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The Islands Of The Bahamas form
a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago that extends over 500 miles of the clearest water
in the world. Our 700 islands, including uninhabited cays and large rocks, total
an estimated land area of 5,382 sq. miles, and register a highest land elevation
of 206 ft. on Cat Island.
The Bahamas has the world's third longest barrier reef and about 14. 5% of the
world's coral can be found in our waters. The islands are made entirely of
calcium carbonate, which is mainly produced or precipitated by the organisms of
coral reefs. There are no rivers in The Bahamas.
Most notable, however, is that each island has its own diversity that continues
beyond geography, carrying through to the heart of The Bahamas, the Bahamian
people. You’ll find it in our heritage. In
our culture. And in our humble pride. These are The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Population: somewhere north of 305,000.
With 700
islands sprinkled out over 100,000 sq. miles of ocean, The Bahamas offers the
largest assortment of vacation spots of any tropical destination. Islands are
circled by cays (pronounced “keys”). Some cays are surrounded by uninhabited
rocks. Which island or cay is right for your vacation? Well, you won’t know
until you know more about our 14 main islands that serve as hubs for the
remaining 686 islands.
There are
several options to help you get around each island in The Bahamas, and to help
you hop from island to island. You must be 21 years old and possess a valid
driver's license for all rentals. Visitors may use their home driver’s license
for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's license.
But remember, when you take to the road, British rules apply, so please keep to
the left.
Bicycles are not generally available for rental, however, a few all-inclusive
properties have bikes for use by their guests.
Taxi service is available by telephone/hail in the street or at taxi stands
conveniently placed at many large hotels. Although metered rates vary by island,
they are reasonable and are fixed by law. Surcharges often apply for more than
two persons and extra luggage. Pedestrians should remember to look right before
crossing streets.
Entry/Exit Requirements
Nassau Paradise Island is one
of the few Caribbean destinations that provides pre-clearance for U.S. Customs
and Immigration services, allowing flights from Nassau Paradise Island to enter
the United States as domestic flights and bypass the normal U.S. Customs and
Immigration clearance encountered on most returns from an international
destination.
If you are a U.S. citizen, The
Islands of the Bahamas follow the U.S. Government international travel
requirements for re-entry into the U.S., namely a valid U.S. Passport. The
Bahamian Government may also require proof of return airline ticket and
sufficient funds to support your stay. Please be aware that a voter registration
or certified birth certificate is no longer accepted as proof of U.S.
citizenship. If you do not have a passport, please visit
www.travel.state.gov for the most current information about the passport
application process.
If you are not a U.S. citizen,
please call a Bahamas Consulate for additional information:
New York 212-421-6420 London
0207-408-4488
Miami 305-373-6295 Canada
613-232-1724
Holidays - 2008
Banks, businesses and many
shops are closed on the following public government holidays:
- New Year’s Day (January
1)
- Good Friday (March 21)
- Easter Sunday (March 23)
- Easter Monday (March 24)
- Whit Monday (May 12)
- Labor Day (June 6)
- Independence Day (July
10)
- Emancipation Day (August
4)
- Discovery Day (October
13)
- Christmas Day (December
25)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
Note: Holidays falling on a
Saturday or Sunday are usually celebrated on the following Monday.
Telephone / Television / Internet Access
We offer direct dial telephone
service world-wide and satellite television capabilities so that many of our
hotels and resorts can offer guests their favorite shows, sporting events and
movie channels. Hi-speed internet access is also available at many of our
hotels.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time is used
on all islands. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with
U.S. summer hours.
Traveling with Children
Children under the age of 12
generally stay free. Some hotels offer children’s programs and scheduled
activities to keep children entertained. Bonded babysitting services are also
available.
Traveling with Pets
A valid import permit ($10) is
required to import any animal into The Bahamas. Animals must be six months or
older. Persons wishing to apply for an import permit may phone in their request
to 242-325-7502 or write to:
The Director of Agriculture
- Ministry of
Agriculture, Trade & Industry
- Box 3704
- Nassau, Bahamas
Please state your name and
address, the type, age and number of animals you wish to import, the country of
export and origin, the purpose for importing the animal (s) as well as
anticipated date of arrival and destination in The Bahamas.
For the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom,
the main provisions of the import permit as it applies to dogs and cats are:
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Dogs and cats over the age of six months arriving from the U.S. and Canada
must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate issued within 48
hours of embarkation, and a valid certificate of rabies vaccination for
either the one-year or three-year-duration vaccine.
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The one-year-duration vaccine must have been administered within not more
than 10 months and not less than one month prior to arrival in The Bahamas.
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The three-year-duration vaccine must have been administered within not more
than 34 months and not less than one month prior to arrival in The Bahamas.
Dogs and cats under six months
old are prohibited importation from the U.S. and Canada and all countries that
are rabies endemic. Dogs and cats from the UK or any rabies-free country may
enter without a rabies vaccination if accompanied by a veterinary health
certificate and certificate stating there have been no cases of rabies in that
country of origin for the previous year.
Animals not meeting these
conditions are not allowed to enter the Commonwealth.
A duty for permanent entry of
all animals into The Bahamas is levied, based on the value of the animal plus 2%
stamp duty.
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