In the Atlantic Ocean, the famous archipelago is the Bahamas, which is located between Florida and Cuba. This archipelago consists of 700 islands and 2,500 reefs. Only thirty islands are considered inhabited. The Bahamas are washed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. For a long time, a holiday in the Bahamas has been called a luxurious pastime. The Bahamas have also been called a major offshore center, which is considered the richest state in this region. There are more than 400 banks and casinos on the islands. It is worth remembering the countless kilometers of snow-white beaches, clear coastal waters and coral reefs, which are a delight for diving enthusiasts. and its attractions, see here.
It’s not for nothing that the Bahamas are called a real earthly paradise. This archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean. The main attractions of the Bahamas are the azure waves, white sand and palm trees. It is through tourism that the islands receive 60 percent of their gross income. The subtropical and tropical climate, warm weather, and low precipitation make it ideal to relax in the Bahamas, as well as engage in active recreation and fishing. Guests of the Commonwealth come here to play golf or visit the casino. Look at .
Features of the Bahamas
The most popular resorts in the Bahamas are located on islands such as: Eleuthera, Andros, New Providence, Grand Bahama, Mayaguana, Great Abaco, Long Island. Everywhere you can see luxury tourist complexes that offer tourists beauty services, clean secluded beaches, entertainment programs and various water sports options. Travelers call the Bahamas the second Switzerland. After all, economic life is in full swing in this territory. New Providence is called the center of business activity; life on this island is in full swing around the clock. As a rule, tourists come here for shopping, as there are many duty free shops, and bars, discos and restaurants are open 24 hours a day. By the way, the casino here is especially popular among Americans. What does it look like? Look at here.
The best attractions of the Bahamas include the amazing underwater world and coral reefs. This gives vacationers the opportunity to try a variety of pastimes, such as sailing, diving, surfing, kiting, liveaboards and recreational diving. The wrecks in the Bahamas deserve special attention.
The beauty of the underwater world is easily rivaled by the nature of the Bahamas. Proof of this is the Rand Memorial Park, the famous Preacher's Cave and the Garden of the Groves. And an underwater observatory was built on a real large coral island. Of course, Nassau is the most popular resort in the Bahamas, and it is also the largest city. A large underwater aquarium and a water tower were built especially for tourists. The shopping street Bay Street allows you to get to know the capital better, because the seat of government is located next to it. You can also go and see the 18th century fortress.
It is impossible to get to the Bahamas from Russia by direct flight - you will need to change trains in London. The flight duration is approximately thirteen hours. In addition, there is the option of flying through the USA. Only in this case you need to take care of an American transit visa. It is noteworthy that Russians in the Bahamas can live for 90 days without a visa.
Resorts of the Bahamas
Great Abaco is famous among yachtsmen of the world. The sailing season begins in spring and continues until autumn. The vast coastal waters are home to a variety of fish. In addition, here tourists are offered to engage in any kind of water sports, fish, and go shopping. Marsh Harbor is considered the largest city on the island. Tourists hardly visit Long Island. But this is in vain, because it is the most picturesque island among all the Bahamas. It has the most beautiful flora and many places untouched by civilization.
In the north of the island there is Cape Santa Maria, which is famous for its long snow-white beach. By the way, this is one of the most beautiful islands on the western side. The main city of the island is Stella Maris, although it is small, it is a fairly modern settlement. Fishing and diving expeditions depart from here. The Exuma island chain consists of more than 360 small islands, although there are two large islands to the south - Little and Great Exuma. The entire local civilization is located here. Yachtsmen call this archipelago a paradise for them, because these places are considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Coastal shallows constantly change their depth, ebb and flow occur regularly, all this makes the sea especially beautiful. Diving adepts relax here according to the full program.
Tourist safety
Almost all famous tourist areas are safe for tourists. Sometimes petty crimes like theft occur in hotel rooms. Pickpocketing is common in this region. At night, tourists should refrain from walking alone, especially for women. Note that spearfishing with various devices, such as spear guns, is prohibited in the Bahamas. You can engage in sport fishing, you just need to pay for going out to sea, one exit costs up to twenty dollars. In addition, it is prohibited to conduct independent archaeological work on sunken ships. If these rules are violated, the tourist will be required to pay a substantial fine or be deported from the country.
The Bahamas has very strict laws regarding drug trafficking. Here you can get a long prison sentence for selling or using drugs. There are no restrictions on the export and import of foreign currency on the islands. The export of local currency is only limited; for this it is necessary to obtain permission from the local Central Bank. You are allowed to import two hundred cigarettes or fifty cigars, about one liter of wine and other strong alcoholic beverages duty free.
Memo for tourists
The Bahamas has a large variety of hotels, including large high-rise complexes, as well as small cozy places to stay. It is noteworthy that in the Caribbean, the Bahamian all-inclusive system is considered the best. Therefore, it is up to the tourist to choose a suitable hotel. Some locals rent out their homes on the seaside, which can be very convenient for family travel.
Arriving in the Bahamas, you should definitely see the famous coral reefs, swim in the azure sea and bask on the golden sand. And in the evenings, plunge into the fun atmosphere of nightlife. Countless stores allow you to easily buy a large number of souvenirs for your loved ones. In addition, you should set aside an entire day to enjoy the natural beauty of the Bahamas.
Bahamas Photos
islands
The Bahamas are located in the western Atlantic Ocean, at the latitude of the Northern Tropic, near the American continent (100 km from the Florida Peninsula).
These are about 700 islands, with a total area of 13.9 thousand sq. km., and only 30 of them are inhabited. Most of the islands are coral reefs. From the east, the Bahamas are washed by the warm Gulf Stream. The islands are raised relative to sea level from a few meters to approximately 60 meters. Highest point - 63 m, located on Kat Island. The relief of the islands is flat. On the shores facing the ocean, a series of marine terraces can be traced. On the west coast there are many salty lagoon lakes, as well as karst lakes and swamps. In some places along the coast there is a strip of sandy beaches. There are no rivers in the archipelago.
CLIMATE
The climate here is subtropical, very mild. The influence of the warm Gulf Stream, as well as the constantly blowing southeast wind from the equator (trade wind), is felt. Throughout the year, average monthly temperatures do not fall below +20 degrees. The coolest month is January, when the temperature drops to +17 degrees at night and reaches +25 degrees during the day. The hottest time of the year is July and August. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to +24 degrees, the maximum reaches +32 degrees. The driest months are February and March, with monthly precipitation of about 40 mm. The rainiest time of the year is the period from May to October, in which the monthly rainfall ranges from 150 to 220 mm. At this time, tropical hurricanes are possible, characteristic of the entire Caribbean region. Water temperature in coastal parts from August to October it warms up to +30 degrees, in the remaining months it stays at +25...+27 degrees.
Best time to visit:
The most favorable time to visit the Bahamas is from November to May. At this time there is the least amount of precipitation and it is not so hot.
TYPES OF TOURISM
Beach holiday.
Most tourists go to the Bahamas to simply lie on sandy beaches that stretch for hundreds of kilometers and are protected from cold winds by coral reefs, swim in the clear waters of the ocean, and enjoy the greenery of coconut palms. The most popular resorts are located on the islands of New Providence, Paradise and Grand Bahama.
Diving.
Diving is suitable for divers of all skill levels. Visibility is 18-37 m. Most of the islands offer divers shallow reefs from 3 m to 15 m, as well as reefs at great depths from 30 m. In the ocean depths south of the Bahamas, the Gulf Stream originates, which rushes to the north, carrying with it the sea life from the Caribbean to the Atlantic. The Gulf Stream is a barrier protecting the Bahamas from river sediment and runoff from Florida. Thanks to it and the ocean trenches, in the depths of which sediment is deposited, excellent visibility is ensured. You can get acquainted with various types of underwater inhabitants on the Bahama Bank, rising from the depths of the ocean in some places up to 6 m from the surface. These are sharks, dolphins, stingrays, reef fish, angelfish, moray eels.
Scuba divers are also attracted here by the so-called “blue holes”. These places get their name because they appear dark blue when viewed from above. The array of underwater tunnels, passages and coral reefs, as well as Civil War shipwrecks containing lobsters and octopuses, allows for a combination of reef diving and cave diving, and is also of interest to underwater photographers. On the islands located further south, due to higher temperatures, night diving is common, and you can admire sleeping sharks.
The best season for diving on the islands is November - May.
Popular places for active recreation are: the islands of Andros, Berry, Bimini - fishing, described by E. Hemingway (“Islands in the Ocean”); Abacos Islands, Eleuthera - diving in coral reefs; Exuma Islands, Long Island - yacht trips; Inagua Island - swimming with dolphins and watching exotic iguanas and pink flamingos.
Fishing - thanks to the Gulf Stream, the catches here are record-breaking.
The excursion program is not of great interest. The main attractions of the Bahamas are sandy beaches, tropical vegetation and a rich underwater world. Among the attractions of the country's capital are the parliament building and the courthouse, and the Government House (built in 1801) - the official residence of the governor general. Tourists are also attracted by the “sea gardens”, Fort Charlotte (1789), Fort Fincastle (1793), the Adastra Gardens botanical garden, where many tropical and subtropical plants are presented, Jambi Village - a reconstruction of a British settlement of the 18th century.
The Bahamas is a major gambling center. All casinos are open 24 hours a day. The largest casino in the Caribbean is also located here.
VISAS, ENTRY RULES, CUSTOMS RULES
Russian citizens need a visa to visit the Bahamas.
Tourists traveling in transit can stay in the Bahamas without a visa for 3 days, if they have a ticket to the country of destination.
The visa is issued at the British Consulate General. There is a fee of approximately 70 GBP.
To obtain a visa, you must provide:
- completed and signed forms;
-valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after the visa is issued;
-2 photographs 3X4;
- booking confirmation , or an invitation.
- documents confirming the availability of funds.
Russian tourists are not required to make a written customs declaration. The following are not subject to customs duties: personal belongings 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 1 pound (~0.450 kg) of tobacco, 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.
The import of Bahamian dollars is prohibited; export must not exceed $70.
WHAT TO SEE
, organized for tourists, are mainly related to getting to know the islands of the archipelago, their pristine nature, flora and fauna, as well as the rich underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition, you can get to know the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, on a sightseeing tour. around town. This is the historical part of the city, where Fort Charlotte and Parliament Square are located, ancient buildings and buildings of recent years, in includes a walk through the straw market. You can visit the Atlantis complex - one of the largest open-air aquariums.
Of great interest are excursions to the Adastra Gardens botanical garden, the Garden of the Grows, the Rand Memorial Park, the Preacher's Cave and an excursion to the international bazaar in Freeport.
A trip to an artificial coral island will leave a lot of impressions, because this is a real marine reserve.
Good for relaxation along the coastal waters and lagoons of New Providence Island. There are trips to uninhabited nearby islands where you can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, etc.
STORY
Back in 1492 The great navigator Christopher Columbus discovered the Bahamas. At that time they were inhabited by Arawak Indians. However, the Spaniards took them out and used them as labor. Until the 17th century, the islands were deserted, only pirates found this place an excellent hiding place. In 1787 The Bahamas became a British colony. Black slaves were brought here. For three centuries the territory belonged entirely to the British Empire. In 1964, the Bahamas received internal self-government. On July 10, 1973, the independence of the Bahamas was declared as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. The Bahamas is a member of a number of international organizations: the UN, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community.
EMBASSY
Bahamas, embassy in Moscow
Smolenskaya embankment 10
Tel.: (+7 095) 956-7200
Fax: (+7 095) 956-7420
Bahamas, embassy website: http://www.britemb.msk.ru/
Bahamas, Russian Embassy in
:
Immigration Department: P.O. Box N-831, Nassau, The Bahamas.
RELIGION
Protestants predominate among believers, including Baptists, Anglicans, Methodists, ca. 19% are Roman Catholics, part of the population adheres to African cults.
TRANSPORT
In the capital of the Bahamas - Nassau - there is a shuttle bus . , motorcycle, scooter and even a bicycle can be rented. To rent a vehicle (except a bicycle), you must have a driver's license with you. Driving experience must be at least one year, and the driver must be at least 21 years old. Driving on the islands is on the left. Ferries and boats ply between the islands.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Tropical vegetation predominates on the islands. There are redwood and ironwood trees, colorful orchids and jasmine.
The Bahamas are famous for their beautiful flamingo birds. Many reptiles live here. Coastal waters are replete with various species of fish. Turtles lay eggs here.
MINERALS
The Bahamas is home to the world's largest deposit of aragonite.
BANKS
Banks are open throughout the working week: from Monday to Thursday until 15:00, on Friday until 17:00.
MONEY
The official currency is the Bahamian dollar. Its value is equal to the American dollar.
1 Bahamian dollar = 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 dollars.
It is better to change currency in banks. It is advisable to take American dollars with you on a trip; they circulate freely here.
POLITICAL CONDITION
On July 10, 1973, the independence of the Bahamas was declared as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. According to the 1973 constitution, the head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, who is represented by the Governor General. Legislative power is exercised by a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and the House of Assembly. The government is headed by a prime minister - usually the leader of the party with a majority in parliament.
POPULATION
In 2003, 297.48 thousand people lived in the Bahamas, more than half of them on New Providence Island. The bulk of the Bahamian nation are blacks and mulattoes, making up more than 3/4 of the total population. There are diasporas of people from Haiti, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The share of Europeans and North Americans is small. This is mainly a contingent of wealthy elderly citizens from the USA, Canada, and Great Britain who settled in the Bahamas after retirement.
Language:
The official language of the Bahamas is English. It is spoken by almost the entire population of the country.
KITCHEN
A large part of the Bahamian cuisine menu is made up of all kinds of seafood. Among the first courses, fish soup made from sea bass, delicious turtle soup, and conch clam chowder are in demand. In general, conch shellfish are used to prepare both first courses, salads, pates, appetizers and main courses. There are even conk burgers. Another sea creature whose meat is widely used in Bahamian cuisine is the spiny lobster. Dishes made from it are not cheap.
But the local menu is famous not only for seafood delicacies. A dish of peas and rice with spicy sauce is very popular here. Chefs have borrowed dishes made from various types of meat from the cuisines of other countries.
A local delicacy is guava pudding. This is a favorite dessert. There is also a varied selection of fruits.
Rum is the most popular drink. All kinds of cocktails are made from it.
CONNECTION
Telephone, fax, telegraph and telex communications are possible with the whole world.
The international dialing code for the Bahamas is 1242.
EMERGENCY PHONES
The general telephone number for the police and fire department is 919.
Ambulance in Nassau - 322-21-21.
USEFUL THINGS
To use electrical appliances brought with you from Europe, as well as to recharge cameras, you need an adapter, which is almost impossible to buy in the Bahamas. Therefore, it is better to worry about this in advance.
Spearfishing is prohibited in the Bahamas, but sport fishing is allowed, for which you have to pay.
THE SHOPS
The center of trade is world-famous Bay Street. Here you can buy watches of famous brands, jewelry, porcelain, crystal, leather bags, and perfumes at a good price. All these goods are exempt from taxes (duty free).
TIPS
Service personnel in
It is customary to tip around 1-2 Bahamian dollars per day. In restaurants, their size ranges from 15 to 20% of the amount indicated on the bill.
NATIONAL PECULIARITIES
The traditional culture of the Bahamas is far removed from the heavily American-influenced urban centers of Nassau and Freeport. The island's folk art is reflected in a large number of fairy tales, natural medicine, music and religious rituals brought here by slaves from Africa. Despite the fact that the Bahamas has not yet produced writers who are gaining worldwide fame, and visual art is also developing slowly, the islands have formed a distinctive musical culture. In this
Several traditional forms of music developed, with a distinctive guitar sound, accordion and rattles made from the pods of the poinciana tree.
Bahamian children enjoy playing basketball. They literally live on the basketball court, and most towns have their own small basketball court with makeshift baskets. The Bahamas follow American basketball (and baseball) teams with great zeal.
ELECTRICITY
127V, 50Hz;
HEALTHCARE
No vaccinations are required to enter the Bahamas, but medical
. Providing medical care in emergency cases is free. Doctors are highly qualified. Hospitals are located in Nassau, Freeport and Out Island.
The full name of the state is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The state consists of more than 3,000 islands, reefs and islets. The Bahamas is located north of Cuba and Haiti and close to Florida.
Originally settled by the Lucayans, originally from the Arawakan tribe, the Bahamas became the first stop of Christopher Columbus back in 1492. Although the Spanish never colonized the Bahamas, they did send the Lucayans into slavery in Haiti, leaving the islands virtually deserted by 1513. In 1648, English colonists from Bermuda landed on the island of Eleuthera, and in 1718 the Bahamas became a crown colony.
Today, a constitutional monarchy remains the state's form of government, with Queen Elizabeth II represented by a governor general. The Bahamas has a parliamentary system of government, in which power is in the hands of a bicameral Parliament.
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A constitutional monarchy |
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Bahamian dollar |
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The religious composition of the population of the Bahamas is diverse: 35.4% are Baptists, 15.1% Anglicans, 13.5% Catholics, 15.2% of the population belong to other Christian denominations, another part are Methodists, Pentecostals, the Church of God, are atheists or undecided.
The state's economy is based on tourism. It accounts for more than 60% of GDP. In addition, the tourism sector provides employment to more than half of the country's working population.
Climate and weather
The north of the Bahamas has a tropical trade wind climate, while the south has a subtropical climate. It is formed by the warm Gulf Stream, the influence of which is dangerous, as it provokes hurricanes in the summer. Precipitation falls in the form of rain from May to October.
Temperatures in summer range from +26...+32 °C. On the southern islands the temperature can reach +40 °C, but thanks to the trade winds the heat is easily tolerated. In winter, the temperature is between +18…+22.
You can go on vacation to the Bahamas at any time of the year, but in the summer it can be very hot on the southern beaches.
Nature
According to its geological structure, the Bahamas archipelago is a limestone plateau. The average altitude above sea level is 30 m, and the highest point in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia on Ket Island, rising 63 meters above sea level. Due to the outcropping of salt-laden limestone, many of the islands have mangrove swamps, salt lagoon lakes and sandy beaches. There are practically no rivers on the islands, so there is very little fresh water.
The flora of the Bahamas is not very diverse and is represented by low-growing shrubs, cacti, and aloe. Orchids and jasmine are growing.
The fauna is also not very diverse. In the Bahamas there are snakes, frogs, bats, and flamingos in the swamps and salt lagoons. In addition, a large number of migratory birds flock here to spend the winter.
But the underwater world of the Bahamas is simply amazing. The corals on the ocean floor are home to many species of fish that divers love. In the lagoons and creeks you can find mackerel and barracuda. There are sea turtles. The reefs are home to a huge number of corals, mollusks, and sponges.
Attractions
The Bahamas are considered the richest country in the region. Each island of the archipelago has that zest that will attract any tourist.
The Bahamian capital of Nassau has many interesting places to visit. For example, you can stroll along Bay Street, a street with numerous shops and boutiques; or visit the Adastra Gardens, the Retreat Gardens reserve, an underwater aquarium or the famous Cable Beach - an area of sandy beaches, hotels, and casinos. The heart of the city is the central square with the buildings of the Supreme Court, Parliament, and Colonial Administration. The visiting card of the city is the Atlantis Hotel. The most visited places by tourists are the old water tower with a beautiful view of the city and Queen Victoria's Staircase with 66 steps carved into the rock.
The city of Freeport is suitable for lovers of water sports, outdoor activities, golf and tennis. It is also worth visiting the Garden of the Groves, monuments of the ancient culture of the Arawak Indians, and the Rand Memorial Park Reserve.
In the city of New Bight on the island of Ket there is a unique architectural monument - the Hermitage, built on the top of Mount Alvernia. The Hermitage was built by an apostate priest in 1939. The work of Father Jerome includes the Church of the Savior on the same island and many beautiful monasteries and temples built on other islands of the archipelago.
Nutrition
Seafood is the basis of Bahamian cuisine. The national ingredient of the Bahamians is the conch sea snail. All kinds of salads, appetizers, and soups are prepared from this snail.
It is impossible to imagine local cuisine without rice and pea dishes. Spiny lobster is the most expensive dish. For a very long time, various dishes and soup made from sea turtles were popular, which led this species of reptile to extinction. It is worth trying a dish of sea bass, which is served with a sauce of mushrooms, onions, spices and white wine.
Dessert is usually served with fruits (melons, pineapples, papayas, mangoes), drinks whose key ingredient is rum, and the famous Bahamian johnny cake. Non-alcoholic drinks include tea, coffee, and Pepsi-Cola.
Bahamian cuisine borrowed a lot from British, American and African cuisine, but adapted it to local conditions and opportunities.
Large cities have a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars. On average, the bill per person in an inexpensive cafe will be $10-15. At the height of the tourist season, many cafes and restaurants are crowded, so you should take care in advance so as not to be left without dinner, for example.
Accommodation
In the Bahamas there is no classification system for hotels and inns, so the assignment of a “star” level here is made either by the owner of the rental premises or by the tour operator. Holidays in the Bahamas are considered very prestigious and expensive, which is why most hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis.
As a rule, guesthouses are located on the coast, which are mainly rented to divers and surfers. Service in guesthouses may not always be at the highest level, but it corresponds to its prices.
There are also hotel complexes consisting of bungalows. There are eco-hotels that use only natural products for food and get electricity from solar panels.
If staying at a hotel is not part of the tourist’s plans, there is always the opportunity to rent a room from the local population.
Entertainment and relaxation
Most people go to the Bahamas for beach holidays, diving and surfing. The coastal area of the archipelago is replete with beautiful sandy beaches, the most famous and popular of which is Pink Beach on Harbor Island. The most expensive beach holiday destination is the island of Eleuthera.
A large number of shallow reefs attract beginner divers. There is something to see underwater - sunken ships, underwater caves. Underwater feeding of sharks on the Abaco Islands, New Providence, and Long Island is very popular. Those who like a less extreme holiday will be offered swimming with dolphins.
Most hotels include water sports in the price, while some offer them for an additional fee. There are a large number of water sports centers concentrated on the islands of New Providence, Harbor Island and Grand Bahama.
The Jonkonu Festival is held twice a year in the Bahamas. Colorful processions are accompanied by musical performances and fireworks. Freeport hosts the National Windsurfing Championships every January. The Music Fest festival takes place in the last week of May. July 10 is Independence Day. The Bahamian Wine and Food Festival takes place at the end of September.
Nassau and Freeport have a large number of bars, restaurants, and clubs for nightlife lovers.
Purchases
Shops in the Bahamas are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00, followed by a lunch break and reopening from 15.00 to 17.00.
The world famous shopping street Bay Street is located in the old part of Nassau, and next to it is the Straw Market. In these places you can buy a variety of goods, ranging from fashionable clothing from world brands to exquisite jewelry, accessories and handmade souvenirs.
The second popular shopping destination is the small island of Paradise. Here, avid shopaholics will find everything their heart desires at affordable prices.
It is better to go shopping on a weekday morning, since at this time there are fewer people there.
Prices for goods in the Bahamas are comparable to those in the United States. Lovers of the beautiful life will have to shell out about $200 a day. Those who are more modest in their needs will settle for $70-150 per day. And don’t forget that the Bahamas has a duty-free system.
Transport
The Bahamas has two major international airports - Lyndell Pindling International Airport in Nassau and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport. In addition to these main ones, the Bahamas has about 60 smaller airports. Nassau, Freeport and Mathew Town have seaports.
There are no railway connections or public transport in the Bahamas. Transportation is carried out by cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, which can be rented. There are taxis in the capital. The fare is regulated by the government. So, the cost for a quarter mile when traveling in a taxi will cost $2, then the rate will be 30 cents per quarter mile.
Communication between the islands is carried out by ferries and boats.
The length of roads is 2,700 km, half of which are paved.
Connection
The communication system in the archipelago is well developed. Payphones are found everywhere, you can make international calls from them, and payment is made using a calling card. The rooms of almost every hotel have a telephone from which you can make local calls or make an international call through an operator, although this will be 10-15% more expensive than from a payphone.
Mobile communications are also well developed. Local telecom operators provide 100% coverage of the state territory.
Internet provider BaTelNet provides almost all types of services. The average connection cost is $5 per hour.
Safety
When traveling to the Bahamas, it is not necessary, but it is advisable, to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis. The widespread prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the region should also be taken into account.
Customs control is quite democratic. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, but the export of local funds exceeding $70 must be accompanied by permission from the Central Bank of the Bahamas. The import ban applies to drugs, explosives, and weapons (without special permission).
The local population is quite friendly and ready to help if necessary. However, there are some restrictions and prohibitions. Fishing using underwater guns and other devices for these purposes is not permitted.
Local authorities are waging a tough fight against drug trafficking: even drug use can result in imprisonment.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are quite common in the Bahamas, so you need to be careful. It is not advisable for girls and women to walk alone after dark.
There is virtually no government oversight of local firms offering active sports services, which leads to frequent accidents and deaths during underwater fishing, diving, and surfing.
Road traffic in the Bahamas is on the left.
Business climate
The Bahamas are considered a paradise for businessmen. It is possible to register any offshore companies here. But it is worth keeping in mind that buying real estate imposes a ban on doing business. However, it is very profitable to invest in business real estate. There are benefits for hotel owners.
There is no income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax, or property tax in the Bahamas.
Real estate
Foreign citizens have the right to purchase both development land and other types of real estate in the Bahamas: villas, apartments, townhouses. There is a restriction on the area of real estate purchased by foreign citizens - it should not exceed 2 hectares, otherwise a special permit is required. The application for permission to purchase real estate must contain information about the buyer and seller, a description of the property and the purpose of its acquisition. After selecting the property, a purchase offer is drawn up in writing and an advance payment is made.
It is best to entrust the registration of real estate to a lawyer. The presence of the parties is not required. The purchased property is subject to mandatory insurance and registration with the Investment Council.
Average cost of 1 sq.m. comfortable housing in the Bahamas is $7,000. Buying a bungalow will cost $300,000-500,000, a villa will cost $500,000 or more, and a penthouse will cost $1,000,000-3,000,000.
To travel to the Bahamas you need to apply for a visa at the British Embassy. The visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days, unless it concerns employment.
Despite the high cost of services, you can save money in the Bahamas. Many hotels offer guests discount cards for entry to nightclubs for $5. This is a very advantageous offer, considering that on weekends entrance to the club costs from $50.
Prices for imported alcoholic drinks are very high, so if you want to save on alcohol, it is better to order local drinks, such as rum and beer.
Please note that tips in the Bahamas range from 10 to 15%, and some restaurants and hotels include this in the bill in advance.
When it comes to the Bahamas, many people imagine luxurious beaches surrounded by spreading palm trees, blue sea and bright sun. And this is understandable, since the tourism industry is really well developed here. But what else is interesting about this territory? We will talk about this in this article.
Bahamas on the map
The state called the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is located north-southeast of the island of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago consists of 700 islands of various sizes and coral reefs, which occupy an area of 250 thousand km. Only 30 of them are inhabited.
The land area can be compared to the area of Jamaica. It includes the Caicos and Turks Islands, which are a British overseas land. The largest of them are Andros, Grand Bahama, New Providence, Eleuthera.
State capital
All tourists arriving there begin their acquaintance with this unusually picturesque territory from the capital of the state. It is located on the island of New Providence. This is a very small island (the smallest in the Bahamas archipelago). The capital, Nassau, is a small and modern city, which is famous throughout the world for its harmonious combination of ultra-modern buildings with colonial architecture. The once bustling and small village founded by pirates has become the wonderful modern city of Nassau (Bahamas).
Many original and colorful buildings surround the port promenade and harbor, business districts are always lively, and numerous shops and markets offer tourists goods from different countries.
At the beginning of the 20th century, after the construction of an international airport and the deepening of the harbor, the Bahamas (the capital in particular) received up to a million tourists annually. And by the 70s, when the Paradise Island Bridge was built and Cable Beach was developed, the city began to welcome up to 2.5 million guests a year.
Bahamas attractions
At the beginning of our journey, we will get acquainted with some islands that arouse the interest of tourists.
Grand Bahama is located in the north of the archipelago. It is the second most visited island in the country by tourists. Despite its name, it is not the largest island. It attracts tourists with its snow-white shores, vast forests and rich wildlife. Its most popular area is the city of Freeport.
Andros
Archipelago. It is covered with extensive palm thickets. In addition, mahogany and pine grow here. The forest here, according to the islanders, is inhabited by aggressive little red-eyed elves. They call them “chiccharniz”.
The island is sparsely populated, with only shabby shacks on its eastern shore, surrounded by old cars and abandoned refrigerators. Therefore, Andros is most often visited only by extreme divers, who are attracted here by the third longest barrier reef in the world. It stretches along all the coasts of the island. The city of Andros Town is also one of the attractions of this island, along with an old lighthouse and the beautiful Somerset Beach. In the town of Red Bay, located in the northwest of Andros, live the descendants of the Seminole Indians, who are famous for their skill in weaving various products from straw.
Eleuthera
The Bahamas, whose photos often adorn the covers of glossy magazines, attract very wealthy tourists on vacation. As a rule, they prefer this small island, which is traditionally considered elite. Luxurious resorts and various clubs alternate with magnificent villas and gourmet restaurants.
The Harbor Island Reef, located in the northwest of Eleuthera, deserves special attention. It's home to the vibrant and distinctive town of Dunmore Town, a wonderful beach and excellent snorkeling and diving sites.
Long Island
Tourists do not visit all the Bahamas. The map shows that Long Island is an elongated island (one hundred kilometers long and five kilometers wide). It is practically not visited by tourists. And completely in vain. This is the most picturesque island of the archipelago, with many corners untouched by human civilization.
The landscape of Long Island is formed by a combination of hilly terrain, surf-eroded shores, which are washed by waters rich in marine life, and sandy beaches. In the north of the island there is a long snow-white beach - one of the most beautiful in the western hemisphere.
Nassau Cathedral
But the Bahamas are famous not only for their interesting nature. The capital of the state is famous for its architectural structures. One of them is the Cathedral. This is the largest religious building in the country. The construction of the cathedral dates back to the end of the 17th century. Next to it you can see many memorial plaques with the names of people who died here during epidemics.
Queen Victoria's Staircase
There is an unusual staircase in Nassau (Bahamas). It was carved into the limestone rock by slaves in the 18th century. It has sixty-five steps. It received its current name much later. This happened during the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession to the throne.
The staircase runs along the wall of the fort. On the opposite side a small waterfall carries its waters. At the very bottom, near the steps, there is a seating area. And from the top steps there is a stunning view of Nassau.
Houses of Parliament
This small two-story building is located in the very center of Nassau, on its main square. It was built in the early 19th century for meetings of the colonial government. The first officials from Britain appeared here in the middle of the 17th century. And today the direct influence from London is felt in the state, since formally the head of the country’s Parliament is still the Queen of Great Britain.
The Parliament building has an antique portico, which is decorated with four columns. Like all the buildings on the square, it is painted a rich pink color. It looks especially beautiful in the evening hours.
Bimini Road
These are two almost parallel tracks paved with stone slabs that are under water. Some slabs reach a length of six meters. The road is located at a depth of nine meters, through absolutely transparent water it is clearly visible from the sea surface. Its length is five hundred meters, width - ninety meters.
This is not the only unusual find. Not far from the Bimini road there is a J-shaped arm. It is also lined with such slabs. Here, other strange structures were also discovered under water - platforms and concentric circles.
Alice Town
Today, many are attracted to the Bahamas, photos of which you can see in our article. They have many different clubs on their territory. Alice Town is home to the most famous of them. E. Hemingway began writing his novel “To Have and Have Not” there. Tourists are shown this historical monument, which presents unique photographs of the famous writer and his personal belongings.
Royal Victoria Gardens
The Bahamas are famous for their unusual vegetation. The capital of Nassau has a unique botanical garden on its territory, built here at the beginning of the 19th century.
The Royal Victoria Gardens contain a rare collection of plants from tropical countries. There are more than three hundred species. A huge number of rare varieties of orchids entwine the trees and fill the air with a delightful aroma.
mindaugasdanys/flickr.com
about country
Scattered in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas have long been a symbol of luxury and first-class holidays. Christopher Columbus first set foot on this land at the end of the 15th century, and in 1783 the islands became a British colony. When the Bahamas gained independence in 1973, tourism began to develop here at a rapid pace. Today, these are no longer islands lost in the sea, but the richest country in the Caribbean region and the largest offshore center (there are about 400 banks in the Bahamas), as well as the largest resort area in the Western Hemisphere.
Geography of the Bahamas
The Bahamas archipelago consists of more than 700 islands and 2,500 reefs, of which only 30 are inhabited. The Bahamas lie 90 km south of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. The territory of the state is almost 260 thousand square meters. km, of which land occupies only 14 thousand square meters. km.
The area of the Bahamas is 13,878 km. sq., in terms of area it ranks 160th in the world.
Population
The national currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD).
The official language is English.
Visa to the Bahamas
If the period of stay in the country does not exceed three months, and the purpose of staying on the islands is not to make a profit, then you do not need to obtain a visa. In other cases, you must apply for a visa at the consular section of the British Embassy. At the border checkpoint you must present a valid passport, return tickets and proof that you have sufficient funds for living.
Weather in the Bahamas
The climate of the islands varies from north to south, from tropical to subtropical. In summer, the temperature ranges between +26 +32 C, it is worth noting that in the central part of the country it is a little cooler than on the southern islands. Sometimes the temperature here reaches +40 C. In winter in the Bahamas it is also warm, very rarely the temperature drops to +15, usually here +18 +22 C. The amount of precipitation is not too high, up to 800 mm falls per year, and the rainy season is not too stands out. Most of the precipitation falls during hurricanes, which occur between May and November. In summer, the water temperature is +27 C, and slightly lower in winter - +23 C. During the cool period from September to May, it is most comfortable on the islands, at this time the amount of precipitation is no more than 150 mm.
Attractions of the Bahamas
From a small village founded by pirates, the city of Nassau grew into a large city that became the capital of the Bahamas. Now the city's architecture is represented by an unusual mixture of modern buildings and colorful colonial houses. The shopping areas are bustling with business and there are a huge number of duty-free shops where you can find any goods from all over the world. The main historical part of the city is the small Rawson Square, where the main streets of the city intersect. It is decorated on all sides with beautiful buildings. At any time of the year, you can listen to street musicians on the square; there are always a lot of tourists here, especially during the main festival - Jonkonu, at which time about 30 thousand people gather here. Not far from Rawson Square is the equally beautiful Parliament Square, surrounded by the buildings of parliament and government offices. Most of these structures were built at the end of the 18th century. A few steps from the square lies the famous Straw Market. Trading on this market has been going on for many years. Once upon a time, women sold sea sponges here, which at that time were one of the main incomes of the region. Today they sell interesting handmade crafts and a variety of souvenirs. The Queen's Staircase is also on the must-see list of places to visit in the capital. This staircase was named after Queen Victoria and consists of 65 steps, the same number of years the Queen spent on the throne. The construction of the staircase took about 15 years, all this time slaves were hollowing out steps in the rocks, and only after the abolition of slavery in 1834, work on the staircase stopped. Now anyone can climb up it, from where a beautiful panorama of the city opens. Just one and a half kilometers from the city center lie the small Adastra Gardens. The gardens are home to about 300 representatives of the local fauna. Every day there is an interesting show of trained flamingos. The second most popular place in the Bahamas is the island of Grand Bahama, which is famous for its amazing nature. Snow-white sandy beaches, rich flora and fauna and much more will be the best place for a relaxing holiday. There are also great opportunities for active recreation and fishing. Even if you are not a fan of relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea, you will definitely find something interesting to do. The most popular place in Grand Bahama is Freeport. Freeport is home to the Rand Nature Center with its beautiful gardens. At the moment, in the garden you can get acquainted with more than 5,000 species of unusual exotic plants. The Grand Bahama Museum is also located in the garden. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, then you should visit Cat Island, which is not so affected by tourism. The island is a long stretch of land where people still live in thatched huts to this day. Beautiful beaches with pink sand stretch for several kilometers, where you can relax in complete solitude and watch the sunset and sunrise. In the southern part of the island lies the small town of New Bight, which once served as a free settlement for slaves. The main architectural treasure of the island is the Catholic Church of the Savior, which was designed by an apostate English priest. A fascinating canoe trip can be taken along the small Ambrister River, which flows in the northern part of New Bight. You can rent a canoe in the neighboring village. The river flows into the unusual lake “Boiling Hole”, the water in which, under certain conditions of ebb and flow, bubbles.
National cuisine of the Bahamas
For many years, life on the island depended on fishing; poor soils and a constant lack of fresh water did not allow local residents to grow plants and raise livestock. Even today, when you can find a restaurant in almost every corner of the Bahamas, you can feel the abundance of fish dishes. Popular here are shells baked on coals, considered a local delicacy, fish cakes and a variety of seafood salads. The basis for local soups and one of the main side dishes is peas and rice; very often they are used together in one dish. You should definitely try the unusual local soup, which is made from meat, celery, lime juice and onions, but it is practically not cooked. Since for most of the history of the islands they were under the influence of Great Britain, its culinary traditions have taken root here and you can find such traditional British dishes as scrambled eggs and bacon, toast with jam, steaks and fried potatoes everywhere. National desserts are pies filled with coconut, and in general most desserts are made using coconut. As in the UK, the most popular drink is tea, and strong Brazilian and Colombian coffee and fruit juices are also widespread.
Transport
There is no public transport on the islands, but to get around you can rent a car or hire a taxi. To get to another island you can take advantage of numerous ferries or rent a boat.
Currency exchange in the Bahamas
As of October 2011, the national currency exchange rate was 1 USD = 1 BSD. The national currency is the Bahamian dollar. From Monday to Thursday, Bahamian banks are usually open from nine in the morning to 15.00, and on Fridays - longer (until 17.00). In addition to banks, you can change currency in shops and hotels. Despite the fact that the Bahamian dollar is strongly pegged to the American dollar, the exchange rate can vary quite a lot in different institutions. In tourist areas, the exchange rate is not always favorable; it is best to exchange money at the Nassau International Bank and the Freeport Bank. In some places you can freely pay in American dollars. You can pay by credit card in almost any part of the country, and ATMs are available on most islands, although they are less common on remote and sparsely populated ones. Some restaurants and stores charge a large commission for using a credit card, so it is advisable to find out the terms of payment by credit card before purchasing.
Electricity
110V/60Hz (American type sockets).
Religion
Great Britain also had an impact on religion; now the majority of the population here are Christians (Baptists, Catholics and Anglicans). There are a small number of people left who practice the Obeah folk religion.
