Short
Description Located on New Providence Island, Nassau offers its visitors pristine white sand beaches and the warm Bahamian sun, great nightlife and entertainment, world class shopping and dining, as well as some of the best watersports and diving in the Caribbean.
Destination
Highlights Numerous White Sand Beaches;
Vegas-style Casinos;
Great Nightlife And Entertainment;
Local Straw Markets And Duty Free Shopping;
Dolphin And Shark Encounters;
Diving and Snorkeling;
Numerous Day Trips and Cruises;
Eco-Tours And Bird Watching;
Botanical Gardens, Ardastra Gardens And Zoo;
Horseback Riding;
Numerous Marinas;
Boating and Sailing;
All Watersports;
Golf And Tennis;
Helitours
Local
Weather The Bahamas are sub-tropical, with average highs that range from the upper 70's F (26 C) in the winter to the upper 80's F (31 C) during the summer. Average lows range from the mid 60's F (18-19 C) to the mid 70's F (24 C). During the winter the islands get about 2 inches of rain a month, with the rainy season being May through October.
Other
Destinations
Description New Providence is the most visited and most populous island in the Bahamas. Located about 160 miles from Miami, New Providence Island has both the good shopping and beautiful beaches needed to satisfy any visitor. Nevertheless, many people are not familiar with its name. Nassau, Paradise Island, and Cable Beach may be the better known. Nassau is New Providence's main city and the capital of the Bahamas. Cable Beach is a popular resort area located on New Providence's northern coast to the west of Nassau. Paradise Island is a smaller island that is connected to New Providence by bridge.
With its many resort hotels, casinos, cabaret shows, museums, historical sites, markets and beaches, there is no limit of things to see and do. You'll find local and international crafts and goods ranging from handmade lengths of batik to Rolex watches at the quaint shops and modern malls. You will adore the many pristine, white sand beaches that offer an endless variety of activities. Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, diving, fishing, parasailing, seaside restaurants, beach bars, local entertainment -- all this and more are waiting for you. If you prefer quieter, more secluded beaches, try the ones on the south and far west side of New Providence island.
Nassau, the capital city of The Islands Of The Bahamas, is located on the northeast shore of the island of New Providence. Here one will find well-preserved colonial buildings; weather-beaten, ancient forts; elegant, noble architecture; exciting attractions, duty free shopping, one of the largest straw markets in the Caribbean, thrilling land and sea sports, pristine beaches, delightful cuisine and unique cultural activities. Posh resort hotels, nightlife, cabaret shows and cruise ship docks make Nassau a vibrant centre for entertainment as well as commerce. A variety of options are available to anyone who wants to do more than spend the day shopping or relaxing on one of the island's many lovely beaches. Sports fanatics can choose from golf, tennis, fishing, diving, snorkeling, volleyball and any watersport your heart desires. For local wildlife, visit the Ardastra Gardens and Zoo to see a flamingo show or Coral Island to watch sharks feed. Enjoy the Dolphin Encounter, head over to the famous Blue Lagoon Island or Blackbeard's Cay for a day, check out the Seaworld Explorer, spend the day diving, take a ride in a Bell JetRanger helicopter and get a picturesque view of the island, or take one of the many offered day cruises around the island.
Local Information The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.
The official language of The Bahamas is English, more British than American, and generally intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect.
Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. and is compatible with most US appliances, however UK appliances will need an adapter.
As far as driving, British rules apply, so please drive on the left and watch those roundabouts! Visitors may use their home licenses for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's license. Pedestrians should remember to look carefully both ways before crossing streets.
Eastern Standard Time is used within The Islands of The Bahama. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with US summer hours.
Airport
Information To get to New Providence Island, you fly into the Nassau International Airport (NAS) which is located in Nassau. Major airlines servicing the island are: Air Canada, American Eagle, Bahamasair, Continental, Delta Air Lines, Island Express, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways. There are also a number of charters to choose from when making your travel plans: Apple Vacations, Canada 3000, Nassau/PI Express, Royal Airlines, Executive Aircraft Charters. Each person leaving Bahamas must pay $15 departure tax. Children under 6 years old are exempted.
Entry
Requirements Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.
