how's the weather?
Paradise Island runs on Eastern Standard Time, following Daylight Savings Time. But once you're here, the only time you'll probably be concerned about is the time of your return flight.There is no best time to visit Paradise Island; any time is a good time. The weather in the Bahamas is always warm and sunny, thanks to the Gulf Stream waters and balmy trade winds. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 70 to 80-degree Fahrenheit range (20 to 30C).
In mid-summer, it may go up to 90F (32C), with an overnight low in the 60s (15 to 20C) during the winter. It does rain in Paradise from November through April, but you probably won't see anything but sunshine during your stay.
styling & profiling
Casual is the dress of the day and night, unless you decide otherwise. Spring and summer clothing is appropriate throughout the year. There are no restrictions other than a cover-up for swimwear if you are leaving the beach or pool area.Some restaurants and nightspots don't permit shorts and may require men to wear a jacket, but you can leave the tie at home. Daytime attire for the casino, as for most of the island, is strictly informal and comfortable.
Don't forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, or pick some up in one of the local shops. A waterproof sunscreen is important if you spend a lot of time on the water.
quick tips
If you're a scuba diver, be sure to bring your certification card with you, as dive operators will not allow you to dive or purchase air without it. You may also want to bring your logbook as well, to document how extensive and current your diving experience is.English is spoken everywhere in the Bahamas; it is the principal language of the islands.
Electricity is the North American standard 120-volt, 60-hertz alternating current (AC). Direct-dial telephone service is available to anywhere from your room.
The Bahamian dollar (B$) is equal in value to the US dollar and both are acceptable anywhere for cash payment. Other foreign currencies may not be widely accepted, so you're better off converting it upon arrival.
All major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted most everywhere.
Banks are open Monday through Thursday from 9:30am until 3pm and on Friday until 5pm. Should you run out of cash, Bahamian banks are interconnected with major US systems that accept ATM cards and major credit cards that provide cash advances.
When mailing postcards and mail, please use Bahamian stamps, as the post office does not accept mail with foreign stamps.
customs and immigration
If you're a citizen of the United States, you need proof in the form of a passport, or you can show an original or notarized copy of your birth certificate. Voter registration cards are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship by Bahamian Customs.For other foreign citizens, contact the Bahamian consulate nearest you for visa and additional documentation requirements. As a visitor traveling for pleasure, you are allowed to stay for up to eight months.
Once you arrive to the Bahamas, clearing customs is quick and easy. If you have nothing to declare, just turn over the completed customs information card you received when you checked in for your flight, show the agent your return ticket, and you're on your way.
Don't lose the departure card, as you'll need it when going through customs at the end of your stay. When leaving, you'll be asked to declare any purchases you've made during your visit. There is a $600 duty-free allowance for US residents who have been there longer than 48 hours on any items they carry with them.
Be certain to save your receipts. Any items made in the Bahamas are duty-exempt and not counted toward the $600 limit. A 10% duty will be charged on the amount over $600, but less than $1,000.
There is a mandatory $15 Bahamas Departure Tax payable at the airport check-in counter.
There are very strict laws in the Bahamas pertaining to the illegal use of drugs and firearms. Possession of dangerous drugs, including marijuana, could get you slapped with a heavy fine and possible jail sentence. Weapons used for sports require a license, but handgun permits are difficult to obtain.
getting around
Although the Bahamas has been an independent nation since 1970, it was once a British colony, so yes, natives drive on the left side of the road. Local taxis are metered and the government sets maximum fares. There are fixed charges to and from the airports. You can also arrange for an hourly rate with some taxi drivers, if you'd like to do some sightseeing or touring. On returning to Paradise Island from Nassau, there is a $2 bridge toll that passengers are responsible for paying.If you'd like to rent a car, we recommend you make reservations well in advance. Major car rental agencies can arrange to have a car waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
A popular way to get around the islands, both for visitors and locals, is the moped. Daily rental rates start at about $25 per day, not including insurance. Both the driver and passenger must wear a helmet; it's Bahamian law.
A valid US driver's license will allow you to drive for up to 3 months per visit. If you are staying longer, you'll need to apply for a Bahamian license.
tipping tips
Many restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15% gratuity to all food and beverage charges. If you have been treated particularly well, your server will certainly appreciate something extra. As for cab drivers, 15% of the fare is fair.
a bit of history
Starting 60 miles off the coast of South Florida and stretching as far south as Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas has over 700 islands, 29 of which are inhabited.Set in the most beautiful, crystal blue waters, these islands share a rich history and culture. Before recorded history, this group of islands, now known as the Bahamas, was populated with Aborigines of Mongol descent. It was at this time that the Bahamian culture began to develop.
During the last Ice Age, approximately 100,000 years ago, ancestors of the original Bahamians came to the Americas, and were present in the Bahamas when Christopher Columbus arrived in October of 1492.
The natives, then known as the Lucayan-Taino-Arawaks, were excellent farmers, potters, weavers of cotton fibers, expert divers, and skilled navigators in dugout canoes. Many of these same trades can be found today, for skilled artisans flourish throughout the islands. (Many ancient artifacts can be seen at the Pompey Museum at Vendue House in Nassau.)
On July 10, 1973, after a 325-year rule, the Bahamas gained its independence from Britain and is now one of the most politically stable countries in the world, with a parliamentary democracy that has operated without interruption for 275 years.
In November of 1992, the Bahamas Government lifted customs duties on the following imported items: china, crystal, fine jewelry, leather, linens and tablecloths, liquor, perfume, cologne, photographic equipment, sweaters, watches, and wine. These items can now be purchased 100% duty-free.
It is not surprising that tourism flourishes in the Bahamas when each island, including Grand Bahama, Long Island, Inagua, Cat Island, Bimini, Andros, Eleuthera, Paradise Island, Exuma, and Nassau/New Providence, has its own distinct character and so much to offer its visitors.
Among the diverse activities that guests can enjoy throughout the islands are diving, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jetskiing, and sports fishing. For those who like to stay dry, there is golf, tennis, horseback riding, cycling, volleyball, squash, and racquetball. A wide variety of dining from casual to elegant gourmet.
*Information courtesy of Paradise Islander Magazine
Sites to visit
http://www.atlantis.com/
http://dolphinswims.com/
http://www.stuartcove.com/
http://www.bahamasnet.com/index.shtml
http://www.pirates-of-nassau.com/
Bahamas Travel Guide
http://www.thrillerboat.com/
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