• Mozzie

The Bahamas

Emergency

Dial 919 for police, 919 for fire services, and 911 for medical emergencies to get immediate assistance during urgent or critical situations.

Greeting

Bahamians are warm and friendly, greeting others with a smile and phrases like, “Good mornin’, ma’am/sir,” before chatting.

Next holiday

The next public holiday in the Bahamas is New Year's Day on January 1, 2025, celebrated with festivities, Junkanoo parades, and family gatherings.

Tap Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink and is commonly available in most areas. It’s often served for free in restaurants upon request.

Local Stay

Vrbo offers vacation rentals, including homes, villas, and condos, in popular Bahamas destinations, providing a comfortable stay.

Toilet

Toilet paper is used and can usually be flushed, but in some areas, it's advised to dispose of it in a bin due to plumbing limitations.

Safety

It is a safe destination for tourists, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. Visitors should stay alert in crowds, respect customs, and be cautious of hazards like strong currents and storms.

Cuisine

Bahamian cuisine is a mix of seafood, tropical fruits, and local ingredients, featuring dishes like conch fritters, rock lobster, and johnny cakes, with an emphasis on spices and island flavors.

Humor

A tourist asks a Bahamian: “What’s the best way to enjoy your island?” The local grins and says, “Easy, take a nap in a hammock, sip on some rum punch, and let the waves do the rest!”

Nassau

In Nassau, public transportation consists primarily of buses and jitneys (shared taxis). Contactless payments are not widely accepted, and most passengers pay using cash.

Nassau Transport

Bus

The two main intercity bus operators in the Bahamas are Bahamas Bus & Truck, known for its extensive routes, and City Express, offering reliable services between key islands and cities.

Bahamas Bus & Truck

Volunteering

In The Bahamas, organizations like the Bahamas National Trust offer volunteer opportunities focused on environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and community development projects.

Bahamas National Trust

Exuma

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the world’s first marine park, is a UNESCO site, known for its marine life, clear waters, and pristine environment.

Archipelago

The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, but only about 30 are inhabited, with New Providence (home to Nassau) as the most populous.

Pink Sand

It is famous for its pink sand beaches, especially on Harbour Island, where the sand gets its color from crushed coral and shells mixed with the sand.

Swimpigs

One of the most famous attractions in the Bahamas is the swimming pigs of Exuma. These pigs live on an island and swim with visitors who come by boat.

Pirates

The Bahamas has a history of pirates and was known as the Pirate Republic in the 18th century. Blackbeard and others used the islands as bases.

Rhythms

Music is central to Bahamian culture, with junkanoo parades, drums, and costumes being key, along with reggae, calypso, and rake-and-scrape.