The Basics of Vacationing on Grand Bahama Island
The best time to visit Grand Bahama is from September through May when the temperatures average between 70-75 degrees. The rest of the year it is warmer with average temperatures of 80-85 degrees. There are trade winds that blow continually around the island. The rainy season in Grand Bahama is from May to November. There are also chances of hurricanes during this time.
The Grand Bahama International Airport serves Grand Bahama. Scheduled and charter air carriers serving
Grand Bahama Island include Air Tran, American Eagle, Bahamasair, Gulfstream/Continental; US Airways, Western Air and others.
Grand Bahama International also has 24-hour taxi service. Freeport Harbor also is a major port for many cruise lines, which service the island. On Grand Bahama there is a public bus transportation system that operates between both Port Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar to the downtown area as well as from downtown to the outer areas of West End and East End. Taxis are available all around Grand Bahama as you can call them or flag them down. There are also cabstands at many of the hotels. The metered rates vary throughout the islands but they are reasonable and are fixed rates by law. There are surcharges that apply for more than two passengers and a 15% tip is suggested for the driver. There are also scooter, bicycle, and motorcycle rentals available on the island. Travelers can also rent cars from agencies at the airport. If driving British rules apply, so driving is on the left and watch out for the roundabouts. Travelers can use their home licenses for up to three months and can also apply for an international driver’s license. Pedestrians should remember to look right before they cross the streets.
The phone code for the Bahamas, Nassau, is 1-242. Batelco sells phone cards but it is much cheaper to phone from wherever you are staying. For mobile phones if you have a prepaid cell phone that is in the US such as Erickson, Motorola or Nokia, Batelco charges a connection fee of $75.00 to provide mobile service on the island but you will have to pay extra for minutes. The rates are 40 cents in the day and 20 cents at night. If you don’t have a phone, you can purchase one for $199.00, with $45.00 worth of minutes. There are Internet cafes around the islands and at many of the hotels and resorts.
There are many markets on the island and you can find anything you may need. If you are on medication it is recommended that you bring enough for the trip. A passport and return ticket is a requirement. There is a hospital on Grand Bahama. It is also a recommendation that you have valid health insurance.
One of the best festivals in the Bahamas is the “JUNKANOO SUMMER” STREET FESTIVAL held from August 3-8. The street festival is held on the lawn of the former Royal Oasis Resort. Junkanoo Summer provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with the Grand Bahamian people in a cultural setting. It features a Junkanoo Rush-out, live performances by local bands, local food, arts & craft, drama and a Junkanoo Summer Song Competition.
There are thousands of resorts and hotels on Grand Bahama, but vacation rentals are rising in popularity here due to the privacy that they allow. Before you head to Grand Bahama, make sure that you check into vacation rentals as you can find them throughout the year in some of the best places on the island.
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