Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago nation of over 700 islands and cays stretching across 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, just southeast of Florida. Known for crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving, the country is one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations for leisure travelers and cruise passengers.

The aviation landscape reflects the archipelago's geography, with Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) serving as the primary international gateway and hub. Due to the scattered nature of the islands, the Bahamas has numerous small airports serving individual islands and communities. Freeport (FPO) on Grand Bahama is the second-largest airport. Domestic island-hopping flights are essential for reaching the Out Islands (Family Islands) such as Exuma, Eleuthera, and the Abacos.

The country's proximity to the United States — just 50 miles from Florida at the closest point — makes it easily accessible from the US East Coast, with flights from Miami taking under an hour.

International Gateways

Airport	City/Island	Role	Major Airlines
NAS	Nassau (New Providence)	Primary international hub	Bahamasair, American, Delta, United, JetBlue
FPO	Freeport (Grand Bahama)	Secondary international, cruise port	Bahamasair, American, Silver Airways

Primary Hub

Nassau Lynden Pindling International (NAS) — The country's main gateway, located on New Providence island. Serves as Bahamasair's hub and handles the majority of international arrivals. Two terminals serve domestic and international flights. Direct connections from major US cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, New York, and Charlotte.

Freeport Grand Bahama International (FPO) — Serves Grand Bahama, the country's second-most populous island. Popular with cruise passengers and visitors to the Freeport/Lucaya area. More limited international service than Nassau.

Out Island Airports

The Family Islands (Out Islands) are served by numerous small airports, typically with short runways suitable for turboprop aircraft:

Airport	Island	Access
ELH	North Eleuthera	Harbour Island, Spanish Wells
GHB	Governor's Harbour	Central Eleuthera
GGT	George Town	Great Exuma
MHH	Marsh Harbour	Abaco
TBI	The Bight	Cat Island
LGI	Deadman's Cay	Long Island
ASD	Andros Town	Andros

Most Out Island airports have limited commercial service, primarily via Bahamasair from Nassau or charter flights.

Flag Carrier

Bahamasair (UP) — The national flag carrier, founded in 1973. Operates from its hub at Nassau to major US gateways (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Orlando) and extensive domestic service to the Out Islands. Fleet consists primarily of ATR turboprops for island-hopping and Boeing 737s for international routes.

International Carriers

Major US airlines provide frequent service to Nassau:

• American Airlines — Multiple daily flights from Miami, Charlotte
• Delta — Service from Atlanta, New York-JFK
• United — Flights from Houston, Newark
• JetBlue — Service from Fort Lauderdale, New York-JFK, Boston
• Southwest — Service from Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore
• Silver Airways — Regional carrier with Florida-Bahamas routes

Canadian carriers: Air Canada, WestJet (seasonal)

European: British Airways (seasonal London-Nassau)

Charter and Private Aviation

Due to the archipelago's geography, charter flights are common for reaching remote islands. Private aviation is popular, with many islands having small airstrips.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of many countries can visit the Bahamas visa-free for up to 90 days, including:

• United States, Canada
• United Kingdom, European Union countries
• Australia, New Zealand
• Most Caribbean nations

Documentation Requirements

• Valid passport: Required for all visitors (valid for duration of stay)
• Return/onward ticket: Proof of departure may be required
• Accommodation: Proof of hotel reservation or private accommodation
• Immigration card: Completed on arrival (or online via Bahamas Health Travel Visa)

Bahamas Travel Health Visa

The Bahamas requires all travelers to complete an online Travel Health Visa before arrival:

• Free to apply at travel.gov.bs
• Required regardless of nationality
• Generates QR code for immigration

Passport Requirements

• Passport valid for duration of stay
• Six months validity recommended
• US citizens: Passport required (passport card not accepted for air travel)

Official information: Bahamas Immigration

Domestic Flights

Island-hopping by air is essential for reaching the Out Islands. The scattered geography means many destinations are only accessible by small aircraft or boat.

Route	Operator	Duration
NAS → GGT (Exuma)	Bahamasair	35 min
NAS → ELH (Eleuthera)	Bahamasair	30 min
NAS → MHH (Abaco)	Bahamasair	45 min
NAS → FPO (Freeport)	Bahamasair	35 min

Booking tips:

• Bahamasair operates most scheduled domestic flights
• Charter flights available for remote islands
• Luggage weight limits strict on small aircraft (typically 30-50 lbs)
• Weather can cause delays — build flexibility into island-hopping itineraries

Ferries

Inter-island ferry services connect Nassau to several islands:

• Bahamas Ferries — Nassau to Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Andros, and Exuma
• Journey times range from 2-5 hours depending on destination
• More affordable than flying but significantly slower

Car Rental

Available on Nassau, Grand Bahama, and larger Out Islands:

• Drive on the left (British system)
• International license accepted
• Roads vary in quality — paved main roads, some unpaved on outer islands
• Rental cars essential on Nassau for exploring beyond resort areas

Taxis and Tours

• Taxis available at airports and resorts
• Fixed rates from NAS airport to Nassau hotels
• Golf carts common transportation on smaller islands (rentable by visitors)

Peak Season (December-April)

High season with ideal weather:

• Warm, dry conditions (75-85°F / 24-29°C)
• Highest prices and most crowded
• Christmas through Easter sees premium pricing
• Best water visibility for diving

Shoulder Season (May, November)

Good balance of weather and value:

• Still warm with occasional rain
• Lower prices than peak season
• May: End of dry season
• November: After hurricane season

Off-Season (June-October)

Hurricane season and rainy period:

• Lowest prices
• Hot and humid (80-90°F / 27-32°C)
• Hurricane risk highest August-October
• Some resorts offer significant discounts
• Afternoon thunderstorms common

Weather Notes

• Water temperature warm year-round (75-84°F / 24-29°C)
• Trade winds provide natural cooling
• Hurricane season: June 1 - November 30 (peak Aug-Oct)
• Travel insurance recommended during hurricane months

Major Islands

Island	Airport	Known For
New Providence	NAS	Nassau, Atlantis Resort, cruise port
Grand Bahama	FPO	Freeport, Lucaya, beaches
Paradise Island	NAS	Atlantis Resort, beaches

Out Islands (Family Islands)

Island	Airport	Known For
Exuma	GGT	Swimming pigs, Exuma Cays, Thunderball Grotto
Harbour Island	ELH	Pink sand beach, colonial charm
Eleuthera	ELH, GHB	Surfing, glass window bridge
Abaco	MHH	Sailing, boating, Loyalist history
Andros	ASD	Diving, bonefishing, blue holes
Long Island	LGI	Unspoiled beaches, Dean's Blue Hole
Cat Island	TBI	Highest point in Bahamas, quiet retreats

Notable Attractions

• Atlantis Paradise Island — Massive resort with marine habitats, water park
• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — Protected marine area
• Swimming with Pigs — Big Major Cay, Exuma
• Dean's Blue Hole — World's second-deepest blue hole (Long Island)

Money

• Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD), pegged 1:1 to US Dollar
• US Dollars: Accepted everywhere — no need to exchange currency
• Cards: Widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops
• ATMs: Available in Nassau and Freeport; limited on Out Islands
• Cash: Essential for smaller establishments and Out Islands
• Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants; check if gratuity included

Electrical

• Voltage: 120V, 60Hz
• Plug type: Type A/B (same as US/Canada)
• Adapters: US travelers need no adapter; UK/European travelers need adapter

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company), Aliv
• US roaming: Many US plans include Bahamas at no extra charge
• eSIM: Available — check carrier compatibility
• WiFi: Available at resorts and hotels; limited on remote islands

Safety

Generally safe for tourists with standard precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in downtown Nassau
• Use hotel safes for valuables
• Use licensed taxis
• Emergency: 919 (police), 911 (ambulance/fire)

Health

• Tap water safe to drink (desalinated)
• No required vaccinations
• Sun protection essential — strong Caribbean sun
• Medical facilities adequate in Nassau; limited on Out Islands
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage recommended

Language

English is the official language, spoken throughout the islands. No language barrier for English speakers.

• Tourism: Bahamas Official
• Immigration: Bahamas Immigration
• Travel Health Visa: travel.gov.bs
• US Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov/bahamas
• UK Travel Advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahamas
• Bahamasair: bahamasair.com