Bahamas #4 in Best Places to Visit in December of 2023

Why Go To the Bahamas

December is one of the most popular months to visit the Bahamas – and for good reason. By the time this month rolls around, the threat of a hurricane has passed, making December a terrific month to spend some time outdoors. Spend your days lounging on one of the Bahamas’ many beaches, snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear water, or taking a boat tour to a private island. What’s more, if you’re visiting around the holidays, you’ll catch the travel-worthy Junkanoo festival, which celebrates Bahamian culture with parades and festivities on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The roughly 700 islands that make up the Bahamas lure millions of visitors to this paradise’s white sandy shores, duty-free shops, fishing and scuba diving excursions, and luxurious accommodations each year. Families that flock here tend to indulge in the diversions of Atlantis, Paradise Island, and other mega-resorts, but this diverse island chain also offers a range of activities away from the hotel zone. Nature enthusiasts can explore pristine protected areas like the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (on Eleuthera) and Lucayan National Park (on Grand Bahama Island) or take it easy at one of the country’s many beaches or private islands. Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the ruins and artifacts from the colonial era and indigenous peoples like the Lucayan Indians. Plus, with cruise deals available year-round, it’s no wonder why the Bahamas is such a popular vacation destination.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country’s peak season. Though temperatures here are great year-round (rarely dip below 60 degrees), the islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may be a factor between June 1 and November 30 (the Atlantic hurricane season). Most of these months (plus May) also fall within the region’s rainy season, which can leave you with fewer days spent enjoying the islands’ outdoor activities. But keep in mind that mid-December to mid-April’s sublime weather attracts hordes of tourists, so prices will be at their highest and crowds at their thickest during these months.

Culture & Customs

Bahamians are friendly, warm and relaxed people. They’re known to be very welcoming and are happy to educate visitors about the islands. Many of the islands’ residents were descendants of West African slaves while some others emigrated here from England to escape the Puritan movement during the 16th century. It’s these two cultures that have shaped the larger Bahamian culture that exists today.

What to Eat

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Sandals Emerald Bay and other upscale Bahamian hotels and resorts offer a number of restaurants, but these establishments don’t predominantly serve Bahamian fare, and dishes are often pricey. To eat well and like a resident you’ll have to venture outside the hotel district. The islands are renowned for their Johnny cakes (a sweet, cake-like bread) and peas and rice (a side dish that combines rice with pigeon peas), but seafood is prominent on most restaurant menus. Local staples include boiled and fried grouper; conch served in chowder, as a raw salad and in deep-fried fritters; and broiled and steamed rock lobster. Sweet treats like guava duff (a guava-filled pastry topped with rum or brandy butter sauce) and rum cake (a cake that is topped with a delectable rum sauce) are also available at many eateries.

Visitors will find highly regarded restaurants on many Bahamian islands, but travelers say some of the country’s best cuisine is offered at casual pubs and bars on New Providence Island, Grand Bahama Island and Eleuthera. A few local favorites include Pirate Republic Brewing and The Bearded Clam Sports Bar in Nassau; Rum Runners Bar and Da Conch Man in Freeport and Budda Snack Shack and Sandbar Bar & Grill in Spanish Wells. For a more upscale experience, diners suggest checking out Nassau’s Cafe Matisse and Freeport’s Flying Fish.

Various beers, wines and spirits are served throughout the Bahamas, but no visit would be complete without trying some of the country’s rum. New Providence Island’s John Watling’s Distillery is considered one of the country’s best places to sample the liquor and learn more about the rum-making process. And unlike the U.S., the drinking age here is 18.

Safety

The crime rate is high on many Bahamian islands, especially on New Providence, Paradise and Grand Bahama islands. Sexual assault and armed robberies have been reported in the “Over the Hill” area, which starts south of Shirley Street in downtown Nassau. These types of crimes, however, don’t tend to occur in tourist areas, though sexual assaults have occured against tourists who have used Jet Ski operators on Paradise and New Providence islands. It’s important to know that commercial reacreational watercraft, including tours, are not regularly regulated, so boats or water sports equipment may not be up-to-date. Regardless of where you will be staying on the island, it’s still a good idea to keep your belongings safe, leave valuables in your hotel room and stay alert at all times. For more information about security concerns and safety tips for the Bahamas, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

Getting Around the Bahamas

The best way to get around the Bahamas is by car, whether that’s a rental or taxi. If you’re staying at a big resort and plan to remain on-site for the majority of your trip, then taking a taxi to off-site attractions is more cost effective than shelling out money for a rental. (Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are not available in the Bahamas.) On the flipside, if you are looking to do a lot of sightseeing beyond your accommodations, renting a car will be more convenient and budget friendly. There is public transportation (jitney buses) available on some of the islands, but they have garnered a reputation of not being the most reliable, which could put a wrench in your plans, especially if you have a set itinerary for your trip.

The islands’ biggest airports are Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) and Exuma International Airport (GGT). If you are looking to travel between Bahamian islands, there are a handful of domestic airlines available that can service your inter-island needs. And in some Out Islands, you can also simply island hop by boat to get to your destination.

Plane
There several domestic airlines that can get you to your desired island, or islands, around the Bahamas. You’ll find the most options from bigger hubs such as Nassau, Freeport in Grand Bahama and Eleuthera. Bahamasair offers the most options for both interisland routes as well as routes from Florida and other parts of the Caribbean. Other airlines that service interisland travel include Flamingo Air, Silver Airways, Makers Air, Western Air and more.

Car
Renting a car can be helpful if you’re going to explore the areas beyond your resort (just don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road). But car hires and gas are expensive, not to mention the fact that the island’s older and less-traveled roads can be in poor condition. Should you decide to rent your own set of wheels, you’ll find vehicles available at all major Bahamian airports, including Lynden Pindling International, Grand Bahama International and Exuma International (GGT). U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for up to three months of driving in the Bahamas.

Taxi
Taxis are quicker and easier than driving on your own and are one of the best ways to get around. Taxis in the Bahamas aren’t metered and the government already has fixed rates for most routes. Before you get into your taxi, make sure you are clear on the cost of getting to your destination. Taxis can be hailed in more populous cities or you can get one at a taxi stand, typically located at hotels and popular attractions. On the Out Islands, however, it’s best to ask your hotel to order you a taxi.

Jitney
Jitneys, or buses, are the public transportation option in the Bahamas. Jitneys are certainly budget-friendly, with one-way rides costing $1.25 to $3.50 per person. However, jitneys can be chaotic for travelers with a set itinerary. Jitneys operate from about 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. but don’t have set timetables, and you have to wave one down to get it to stop. To get off any jitney, just say “stop” and the driver will pull over to let you off. Fares are paid on board; only exact change is accepted. It’s important to know that jitneys are not available in the Out Islands.

Water Taxi
Despite the ferry and water taxi routes, island-hopping in the Bahamas can be very difficult, time-consuming and expensive. Water taxis provide short service between Nassau and Paradise Island and are common throughout the Out Islands. The most popular inter-island ferry service is Bahamas Ferries, which offers service from Nassau to Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, The Abacos, Long Island, Andros and The Exumas. Rates vary by destination and ticket type (adult or child). Tickets can be purchased in advance on Bahamas Ferries’ Book Now page.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport and proof of your departure date are required for all citizens of the United States traveling to the Bahamas by air or sea. If you travel on a cruise that departs from and returns to a U.S. port, any Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative document (such as a passport card or a U.S. military identification card) is accepted as proof of identity. However, bringing a passport is strongly advised in case of an unforeseen emergency. You won’t need a visa for stays lasting less than 90 days. To learn more about entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Start Saving with iTravelDirect’s Exclusive Travel and Lifestyle Benefits Membership

CLICK HERE to Test-Drive our Guaranteed Savings
We offer a 110% Price Guarantee – Find a lower price anywhere online and we will refund you 110% of the difference.
CLICK HERE for a full list of services and Membership Discounts.
When you join iTravelDirect, you’ll have full access to all club benefits.
Your membership gives you the freedom to travel when you want, to where you want.
And you won’t find lower rates anywhere, guaranteed. So, pack your bags and start planning that vacation of a lifetime today!