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Freeport, Grand Bahama: Why Go

Recommendations & Suggestions

BEFORE YOU GO: The Bahamas
Bahamas

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND CUSTOMS:
-Starting January 23, 2007, all U.S., Canadian, Mexican, and Bermudian citizens must carry a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States.
-Non-U.S. citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.
-Upon arrival in the Bahamas, you'll be given an Immigration Card to complete and sign. The Bahamian customs official will stamp the card and return it to you. Be sure to keep the card in a safe place, because you'll need to turn it in upon departure from the Bahamas.
-Visitors leaving The Bahamas for U.S. destinations clear U.S. Customs and Immigration before departure. U.S. citizens are allowed to bring back $600 worth of merchandise duty-free. Above that, you'll be charged a flat rate of 10% duty on the next $1000 worth of purchases. Be sure to save all of your merchandise receipts, because it's easy to spend a lot in the fabulous shops.
-Departure tax, which is not included in this package, is $15 in U.S. or Bahamian dollars, payable at the airport when leaving the Bahamas.

LANGUAGE:
-Bahamians speak English with an accent influenced by their Scottish, Irish and/or African ancestry.

CURRENCY:
-Currency is the Bahamian Dollar (B$1), which is on par with the US Dollar (B$1=US$1). Both types of currency are accepted everywhere in The Bahamas.
-24-hour ATMs are widely available in The Bahamas and major international credit cards are accepted in most places.
-Traveler's Checks are accepted at most large hotels and stores, but you may have trouble cashing them at local boutiques and restaurants.
-Tipping for service is usually 15%, although some hotels and restaurants automatically add a gratuity to the bill.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION:
-It's not necessary to rent a car in The Bahamas, but car rental counters are located outside baggage claim at Nassau and Freeport Airports. National chains and local companies are available, but it's best to stick with the recognizable companies. Rentals may be reserved in advance by calling Avis or other company, and may also be booked through many hotels on the island.
-Be sure to closely examine your rental car before exiting the airport, because you may be charged for any damages, even if they were present at the time of rental.
-Bahamians drive on the LEFT! This can be a bit confusing because most cars are American, with the steering wheel on the left (see your local mailman/woman for help!).
-Taxis are widely available at airports, hotels and business areas. Rates are $2.20 for two passengers for mile, 30 cents for each additional mile. Cabs can also be hired by the hour for $20, and $10 for each additional hour. Be sure to agree on a fare before you get in.
-Buses are called Jitneys in Nassau and Freeport, and they provide an inexpensive way to get around. Buses stop near most hotels and exact change of 75 cents or $1 is required.

ELECTRICITY:
-120 volts/60 cycles, which is compatible with the US.

HEALTH & SAFETY:
-Just as you would when traveling to an unfamiliar area, consult any major guidebook or check with your hotel about any areas to avoid or precautions to take, and use common sense.
-Overall, Bahamians are extremely friendly and helpful but if unwanted advances are made by a stranger, simply avoid contact or respond with a firm but polite "no thanks."
-Most hotels offer a safe for your valuables, but the safest option is always to leave any treasured valuables like expensive jewelry at home.
-The Caribbean sunshine is very strong, so bring plenty of sun block and enjoy!

CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE:
When calling Customer Service from The Bahamas, dial 1800-USA-ATT1 prior to the toll-free number printed in your confirmation e-mail.

NOTE: U.S. State Department passport, visa and travel advisory information may be found at www.state.gov/www/services.html

Casino at Bahamia
W. Sunrise Highway
Phone: 242.352.9661

Located next to the Bahamia Tower and Country Club, The Casino at Bahamia offers 20,000 square feet of gaming action, including slot machines, poker tables, blackjack, craps, video poker, roulette, and sports booking. Comedians and Las Vegas-style cabaret acts perform at the Casino Royale Theater.

Freeport Bahamas Sportfishing
Lucayan Marina Village
Phone: 242.373.8888 x522

Captain Chris and crew guarantee a wonderful day on the water. A native of the Bahamas, Captain Chris is one of the most respected fishermen in the islands and has been fishing the waters of Freeport for over 25 years. Board a 55-foot luxury ocean sportfisherman vessel and head out to sea in search of wahoo, tuna, kingfish, barracuda, mackerel and bonita. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, food and drink--bait is provided!

For one to six people, half-day charters (4 hours) cost $450, 3/4 day charters (6 hours) cost $650 and full-day charters (8 hours) cost $900. Reservations are required.

Our Lucaya Golf Club
Royal Palm Way
Phone: 242.373.1333

Our Lucaya resort is home to two of the top golf courses on Grand Bahama Island:

Host to the most prestigious golfing events in the Caribbean, the Lucayan Course at Our Lucaya resort is among the top 100 golf resorts in the world. Built by famed designer Dick Wilson, the course features well-protected elevated greens, pristine fairways lined with tropical foliage and trademark Wilson doglegs. Although the Lucayan Course uses water hazards sparingly, the 6,824-yard track presents challenges unequalled in the Caribbean.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the Reef Course at Our Lucaya resort is brand new and has already been selected as the home of the Senior PGA Tour's "The Lucayan Senior Slam" for the next three years. Thirteen of its eighteen holes are bordered by water, and at 6,930 yards from championship tees, the Reef Course tests even the most prominent golfers.

A tip for golfers who have never teed off in the Bahamas--all of the greens are Bermuda grass and every putt is influenced by grain--all balls will tend to break more toward the setting sun (west south west). Fore!

Rates for 18 holes are $120 for non-guests, $100 for guests of Our Lucaya resort, including greens fees and a mandatory shared cart. The rate for 9 holes is $66. Advance tee times are required.

Pinetree Stables
Beachway Drive North
Phone: 242.373.3600

Saddle up for a two-hour guided trail ride on Grand Bahama Island. Wind through the Pine Forest and Rocky Coppice. Cross a Wetland and trot along the beach and into the sea. Yes, you will get wet!

Friendly guides and reliable trail horses lead the way and prior horseback riding experience is not required. Minimum rider age is 8 years and maximum rider weight is 200 pounds. Jeans and sneakers are suggested for your comfort. The trail ride costs $65 per person and reservations are required.

The Resort at Bahamia Tennis Club
The Mall at West Sunrise Highway
Phone: 242.350.7000

Year-round blue skies and warm weather provide ideal conditions for a tennis match at The Resort at Bahamia. The resort offers nine courts including both hard surface and clay surface. The courts are lighted for night play, available by special arrangement.

Guests and non-guests are accommodated with advance reservations. The minimum hourly court charge is $10 and tennis rackets are available for rent.

Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO)
Port Lucaya
Phone: 242.373.1244

The Underwater Explorers Society, established in 1965, has been rated "the most sophisticated and best equipped dive facility in the world" by Skin Diver Magazine. Only at UNEXSO can you dive in the open water with dolphins, experience the adrenaline rush on a heart pounding shark dive, and view the splendor of an intact freighter lying in 100 feet of crystal clear water. In addition to diving for certified divers, UNEXSO offers snorkeling adventures, dolphin encounters and learn-to-dive programs.

Reservations are required and rates vary depending on the activity. It's best to call 800.992.DIVE before leaving for your trip to inquire about availability. Reef dives cost $35, while signature adventure dives range from $49 to $169. Snorkeling ranges from $10-$39 and dolphin encounters $39-99. Sport equipment and photography rentals are available.