The climate of the Bahamas
The climate is tropical trade winds in the north and subtropical in the south. The average summer temperature is +26…+32 °C. On the southern islands (Big and Small Inagua, Mayaguana) in summer it is much warmer than in the central part of the archipelago. In winter, the average temperature is +18…+22 °C, the coolest is in the northwestern islands. The average water temperature is usually +27 °C in summer and around +23 °C in winter. The best time to visit the country is the cool season from September to May. See citypopulationreview.com for weather information.
In winter, rain is rare, usually in the form of short but powerful downpours. From May to November, hurricanes and tropical storms are possible, bringing heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds. See also the weather forecast for the main resorts of the Bahamas.
Bahamas Hotels
Hotels in the Bahamas are very diverse: there are large high-rise complexes and small cozy establishments. The local all-inclusive system is recognized as the best in the Caribbean.
Mains voltage: 120 V, 60 Hz. American standard plugs with two flat pins are used.
Money
The country’s monetary unit is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), in 1 dollar. Current exchange rate: 1 BSD = 57.62 RUB (1 USD = 1 BSD, 1 EUR = 1.05 BSD).
Currency can be exchanged at bank offices, hotels and large stores. The Bahamian dollar is firmly pegged to the US dollar, but exchange rates can vary quite a lot between institutions. The most stable rate is in the offices of international banks in Nassau and Freeport, the most disadvantageous is in tourist areas.
All types of credit cards are accepted for payment. Traveler’s checks can be cashed in the same place where you can change currency – at bank offices, hotels and large stores. Some hotels, restaurants, and money changers charge high fees for cashing checks, so it’s always best to check the terms beforehand.
Tipping is usually 15% in most places, including taxis. Some hotels and restaurants include them on the bill. Messengers, guides, porters and porters usually expect about 1 USD per piece of luggage or excursion, and maids, depending on the hotel, 1-2 USD per day. A government tax is added to the bills of many hotels, from 10% (Nassau and Grand Bahama) to 8% (Family Islands).
Banks usually work from 9:00-9:30 to 15:00 from Monday to Thursday, on Fridays – from 9:30 to 17:00. However, opening hours on different islands may vary. Some banks in the periphery are often only open one or two days a week.
US dollars are freely circulating in the country.
Holidays in the Bahamas
It is in the Bahamas that you can rent an entire beach and throw an awesome party. The newlyweds do not crawl out of the warm nests of their hotels, having eaten the famous local aphrodisiac – the conch mollusk, which is mixed here with almost every dish. Families with children bombard the Instagram feed with their selfies against the backdrop of white and pink sand. Beautiful ladies enjoy amazing spa treatments while their boyfriends storm the “Caribbean Vegas”, sitting at a gambling table not in a smoky room, but on a wooden terrace overlooking the sea. Will it be too little? Then get more ecotourism in reserves, diving at sunken ships, snorkeling with dolphins, fishing for giant marine reptiles, acquaintance with the heritage of pirates, as well as the hospitality and cordiality of always smiling locals.
Shopping and shopping in the Bahamas
The center of trade of the Bahamas is the world-famous Bay street. There you can buy everything at very competitive prices – watches of famous brands, jewelry, porcelain, crystal, leather bags, perfumes. All these purchases are tax exempt.
Cuisine and restaurants
Local delicacies: seafood salads, spiny lobsters and shrimp, charcoal grilled crabs, red snapper (reef perch) fillets, shells of all kinds, etc.
The most popular soft drinks are tea (English style) and coffee (mostly very strong Colombian or Brazilian coffee). The islands produce classic rum, the best variety of which is Nassau Royal, and you can also buy imported alcohol everywhere. The local beer “Kalik” tastes good and is sold everywhere on the islands.
Entertainment and attractions of the Bahamas
There are about 25 protected areas on the islands. Great Inagua Island is an excellent place for birdwatching; also rich in wildlife are the Abaco National Park, the Main-au-Var reef (Abaco Cay), the protected area around Love Hill on the northeast coast of North Andros and Embrister Creek north of New Harbor on Cat Island -Island.
Every Bahamian resort has an abundance of nightlife restaurants, bars, cabarets and casinos. In addition, the islands have everything for outdoor activities and water sports. Most sports centers on the island of New Providence, as well as on the islands of Grand Bahama and Harbor Island.
Andros, Berry, Bimini Islands – fishing. Abacos and Eleuthera islands – diving in coral reefs. Exuma and Long Island – yacht trips. Inagua Island – pink flamingos, exotic iguanas, swimming with dolphins and even the opportunity to feed the sharks. Grand Bahama Island is for those who are fond of scuba diving and fishing.
