Made up of many beautiful islands, the Bahamas stretch west, from just 120 kilometres off the coast of Florida to the south, where it’s a mere 97km from Cuba. Buses are available on several of the major islands and in the most important towns, such as Nassau, Grand Bahama and Paradise Island. There are 19 mail boats in all and you will be able to spot them leaving Potters Cay (in Nassau). However, according to the Royal Bahamas Police, in 2018 the murder rate was reduced by 25% and crime as a whole is down by 14% percent. New York design firm Champalimaud (behind properties including L.A.’s Hotel Bel-Air and the Gainsborough Bath Spa in the U.K., among others) was tapped for the interiors: expect cool, contemporary furnishings made of coral stone and cypress and views of the property's ten tropical acres and central pool. If you decide to do so, make sure you arm yourself with good car rental insurance coverage. There’s a surprisingly big range of accommodation on the Bahamas – from luxe resorts to cute guesthouses and even hostels, there’s a lot to choose from. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. Villas come with infinity pools, but all rooms enjoy butler service, which just begs for breakfast on your terrace—at least, that’s how we imagine James would have liked to start each morning. Reading reviews takes precedence over your budget here, 100%. This, however, is balanced out by the positives of living in the Bahamas: friendly people, laid-back lifestyle, great weather and simple living. To help stop potential thieves in their tracks, however, we would seriously recommend buying a travel money belt. Enjoy! The two met when they were cast to play a couple in a film. We have used World Nomads for years now, reviewed their travel insurance policy, and I have personally made several claims. The healthcare situation in the Bahamas is not too bad – depending on where you are. You’ll also get the chance to soak up some culture too, with plenty of local markets in Nassau that you can explore via a comprehensive food-tasting tour. Nice weather too: George Washington said they were “the isles of perpetual June”. Explore More: See hotel details | See all Paradise Island, New Providence Island hotels. Luckily for you, we’ve got an awesome recommendation: the Active Roots Security Belt. However, the Bahamas is low on blood and surgical capabilities are often quite limited. Locals often drink bottled water. It’s really not the safest destination for solo female travellers. Things you buy may earn us a commission. There’s lots to love about this 78-villa resort: the heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean, the addictive cocktails at Palapa Grill (considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the Bahamas), the ultra-spacious rooms that come with full kitchens and their own golf carts for taking a spin around the premises, its own private section of Emerald Bay Beach right by the pool. Knowing the issues is the first step towards travelling smart and avoiding trouble, so we’ve packed it all in. Crime takes place mainly in and around Nassau, the capital. Pick up an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure. +33 (0)9 70 40 54 64 00 377 97 97 47 98 contact@myluxurytravel.fr Crime on the islands is mainly gang-related but there is still petty crime and thieves to watch out for. In the most touristed areas of the Bahamas, you will definitely want to keep your money safe; this is where it’s most likely to be pinched. Feb 18, 2021 - Find your Luxury home in Caribbean. Living in Paradise Island may seem like a little slice of paradise, however, that kind of place is actually more geared towards tourists and is lacking in amenities (such as hospitals too). Because actually, there’s really a lot of stuff about the Bahamas that makes us think it’s not that safe. Protecting yourself against mosquitoes is more than just a suggestion in the Bahamas: here they transmit Chikungunya virus. No pickpocket or potential thief is going to think of looking in such a normal-looking belt! Life in the Bahamas sounds like a dream, right? There are medical facilities available mainly in Nassau, Grand Bahama and Paradise Island. Read on for the 9 best hotels in the Bahamas. B Brandi and Emy have a love straight from the movies – literally! Together, you can snorkel, go horse-riding, make sandcastles all day long and splash around in the pool. I’m sharing my tips on investing in Cryptocurrency in my newest post here…. Most crime, however, is against Bahamians, but that doesn’t mean shouldn’t take sensible precautions. In 2018 the Bahamas welcomed 6.6 million visitors and is set for a record-breaking 2019, apparently. De tous types et de toutes localités. The GRAYL GEOPRESS water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you’ll need. shopbop - hats fastest free shipping worldwide on hats & free easy returns Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. avoiding trouble as a solo female traveller. There’s a lot to take into account, what with the violent crime levels on the rise, petty theft, sexual assaults, drug trafficking gangs, as well as other hassles. Home » Central America » Bahamas » Travel Safety. For the most part, however, as long as you travel smart, you’ll be fine. Required fields are marked *. With a plumb location on Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos, these twin resorts offer a variety of activities, from fishing and diving to tennis. The British High Commission reports that there has been an increase in reports of break-ins and robberies across New Providence, Grand Bahama and Freeport. Larger hotels have fantastic facilities for children, things like kids’ clubs, child-friendly pools, babysitting services etc. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Read on for the 9 best hotels in the Bahamas. Guests have access to the wonderland of options that makes Baha Mar so great—pool parties, myriad restaurant options—but with the ability to escape it all in their own serene corner of the resort. Renting a car can be expensive and the cars are often in bad condition anyway. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going . It’s going to be challenging, but that’s the best bit: you get to grow as a person whilst seeing awesome stuff! Whilst COVD 19 has not gone away, the world is opening up again to travellers. While its 30 inhabited islands are rife with beach-chic hotels and impressive resorts, only a few properties edge out the rest. They also note police patrols in tourist areas. The colonial-style former estate, on 35 manicured acres on Paradise Island, is one of the best hotels in the Bahamas—and is every bit as impressive as it looks, from the 105 understatedly opulent guest rooms with private balconies or decks to the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, Balinese-inspired spa, and formal French garden modeled after Versailles, replete with marble statuary and a 14th-century Augustinian cloister. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! If you’re having any problems at all figuring out destinations of the buses, then just chat to the driver. It looks like a normal belt but there’s a secret zipper pocket where you can stash your cash. If you need a little more room for your passport and other travel valuables, have a look at a full-size money belt that tucks under your clothes instead. People often say “be vigilant” – but unless you know what of, that’s kind of a useless tip! If you’re paranoid then maybe you might want to stick to hotel food or only go to international restaurants – this is fine, it’s your trip after all. One of the most annoying things that can happen to you whilst travelling anywhere in the world is to lose money. Photo courtesy of Atlantis, Paradise Island. The main form, well, the only form of public transport on the islands is buses. Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Have fun in Bahamas, but take it from us, overseas medical care and canceled flights can be seriously expensive – insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver. There is public transport in the Bahamas, but not on all islands and certainly not that structured; it runs on Bahamas time. You might feel as though you’ve been marooned on Kamalame Cay, a tiny private island off the coast of Andros thick with mangrove trees—but in the best kind of way. Just 19 airy villas, kitted out with Indonesian furniture, muslin-draped windows, and sunny wraparound decks, sit on the beach, where staff bend to your every need—be it snorkeling a nearby reef, having a candlelit dinner on the three-mile beach, or being escorted to the dock for a luxurious oil massage at the overwater spa. No wonder it was a destination of choice for The Bachelor. As such, travel is neither practical nor advisable at this time. To be on the safe side, arrange a driver or recommended taxi service through your hotel. Lisa Hendrickson-Clarke and her team of villa agents have inspected these villas personally to be confident in their Jamaica villa product and to ensure that guests receive accurate firsthand information. Knowing what to expect is one of the best ways to stay safe travelling anywhere in the world, and that goes for the Bahamas too. 8 of Our Favorite Reasons to Escape to The Bahamas. Even if you’re only going for a few days, that’s more than enough time to get smote by wrathful angels. Actually, if you are the sort of person who isn’t too bothered about being in a social hostel, or partying every night, then the peace and quiet of one of the Bahamas safer, quieter islands could be completely right for you. Trouvez la propriété de luxe de vos rêves parmi les milliers dannonces. Travelling on buses after dark is not a good idea and will put you at more risk of being a target. In Freeport, you’ll be able to catch a jeetney between there Port Lucaya but it’s not very frequent and quite often late. Most of the time you’ll probably just want to spend your time hanging out at the beach – we totally get that. A shimmering jewel set on a horseshoe-shaped island in Jumeira Bay, Bvlgari Resort Dubai brings Mediterranean style to the Middle East. Caerula Mar Club sits on ten secluded acres of oceanfront property along the eastern shore of South Andros in the Bahamas. They’ll be helpful, friendly and will help you get to where you want to go. Writer and Editor, Ana Pereira is a California native, inspired by Earth exploration and introspection. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. The island of Andros is famous for its bonefish, but inland hikes, led by the nature concierge team, provide possibly even more exciting encounters including vivid orchids and indigenous rock iguanas. Bahamian isles attract a lot of tourists. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. The water in the Bahamas is said to be fine to drink, but it’s not that nice. If you head to any of the outer islands it’s probably better to stick to bottled water in general anyway. Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? Looking for financial freedom? In 2018, there were 43 crimes involving tourists in the Bahamas, too – 30 of which were US nationals. Explore an array of Punta Cana, DO vacation rentals, including private villas, houses & more bookable online. A recent “crimewave” in the Bahamas has led the United States to issue a travel advisory from the 25th February 2019. 24/7 Guest Service. Use our insider connections to know where to go and what to do. You can catch the ferry from Nassau to a whole range of islands, including: The government also runs water taxi links between places that aren’t that far away from each other, between North and South Bimini for example, and from Mangrove Cay to South Andros. The romance of the Bahamas may be one thing, but the reality of stepping outside the resort areas is another. The Active Roots Zipper Scarf is your run-of-the-mill infinity scarf but with a hidden pocket that’s big and sturdy enough for a night’s cash, your phone, a passport and (hell with it) some snacks too! There is no Uber in the Bahamas and there’s no Lyft either. Another thing to take into consideration is nature! Is the Bahamas safe for solo female travellers? Not only is there petty crimes, like pickpocketing, there’s also robberies, sexual assaults, and gang-related murders, making for a bit of a scary prospect of heading outside your resort. For the more adventurous, there is another way to get around in the Bahamas: the mail boats. Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to Marine Life – Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Driving in The Bahamas is much like driving in the UK – it follows the UK’s driving laws, such as driving on the left-hand side of the road; that doesn’t mean, however, it’s as safe as driving in the UK. Both Nassau and Grand Bahama feature emergency rooms that are open 24 hours a day. We’d recommend an island other than Grand Bahama or other islands and towns associated with crime. Browse our deals for the perfect resort getaway. For the most up-to-date safety information and what you should be doing to help, please consult the WHO and your local government. And have you thought about getting Travel Insurance for your trip? www.sanslimitesn.com S'informer Pour Informer They’re often the main form of transport and, for the most part, you’re not going to have too much trouble with them. Close. No Membership Fees. 20 Years Experience. It’s the only eco-resort in the Bahamas, but don’t think that means Tiamo compromises on romance. Paradise Island is home to high-end resort dining, such as Crusoe’s Restaurant, wheres in Downtown Nassau you’ll find a range of authentically Bahamian cuisine – we’re talking conch fritters and seafood. Famous for its crystal coastline, having a zillion (well, 2,000) islands, beaches – including Pig Beach – as well as coral reefs, this paradise archipelago is a popular destination. The Bahamas comes packed with a lot of social issues, namely gaps between rich and poor, plus being a bit of a conduit for the drugs trade to North America and Europe. Opt for an infinity scarf with a hidden zipper pocket. COVID testing is conducted at Ocean Club East for $185 per person, with results available in 48 hours. Also, it is important to note that outlying islands, like the Exumas. Some islands are safer than others, too. For those who do want to see some things outside of that world of convenience will find a lot of family-friendly adventures to be had. To conclude, the public transport is safe in the Bahamas – just not very dependable! All rights reserved. The outer islands don’t have any public transport, but you can get to them by using ferries operated by a company called Bahamas Ferries. Sure, its wooden cottages are screened-in and set on stilts, with composting toilets and electricity that runs on solar power—but there also just 11 of them, spacious and secluded on the edge of a nature reserve that faces a sugar-white beach scattered with hammocks, and only reachable by seaplane. In an emergency, you should call 911 or 919. Think about it: sparkling seas, hardly any tourists, not having to worry about where the next meal is coming from, cocktails on the beach… Doesn’t sound bad, does it? If you’re fans of simplicity then you’re going to like this option. Explore More: See hotel details | See all Gregory Town, Eleuthera hotels. Surprisingly, there is a lot of different stuff to try out scattered across the islands. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. These are referred to as jeetneys and are surprisingly easy to use and pretty frequent, though not that reliable. In Nassau you will see many, many jeetneys; these little private mini-buses run during daylight hours mainly but they don’t have much in the way of a timetable. 10,777 were here. Resting beneath the shade of lush palm trees, just steps away from a stunning beach, Caerula Mar’s Private Villas and Clubhouse Suites are made with sustainable, natural materials and feature breezy outdoor living spaces that encourage guests to immerse … However, on some islands, you may have to play the haggling game, and you have to may share your taxi with other people – especially in more remote islands. So whilst you should go and enjoy Bahamian food, just make sure you don’t go crazy on it – and be careful of eating at ropey places. The only problem you’ll have with your kids on the islands… adults-only resorts and high-end restaurants; make doubly sure that the accommodation you’re going to book welcomes children. Explore the best of the world. Ensure you and your little ones are covered up against the sun; use plenty of sunscreens and limit everyone’s time in the sun. Those with sensitive stomachs may want to arrive in the Bahamas complete with rehydration sachets and anti-diarrhoea meds…. Check out our in-depth AR Security Belt product review for more details on the specs and usability. You can go to the Aquaventure Water Park on Paradise Island; check out the 18 waterslides at Atlantis Resort; go snorkelling and diving with a tour company, or go out on a glass-bottomed boat tour to catch glimpses of undersea life without getting wet! Crime is a big problem here. A rocky promontory hugged by two shallow coves provides perfect, blissful seclusion for this 40-acre escape in laid-back Eleuthera, a long thin island 50 miles east of Nassau. Though it’s all good if you’re sticking within the bounds of an all-inclusive resort – of which there are many – if you’re trying to stick to a budget and do things more independently, you’ll be more likely to encounter a sketchy situation. If you want to head out at night outside, be very cautious about everything: what roads you travel on, what sort of people are around you, where you’re going. Make sure it’s also safe and secure, meaning a good location as much as good security in place and “amazing staff” written in reviews. If you buy something through our links, Jetsetter may earn an affiliate commission. This means that tourists should be aware that “violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, is common, even during the day and in tourist areas.”. Traffic rules aren’t always adhered to by the locals – and traffic police don’t enforce those rules, either. Atlantis Royal Towers, Autograph Collection, See all Paradise Island, New Providence Island hotels, The Best Luxury Hotels in the Caribbean Worth the Splurge, See all Nassau, New Providence Island hotels, Romantic Getaways Under $300 You Won't Believe, The Best All-inclusive Resorts in the Bahamas Right Now, The World’s Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Adults, Secret Caribbean Islands: 8 Hidden Gems Worth Discovering. Keep our tips in mind and know that some areas of the more touristed islands just aren’t a good idea to visit. The Bahamas government offers up free care for its residents, but not for visitors, meaning that you will need health insurance. They leave when they’re full and you pay a fare that ranges from 1.25 – 2.50 BS$. A good way to go about it would be to ask the staff at your accommodation where’s safe to go and what’s good to eat – they’ll be happy to tell you. You’ll probably make friends with other families too, so they’ll get some new playmates! If in doubt, go all-inclusive, get on a tour, and ready yourself to lounge on the beach with pretty much no worries. For one thing, catcalls and sexual harassment have been reported by women walking around Bahamian streets. There’s information on what islands of the Bahamas are safe, how solo female travellers can make the most of their trip, what the situation is with public transport – and even when hurricane season is because that is also an issue in the Caribbean! There are 4 levels of travel advisories issued by the US to its citizens (4 being the worst) and the Bahamas got stuck with level 2: “exercise increased caution”. Some of the money belts on offer out there can be a little too obvious, like wearing a bum bag underneath your clothes, so would-be pickpockets can still see it. Why not get a quote from them yourself? Whether you need to purify the water from a hostel sink in Kathmandu or a stream trickle in the Andes, the Geopress has got you covered. The more resort-like the hotel, the more they will be able to basically arrange everything for you, making it pretty easy (and safe) to use taxis in the Bahamas. If you want to walk around the towns, pushchairs really aren’t the best idea – especially outside of towns. So much so that you won’t even have to leave the walls of the resort. Or do they? Basically, driving in the Bahamas is safe-ish, but not recommended. There’s a reason this one’s most popular with families and first-timers: over 1,000 rooms, all with French balconies, look out over Paradise Island’s too-white beach, while the prime location puts it within easy walking distance to all the main attractions—pools, the spa, Dolphin Cay, the 141-acre water park extravaganza known as Aquaventure… It might not be as luxe as The Cove, but really, who’s coming here for peace and quiet? Sign up for The Broke Backpacker newsletter to receive regular tips on how to travel for less plus a FREE copy of The Backpacker Bible! not making yourself a target by being in the wrong place at the wrong time). This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Many women do travel solo to the Bahamas. You can even book ahead; ask the Bahamas Tourist Office or the dockmaster in Nassau for details. This does make it a little safer to live in the Bahamas and the most you’ll have to worry about is how to keep the cockroaches away. We’re not going to lie, it’s not looking good, but we’ve got a few tips to help you stay safe if you still want to travel to the Bahamas as a solo female traveller. In fact, the Bahamas has one of the highest homicide rates in the Caribbean, a region which has seen a deterioration in safety according to the 2019 Global Peace Index. In fact, even if you’re not travelling solo as a female, and you’re just a female on holiday – with family, with friends, whatever – there is a chance you may be harassed whilst walking around. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas Explore More: See hotel details | See all Great Exuma, Bahamas hotels. You should make sure you get a licensed taxi – those have a yellow number plate. With just 30 rooms, The Island House, Nassau’s first boutique hotel, is the antithesis of the area’s usually sprawling all-inclusives. Need a dose of rest and relaxation? There’s quite a bit that makes us think that maybe the Bahamas isn’t as safe as you think it is, but let’s look at that in more detail…. You’ll want to have your windows up and your doors locked at all times. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. ), 23 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to the Bahamas. Find your place amongst the chickens, parcels and other people and head to one of the 30 inhabited islands of the Bahamas. To be fair, these are beachy islands that maybe don’t need the benefits of ride-hailing apps. From June to November, it’s hurricane season and this means that the islands can get hit by storms. After you get past the interiors, it’s time to enjoy what you’re really here for—be it toning down at the souped-up spa (which features an anti-gravity yoga studio, squash courts, tennis court, and lap pool), catching a flick at the in-house cinema, or diving into Southeast Asian cuisine at top-floor open-air restaurant Shima. Basically, the healthcare is decent in the Bahamas, it can just be a little lacking if your trip is to the outlying islands and if you seek professional advice. Alternatively, you could get driven around to historical landmarks. You’re also going to want to make sure you buy or rent a house that is going to withstand tropical storms and hurricanes – and that’s high enough that means flooding isn’t a worry, either. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. Is The Bahamas Safe to Visit? Once you’ve had enough of seeing all the beaches, the monuments, and heading on all manner of water-based tours, you’ll probably be hungry; now is a good time to try out Bahamian food. Explore More: See hotel details | See all Nassau, New Providence Island hotels. She spends most of her "down-time" out in the wilderness, climbing, hiking, and beyond, and is feverishly passionate about travel and health. The plus side is that they’re fairly cheap. Recently, she spent several months exploring Africa and South Asia. While its 30 inhabited islands are rife with beach-chic hotels and impressive resorts, only a few properties edge out the rest. These are quite frequent (around every half an hour). If you like, you can boil the water (vigorously for at least 1 minute), you can take water purification tablets with you, and bring along refillable travel bottle. Whilst solo travelling in the Bahamas might not seem like the best thing to do as we said, it can be done. This is something that means you’re going to have to be relying on the local taxis, so now you probably want to know…. Sleep safe! Some have private pools and terraces that lead directly to the sand; all have cushy king beds wrapped in reclaimed linens—though sleeping in is not an option once you’ve had a taste of the lodge breakfast. More information. BOOM! In truth, unless you really want to, there’s not much to driving in the Bahamas. Enjoy your travels! Because the hotel’s project manager holds a master’s degree from Sotheby’s, it comes as no surprise that the communal living room, the property’s showpiece, is a gallery in itself with pieces by Herman Miller and local Bahamian art. © 2009 - 2021 Jetsetter ™ All rights reserved. Sketchy areas of the island are where getting robbed and having things stolen from your car when you’re parked up, may happen. There are issues facing the Bahamas at the moment that might lead to a downturn in these visitor numbers. This isn’t Thailand. The story you’ll be bringing home, however, will probably revolve around Great Exuma’s resident pigs, with whom you can swim alongside during dips in the crystal-clear waters of nearby Big Major Cay. However, there are some concerns about living somewhere that’s got such a high crime rate, which is why the Bahamas’ sizeable expat community live in gated communities. The Ocean Club’s appearance in the Bond flick, Casino Royale, might tip you off to its glamour and bravado. This can be avoided by a few simple things: locking car doors, staying in your safe neighbourhood, and basically following our advice that we’ve already talked about (i.e. These boats tick between islands and are pretty slow. In conclusion, though the US has issued a travel warning, we would still say that it’s safe to travel to the Bahamas right now. When it comes to eating out children will usually be welcomed into a restaurant as Bahamians are family-oriented and love children. Most likely these sorts of hotels – more like resorts and quite possibly all-inclusive won’t just be the best option for you and your children, but also they will be the most appropriate too. Don’t expect to find facilities like high chairs and baby-changing rooms. This group of islands may seem more of a “luxury” destination than anything else, but there are a fair few family-friendly hotels where you could base you and your family for your own slice of Caribbean sun. In total, there are around 50 health facilities spread across the outlying islands. Do be sure to read the terms and conditions to make sure that the policy covers your needs. Well, with its beaches, watersports, coral reefs, around 2,000 islands to explore, and yet more beaches, we can definitely see why. You can always hire a driver: much easier and pretty affordable. So let’s take a look at what’s going on with these islands…. You’re not going to be around a ton of other solo female travellers, and that’s part of what makes it not that fun to be by yourself as a woman in the Bahamas. There are obviously parts of life in the Bahamas that are not safe in some areas: crime, poverty, corruption. RELATED: Romantic Getaways Under $300 You Won't Believe. You will find small, government-run clinics on highways and just outside of the main towns of the islands; these are open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. Choose from more than 1,500 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. There are options to go to walk-in clinics if your hotel doesn’t have that facility. To navigate the tastiness safely here’s some helpful tips…. In these sorts of places, you will find European and American staff and doctors. With petty crime a possibility, especially in tourist areas (places you’ll be heading at least once, we imagine), it’s important to know what to look out for and what you can do to stay safe in the Bahamas, so we’ve made a list of some of our best tips for travelling smart in this tropical paradise…. You can also hail taxis on the street, mainly only in Nassau and Freepoint; this is also the sort of place where the taxis hail you if they think you need a lift. The oldest dive resort in the Bahamas is a beloved classic on Andros, and we’re not just talking about its renowned bonefish guides or wreck diving tours. Travelling smart also takes into consideration stuff like staying in secure and safe accommodation in the first place, and making sure that you don’t use tour companies, watersports rentals and excursion outfits that aren’t reputable. This certainly makes for a bit of a worrying situation in this group of islands, which is why we have put together this insider’s guide to staying safe in the Bahamas. So make sure you’re well prepared before you go. However, this advisory doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be going anywhere; the Bahamas responded to America’s update by saying that it shares this “level 2” advisory with France, the UK and Spain (the latter being one of the safest countries in Europe).