Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Bahamas are a breathtaking archipelago of more than 700 islands, many of which remain uninhabited. With its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and tropical climate, the Bahamas have become one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers looking for a slice of paradise. The Bahamas are considered relatively safe for tourists, with some caveats.
The Bahamas are known for its beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. For example, Cable Beach is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, while Paradise Island Beach is a favorite among families. And then there’s Pink Sands Beach, whose name speaks for itself: this five-kilometre stretch of pink sand is a truly unforgettable sight.
But the Bahamas are much more than just beaches. Visitors can experience the thrill of swimming with pigs at Pig Beach, or explore the vibrant coral reefs on a snorkeling or diving excursion. Fishing and boating are also popular activities, as is shopping and dining in the capital Nassau, although caution is advised in parts of Nassau.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from BAHAMAS:
September 14 – Sexual violence continues in the Bahamas
An adult man is accused of committing another sexual crime against an 8-year-old girl in the Bahamas.
The girl’s father reported the incident to the South Central Police Station and identified the suspected perpetrator as his neighbor.
The alleged attack happened Monday afternoon at the victim’s home on Strawflower Road, near Montell Heights.
When he got home, her older adult brother caught the perpetrator red-handed. He described how the man had touched his sister indecently and how he had reacted violently in the struggle against the man who was defending his sister.
August 15 – Due to increased crime in two popular areas, the US issues a Level 2 advisory for the Bahamas.
In 2023, travelers to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas are advised to exercise caution, according to a Level 2 advisory from the U.S. Department of State. Nassau on New Providence, Paradise Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama have all had their share of burglaries, sexual assaults and armed robberies. These are well-known destinations with a number of resorts.
The advisory also notes that criminal activity is increasing in Nassau’s “Over the Hill” neighborhood, located south of Shirley Street. In addition, visitors staying in holiday homes without their own security company are advised to exercise caution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns tourists not to physically resist robberies. If they do not know the person at the door, vacationers in rental properties should not open the door for them.
April 26 – The Bahamas cruise port undergoes a $300 million renovation with improved guest experiences and new attractions
The cruise port of Nassau in the Bahamas will reopen in a month after undergoing a $300 million upgrade to attract more visitors and improve their experience.
The first phase of the development, first announced in 2019, focused on modifications that will allow the port to accommodate larger ships. The pier was extended, two new marinas were built to increase mooring capacity and old structures were modernized.
The Junkanoo Museum, which focuses on the cultural heritage of the Bahamas, as well as a new terminal, a 3,500-seat amphitheater, event and entertainment spaces, a living coral exhibit and numerous restaurants, shops and entertainment venues were all built in the second phase of the project to improve the overall visitor experience.
Travel risks in the Bahamas
The United States Department of State has identified the Bahamas as Level 2, which is quite low across the four levels of travel risk. This level indicates that travelers should be extra careful due to crime.
Crime
The Bahamas has a relatively high crime rate, especially in urban areas such as Nassau. Tourists should take care not to display expensive items such as jewelry, cameras or phones and should avoid walking alone at night, especially in dimly lit areas.
Water-related hazards
The Bahamas is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, but there are some potential risks for tourists, such as strong currents, tidal currents and dangerous marine life. Visitors should heed all posted warnings and avoid swimming alone or in areas where there are no lifeguards. Some areas may also be at a higher risk of shark attacks, so pay attention to any posted warnings or advisories.
Natural disasters
The Bahamas is located in a region prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the hurricane season from June to November. Visitors should stay aware of weather conditions and have a plan in case of an emergency. Travel insurance is highly recommended for travel to the Bahamas due to the potential for disruptions due to severe weather.
Health risks
There are some health risks associated with traveling to the Bahamas, including mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with screens on doors and windows. Travelers should also be up to date on routine vaccinations and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms develop while vacationing in the Bahamas.
Areas to avoid in the Bahamas
With so many places to see and do, this short list of areas tourists should avoid in the Bahamas won’t dampen your trip at all.
Some areas that may be considered higher risk include parts of Nassau, particularly the Over-the-Hill area, which is south of Shirley Street, and some neighborhoods on the edge of the city. Incidents of armed robbery and sexual violence have been reported in some parts of the Bahamas, particularly on New Providence Island, where Nassau is located.
Another area to avoid is Grand Bahama in Freeport. Most violent crimes are gang-related, but it is important to stay away from areas where violence can break out without warning.
Staying in tourist areas, sticking with your group, and avoiding risky personal behavior will keep you safe during your visit to the Bahamas. If you do all these things, there is no reason to postpone your trip to this magical place.
