Grand Bahama Island Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation (2024)

FAQs

What is Grand Bahama best known for? ›

Grand Bahama Island is one of the most popular, family friendly islands in The Bahamas. We're home to unique world-class resorts and boutique hotels nestled among miles of beautiful beaches, nature preserves and emerald-green seas.

It's safe to drink, but here's the scoop: Water Quality: In urban areas like Nassau, tap water is A-okay. But in more remote places, it's best to stick with bottled water. Taste: Bahamian tap water might taste a bit different from what you're used to.

The Abacos are considered some of the safest islands in The Bahamas and are known for being family-friendly. The Abaco Islands have only a population of around 17,000 and are made up of Great Abaco, Little Abaco, and several smaller barrier cays. See crime statistics in The Bahamas on the Royal Bahaman Police website.

Winter. Winter is the best time to go to The Bahamas. In December, January, and February, average temperatures in Nassau hover around 73℉ (22.7℃) with highs reaching a comfortable 81℉ (27.2℃). Winter is the dry season, with rainfall of two inches (50mm) per month.

Whether you want to discover 800 miles of beaches, swim with pigs in the Exumas, or... Natural beauty conspires with resort vitality to make Grand Bahama Island one of the Bahamas' most well-rounded, diverse destinations.

Hurricane Dorian made landfall in The Abaco Islands, in the northern Bahamas, and then Grand Bahama Island — at full Category 5 strength in September 2019. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever make its way across the Atlantic and is regarded as the worst natural disaster in Bahamas history.

Crime Rate: It's moderate, so stay cautious. Danger Zones: Be extra careful in Grand Bahama (Freeport) and Nassau's “Over the Hill” area. COVID Safety: No restrictions, but cases exist, so take precautions. Natural Disasters: Hurricane season is from August to October, and earthquakes are rare.

Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD). The Bahamian dollar is typically on par with the U.S. Dollar (USD). The U.S. Dollar is accepted throughout The Bahamas. Climate: Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream currents and balmy trade winds, Grand Bahama Island has sub-tropical weather, which is generally pleasant all year long.

Do you need a car on Grand Bahama? ›

Vacationers can get around Grand Bahama Island a variety of ways: taxi cabs, rental cars, motor scooters and jitney buses are available throughout the island. If you are driving, remember to drive on the left side of the road.

According to the police report, the most commonly reported crimes are theft, including armed robbery, stealing, and stealing from vehicles. Despite this, Nassau is still perfectly safe to enjoy when taking the same precautions you usually practice in most cities worldwide.

The State Department considers the Bahamas a slightly safer destination, with a Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution), due to crime.

So, in terms of that, the worst time to visit the Bahamas would be during the rainiest months of the year – August and September. During these months, the chance of rain is up to 42%, with a monthly rainfall of 208 mm.

May to October are the wettest months of the year and hurricanes may also make landfall here between June and November, so consider buying travel insurance.

“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.”