78F degrees, and seldom rising above 90F degrees during the day. Winter spans from October through April, offering a 60F average at night and 75F for day. Relative humidity is fairly high averaging 65% yearly.

Entry Requirements

For visitors, entry requirements differ slightly depending upon place of birth, length of stay and the items you are carrying. U.S. and Canadian citizens entering The Bahamas as visitors are required to show proof of citizenship with either a passport (current or expired within five years) or two forms of identification, one of which must be photo.

Language

English is spoken throughout the islands.

Transportation

Taxis are available all over the islands, ready to take you from the airport to your hotel, and then to any destination you wish. Fare is comparable to what you would find in a major US city. It is always a good idea to establish a set fare before you depart. Tipping is not necessary but 15% is normally expected. Buses are also available for a much cheaper price, and make frequent stops in major areas of town.

Changing Money

The unit of currency is the Bahamian Dollar (B$), which is par with the US dollar. Both currencies are accepted everywhere. Most hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards. Click here to check the current exchange rate.

Electricity

Standard North American l20volt, 60cycle.

Tipping

Standard tip is 15%. Many resorts and hotels automatically add a service charge to cover gratuities.

Dining and Drinking

Bahamian seafood is a rich delicacy, with conch, crab, grouper, snapper, and dolphin (not Flipper) on all the menus. Conch is a shellfish and a staple of the Bahamian diet, considered to be an aphrodisiac and a source of virility. Conch is prepared in a variety of ways, batter and fried as fritters or ?cracked conch?, served raw in conch salad, steamed, or added to soup and stews. Bahamian parties and cookouts normally feature peas?n?rice, barbecue ribs and chicken wings, conch salad or fritters, potato salad, coleslaw and macaroni. Bahamian potato salad and macaroni are much richer than you would find on the mainland. Local fruit includes sapodilla, mango, breadfruit, sugar apple, and pawpaw. For dessert, Bahamian delicacies include soursop ice cream, coconut tarts, guava duff, and sugar bananas, which strangely have an apple flavor. The local beer brewed in Nassau, Kalik, has won several international prizes, and the local rum is the infamous Bacardi. Bahama Mammas, Yellowbirds, and Island Woman are all popular rum cocktails.

About the Water

Tap water can be salty on the islands. It is a good idea to drink bottled water, available at the supermarket.