Grand Bahama

With great all year-round diving conditions, the Bahamas is ideal for those looking for diverse diving and especially shark dives. Combine excellent diving and snorkelling with relaxing on beautiful beaches and a variety of tourist and historical attractions topside. 

Getting Around

The main islands of the Bahamas are well-established as tourist destinations. Taxis are readily available, and you can phone a taxi, flag one down on the street or stroll along to the taxi stands conveniently located at most large hotels and at airports throughout the islands. 

Most Regaldive guests will not need to hire a car but if required, British rules apply. Driving in the Bahamas is just like driving at home, but with less traffic! Visitors may use their UK licences for up to three months and may also apply for an international driving licence. The minimum age for driving a hire car in the Bahamas is 25. Note: driving is on the left, but most cars are left-hand drive! 

The main islands are connected by inter-island air services, and Bahamas Fast Ferries provides high-speed transportation from Nassau to Harbour Island and Eleuthera. There are many well established tour agents that can arrange excursions to the island’s wealth of cultural attractions. 

Climate

The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout the Bahamas give the islands a warm, agreeable climate which hardly varies all year round. The most refreshing time to explore is between September and May, when the temperature averages 21-24°C. The rest of the year is a bit warmer, with higher humidity and rain in the summer months and temperatures between 27 and 29°C. 

Peak season is from mid-December through to mid-April, when the days are mild and dry.  Hurricanes have been known to occur during the year from June to November. 

Water Temperature & Underwater Visibility

Water temperature tends to mirror air temperature, ranging from 22- 28°C. Visibility is generally excellent all year round and in excess of 20-30m is the norm. Even in the rainy season the water is generally clear as there is virtually no runoff from the land. A 3-5mm wetsuit is generally advised. 

Time

The Bahamas is 5 hours behind GMT. 

Currency

The legal tender throughout the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$), which is on par with the US dollar. Though The Bahamas mints and circulates its own legal tender, both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. ATMs are available throughout the islands, and Credit Cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. 

Language

English is the official language of the Bahamas and most locals speak Bahamian English, the islands' dialect. 

Telephone & Internet

4G is available throughout the islands, and many hotels and resorts provide Wi-Fi for guests. 

Activities

Over the centuries, each new population that has settled in the Bahamas, with their different backgrounds, traditions and beliefs, has shaped Bahamian culture into the unique, colourful patchwork of life and lifestyles that it is today. 

The islands of the Bahamas gained independence from Great Britain on 10 July 1973, which is celebrated as Bahamian Independence Day. As a member of the British Commonwealth, the Bahamas has a symbolic link to Great Britain and there is even a Changing of the Guards ceremony which takes place at Government House in Nassau every two weeks. Other events include the world-famous Junkanoo carnivals. 

Flight Information

British Airways flies from London to Nassau airport (Sir Lynden Pindling International - NAS) five times a week. The direct flight takes nine hours. Airports on other islands can be reached via cities in the USA such as Miami and Orlando. 

Bahamas Air offers seven flights daily from Nassau to Grand Bahama Island. 

Departure tax: applicable throughout the Bahamas. 

Transfers: Nassau Hotels - between 5–25 minutes to / from the airport. 

Twin centre: The Bahamas makes an ideal twin centre destination, and you can combine a land-based holiday with a  liveaboard for the ultimate dive holiday. Please ask one of our sales executives for more information. 

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.