What You Should Know Before Arriving in The Bahamas – TOP 10 TIPS

The Bahamas eh? Sounds like paradise right? Well it has a Paradise Island connected to the mainland. Today I'm going to give the reigns to my right hand man Pete Brooker, editor of From Tailors With Love and James Bond travel enthusiast, to give you all some travel advice if you're planning a trip to the Bahamas. 

TIP 1 

The Bahamas is incredibly expensive so I would only recommend visiting if you have disposable income or can exploit someone’s kind hospitality. Many people go to the Bahamas as part of a Tropical Cruise so chances are you won't have a lot of time on your hands. 

If you're fresh off the boat and only have a day then you should head to the Atlantis Hotel and get a day pass for US $135. This will give you full access to the beach and all the water slides. As well as an opportunity to go into the hotel itself and shop or visit the casino. 

To get there you'll need to take a taxi from the port in Nassau which is probably the first thing you'll see when you get off the ferry. The local currency is dollars and taxi drivers like cash so have some to hand. It will cost you a couple of bucks each and you'll get driven over the Sidney Poitier bridge to The Atlantis. If you're not interested in doing the water park (although I strongly suggest you do) then the beach pass is $75. 

TIP 2

The Ocean Club is just a short drive from The Atlantis and they do shuttle runs back and forth. Although this is an island whose economy thrives on tourism (accounting for 50%) so do make sure you have a buck or two for tipping. 

The Ocean Club is a gated residence, however you can eat there at the restaurant called Dune which is part of the club. This is a Four Seasons Resort, no longer associated with The One and Only Club. (I can't see any trace of The One and Only Club on the website). 

We didn't eat at the restaurant but went for a wander around the grounds and had some drinks in the bar where James Bond played poker in Casino Royale. There are plenty of photos of Daniel Craig dotted around the place. 

TIP 3

Ok let’s get right to it with the Bond Locations. You have plenty in the Bahamas and I will do a separate article on it shortly over on my site. Perhaps the most interesting James Bond location you will find (other than The Ocean Club) is the Lukka Kairi Bar and Grill which is situated on the same harbour where the ferries come in to port. This was once called The Never Say Never Again Bar and grill until they had to rebrand due to licensing laws. 

The true original Waterfront bar was destroyed in a hurricane in the 90s. However, this is still an interesting pit stop and you can really place yourself in the shoes where a wet Sean Connery quipped 'yes but my martini is still dry'. 

TIP 4

Don't expect too much from the Straw Market. I'm sad to say this as it's such an important landmark for local vendors, but we personally found the quality of goods very poor. We purchased a backpack for $20 and it fell apart within a day. When we returned it to the vendor it was not a pleasant experience involving local police. 

I would recommend having a look around, and even buying something if you think it would make a decent souvenir, but at the same time appreciate a 20 dollar bag is not built for life. 

TIP 5 

The Matisse Restaurant is a short walk into Nassau and although relatively pricey, it's an enjoyable experience. Please get the duck and if you have the opportunity book a restaurant outside in the sun underneath the foliage. 

TIP 6

Hiring  a car. If you're coming in on the ferry there is an Avis car rental in town by The British Colonial Hotel. I would book in advance as it can get very busy around certain times of the year. (Valentine's Day was a nightmare). 

We hired one as soon as we got off the plane (and there were several companies, we used Hertz) which was around $160 for the day. We covered the entire island in under a day and it's an effective way to get around the island. We found parking in Nassau quite limited but you might have arrangements at your hotel.

Remember the Bahamas was under British rule until 1973 so they drive on the left. Although the hired cars are left hand drive. It feels very strange at first and people in the Bahamas generally drive like maniacs. Still, all told, an enjoyable drive and a good way to see the island. 

TIP 7

The buses stop at sundown. Not at 7pm as the hotels will have you believe. It's only a $1.50 to jump on a bus and there are many of them that will go around the island. However, if you have a hotel that is a 20 minute drive from downtown Nassau and you miss the last bus, you can expect to pay $50 to get back. 

Crazy right? So make sure you don't miss the last bus back to your hotel which leave from downtown Nassau just outside Hooters. 

TIP 8 

Check out the dilapidated buildings. There are many around the island and yes, one was even featured in a James Bond movie. You'll find them along the coast line mainly. Down by the Coral Harbour especially. 

It's crazy that all these million pound homes are getting left to rot. Sad, and completely juxtaposed to the affluent surroundings. 

TIP 9

We didn't do it but the scuba diving adventures look fantastic. You can do the training in the coves on the day and there are many shipwrecks and underwater ruins to explore. 

Stuarts Cove on the south west point of the island is the best place to investigate and I'd recommend hiring a car to get there. 

TIP 10 

Will I meet Sean Connery? I hear you ask. Sadly not. Sean Connery lives in a gated community in Lyford Cay on the southwest part of the island. 

Your name will need to be on the guest list that only the security personal and Sean will be privy to. (Basically, Sean will give names of his guests that he is expecting to the security guard and only they will be given access to enter at any given time). 

His wife has been seen recently in the vicinity of Love Beach which is close by.