The climate in the Bahamas is outstanding, which makes it a pleasure to visit our Islands!

The height of the season is between December 15th and Easter. Hotels are booked solid during these months, therefore it would be wise to book your reservations way in advance.

Even during the ‘off-season’, that is during the months between Easter and mid-December, tourists flock to the Bahama Islands. The rates are lower during this time of the year, sometimes as much as 40%!

Visitors to the picturesque islands of the Bahamas often become immersed in the country's rich history and culture. For centuries, the country named by Christopher Columbus for its shallow waters has been a hub of political, economic, and yes, even criminal activity.

As the favorite destination of notorious pirates and British Puritans throughout history, the Bahamas has continually proven its allure to a wide range of people. The varying backgrounds of the groups that now comprise the indigenous population of the Bahamas have melded to create a Bahamian culture that is entirely unique.

With its pristine beaches, festive culture, and inviting year-round climate, the Bahamas has established itself as a favorite destination of travelers from around the globe. Although typically considered a tropical destination, the network of islands that comprise the Bahamas actually offers a vast array of travel and entertainment options. Each of the primary islands of the Bahamas offers unique opportunities for its visitors, with varying levels of tourist traffic and available amenities.

The two main cities of Nassau and Freeport are on two of the smaller islands in the chain. The capital city of Nassau on New Providence Island boasts lively casinos, resorts (many on adjacent Paradise Island), shopping, and is the center of government and commerce. Cruise ships make Nassau and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island regular stops on their Caribbean routes. Accommodations in each city range from first class resorts to small family-run inns. Nightlife, water sports, golf, tennis, fishing and family activities make these two islands a favorite vacation destination for travelers seeking a tropical resort atmosphere. Grand Bahama features the Dolphin Experience where you can swim in the open water with trained dolphins.

The corporate metropolis of Nassau has assumed the look and feel of a prominent U.S. city, while the less-traveled Out Islands have managed to retain much of their undeveloped charm. Among the country's 700 islands and 2500 cays, there are countless opportunities for adventure seekers to explore undisturbed beaches and exotic waters, while remaining within easy reach of modern conveniences. Offering an array of outdoor activities, social experiences, and entertainment options, the Bahamas remains one of the world's premier travel destinations.

The other populated islands and cays are known as the Out Islands. Eclectic visitors, towns and islanders make these remote islands the Bahamas' best-kept secrets. They are not hard to get to and your efforts are well rewarded with deserted, powdery white sand beaches (pink sand sparkles on Eleuthera and Harbour Island) rimmed with coconut palms and causerina pines. Peace and solitude, the hallmark of the Out Islands, is reflected in their friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Abacos is hailed as some of the finest yacht cruising in the world and is the northernmost island group in the Bahamas. Annual billfish tournaments, sailing and diving are Abaco's claim to fame.

Land of water, sea of life-Andros, the Bahamas largest island is full of holes and inhabited by mysterious creatures, both in the trees and under water. Snorkelers and divers explore the island's blue holes and underwater caves. Go bird-watching to see pink flamingos or enjoy world-class bonefishing at one of the many fishing camps throughout the island.

Bimini, a favorite of many celebrities, hosts big game fishing tournaments and is a great getaway for those who just want to relax and leave the world behind. Enjoy Hemmingway memorabilia and laze away the days on your own white sand beach. No shopping, nightlife, or casinos here, just Out Island charm at its finest.

Often overlooked, but so perfect a spot, Cat Island offers a few small resorts, excellent diving and water sports, 17th century pirate history, and secluded beaches for the road-weary traveler.

Long and skinny, Eleuthera's 100 miles are some of the most developed in the Out Islands. Off the northern coast lies  and Spanish Wells, two favorites for vacationers. A comfortable place to enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear water.

The Exumas are a sailor's paradise. These 350 little cays are some of the most unspoiled in the Bahamas. Enjoy bonefishing, annual sailing regattas and maybe your own private island.

Long Island extends 60 miles north and south dotted by small towns and innumerable nooks and crannies worth exploring. There are several large resorts, golf, diving, sailing, fishing, lovely deserted beaches, two airports, and that Out Island friendly hospitality.

San Salvador maintains the lookout on the Atlantic as the easternmost island. Home to a few resorts, development has largely passed this lovely island by. Superb diving, island exploring, beachcombing and biking will make your stay memorable.

Transportation

Getting There: Served by Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, American Eagle, Bahamas Air, British Airways, Delta, Continental, and US Airways.

Entry Documents: Proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate and photo I.D. in the form of a driver's license) and a return or ongoing ticket. British and Canadian citizens may enter without passports or visas.

Airport: Main airport, Nassau International Airport; Many airports on many islands - numerous flights from the U.S.

Departure Tax: $15 U.S.

Driving: On the left - need to show driver's license to rent a car.

Local Transportation: Most islands will only require a taxi ride or two. Rental cars are available. Jitney busses run in Nassau.

More detailed Travel Tips for your Bahamas Vacations - Click Here

Marriage Info (for more detailed info - Click Here)

Process: An affidavit available at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau must be completed.

Cost: US$40

Wait Period: Officially 15 days but a one to two-day waiver can be obtained from the Registrar General's Office in New Providence prior to arrival. The Tourism Department and many hotels can help with the planning and red tape.

Documents to bring: Passports or birth certificates plus divorce or death certificates, if applicable.

Bahamian Holidays

New Year’s Day (1 January) - Junkanoo begins at 2 am on New Year's Day Good Friday Easter Monday Whit Monday (seven weeks after Easter) Labour Day (first Friday in June) Independence Day (10 July) Emancipation Day (first Monday in August) Discovery Day (12 October) Christmas Day (25 December) Boxing Day (26 December) - Junkanoo begins at 2am on Boxing Day

Bahamas Tourism Centers     United States   Chicago: 8600 W. Blyn Mawr Ave Suite 820 Chicago, Illinois 60631 Tel: (773) 693-1500 Fax: (773) 693-1114 Los Angeles: 345 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 208 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Tel: (213) 385-0033 Fax: (213) 383-3966   Miami: One Turnberry Place 19495 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 809 Aventura, FL 33180 Tel: (305) 932-0051 Fax: (305) 682-8758 New York: 150 East 52nd Street 28th Floor North New York, NY 10022 Tel: (212) 758-2777 Fax: (212) 753-6531     Canada Toronto: 121 Bloor Street East Suite 1101 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3M5 Tel: (416) 968-2999 Fax: (416) 968-0724       Europe France: 60 Rue Saint Lazare, 75009 Paris, France Tel: 45-26-62 Fax: 48-74-06-05 Italy: Via Cusani, No. 10 20121 Milan, Italy Tel: 2 7202-2526 Fax: 2 7202-3123   Germany: Leipziger Strasse 67d 60487 Frankfurt/Main, Germany Tel: 49 (0) 69-970-8340 Fax: 49 (0) 69-970-834-43 England: 3, The Billings Walnut Tree Close Guilford, Surrey GU1 4UL Tel: 01483-448900 Fax: 01483-571846     Bahamas Head Office P.O. Box N-3701 Market Plaza, Bay Street Nassau, Bahamas Tel: (242) 302-2000 Fax: (242) 328-0945 Abaco: P.O. Box AB-20663 Marsh Harbour Abaco, Bahamas Tel: (242) 367-3067 Fax: (242) 367-3068   Andros: Fresh Creek Andros, Bahamas Tel: (242) 368-2286 Fax: (242) 368-2285 Bimini: Alice Town, Bimini, Bahamas Tel: (242) 347-3529 Fax: (242) 347-3530   Grand Bahama: P.O. Box F40251 Int’l Bazaar Freeport G.B., Bahamas Tel: (242) 352-8044 Fax: (242) 352-2714 Eleuthera: Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera, Bahamas Tel: (242) 332-2142 Fax: (242) 333-2622   Exuma: P.O. Box EX-29169 George Town Exuma, Bahamas Tel: (242) 336-2430 Fax: (242) 336-2431