Bahamas at a Glance

DIVING SEASONS: The Bahamas has a year-round diving season with water temperatures ranging from 75 degrees in the winter months to 85 degrees in the summer months. The topside temperatures remain constant averaging 82 degrees. Divers can use dive skins during late spring, summer and well into the fall. Winter months generally require a thin wetsuit.TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Canadian and U.S. citizens do not need a passport for a visit that does not extend beyond three weeks. However, you do need proof of citizenship and photo identification.CURRENCY: U.S. dollars are readily accepted throughout the islands, as are most credit cards. In some of the more remote Out Islands, credit cards are not always accepted. Be sure to check with your resort. Bahamas dollars are at even par with U.S. dollars.AIR TRANSPORTATION: Nassau and Freeport are the major hubs in the Bahamas. Charter planes and scheduled flights leave from Miami and Fort Lauderdale almost hourly. Private planes may enter the Bahamas through any of 27 ports of entry. ELECTRICITY: Same as the U.S. - North American Standard 120 volts at 60 cycles. TIME: Eastern standard time prevails on all the islands except during the summer, when Eastern daylight-saving time is adopted.COMMUNICATIONS: Direct-dial telephones, fax and telex service are widely available throughout the islands.TIPPING: Most resorts and restaurants add a 15-percent service charge to your bill to cover gratuities. If it is not clearly visible on the bill, ask your hostess.TRANSPORTATION: Car rentals are available in Nassau, Freeport and on some of the larger Out Islands. Taxis or private transportation are widely available as are motor scooters. Driving is British style - use the left side of the road.DEPARTURE TAX: A $15 departure fee will be collected at the airport when you leave the islands. Children under three years are exempt.DIVING MEDICAL SUPPORT: There is a hyperbaric chamber in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island as well as Nassau on New Providence Island. Air evacuation services are available on all islands that supply diving services. All Bahamas diving operators carry oxygen and emergency first-aid supplies. LIVE-ABOARD DIVING: For more information about live-aboard diving the Bahamas from West Palm Beach, click onto the information bar below.