Why it is Famous :Imagine a world where you can’t tell where dreams begin and reality ends. These are The Islands Of The Bahamas. And they\'re like no other places on Earth.
The moment your toes touch sand and your gaze meets water, you know you’re in The Islands Of The Bahamas. It’s the comfortable ease, the instant sense of belonging. It’s finding that your departure from everyday life is also your arrival at an extraordinary place within yourself. Welcome.
Facts About Destination :Grand Bahama Island is a legendary paradise with something for everyone. From the tranquil sunsets of the West End to the excitement of Lucaya restaurants, there’s always an extraordinary moment to bask in.
Area Information :There are 700 Islands of Bahamas sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean starting just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The archipelago is an ecological oasis featuring 2,000 breathtaking islands and cays and boasts the clearest water on the planet—with a visibility of over 200 feet. You can see your toes as easily as you can the world’s third largest barrier reef.
We invite you to explore all of our islands. One step and you’ll realize the beauty of each island extends far beyond our extraordinary natural wonders. It’s the smiles on the faces of the Bahamian people. The unique sounds of our rich culture. The warm hospitality of our heritage and our colorful history.
Why visit :You can look forward to a memorable mix of historic charm, modern attractions and ecological wonders on your visit to Grand Bahama Island. There’s truly something for everyone. The warm welcome you’ll receive is just extra insurance that you’ll return again and again.
How to reach :Just a short plane ride from Miami International Airport, South Florida. And many international airlines now offer direct flights to Grand Bahama Island. You can also sail into one of our many ports of entry.
Best time to visit :The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas give the islands a warm, agreeable climate that varies little year-round. The most refreshing time is between September and May, when the temperature averages 70-75°F. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures averaging between 80-90°F.
Transport system :Driving LawsBritish rules apply, so please drive on the left and be extra careful on roundabouts. Visitors may use their home licenses for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver\'s license. Pedestrians should remember to look right before crossing streets.
It is the law that all drivers and their passengers wear seat belts while riding in a vehicle in The Bahamas.
A child weighing less than twenty pounds shall face the rear of the vehicle secured in an infant seat fitted to the rear seat.
A child twenty pounds and less than forty pounds - convertible car seat fitted to the rear seat.
A child over forty pounds or up to 4 ft. 9 in. tall shall be secured in a booster car seat fitted in the rear seat.
A child taller than 4 ft. 9 in. and between 8 and 12 years old shall be required to use a seat belt
Precautions :Entry requirements differ depending on what country you are a resident and citizen of. Find out the necessary documentation you will need to ensure a smooth entry into our country.
Life style culture :Art/Music/Dance
Self-expression. It is at the core of every Bahamian. Whether through our colorful art, lively music or soulful dancing, it is a part of each of us. And it reflects the beauty of our islands. The pride we have for our home and in each other.
Music plays a big part in Bahamian culture. Throughout our islands, you’ll hear traces of African rhythms, Caribbean Calypso, English folk songs and our unique Bahamian Goombay traditional music, which combines African musical traditions with European colonial influences. Goombay can be traced back to slavery and is storytelling and dancing performed to a fast-tempoed “goom-bahhh†beat on a goatskin drum.
African slaves had very few resources to create instruments. Rake and scrape bands had drums made out of a pork barrel and goatskin, a carpenter’s saw that was scraped with a metal file, maracas, rhythm sticks, and a bass violin made from a washtub and string. Today, rake and scrape bands use modern instruments mixed with saws and goatskin drums.
Bahamian Cuisine
Being an international destination, you can rest assured that you can find any type of food here. But while you’re here, give your taste buds a chance to discover Bahamian cuisine. It’s spicy and uniquely flavored.
Seafood is the staple of our diet. Fresh conch scored with a knife and sprinkled with lime juice and spices is delicious. Other delicacies you’ll enjoy are land crabs and the Bahamian “rock lobster.†We also love fresh fish, especially boiled fish served with grits. Many dishes here are served with pigeon peas and rice mixed with spices, tomatoes and onions.
Wash down our cuisine with a cold beverage like a Kalik or Sands, beers of The Islands Of The Bahamas, a Bahama Mama, or Goombay Smash. There’s also a Bahamian favorite that we call “Sky Juice,†coconut water blended with sweet milk and gin. And don’t forget to try Switcher, a refreshing drink made from native limes.
Bush Medicine
Bush medicine is using indigenous plants for medicinal purposes. It’s a tradition African slaves brought with them when they came here. There are almost 100 plants found here that can be used for medical treatment. Examples include aloe vera, crab bush, fig leaf, sailors\' flowers and white sage.
Junkanoo
Junkanoo is uniquely Bahamian and exists nowhere else. It’s an incredibly energetic, colorful parade made up of brightly costumed Bahamians dancing and “rushin†to the music of cowbells, drums, horns and whistles. It is widely believed that Junkanoo was created by John Canoe, an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after he was brought to the West Indies as a slave.
Celebrated since the 16th or 17th century, today Junkanoo has grown into an organized event with groups of up to 1,000 persons competing for cash prizes for best music, best costume, dancer, banner and best overall group presentation. Traditionally held on New Year’s Day, Boxing Day and Independence Day, parades are also held during the annual “Junkanoo Summer Festival†and the “Just Rush†competition. In addition, many hotels offer Junkanoo shows for their guests throughout the year.
Religion
Religion is important in the lives of the Bahamian people. Even small communities have several churches. Our religious devotion is evidence of the Eleutheran Adventurers and their Puritan influences.
Straw Market
Explore one of our straw markets and bring home a piece of Bahamian culture. You’ll find handmade hats, mats, baskets, woodcarvings and guava jellies. Test your bargaining skills and get a good deal on a great piece.
Languages spoken :English is our official language. Although, you might hear Bahamian English. It’s a mixture of Queen’s diction, African influence and island dialect.
