Let’s explore everything you need to know about The Bahamas — from fun facts about the Bahamas and travel tips to why this island paradise is the perfect wedding destination!
Bahamas, wedding planning, destination. Just hearing the word, your imagination is immediately whisked off to paradise, and visions of white sandy beaches, gorgeous aqua blue waters, and lush tropical gardens. And what makes it even better for you? You’re planning the best day of your life here!
This means you’re probably doing a lot of research to make sure you provide you and your guests with an incredible experience and that you have it all planned out.
That is where my expertise comes in. In addition to wedding planning and design, I offer travel guidance and advice to help you and your guests plan your trip to paradise with confidence. And because I have lived here for most of my life, I have deep knowledge and love for all things Bahamian.
That said, I thought it would be helpful and fun to share some of my favorite insights and facts about the Bahamas. As well as a few not-so-obvious reasons why it’s the ideal place to say “I do.
FACT #1: The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands, cays, and islets.
The fact that there are so many islands not only makes it difficult to decide where to start, but it’s also what makes the Bahamas so special.
Thirty of the 700 islands are inhabited. The Bahamas is a wedding planning, destination.
Those islands include:
New Providence Island, Paradise Island, The Exumas, The Abacos, Andros, Bimini, The Berry Islands, the Southern Bahamian Islands, Eleuthera, and Harbour Island.
Most travelers fly into New Providence (Nassau) which is connected to Paradise Island by two bridges.
All other islands are known as the ‘Out Islands’, where you can find a bit more peace and quiet., as well as a simply magical setting for your wedding. These can be reached via direct service from key gateways such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Or private charter flights can be arranged. Sea plane service is also available into the Out Islands.
Fact #2. The Bahamas offers varied experiences across its string of islands
The Bahamas has a land area of 5,382 square miles total.
Meaning? There is a lot to explore!
Each island offers unique adventures and off-the-beaten-path experiences. There is something for everyone.
A few favorite activities include:
- Boating
- Scuba Diving
- Island Hopping
- Sunset Cruise
- Pineapple Festival
- Jump in a blue hole
- Visit a national park
- Feeding and swimming with the turtles in the wild
Fact #3: The Bahamas boasts many award-winning beaches
One of the most challenging parts of planning your time here is narrowing down which beaches to explore- much less which one to get married on.
Harbour Island, Eleuthera, The Abacos and The Exumas are top islands that consistently receive travelers’ accolades.
But, no matter where you go, you’re likely going to experience some beach hopping like you never have before.
And the best part? From almost any spot on any island, you can see the turquoise waters stretching into the horizon for miles. My all-time favorite thing about The Bahamas is our waters. I am constantly in awe of the natural beauty, the clarity and colors of the water, stunning cays, incredible sand bars, and the powdery soft sand. Talk about a picture-perfect paradise.
Fact #4: The Bahamas are proud {and protective} of our undisturbed wildlife
In addition to luxury hotels and beach-front destinations, The Bahama’s diverse tropical habitat offers animal lovers the chance to spend quality time with various land and sea creatures. You can discover and adventure with sharks, coral reefs, tropical fish, flamingos, and of course, the infamous swimming pigs {see fun fact #5, below}.
Much of the Bahamas wildlife is accessible through guided tours or within animal reserves that have been established to increase awareness and protect endangered species.
Fact #5: You Can Swim With The Pigs of Exuma
Yes, you and your wedding party can jump in and swim with the pigs! Bahamas. Wedding Planning. Destination.
These cute and famous Exuma pigs are one of the most popular activities for couples and their guests to enjoy. And if you’re staying in Nassau or The Exumas, you can easily book a day trip to see them.
Apart from the pigs and their caretakers, the island is uninhabited, so you and your guests can enjoy the privacy of the island together. And although no one is exactly sure how the pigs got to the island, we sure are glad they are there.
Fact #6: The Bahamas is the ultimate fishing destination
The Bahamas are filled with marine life, which makes for some exciting and successful fishing expeditions. And the perfect pre-wedding getaway for your groomsmen or wedding party!
Fishing charters with professional and experienced guides are easy to find. And they’re more than happy to show you and your guests the best spots in The Bahamas to cast your line.
The Biminis, which is known as the sportfishing capital of the world, is known for its fishing and incredible beauty. And Long Island and New Providence (Nassau) are also great fishing spots.
Fact #7: The Bahamas is easy to get to
The Bahamas sits in the West Atlantic Ocean, 313 miles southeast of Florida, and is one of the most accessible and most convenient destinations you can fly to. Bahamas, wedding planning, destination.
You can book a non-stop flight to The Bahamas from many major cities in the United States and Canada.
Flight time to Nassau from Miami is about 35 minutes; from New York, 2 1/2 hours; from Atlanta, 2 hours and 5 minutes; from Philadelphia, 2 hours and 45 minutes; from Charlotte, 2 hours and 10 minutes; from central Florida, 1 hour and 10 minutes; and from Toronto, 3 hours.
This makes traveling convenient and easy for you and your guests.
Bahamas Basics: What You Need to Know
Language: On the islands of the Bahamas, natives speak mostly English. The natives may sound more British than American, and British slang may be used. Often, Bahaman dialects can be found throughout among natives who include words not understood in English. In some areas, Creole may be common due to the overlap of Haitian influence. The national language, however, is English.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time, the same as the East coast of the United States, is the time zone across the entire expanse of the Bahamas. Also, from April to October, Eastern Daylight Time is observed.
Currency: The Bahaman dollar is of the same value as the U.S. dollar, and both are used frequently across the islands. Those paying in U.S. dollars will receive U.S. dollars in return, and the same congruency applies to Bahaman dollars. ATMs and banks can be found which furnish withdrawal of U.S. dollars as well, so a pre-trip currency conversion is not necessary. It is recommended, however, that any accrued Bahaman dollars are converted back to U.S. dollars before exiting the country.
Drinking age: Eighteen is the legal age for gambling and the consumption of tobacco and alcohol on the Bahaman islands. The use of illegal recreational drugs and illegal prescription drugs is strictly prohibited in the Bahamas.
Rules of the road: British driving rules apply. In the Bahamas, drivers are to drive on the left, and many intersections feature roundabouts. A combination of British and American cars can be found on the island. Visitors can drive legally with their home licenses for up to three months in the Bahamas.
Modesty: There are no nude beaches on the Bahaman islands. In general, the culture is very modest, and tourists would do well to cover up swim attire when walking about.
Bahamas History & Trivia
Most people can easily envision the paradise-like turquoise beaches and ivory sands that comprise the Bahamas, but there are many little-known facts about the islands that may be of note to some visitors, such as:
- The Bahamas have the third highest GDP, making the Bahamas the third richest nation after Canada and the United States.
- It has actually snowed on the islands of the Bahamas. In 1977, upon a freakish cold-front from the coast of Florida, snowflakes fell on the islands. Of course, snow was unable to accumulate and it has never happened since.
- Many are familiar with the deep blue hole off of the coast of Belize. Few are aware that off of the Bahaman coast lays the deepest blue hole, Dean’s Blue Hole. This is a famous site for divers and underwater enthusiasts to challenge records and themselves.
- The highest point on all of the islands of the Bahamas is little more than a hill at only 207 feet above sea level. This ranks the Bahaman high point fifth from the bottom as far as highest national peaks, globally.
- Christopher Columbus touched down on the Bahaman islands. Columbus’s travels and landings have been speculated and debated, but nearly all historians plant Columbus in the Bahamas either directly before or directly after he “discovered America” in total.
Tips for Traveling to the Bahamas
Passports: Yes, passports are a must for any international traveler. Though this has been true for air passengers for longer, passports only became a requirement in 2009 for cruise passengers.
Vaccines: Not required but recommended. Many people travel to the Bahamas and never get sick because the island does not house any proprietary tropical diseases. However, other passengers are opting to vaccinate because tuberculosis and malaria are not unheard of, though rare. The choice to vaccinate or not is entirely at traveler discretion.
Cell phones: A majority of American cell phones will be roaming in the Bahaman islands and may receive no service on the outer islands. Cell phones that do not work can be “unlocked” for a small fee once on the island, and international cyberphone options are also available.
Electrical outlets: Outlets and plugs are standard in the Bahamas for American visitors.
Best Times to Visit the Bahamas
December to February
- Climate: Coolest, driest months. Temperatures averaging in the low to mid-seventies.
- Advantages: If you like a bustling atmosphere, or want to escape the winter drag at home, this is the time for you. The winter Junkanoo festival is in December.
- Disadvantages: Not as serene and relaxing. Usually the busiest and most expensive time of the year. Trips to the Bahamas for these months should be booked the furthest in advance.
March & April
- Climate: Temperate, a mix of precipitation and dry days, average temperatures in the mid to high seventies.
- Advantages: If you are a spring-breaker or someone who is looking to party and enjoy libations and loud music, this is the ideal time to visit. The weather is very nice this time of year.
- Disadvantages: This is a loud, boisterous time of the year for the Bahamas. If your trip is for business, relaxation, or family fun, this may not be the ideal time to travel. Hotels are likely to be busy and noisy in these months, and beaches will be much more populated.
May to November
- Climate: The warmest time of the year, and the wettest too. Average temperatures in the eighties and up.
- Advantages: There is a lot going on at this time of year, especially in June and July. This is overall the best time to travel to the Bahamas. Hotels are usually at their cheapest – 60% or more off of the usual rates.
- Disadvantages: The outer islands are usually completely closed to visitors for these months.
Traveling to the Bahamas is a fairly easy international experience, compared to the complicated language barriers and vaccination conundrums that can sometimes hinder international travel. Moreover, the islands are beautiful and festive at any time of year, and the weather is like paradise year-round. The islands are rich with culture, history, and activity that simply cannot be matched.
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If you’re ready to learn even more about The Bahamas, contact us today. And discover how we can help you implement some of these amazing fun facts into your destination wedding or event!