QUESTIONS PEOPLE FREQUENTLY ASK US
1) How far in advance should I book my trip? Book as far in advance as you possibly can. Booking a six to eight months in advance for prime dates is not too far for the better bonefishing lodges. Booking at least four months is recommended, though at times there are still dates available closer to the time you plan to travel. Remember that March, April and May are the most popular bonefishing months, and the top guides are requested well in advance for these months. October and November are also two of our favorite months. Also, if you plan on using frequent flier miles for travel, booking six months ahead is minimum.
2) How is the drinking water? You can drink the water from the tap at the major resorts in Nassau and Freeport. Otherwise, each island is different and you should use caution. Andros Island has more fresh water that any Bahamian island, yet we always drink bottled water on Andros. Bottled water should also be used for brushing your teeth. We recommend drinking bottled water at all times throughout most of the Bahamas, if for nothing else but the taste. As a doctor friend of our says, "any time you change your water, your system can get upset. Why take a chance on ruining your vacation?" Bottled drinking water is available on all the Out Islands.
3) Are groceries and liquor available on the Out Islands? This depends on the island, but all the islands rely on supply boats or aircraft. The smaller the settlement or the more remote a location, the less often it is resupplied. This includes some of the established fishing lodges. It is not uncommon for fresh fruit, produce, milk, or red meat to run low, or run out. At times, bottled water can run out. Red meat, milk and eggs are also expensive items in general. If you have special requests for food, soft drink, liquor, or need a special diet, you need to make these arrangements ahead of time, and we suggest doing this at the time you make your booking. Also, you can take your own liquor and wine to any lodge. They will usually have ice, mixers, etc. Our motto is simple, "when in doubt, stock up." If we're staying in a rented house, cottage, or whatever, we stock up right away, or as soon as we can, based on available supplies. We also establish a rapport with the local grocery people to find out the resupply days. It pays to be at the store when the boat arrives. You need to find out ahead of time if liquor is available at local stores, so you can take your own if necessary. If you like particular brands of wine or liquor, we recommend that you take them with you. Kalik, the beer of The Bahamas, is available almost everywhere.
4) How do payments work on the Out Islands? Are credit cards and traveler's checks okay? Cash is always accepted and preferred. US dollars are one-to-one with the Bahamian dollar, and both are accepted everywhere. Travelers' checks, credit cards and personal checks, when accepted, will often be charged a service fee of 2 percent to 5 percent per use. Many Out Island establishments do not accept credit cards, traveler's checks or personal checks, period. Also, change may not be available for large bills, so be sure to have plenty of small bills. It is your responsibility to know what forms of payment are accepted at each location you visit. If you are booking on your own, make sure you know all payment and cancellation policies.
5) Is medical care available? Yes, but depending on where you are, it might take hours to reach a clinic or a doctor. National health care clinics in The Bahamas are good. In addition to larger facilities in Freeport and Nassau, the Ministry of Health operates more than one hundred clinics throughout the Out Islands. As in the US, the larger clinics offer more services than the smaller, remote clinics. When additional care is needed, patients are flown to Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau. For very serious accidents and illnesses, Air Ambulance services can be called to evacuate people to West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. You will be billed for this service, and rates are extremely high. Prescription drugs are available in the larger towns and settlements, but supplies can be limited. You should take all necessary prescription medicines with you in your carry on luggage. You should always travel with your health insurance card or information. We recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which can also include trip health insurance, and emergency air evacuation insurance. It is your responsibility to know what care is or is not available at any destination you visit.
6) What about boat, car, golf cart and other rentals? All types of rentals are available in Nassau and Freeport. Limited supplies of rentals are available on the Out Islands. We recommend booking your rentals ahead of time, along with the rest of your trip. Booking rentals ahead of time is essential during the prime months, especially in places like Treasure Cay or Elbow Cay, where boats, cars, and golf carts are limited in numbers. Car rentals are generally expensive, between $70 and $90 per day, though deals are available for rentals of a week or more.
7) Should I bring my own fishing gear? Definitely! You should always take your own fly-fishing gear if possible. that said, some lodges do have rental fly-fishing equipment, and some guides have back-up gear if something happens to yours. You should check on this in advance of your trip. Conventional fishing gear is more readily available, though we recommend taking your own if you have it. Most offshore fishing boats provide conventional fishing gear and lures. There is always an additional charge for bait.
8) Should I take my own snorkeling and diving gear? Yes, definitely take your own snorkeling gear, but the better dive operations will have complete diving and snorkeling gear. You should confirm this before your trip and reserve this gear in advance however. We always take our own masks, snorkels and fins. This way we are sure the gear fits comfortably, and we have the flexibility to use it whenever we choose. One of the best dive operations in the Bahamas is Small Hope Bay Lodge, located just north of Fresh Creek on Andros.
9) How is the nightlife, including restaurants? Nightlife rocks in Nassau and Freeport. Everywhere else it is fairly sedate, though special parties and events are held throughout the Out Islands, most commonly on Friday and Saturday nights. As for restaurants, we suggest making reservations, or at least confirming hours of operation, in all cases. The better Out Island restaurants fill up during prime months, and others may or may not open unless they have reservations. There are often bands that play at various "hot" locations on the Out Islands. Ask at the lodge you're staying at. The locals are very friendly, and you are always welcome at one of these parties. Lot's of fun!
10) Will my cellular phone operate in the Bahamas? The Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) has automatic roaming agreements with cellular carriers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. About 75% of US cell phone plans have roaming in Nassau and Grand Bahama. Fewer are operational in the Family Islands. Call and talk to your cell service provider before you travel, and ask about their specific plan options, then choose the one that fits your needs.
Most other foreign cell phone service plans will not usually work within The Bahamas. You can purchase a a "Cybercell" Bahamas Prepaid SIM Card from BTC. The SIM card, together with a tri-band unlocked GSM cell phone, will allow you to have a local cell phone number for the Bahamas while paying local rates - no roaming charges and no service contract. Many shops will unlock your US cell phone for a small fee and without much of a wait
11) How do I make overseas calls from the Bahamas? You will find that most pay telephones in the Bahamas have discontinued accepting quarters. To use these pay phones you require a prepaid phone card issued by BTC (The Bahamas Telecommunications Company). The cards are readily for sale from vending machines, many stores and restaurants, and from BTC offices. They come in denominations starting at $5.00. If you use a pay phone you can access the following long distance carriers toll free (but you will need the card to initiate the call). To use your service from the Bahamas or you can simply use a regular phone.
AT&T Canada Country Direct 1-800-389-0004
Canada Direct (Stentor) 1-800-463-0501
MCI Call USA 1-800-888-8000
Sprint Express 1-800-389-2111
USA Direct 1-800-872-2881 (AT&T)
U.K. Direct 1-800-389-4444
Blocked phones and prepaid cards: many local phones do not offer long distance service as they lack the ability to dial beyond seven (7) digits. In this case you may not use the above 800 numbers to access your service without first initiating the call using a Bahamas Direct Prepaid Card. These cards differ in appearance and usage and must be purchased from BTC. At the time of purchase you pay the full amount of the card value (you can choose denomination from $10 and up). The card renders a local access number that is only seven (7) digits enabling you to place long distance calls against your Bahamas Prepaid Card or by dialing one of the above services at the numbers listed.
12) What about bugs? Yep, lots of bugs live in the Bahamas. The islands with a lot of fresh water lakes, like Andros, have the most "doctor flies." These big green-headed flies draw blood when they bite. They mostly live around mangroves, so you'll be most susceptible when you're out fishing. Wearing long pants will protect you, especially when wading, as these bugs mostly like to bite legs and feet. Around lodges and on the beaches, mosquitoes and No See 'Ums will be out when the wind is down, and in the evening and early morning. Avon Skin So Soft works against the No See 'Ums, while regular DEET-enhanced repellent works against the mosquitoes. If the bugs really like you, wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and shoes with socks when you go out to dinner.
13) How do I get tide information for the Out Islands? There are numerous web sites with tide charts and data for the various NOAA tide stations in the Bahamas. You can obtain this information directly from the NOAA web site, or Google these additional sites. However, there are many elements involved in understanding the tides on any particular island. Usually the tide will be about two hours later on the lee side of the island, from the windward side. Also, the tides vary as you boat or drive north to south on an island. Large bays tucked up near land receive the tide much later than outlying areas, and the wind can actually stop tides from reaching these inland areas at time. So, many factors determining the tides aside from the well known moon phases. Often your best bet for reliable tide information is to obtain it on arrival at your destination. If you would like to purchase your own tide software, to create you own tide charts with customized data you provide, call Bluewater Books & Charts at (954 763-6533.
2) How is the drinking water? You can drink the water from the tap at the major resorts in Nassau and Freeport. Otherwise, each island is different and you should use caution. Andros Island has more fresh water that any Bahamian island, yet we always drink bottled water on Andros. Bottled water should also be used for brushing your teeth. We recommend drinking bottled water at all times throughout most of the Bahamas, if for nothing else but the taste. As a doctor friend of our says, "any time you change your water, your system can get upset. Why take a chance on ruining your vacation?" Bottled drinking water is available on all the Out Islands.
3) Are groceries and liquor available on the Out Islands? This depends on the island, but all the islands rely on supply boats or aircraft. The smaller the settlement or the more remote a location, the less often it is resupplied. This includes some of the established fishing lodges. It is not uncommon for fresh fruit, produce, milk, or red meat to run low, or run out. At times, bottled water can run out. Red meat, milk and eggs are also expensive items in general. If you have special requests for food, soft drink, liquor, or need a special diet, you need to make these arrangements ahead of time, and we suggest doing this at the time you make your booking. Also, you can take your own liquor and wine to any lodge. They will usually have ice, mixers, etc. Our motto is simple, "when in doubt, stock up." If we're staying in a rented house, cottage, or whatever, we stock up right away, or as soon as we can, based on available supplies. We also establish a rapport with the local grocery people to find out the resupply days. It pays to be at the store when the boat arrives. You need to find out ahead of time if liquor is available at local stores, so you can take your own if necessary. If you like particular brands of wine or liquor, we recommend that you take them with you. Kalik, the beer of The Bahamas, is available almost everywhere.
4) How do payments work on the Out Islands? Are credit cards and traveler's checks okay? Cash is always accepted and preferred. US dollars are one-to-one with the Bahamian dollar, and both are accepted everywhere. Travelers' checks, credit cards and personal checks, when accepted, will often be charged a service fee of 2 percent to 5 percent per use. Many Out Island establishments do not accept credit cards, traveler's checks or personal checks, period. Also, change may not be available for large bills, so be sure to have plenty of small bills. It is your responsibility to know what forms of payment are accepted at each location you visit. If you are booking on your own, make sure you know all payment and cancellation policies.
5) Is medical care available? Yes, but depending on where you are, it might take hours to reach a clinic or a doctor. National health care clinics in The Bahamas are good. In addition to larger facilities in Freeport and Nassau, the Ministry of Health operates more than one hundred clinics throughout the Out Islands. As in the US, the larger clinics offer more services than the smaller, remote clinics. When additional care is needed, patients are flown to Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau. For very serious accidents and illnesses, Air Ambulance services can be called to evacuate people to West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. You will be billed for this service, and rates are extremely high. Prescription drugs are available in the larger towns and settlements, but supplies can be limited. You should take all necessary prescription medicines with you in your carry on luggage. You should always travel with your health insurance card or information. We recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which can also include trip health insurance, and emergency air evacuation insurance. It is your responsibility to know what care is or is not available at any destination you visit.
6) What about boat, car, golf cart and other rentals? All types of rentals are available in Nassau and Freeport. Limited supplies of rentals are available on the Out Islands. We recommend booking your rentals ahead of time, along with the rest of your trip. Booking rentals ahead of time is essential during the prime months, especially in places like Treasure Cay or Elbow Cay, where boats, cars, and golf carts are limited in numbers. Car rentals are generally expensive, between $70 and $90 per day, though deals are available for rentals of a week or more.
7) Should I bring my own fishing gear? Definitely! You should always take your own fly-fishing gear if possible. that said, some lodges do have rental fly-fishing equipment, and some guides have back-up gear if something happens to yours. You should check on this in advance of your trip. Conventional fishing gear is more readily available, though we recommend taking your own if you have it. Most offshore fishing boats provide conventional fishing gear and lures. There is always an additional charge for bait.
8) Should I take my own snorkeling and diving gear? Yes, definitely take your own snorkeling gear, but the better dive operations will have complete diving and snorkeling gear. You should confirm this before your trip and reserve this gear in advance however. We always take our own masks, snorkels and fins. This way we are sure the gear fits comfortably, and we have the flexibility to use it whenever we choose. One of the best dive operations in the Bahamas is Small Hope Bay Lodge, located just north of Fresh Creek on Andros.
9) How is the nightlife, including restaurants? Nightlife rocks in Nassau and Freeport. Everywhere else it is fairly sedate, though special parties and events are held throughout the Out Islands, most commonly on Friday and Saturday nights. As for restaurants, we suggest making reservations, or at least confirming hours of operation, in all cases. The better Out Island restaurants fill up during prime months, and others may or may not open unless they have reservations. There are often bands that play at various "hot" locations on the Out Islands. Ask at the lodge you're staying at. The locals are very friendly, and you are always welcome at one of these parties. Lot's of fun!
10) Will my cellular phone operate in the Bahamas? The Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) has automatic roaming agreements with cellular carriers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. About 75% of US cell phone plans have roaming in Nassau and Grand Bahama. Fewer are operational in the Family Islands. Call and talk to your cell service provider before you travel, and ask about their specific plan options, then choose the one that fits your needs.
Most other foreign cell phone service plans will not usually work within The Bahamas. You can purchase a a "Cybercell" Bahamas Prepaid SIM Card from BTC. The SIM card, together with a tri-band unlocked GSM cell phone, will allow you to have a local cell phone number for the Bahamas while paying local rates - no roaming charges and no service contract. Many shops will unlock your US cell phone for a small fee and without much of a wait
11) How do I make overseas calls from the Bahamas? You will find that most pay telephones in the Bahamas have discontinued accepting quarters. To use these pay phones you require a prepaid phone card issued by BTC (The Bahamas Telecommunications Company). The cards are readily for sale from vending machines, many stores and restaurants, and from BTC offices. They come in denominations starting at $5.00. If you use a pay phone you can access the following long distance carriers toll free (but you will need the card to initiate the call). To use your service from the Bahamas or you can simply use a regular phone.
AT&T Canada Country Direct 1-800-389-0004
Canada Direct (Stentor) 1-800-463-0501
MCI Call USA 1-800-888-8000
Sprint Express 1-800-389-2111
USA Direct 1-800-872-2881 (AT&T)
U.K. Direct 1-800-389-4444
Blocked phones and prepaid cards: many local phones do not offer long distance service as they lack the ability to dial beyond seven (7) digits. In this case you may not use the above 800 numbers to access your service without first initiating the call using a Bahamas Direct Prepaid Card. These cards differ in appearance and usage and must be purchased from BTC. At the time of purchase you pay the full amount of the card value (you can choose denomination from $10 and up). The card renders a local access number that is only seven (7) digits enabling you to place long distance calls against your Bahamas Prepaid Card or by dialing one of the above services at the numbers listed.
12) What about bugs? Yep, lots of bugs live in the Bahamas. The islands with a lot of fresh water lakes, like Andros, have the most "doctor flies." These big green-headed flies draw blood when they bite. They mostly live around mangroves, so you'll be most susceptible when you're out fishing. Wearing long pants will protect you, especially when wading, as these bugs mostly like to bite legs and feet. Around lodges and on the beaches, mosquitoes and No See 'Ums will be out when the wind is down, and in the evening and early morning. Avon Skin So Soft works against the No See 'Ums, while regular DEET-enhanced repellent works against the mosquitoes. If the bugs really like you, wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and shoes with socks when you go out to dinner.
13) How do I get tide information for the Out Islands? There are numerous web sites with tide charts and data for the various NOAA tide stations in the Bahamas. You can obtain this information directly from the NOAA web site, or Google these additional sites. However, there are many elements involved in understanding the tides on any particular island. Usually the tide will be about two hours later on the lee side of the island, from the windward side. Also, the tides vary as you boat or drive north to south on an island. Large bays tucked up near land receive the tide much later than outlying areas, and the wind can actually stop tides from reaching these inland areas at time. So, many factors determining the tides aside from the well known moon phases. Often your best bet for reliable tide information is to obtain it on arrival at your destination. If you would like to purchase your own tide software, to create you own tide charts with customized data you provide, call Bluewater Books & Charts at (954 763-6533.