How to Get to the Bahamas: Plane or Boat

Your choices are by air or sea. By sea, either on a private boat or commercial cruise, or by one of the many commercial daily flights that go in and out of the Bahamas. Of course, if you're in the mood you can always swim. Walking or driving--unless you car treads water like 007's-- is a definite impossibility.

Getting around in Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and most of the Out Islands is easy. The various modes of on-Island transportation include: rental cars, taxis (which are plentiful) buses (called jitneys) which for a small fare can take you to and from many locations, motorbikes (mopeds), bicycles, surreys (horse and carriage rides used in conducting short tours around Nassau), water taxis (in Nassau they operate between Prince George Wharf and Paradise Island) and in some of the Out Islands they operate between cays.

Driving Tip: Right is Wrong; Drive on the LEFT side of the road

When renting a motor vehicle remember always to drive on the left. Though it takes some getting to used to (particularly when you are driving down deserted roads in the family islands) accidents are rare.

Also remember that a percentage of Bahamian drivers drive very badly. It seems the latest fad is to stop in the middle of the road to talk to your friend who is walking down the street, or to stop in your lane to talk to the person in the opposing lane, rather then driving onto the side of the road. Also watch out for reckless drivers, who are unable to use signals when they cut me--I mean you--off. Also let us not forget the a guy who quickly turns into the lane you driving on who then slows down once he gets in front of you. Sigh.

Lastly, when you are about to drive across a pedestrian crossing a Bahamian will run to the curb to cross the street, and a few will slow down as they cross the street. I have no clue why people do this--well I do but that is a "gansta"-BET story.

Lastly, look out for tourists who do not look both ways when crossing the street! Tourists have died because they think the cars are driving on the right, and so only look one way--the wrong way--when they cross. So take your time, and be careful.


Look to your RIGHT (if not both ways) when crossing

Since we drive on the left in the Bahamas, be extra careful that you look right when you are crossing a road. Many a tourist has unfortunately attempted to cross roads without looking in the direction a car is coming from--their right. Even better--look both ways.
 

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