Bahamas Travel Facts for Yachts

Fact File for Bahamas

Named from the Spanish “baja mar” (shallow sea), the Bahamas are home to ancient shipwrecks and a rainbow of coral reefs teeming with fish. The landscape is dotted with colorful houses and exotic blooms. There are over 700 palm-fringed islands to explore with excellent snorkeling, diving, fishing and safe swimming.

COORDINATES: 24º15N, 76º00W

LANGUAGE: English (official), Bahamian patois (widely spoken)

CAPITAL: Nassau

WEATHER: A constant temperate climate prevails thanks to refreshing, cooling trade winds. September-May is freshest at 21C-24C (70F-75F), with 27C-29C (81F-84F) throughout the rest of the year. June-November is hurricane season.

BEST TIME TO CHARTER: December-April (although a year-round destination)

AIRPORTS: Nassau International (NAS) and Grand Bahama International (FPO) are the main airports.

TIME: UTC-5 (winter), UTC-4 (summer)

CURRENCY: Bahamian Dollar (BSD); USD also accepted. Major credit cards are widely accepted, except in some smaller establishments. ATMs located mainly in Nassau and Freeport.

ELECTRICITY: 120 V, 60 Hz

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

1 Jan - New Year's Day
10 Jan - Majority Rule Day
Mar/Apr - Good Friday, Easter Monday
May/Jun - Whit Monday
1st Fri in Jun - Labor Day
10 Jul - Independence Day
1st Mon in Aug - Emancipation Day
12 Oct - National Heroes' Day
25 Dec - Christmas Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day

MAIN PORTS AND MARINAS:

Abacos: Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay
Eleuthera: Governor's Harbour, Harbour Island
Exuma: George Town
Grand Bahama: Freeport Harbour
New Providence: Nassau (over dozen marinas)

RECOMMENDED BEACHES:

Cable Beach- New Providence Island;
Cabbage Beach- Paradise Island;
Pink Sands Beach- Eleuthera;
Saddle Cay- Exumas;
Stocking Island- Exumas

CULTURAL: Bahamian pace of life is chilled out, and "island time" is a relaxed approach to time-keeping and describes the locals' laidback attitude. Dress is casual and beachwear is accepted in resorts. While out in restaurants, clubs or casinos, dressing up is expected.