Traveling options in paradise !
Mar 03 '02
The Bottom Line Make sure you get to see some of the real Bahamas. At the very least, take a day trip to a remote island away from the noisy resorts.
Traveling to, in and around the Bahamas
Since I mainly do all my Caribbean Travel through Nassau, I’ll primarily speak to travel in and out of Nassau. Freeport has direct flights from the states and Canada as well as a ferry cruise, Discovery Cruises. BahamasAir flies into several of the Outislands from Florida. Check their website for details.
From the States To Nassau
Flights into Nassau are plentiful from the United States and Canada. Delta, Continental and American Airlines have direct flights from most major U.S. cities. BahamasAir has flights from Florida. There are also some small charters available from South Florida.
Delta Airlines
My experience is mainly with Delta. I choose direct flights early in the morning, which allows me a full day on the beach, and I leave in the evenings so as to allow me another full day in the Bahamas. The flights are nearly always on time, give or take a few minutes. The seats are as comfortable as any other economy class seating.
BahamasAir
My experience with BahamasAir has not always been good. They are prone to long postponements, and sometimes cancellations of flights without making arrangements or accommodations for your travel. My flight from West Palm to Marsh Harbor was cancelled last summer, and was not rescheduled until the next day. At that point I was put on a wait list, and NOT guaranteed a seat on that flight. Luckily, I got on the flight the following day. No arrangements for overnight stay were available, and little information was offered. BahamasAir flies from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm.
Immigration and Customs
After arriving at Nassau International Airport, you will be given your immigration document to fill out before approaching the Immigration booth. (This is sometimes done onboard the flight).
You’ll be greeted by a local band playing calypso and soca while you wait 10 – 20 minutes to go thru this quick process. Immigration will check your passport, travel documents, and returning tickets. You should know the name of the hotel where you will be staying, or the address of the folks you are staying with.
Once you are through immigration, you can proceed to the small baggage claims area and retrieve your bags. There are uniformed skycaps available to assist you.
Customs is just steps away. This is a very quick process if you nothing to claim. Rarely do they check your incoming bags.
Getting to your Hotel
Most hotel packages give you vouchers for one of the tour companies to pick you up in minivans. Several vans are available, each going to a separate “group” of hotels. Be sure to tell your driver where you are going.
Taxi’s and Limousines’ are available just outside the airport doors. They are union regulated cabs. Ask your driver for a price BEFORE entering the cab. If it seems unfair, ask the “captain” (there is a person there who is in charge of the cabs as they approach) if this is the going rate.
Note: There are no public Jitney’s or Buses to the hotels. You must have a voucher, take a cab/limo or arrange your own transportation.
Travel by Cruises Ships to Nassau
Many Cruise Ships travel to Nassau from Florida and Other Southern Ports. Carnival, Disney, RCCL and others all have packages which include a day in Nassau.
Your Ship will dock at Prince Georges Dock in Downtown Nassau, just steps away from Woodes Rogers Wharf and Downtown Bay Street. If you have signed up for a tour from your cruise, you will be instructed by your cruise director where to find your activities leader. If you choose to explore the island, go shopping, have lunch in town, or take a ferry boat to Paradise Island, you’ll find everything you need just outside the docks entrance.
Getting Around in Nassau/Paradise Island
· Ferry Boat to Paradise Island and Atlantis – These boats are located at Woodes Rogers Wharf, and leave every 30 mins. From 9am to 6pm every day. The cost is $3 pp. The ferries are operated by licensed captains, and are registered, licensed and insured.
· Taxi cabs – Taxi’s are available to take you to your destination, or by the hour for
sightseeing. Please determine the price BEFORE you get into the cab. Most cab are licensed and unionized.
· Surrey ride – Horse Drawn Surreys are available at the wharf for your enjoyment. Please determine the price before you board. The prices depend on where your tour is headed.
· Jitneys – Public minivan buses run all day from downtown Nassau at Bay Street. The bus routes are marked on the outside of the bus for your convenience. The #10 Jitney will take you to Cable Beach to the Marriott, Radisson or Nassau Beach Hotels as well as other destinations in the area. The Jitney costs $.75 per person, and exact change is necessary. Please note, there is NO JITNEY to Paradise Island.
· Scooter Rental - Scooters are available outside most major hotel complexes in Cable Beach at Nassau Beach Hotel, Downtown at British Colonial Hilton, and on Paradise Island across from the Atlantis (Remember, we drive on the left in the Bahamas)
· Car Rental Avis - 242 326.6380 or 242 377.7121 or Orange Creek 1.800.891. 7655, Budget 242 377.9000
Getting to/from the Out Islands
BahamasAir has scheduled flights to and from most of the out islands. Check their website for flights from the states as well as from Nassau. In most cases, you must travel into Nassau to connect with your flight to the Outislands. (www.bahamasair.com)
Chalks Airlines – Seaplane Scheduled service between Ft. Lauderdale/Miami and Paradise Island as well as Bimini and Walkers Cay check the website for details – (www.chalksoceanairways.com)
Mailboat – There are several mailboats located at Potter’s Cay dock which allow you passage to the Outisland for a very low fee. These accommodations are very, very sparse and the boats are not in good repair. Most trips take anywhere from 10 – 24 hours and can be very grueling, as well as boring. Check out my review of my adventure to Cat Island on Epinions - http://www.epinions.com/content_57005543044
Exumas Powerboat Adventure – 242 393.7116 This is a great way to explore the out island on a day trip. This trip takes you to the tip of the Exumas Islands, Allen Cay. If you are looking for transportation to the main area of the Exumas, this is not it. www.islandworldadventures.com
Harbour Island Fast Ferries– 242 323.2166 This is a great day trip to Harbour Island and Eleuthera. You can spend the day here, or spend a few days on the island and return on another ferry. Check the website for rates and schedules. www.bahamasferries.com
Sea Island Adventure – 242 325.3910-Day tours to the beautiful Secluded Rose Island.
Seaplane Safari – Charter Flights - 242 393.1179
Any way you choose to travel - relax and enjoy.. It’s better in the Bahamas.
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Epinions.com ID:
nassaugirl
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Location: NYC/Nassau,Bahamas
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
NYC Web producer with a yen for travel.
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