Whether you're looking for bright blue skies, clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, fun attractions, luxury resorts or just a few lazy days in the sun, flights to the Bahamas are your ticket to typical island living.
Contrary to popular belief, when you book a flight to Bahamas, you won’t arrive in the Caribbean. It is actually a chain-like archipelago of around 700 islands (about 30 of which are inhabited) and a couple of thousand little cays that stretch out into the Atlantic ocean for about 75 miles east of Palm Beach on the USA mainland. Direct flights to the Bahamas are usually found from major ports including Miami, New York, and Boston. Travelers who book Bahamas flights from more remote cities should plan on transferring planes in one of the larger airports such as Miami, Houston or Memphis, before arriving in the Bahamas.
One reason people book flights to the Bahamas is the natural underwater cave system in the Lucayan National Park. Visitors to the Bahamas can take in just about any water sport available, so grab your goggles and hop a cheap flight to the Bahamas for a great getaway in the sun.
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Booking cheap flights to the Bahamas is easy if you're flexible with your travel plans. In general, the weather is good all year and the trade winds ensure that the temperatures remain relatively mild, so Bahamas flights don't fluctuate too much. However, cheap flights to the Bahamas can often be found during the rainy season (May to November) when the chance of hurricanes is greater. Peak season is between December and April and tourists can expect to pay generously for Bahamas flights and accommodations. Generally the northern and western islands are cooler while the southern islands can get very hot in summer.
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The Bahamas truly is an island paradise. Visitors can do everything from parasailing to gaming, and snorkeling to sunbathing. When booking flights to the Bahamas, tourists should keep one thing in mind: hurricane season. Sure, there are plenty of cheap flights to the Bahamas, but unless you want to be boarded up inside your resort accommodations, it's best to book flights during peak travel times or towards the end of the off-season.
Peak season:
September through May is the cool season and the time when most people visit. The temperature is an average of 75F.
Travelers should book hotel accommodations and flights to the Bahamas well in advance during peak travel season. The Bahamas is a top destination resort for many travelers in the Northeast and budget and economy Bahamas flights and hotels will book up fast.
Off season:
May to October is the off season, with the most rainfall occurring in these months. However, it is not extreme and temperatures are at their highest, so low-fares tempt many vacationers out during this time. It's worth noting that hurricane season is June to November. Prices fall in this time and travelers can find cheap flights to the Bahamas, though the chances of becoming caught up in a hurricane are slight.
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Getting between islands is relatively easy, with a choice of Bahamas flights from charter airlines. You will normally have to travel to or from Nassau, however, so if you’re planning on island-hopping, you may end up visiting the city often. Bahamas Air provides the most routes. When booking your Bahamas flights, check with the hotel where you're staying to find out about airport shuttle buses. Many hotels in the Bahamas will offer airport shuttle services to and from the Nassau airport so travelers can disembark their Bahamas flight and immediately begin their island paradise vacation.
There are some ferries that cover transportation between islands. The Fast Ferry service covers several routes originating at Nassau, though round trips are available taking in three or four destinations. Local ferries, or water taxis are also available.
Once on an island, renting a car is the easiest and often only practical way of getting around. Driving is on the left and you have to be over 21 to rent a car.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from
Nassau (in hours and minutes) to other major tourist centers.
| | Air | Sea |
|---|
| Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera | 0.30 | 2.00* |
|---|
| Freeport, Grand Bahama | 0.30/0.45 | 12.00 |
|---|
| Marsh Harbour, Abaco | 0.45 | 11.00 |
|---|
| George Town, Exuma | 0.45 | 13.00 |
|---|
Note: * By Bahamas Fast Ferries; all other travel times are by mail boat.
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- Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and is located on New Providence Island. It’s the arrival point for most vacationers on Bahamas flights and a central location to the other islands in the Bahamas. Cruise ships dock in Nassau year-round letting off hundreds of tourists that help keep Nassau's economy afloat.
- For pirate lovers, a trip to the Pirates of Nassau Museum is a must. The “interactive” museum has a replica of the pirate ship Revenge. The museum is open from 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 9am-midday on Sunday.
- The beguilingly named Paradise Island is close to New Providence Island. It’s home to the Atlantis Hotel, one of the most impressive places to stay in the Caribbean. Even if you don’t spend a night here, it's worth a visit to take a look around. The huge hotel boasts a marina “to rival Monte Carlo,” an aqua park, and a marine habitat, with a replica of the sunken streets of Atlantis.
- The Abaco islands are made up of two islands and a number of cays. Popular especially with families, this is the place to enjoy the beaches and not do much else.
- Relax, you’re on Bahamas time now. Everything is a little more laid-back and, well, slower than you might be used to back home. Drinks may take a while to arrive in restaurants and bars (30 minutes isn’t unusual) and meals even longer… The concept of rushing is almost unheard of in the Bahamas. Don’t get frustrated, sit back and enjoy your holiday.
- As with many popular beach destinations, you’ll often encounter hawkers and beggars on the beaches and around the towns. This is most noticeable in Nassau and the bigger resorts. You’ll be offered everything from T-shirts and jewelry to hair braiding. If you’re determined not to purchase souvenirs you do need to be alert: shaking hands with someone can often result in a bracelet being snapped on your wrist, which you are, of course, then expected to pay for.
- Getting off the beaten track: there are more than 700 islands making up the Bahamas, so, despite its immense popularity with tourists, it is possible to get away from it all. To explore some of the outer islands, rent a powerboat or charter a catamaran and just head out to sea.
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Flights to the Bahamas from other countries arrive and depart from Nassau International Airport (NAS), which is 10 miles west of the city.
Grand Bahama International (FPO) is 3 miles from the city.
The airport at Moss Town, Exuma, also offers a runway.
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All visitors must be in possession of a return or onward ticket, plus proof of funds. With the exception of nationals of Canada and the U.S., all visitors must hold passports that are valid at least six months after entry before boarding their Bahamas flight.
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U.S. citizens require a passport (expired maximum of five years) or other form of ID such as an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate, together with a photo ID such as a driving license or voters registration card. U.S. nationals do not require a visa for travel to the Bahamas for visits of up to one month.
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