The Bahamas is off the coast of Florida and is approximately a 3-hour flight from New York. It's the perfect tropical vacation without traveling too far and experiencing some of the most "instagrammable" moments on the water. If you have a long holiday weekend or just want to "work from home" for a few days, it's definitely a great home away from home. Many people think that the Bahamas is just an island. However, it is a country made up of over 700 islands and cays with various attractions worth exploring. New Providence is the capital, and the most popular island in The Bahamas with Nassau being its city. Its self-proclaimed sun, sand and sea is truly worth a visit or two. However, being aware of activities that can make these trips more costly or inconvenient is worth knowing. The Bahamas is dollar for dollar with the US, but expenses can be a bit costly. Here are a few ways to reduce costs as it relates to transportation, resorts, water excursions, food and beverage.
Upon arrival you will not have access to Lyft or Uber, however you will be greeted by various taxi drivers willing to take you to your destination. These taxi drivers typically don't have set rates so it's best to ask the total cost of your commute to your destination before jumping into their cab. Once they give you a rate, negotiating pricing is possible, by letting the driver know that you will use them throughout your stay. That way you can also build a relationship with one of the locals that can act as an unofficial tour guide and provide you with additional information when needed.
Renting a car is also a great option as it can be a cheaper alternative to paying for taxis to and from your destinations, especially if you're staying at an Airbnb. In The Bahamas motorist drive on the left whereas in the US motorist drive on the right side of the road. Additional caution is required as other motorist can be hostile and roads in the Bahamas have many roundabouts.
Before you arrive, it is best to withdraw sufficient cash for at least two days to cover taxi, souvenirs and tips as many places in The Bahamas do not still have credit card machines or machines that work consistently. US dollars are 1 to 1 with Bahamian dollars and it's possible to use it anywhere in the country.
Nassau being the capital of The Bahamas is where most locals live and where the majority of tourist visit. It has large resorts that caterers to all the needs of family, friends or business travelers. These large resorts do come with a hefty price tag. The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island that is basically a 10-minute bridge commute from Nassau is known for its underwater theme, water park, aquarium, dolphins and myriad of restaurants, pools and activities is now known for its Disney World like prices. It's worth knowing that a bottle of water can cost an average of $5 where you can find the same water 10 minutes away for $1. Staying at the resort can be great if you are looking to be surrounded by all the action but can result in a hotel bill that's the cost of a college tuition. Alternatively, staying at a nearby resort such as Comfort Suites. Warwick or Riu or an Airbnb can save you drastically on the overprice tag and then booking a day pass to the Atlantis Water Park can get you full access to all the water slides without overspending. Grocery shopping before you arrive to your accommodations for snacks and water can also reduce excessive expenses on necessities at these resorts that are more expensive. Baha Mar is also another great resort to visit although its pricing is on the higher end you won't find yourself lost in overspending as Atlantis.
Water adventures is definitely a must-do! But should be planned in advance so that you can be aware of the cost and factor it in before you travel, no one likes feeling that I went over budget feeling or not being able to experience something because of the unexpected price tag and trust me its unexpected. From going to see the dolphins, sharks or pigs you will be typically hit with a $100 price tag, and that's just the basic activities. It's worth knowing that you can take a speed boat to other islands such as Exuma that offer food and drinks and authentic exploration of The Bahamas wild and sea life for an average of $300 per person for a day. This speed boat tour to Exuma is definitely an unforgettable experience I would recommend to any visitor. Check out WildWillysWaterSports on Instagram for great packages and deals for excursions.
We know eating out can be costly wherever you go really. So, I won't dive too much into the cost of food in restaurants. But it's worth knowing that the majority of the food in the Bahamas is imported from the US so there are customs duties that increases the overall cost of food and beverages. However, if you really want to experience real local dishes as affordable prices you can stop by "Fish Fry" an area known as Arawak Cay that is a boardwalk of restaurants and bars that sell Bahamian food and drinks worth trying, notably conch salad, guava duff and sky juice, definitely 10/10. It's also worth trying a private chef while on vacation. food and beverage can be cheaper than at a restaurant and you can save funds on the transportation and taxes that the typical restaurant will charge and most importantly, menus can be tailored to your exact desires. I'll definitely recommend. Hanna Hospitality in The Bahamas also known as FineFoods242 on Instagram is perfect when you are looking for a private chef or even just a cake for a special occasion.
The Bahamas is a great destination to travel to for family or friends group trips. Planning ahead can make your stay more fun and can help you avoid any unexpected expenses. Additionally, doing so can help you save on plane tickets as well. Although the Bahamas is a year-round destination there is an influx of people during the winter months. So, you are sure to find some great deals during the summer. It's also worth noting that using Instagram and TripAdvisor for finding the perfect taxi driver, chef or water activities can make all the difference. I know since you read this you are on your way to a great trip in the sun, sand and sea!
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