39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 351

Index

air travel • A • airlines, 82–84, 350 Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour best fares, 84–85 (Marsh Harbour), 236–237 budgeting for, 71 Abaco Inn (Elbow Cay), 13, 250, 252–253 check-in and security, 121–122 (the Abacos), with children, 104 35, 40–43, 233 Customs procedures, 113, 126 Abaco National Park (Marsh departure tax, 75, 113, 349 Harbour), 245 to Elbow Cay, 233–234, 248 accessibility issues, 99, 106 to Eleuthera, 83, 297, 299 accommodations to , 83–84, 314 beach resorts, budget, 53–54 to Grand Bahama, 83, 185–186 best room at best rate, 100–102 to Harbour Island, 83, 283 children’s programs, 103–105 identification, 112 choosing, 97–99 island hopping, 186 closure, months of, 285 to , 81, 82, 125 discounts, 71, 76 to Paradise Island, 82–83 Elbow Cay, 250–252 to port of embarkation, 87 Eleuthera, 300–304 reservations, 85–86 Exuma, 317–320 to San Salvador, 84, 330 for families, 13–14, 76, 98 Albert Lowe Museum (Green Turtle Grand Bahama, 191–198 Cay), 42, 268 Green Turtle Cay, 262–264 alcoholic beverages, 30 Harbour Island, 285–288 all-inclusive accommodations, 72, 94–95 hideaways, best, 11–12 American Express, 130, 189, 347 honeymooner’s, 12–13, 108–109 Angela’s Starfish (Harbour Island), 289 houseboats, 319 Angler’s Restaurant (Marsh Harbour), Marsh Harbour, 236–238 237, 239 meal plans, 99–100 Anthony’s Caribbean Grill (Paradise New Providence, 132–144 Island), 153 Paradise Island, 98, 134–135 antique stores, 177 phone calls from, 76 architecture, 26 price range, 72, 92–93 Ardastra Gardens & Zoo (Nassau), rack rate, 100,COPYRIGHTED 191 MATERIAL167–168 reservations, online, 100, 101–102 area code, 347 San Salvador, 332–333 art galleries taxes, 349 Grand Bahama, 224, 227 Treasure Cay, 272–274 Green Turtle Cay, 265 types of, 92–96 Nassau, 171 Web sites, 351 New Providence, 177 The Adventurer’s Resort (Eleuthera), Atlantis Aquarium (Paradise Island), 168 300–301 Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino (Paradise Island), 13, 20, 133, 136, 168 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 352

352 Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition

ATMs bareboating, 243 Eleuthera, 312 Beach Bar (Harbour Island), 289 Exuma, 329 Beach Bar & Grill (Treasure Cay), 274 Grand Bahama, 189 beaches Harbour Island, 295 best, 9–10, 55 locating, 347 Elbow Cay, 10, 255–256 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 Eleuthera, 10, 307–308 New Providence, 130 Exuma, 324–325 using, 77–78 Grand Bahama, 10, 211–214 attractions Green Turtle Cay, 266 budgeting for, 74 Harbour Island, 10, 292–293 Elbow Cay, 257 Marsh Harbour, 242 Eleuthera, 308–311 New Providence, 159–163 Exuma, 327–329 Paradise Island, 35–36, 162 Grand Bahama, 218–221 San Salvador, 334 Green Turtle Cay, 268 Treasure Cay, 10, 275 Harbour Island, 293–294 Beckey’s Restaurant & Lounge Marsh Harbour, 244–245 (Freeport), 200 New Providence, 167–175 Best Western Castaways Resort & recommended, 56–57 Suites (Freeport), 192 San Salvador, 335–336 bicycling Treasure Cay, 276 Grand Bahama, 188–189, 221 Green Turtle Cay, 262 Harbour Island, 285 • B • Marsh Harbour, 236 baby sitting, 105, 130, 189 New Providence, 129–130, 174–175 San Salvador, 332 architecture, 26 Treasure Cay, 272 books about, 31–32 Big D’s Conch Spot No. 2 (Exuma), 323 cost of things in, 72 birding, 223, 245 cuisine, 27–30 Bishop’s Restaurant (East End), 200 currency conversion, 79, 347 The Black Angus Grill (Cable easy to reach islands, 59 Beach), 156 geography, 33–34, 341–342 Blue Bar (Harbour Island), 287 history, 21–25 Bluff House Beach Hotel (Green Turtle living on island time, 26 Cay), 13, 261, 262–263, 264 local language, 26–27 Boat House Restaurant (Elbow Cay), 253 myths about, 341–343 boating. See also cruises; kayaking residents, 343 Abacos islands, 346 Web sites, 350 best, 19 Bahamian Club (Paradise Island), 15, 153 Elbow Cay, 256–257, 258, 277 Bahamian Kitchen (Nassau), 146–147 Exuma, 19, 182, 326–327 banana-boating, 214 Grand Bahama, 19, 217 Bank of Nova Scotia (Web site), 347 Great Guana Cay, 246–247 banks, First Caribbean International, 78 Green Turtle Cay, 262, 267, 277 Banyan Beach Club Resort (Treasure Harbour Island, 293 Cay), 14, 273–274 Man-O-War Cay, 277–278 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 353

Index 353

Marsh Harbour, 19, 236, 243 Cap’n Jacks (Elbow Cay), 253 New Providence, 19, 165–166 car rental Rose Island, 182 best rates, 115–116 Treasure Cay, 276 discounts, 76 books about The Bahamas, 31–32 driving on the left, 115 brass and copper goods, 177 Eleuthera, 300 Breezes Bahamas (Cable Beach), Exuma, 317 111, 136 Grand Bahama, 188 bridge tolls, 128 insurance, 115, 116 British Colonial Hilton (Nassau), 138 Man-O-War Cay, 278 Buccaneer Club (Eleuthera), 301 Marsh Harbour, 236 Buccaneer Public Beaches New Providence, 126, 129 (Eleuthera), 308 reasons not to rent, 115 budget for trip, 71–75. See also money San Salvador, 331–332 budget vacation, best islands for, 53–54 Treasure Cay, 272 Buena Vista (Nassau), 146 Web sites, 351 buses carriage ride (Nassau), 129, 344 Exuma, 316 Cartwright’s Ocean Front Cottages Grand Bahama, 187–188, 220 (Eleuthera), 301 Grand Bahama tours, 220–221 cash, carrying, 77–78, 80 Nassau, 128–129 casinos, 20, 127, 342–343 The Cave (Eleuthera), 310 Caves Beach (New Providence), 162 • C • cellphone, 120–121 cabanas, 95, 96 Cherokee Sound (Marsh Harbour), 244 Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island), Chez Willie (Nassau), 14, 150 9–10, 159 Chicago Herald Monument (San Cable Beach (New Providence). See Salvador), 335 also New Providence children accommodations, 136–137, 139, accommodations for, 13–15, 76, 98 142–143 best islands for, 58–59 beaches, 127 dining menus, 98 described, 9, 35, 162 kid-friendly dining, 27 getting to, 126 organized programs for, 103–105 maps, 137, 157 passport for, 114 new developments, 140 safety matters, 114 nightlife, 20 traveling with, 103–105 restaurants, 14–15, 156–158 China Temple (Freeport), 200–201 Café at the Great Hall of Waters Christopher Columbus monuments (Paradise Island), 154 (San Salvador), 335 Café Johnny Canoe (Cable Beach), Churchill’s (Lucaya), 201 31, 156 cigar stores, 177 Café Martinique (Paradise Island), 154 Cigatoo Restaurant (Eleuthera), 305 Café Matisse (Nassau), 147 climate Café Skan’s (Nassau), 147 beach weather, 342 calendar of events, 64–68 forecast, 350 Cambridge Village (Eleuthera), 305 high versus low season, 61–63 Cape Eleuthera (Eleuthera), 307, 309 hurricane season, 63 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 354

354 Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition

climate (continued) cruises. See also boating rainfall, average, 62 airfare deals with, 87 temperature, average, 62 best rates, 89 Web site, 63, 349 to Grand Bahama, 88, 186 clothing stores, 178, 225 major cruise lines, 88–89 Club Med–Columbus Isle (San Salvador) to New Providence, 86–87, 126–127 described, 12, 332 crystal and china shops, 224–225 scuba diving, 334 Crystal Palace Casino (Cable Beach), singles at, 111 12, 20, 144 tennis, 336 cuisine, local, 27–30 Club Med Public Beach (Eleuthera), 308 Cupid’s Cay (Eleuthera), 310 Club Peace & Plenty (Exuma), Curly Tails Restaurant & Bar (Marsh 317–318, 321 Harbour), 239–240 Club Soleil Resort (Elbow Cay), currency exchange, 79, 347 250–251, 253–254 Current Island (Eleuthera), 311 Cockburn Town (San Salvador), 50, Customs procedures, 113, 126 330–331 cybercafes, locating, 120. See also cocktails, 30 Internet access Coco Bay Beach (Green Turtle Cay), 264, 266 Coco Bay Cottages (Green Turtle • D • Cay), 263 day-trips Cocodimama Charming Resort from Elbow Cay, 258 (Eleuthera), 301–302 from Eleuthera, 312 Coconut Cove Hotel (Exuma), 318, 321 from Grand Bahama, 228–229 Coconut’s (Treasure Cay), 274–275 from Green Turtle Cay, 269 coins and stamps, 177–178 from Marsh Harbour, 246–247 Columbus, Christopher (explorer), from Nassau, 182 21–22, 341 from Treasure Cay, 277–278 Comfort Suites (Paradise Island), 138 Delaporte Beach (New conch, 28, 239 Providence), 162 Conch Fritters Bar & Grill (Nassau), 150 departure tax, 75, 113, 349 Conch Inn Hotel & Marina (Marsh dialect, 26–27 Harbour), 237 Dillet’s Guest House (Nassau), 139 condos, 95, 96, 272 directory assistance, 349 Coral Sands (Harbour Island), 285–286 disabilities, travelers with, 106–107 Coral Sands Restaurant (Harbour Dixon Hill Lighthouse (San Salvador), Island), 289–290 50, 335–336 cosmetics, 180 doctor, finding, 118–119. See also cottages or cabanas, 95, 96 hospitals The Cove Eleuthera, 302 Dolcevita Restaurant and Lounge The Cove restaurant (Eleuthera), 305 (Eleuthera), 304 crafts, handicrafts, 178 Dolphin Beach Resort (Great Guana credit cards, 79, 347 Cay), 237–238, 246 Crossing Rocks (Marsh Harbour), 245 dolphin encounters crowds, 38, 49, 63 about, 345 Crowne Plaza Golf Resort & Casino Grand Bahama, 215 (Freeport), 186 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 355

Index 355

Green Turtle Cay, 267 embassies and consulates, 347 New Providence, 166 emeralds, 226 dress code, 348 emergencies drinking water, 30, 119 doctor, finding, 118–119 Duck Inn and Orchid Gardens Elbow Cay, 258 (Eleuthera), 302–303 Eleuthera, 312 Dune (Paradise Island), 15, 154–155 emergency cash, 80 Dunmore Beach Club (Harbour Island), Exuma, 329 12, 286 Grand Bahama, 189 Dunmore Town (Harbour Island), 44, Green Turtle Cay, 269 284, 293–295 Harbour Island, 295 duty-free shopping, 75, 176 lost or stolen wallet, 80 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 New Providence, 130 • E • overview, 347 East Beach (San Salvador), 334, 335 San Salvador, 336 East End (Grand Bahama), 199 Treasure Cay, 278 Eddie’s Edgewater (George Town), 322 etiquette and customs, 343, 347–348 Elbow Cay (Abaco Islands) events calendar, 64–68 accommodations, 54, 250–252 Exuma attractions, 257 accommodations, 317–320 beaches, 10, 255–256 attractions, 327–329 boating tour, 277 beaches, 324–325 day-trips from, 258 boating, 19, 182, 326–327 described, 42 fast facts, 329 fast facts, 258–259 getting around, 316–317 getting around, 249–250 map, 49, 315 getting to, 248 nightlife, 329 map, 249 outdoor recreation, 19, 324–329 nightlife, 258 overview, 35, 48–49, 314–316 outdoor recreation, 17, 256–257 restaurants, 320–324 restaurants, 252–255 Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, electricity, 347 16, 48, 327 Eleuthera accommodations, 54, 300–304 attractions, 308–311 • F • beaches, 10, 307–308 families. See also children day-trips from, 312 accommodations for, 13–14, 76, 98 fast facts, 312–313 best islands for, 58–59 getting around, 299–300 traveling with children, 103–105 getting to, 297, 299 Fatman’s Nephew (Lucaya), 201 map, 46, 298 Ferguson, Amos (artist), 172 nightlife, 311 ferries outdoor recreation, 307–308 to Elbow Cay, 248 overview, 35, 45–48, 297, 299 to Eleuthera, 299, 300 pros and cons of visiting, 47–48 Exuma, 317 restaurants, 305–307 Florida to Freeport, 86 e-mail, 120 to Great Guana Cay, 246 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 356

356 Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition

ferries (continued) geography, 33–34 to Green Turtle Cay, 260–261 George Town (Great Exuma). to Harbour Island, 283 See also Exuma to Man-O-War Cay, 277 map, 315 Marsh Harbour, 236 nightlife, 329 New Providence, 129 overview, 48, 314 tipping, 260 touring, 327–328 Treasure Cay, 277 gift stores, 225 Ferry (Little Exuma), 328 Giovanni’s Café (Lucaya), 204 Ferry House Restaurant (Lucaya), 193, Glass Window (Eleuthera), 310–311 201, 204 glass-bottom boat trips, 217 festivals and parades, 64–68 golf car rentals First Caribbean International Bank, 78 Elbow Cay, 250 Fisherman’s Inn (Exuma), 322 Green Turtle Cay, 262 fishing Harbour Island, 285 best, 18, 57 Treasure Cay, 272 Elbow Cay, 256–257 golfing Eleuthera, 307, 308 best, 56 Exuma, 18, 327 Exuma, 328–329 Grand Bahama, 18, 217–218 Grand Bahama, 221–222 Green Turtle Cay, 18, 267 New Providence, 175 Harbour Island, 293 Treasure Cay, 276 New Providence, 18, 167 Goodman’s Bay (New Providence), 162 San Salvador, 336 Goombay music, 30–31, 343 Treasure Cay, 18, 276 Government Building (George Five Twins (Paradise Island), 155 Town), 327 Fort Charlotte (Nassau), 169 Governor’s Harbour (Eleuthera), Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower 299, 309 (Nassau), 169 Grand Bahama Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at accommodations, 98, 191–198 Emerald Bay, 12, 14, 318–319, attractions, 218–221 328–329 beaches, 10, 211–214 Freeport (Grand Bahama). See also day-trips from, 228–229 Grand Bahama fast facts, 189–190 accommodations, 192 getting around, 187–189 described, 38 getting to, 83, 185–186 getting to, 86 guided tours, 220–221 overview, 185, 187, 191 maps, 39, 194–195, 202–203, 212–213 shopping, 224 nightlife, 20, 227–228 frequent-flier account, 85, 116 outdoor recreation, 217–218 Frommers Web site, 350 overview, 34, 38–40 restaurants, 199–210 shopping, 20, 223–227 • G • Graycliff (Nassau), 151 Garbanzo Beach (Elbow Cay), 255, 256 Great Abaco Island, 42, 234 Gaulding’s Cay (Eleuthera), 307 Great Exuma Island, 48, 315 gay and lesbian travelers, 107–108 Great Guana Cay (the Abacos), 237, Gaylord’s (Nassau), 150–151 246–247, 258 Geneva’s (Freeport), 204 Great Salt Pond (Little Exuma), 328 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 357

Index 357

Green Turtle Cay (Abaco Islands) Hole in the Wall (Marsh Harbour), 245 accommodations, 262–264 holidays, 64 attractions, 268, 277 honeymooner’s resorts, 12–13, 108–109 beaches, 266 honor bars, 99 day-trips from, 269 (Elbow Cay), 248 fast facts, 269–270 Hope Town Harbour lighthouse (Elbow getting around, 262 Cay), 257, 277, 346 getting to, 260–261, 277 Hope Town Harbour Lodge (Elbow nightlife, 268 Cay), 251, 254 outdoor recreation, 266–267 Hope Town Hideaways (Elbow Cay), overview, 42–43, 260, 261–262 11, 251–252 restaurants, 264–266 horseback riding, 175, 223 Green Turtle Club & Marina (Green horse-drawn carriage ride (Nassau), Turtle Cay), 11, 42, 261–262, 129, 344 263–265 hospitals Gregory Town (Eleuthera), 299, 310 Elbow Cay, 258 Grotto Bay (San Salvador), 335 Eleuthera, 312 guesthouses, 97 emergency care, 119 guided tours. See boating; cruises; Exuma, 329 kayaking Grand Bahama Island, 189 gyms, 175 Green Turtle Cay, 269 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 New Providence, 130 • H • San Salvador, 336 Hairbraider’s Centre (Nassau), 169–170 Treasure Cay, 278 handicrafts, 178 Hotel Higgins Landing (Stocking Harbour Island Island), 319–320 accommodations, 285–288 hotels, resorts and inns, 93–94 attractions, 293–294 houseboats, 319 beaches, 10, 292–293 hurricane season, 63 fast facts, 295–296 getting around, 285 getting to, 283 • I • map, 45, 284 identification, 112 nightlife, 295 identity theft and fraud, 80 outdoor recreation, 292–293 Indian Cay, kayaking trip, 229 overview, 44–45, 283, 284 insects, 119 restaurants, 288–292 insurance, 115, 116, 117–118 shopping, 294–295 International Arcade (Grand Bahama), Harbour Lounge (Harbour Island), 290 224–226 The Harbour Room (Lucaya), 204–205 International Bazaar (Freeport), Harbour’s Edge (Elbow Cay), 254 20, 38, 224 Hatchet Bay (Eleuthera), 299, 310 Internet access health insurance, 119 cybercafes, locating, 120 helmet diving, 164–165, 344 Elbow Cay, 258 Hermitage (Little Exuma), 328 Eleuthera, 313 hideaways, best, 11–12, 54 Exuma, 329 historic attractions (Nassau), 170–171 Grand Bahama, 189 , 21–25 Green Turtle Cay, 269 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 358

358 Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition

Internet access (continued) language, local dialect, 26–27 Harbour Island, 295 Laughing Bird Apartments Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 (Eleuthera), 303 Nassau, 348 Laura’s Kitchen (Green Turtle Cay), 265 New Providence, 130 leather goods, 179, 225–226 Out Islands, 348 linen shops, 179 Treasure Cay, 278 liquor and drug laws, 348 Iries (Lucaya), 205 Little Abaco Island, 234 Island Bakery (Marsh Harbour), 239 Little Exuma Island, 48, 316, 328 island hopping, 52, 58 Little Harbour (Marsh Harbour), 244 Island Palm Resort (Freeport), 192 Lofty Fig Villas (Marsh Harbour), island spice vacation, best islands for, 56 14, 238 island time, 26 lost luggage insurance, 117–118 Islander’s Roost (Freeport), 208 lost or stolen wallet, 80 Isle of Capri Casino (Grand Bahama), 20 Love Beach (New Providence), 163 Iva Bowe’s Central Highway Inn Loyalist Cottage (Harbour Island), 294 Restaurant & Bar (Exuma), 322 Lucaya (Grand Bahama). See also Grand Bahama accommodations, 192–193, 196–197 • J • beaches, 211 Jack’s Outback (), 312 overview, 38, 185, 187 Jean’s Dog House (George Town), 323 restaurants, 201, 204–206, 207–210 jet-skiing (Grand Bahama), 215–216 shopping, 224–227 jewelry stores, 178–179, 225, 227 Lucayan National Park (Grand The Jib Room (Marsh Harbour), 240 Bahama), 218 jitneys (public vans), 167 Luciano’s (Lucaya), 205–206 Junkanoo Beach, 163 luggage, 117–118, 122 Junkanoo Expo (Nassau), 31, 171 luxury vacation, best islands for, 53 Junkanoo Festival, 171 Junkanoo music, 31, 343 • M • Ma Ruby’s (Harbour Island), 291 • K • Mangoes Restaurant (Marsh Kalik beer, 30 Harbour), 240 kayaking. See also boating Manjack Cay, 266 Exuma, 325–326 Man-O-War Cay, 258, 277–278 Grand Bahama, 216 Marketplace (Paradise Island), 155 Green Turtle Cay, 267 Marsh Harbour (Abaco Islands) Harbour Island, 293 accommodations, 236–238 Indian Cay, 229 attractions, 244–245 Marsh Harbour, 245 beaches, 242 Peterson Cay, 228 day-trips from, 246–247 fast facts, 247 getting around, 235–236 • L • getting to, 233–234 Lake Victoria (Exuma), 327 map, 235 The Landing (Harbour Island), nightlife, 245 286–287, 290 outdoor recreation, 242–243 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 359

Index 359

overview, 42, 233–234 described, 35 restaurants, 239–242 flying to, 81, 82 Mate & Jenny’s Pizza Restaurant & Bar historic attractions, 170–171 (Eleuthera), 306 maps, 134–135, 148–149 meal plans, 99–100 restaurants, 145, 146–153 medical care emergencies, 118–119 safety concerns, 119, 145, 348–349 medical centers. See hospitals shopping, 20, 176–180 medical insurance, 117–118 Nassau Beach Hotel (Cable Beach), 139 MedicAlert identification tag, 118 Nassau Palm Resort, 140–141 medications, packing for trip, 118 National Art Gallery of The Bahamas Memorial Sculpture Garden (Green (Nassau), 171 Turtle Cay), 42, 268 National Family Island Regatta Mermaid Beach (Elbow Cay), 256 (Exuma), 48, 49, 325 Mermaid Reef (Marsh Harbour), Nettie’s Different of Abaco (Casuarina 242–243 Point), 238 Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar (Green New Plymouth (Green Turtle Cay), 277 Turtle Cay), 268, 346 New Plymouth Inn (Green Turtle money. See also ATMs Cay), 262 budget for trip, 71–75 New Providence cash, carrying, 77–78 accommodations, 98, 132–144 cost-cutting tips, 76–77 attractions, 167–175 credit cards, 79, 347 beaches, 159–163 currency conversion, 79, 347 casinos, 133 lost or stolen wallet, 80 choosing a location, 127 traveler’s checks, 78 day-trips from, 182 using U.S. dollars, 77 fast facts, 130–131 Mother Merle’s Fishnet (Marsh getting around, 126, 128–130, 167 Harbour), 240–241 getting to, 81, 82, 125–127 motor scooters/minibikes map, 37, 160–161 Grand Bahama, 188 nightlife, 180–182 Harbour Island, 285, 293 outdoor recreation, 163–167 New Providence, 130 overview, 34, 35–38 Munchie’s (Elbow Cay), 255 pros and cons of visiting, 36–37 Muriel’s Bakery (Eleuthera), 306 restaurants, 145–158 music shopping, 176–180 festivals and parades, 65 newspapers and magazines Goombay, 30–31, 343 Grand Bahama, 189–190 Junkanoo, 31, 343 New Providence, 130 Junkanoo Festival, 171 nightlife reggae, 343 best, 20, 342–343 budgeting for, 75 costs, 75 • N • Elbow Cay, 258 Nassau (New Providence). See also Eleuthera, 311 New Providence Exuma, 329 accommodations, 134–135, 138, 139, Grand Bahama, 20, 227–228 140–141, 144 Green Turtle Cay, 268 cruises to, 87 Harbour Island, 295 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 245 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 360

360 Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition

nightlife (continued) party vacation, best islands for, 54–55 New Providence, 20, 180–182 passport, 112–114, 126 San Salvador, 336 Peace & Plenty Beach Inn (Exuma), 320 Treasure Cay, 276–277 peace and quiet, best islands for, 58 North Palmetto Point (Eleuthera), 309 Pelican Bay at Lucaya, 192–193 Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park (Elbow Cay), 256 • O • Pelican Shore (Marsh Harbour), 242–243 Ocean Beach (Green Turtle Cay), 266 The Pepper Pot (Freeport), 206 Ocean Hole (Eleuthera), 309 perfume shops, 180, 219, 225–226 off-season travel, 63–64, 76 Pete Johnston’s Foundry (Marsh One&Only Ocean Club (Paradise Harbour), 244 Island), 11, 12–13, 141 Peterson Cay, 228 Orange Hill Beach Inn (Love Beach), Pete’s Pub (Marsh Harbour), 244–245 141–142 pharmacies Out Islands. See also specific islands Elbow Cay, 258 accommodations, 98–99 Eleuthera, 313 described, 34–35 Exuma, 329 getting to, 35 Grand Bahama, 190 safety matters, 349 Green Turtle Cay, 269 Outrigger’s Native Restaurant/White Harbour Island, 296 Wave Club (Smith’s Point), 206 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 New Providence, 130–131 refilling prescriptions, 118 • P • San Salvador, 337 package deals, 76, 89–91, 100, 192 Treasure Cay, 278 Palm Beach Club (George Town), 320 Pigeon Cay, 328 palm trees, 342 Pigeon Creek (San Salvador), 336 Palmetto Point (Eleuthera), 299 Pink Sand Beach (Harbour Island), 10, Palmetto Shores Point (Eleuthera), 308 284, 292, 345 Palmetto Shores Vacation Villas Pink Sands luxury resort (Harbour (Eleuthera), 303 Island), 11, 13, 287, 291 Pammy’s (Eleuthera), 306 Pirates of Nassau Museum (Nassau), Paradise Beach (Paradise Island), 172 35–36, 162 Pirates of The Bahamas Theme Park Paradise Island (New Providence). (Taino Beach), 193, 219–220 See also New Providence Pisces (Lucaya), 207 accommodations, 98, 133–136, 138, planning trip 141, 143 airline security, 121–122 beaches, 35–36, 162 calendar of events, 64–68 casinos, 133 car rental, 115–116 getting to, 126, 167 cellphone and e-mail, 120–121 maps, 37, 134–135, 148–149 health concerns, 118–119 restaurants, 153–155 island choices, 52–60 parasailing, 163–164, 216 passport and identification, 112–114 Parrot Jungle’s Garden of the Groves travel and medical insurance, (Lucaya), 219 117–118 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 361

Index 361

Plymouth Rock Liquors and Café (New Rand Nature Centre (Freeport), 220 Plymouth), 265 Red Dog Sports Bar (Freeport), 208 Polar Bear Swim (Cable Beach), 65 reef running, 293 police Regatta Park (George Town), 325 The Bahamas, 348 Regatta Time in Abaco (Marsh Eleuthera, 313 Harbour), 241 Green Turtle Cay, 269 reggae music, 343 Harbour Island, 296 religious services, 348 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 reservations The Poop Deck (Nassau), 151–152 accommodations, 100, 101–102 Port Lucaya Marketplace, 20, 38, 186, air travel, 85–86 224, 226–227 car rental, 116 Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club, 193 cruises, 89 post office restaurants, 145, 288 Elbow Cay, 259 restaurants Eleuthera, 313 best, 14–15, 55 Exuma, 329 budgeting for, 73–74 Grand Bahama, 190 Cable Beach, 14–15, 156–158 Green Turtle Cay, 270 children’s menus, 98 Harbour Island, 296 cost-cutting tips, 77 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 cuisine, local, 27–30 New Providence, 131 dress code, 252 postage, 348 Elbow Cay, 252–255 Treasure Cay, 279 Eleuthera, 305–307 Potter’s Cay (Nassau), 172–173 Exuma, 320–324 Preacher’s Cave (Eleuthera), 311 Grand Bahama, 199–210 Pretty Molly Bay (Little Exuma), 328 Great Guana Cay, 246–247 Prince of Wales Lounge (Freeport), 208 Green Turtle Cay, 264–266 Prop Club (Lucaya), 207 happy hour, 145 Pub at Lucaya, 208 Harbour Island, 288–292 Pub on the Mall (Freeport), 208 Lucaya, 201, 204–206, 207–210 public vans (jitneys), 167 Marsh Harbour, 239–242 Nassau, 145, 146–153 New Providence, 145–158 • Q • Paradise Island, 153–155 Quality Inn Cigatoo (Eleuthera), reservations, 145, 288 303–304 San Salvador, 333 Queen’s Highway (Exuma), 316 traveler’s checks, service charge, 78 Queen’s Staircase (Nassau), 173 Treasure Cay, 274–275 quiet vacation, best islands for, 58 restrooms, public, 131, 190 The Retreat (Nassau), 173 Riding Rock Inn Resort and Marina • R • (San Salvador), 50, 330, 332–333, Radisson Cable Beach Resort (Cable 334, 336 Beach), 13, 142 Ritz Beach Resort (Lucaya), 14, Rainbow Inn (Eleuthera), 304 193–194, 196 rainfall, average, 62 Rock House Restaurant (Harbour Island), 15, 291–292 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 362

362 Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition

Rock Sound (Eleuthera), 299, 308–309 Sapodilly’s Bar & Grill (Marsh Rooster’s Rest Pub and Restaurant Harbour), 241 (outside New Plymouth), 265, 268 Saunders Beach (New Providence), 163 Rose Island, 164, 182 Savannah Sound (Eleuthera), 307, 308 Rudy’s Place (Elbow Cay), 255 scuba diving Runaway Hill Club (Harbour Island), best, 15–16, 57 288, 292 Elbow Cay, 256 Exuma, 16, 326 Grand Bahama, 15–16, 214–215 • S • Green Turtle Cay, 266–267, 269 safety matters. See also emergencies Harbour Island, 293 Cable Beach, 348–349 lessons, 164 for children, 114 Marsh Harbour, 16, 242, 243 Elbow Cay, 259 New Providence, 15, 164–165 Eleuthera, 313 safety precautions, 119 Exuma, 329 San Salvador, 16, 334 Freeport/Lucaya, 348–349 Treasure Cay, 275–276 Grand Bahama, 190 wall diving, 16, 334 Green Turtle Cay, 270 Sea Preserve and Fowl Cay Land Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 (Marsh Harbour), 16, 242 Nassau, 145, 348–349 Sea Spray Resort & Villas (Elbow New Providence, 131 Cay), 252 Out Islands, 349 seasickness, 43 overview, 348–349 seasons Paradise, 348–349 high, 61–63 potential hazards, 119 hurricane, 63 San Salvador, 337 low, 63–64, 76, 101 Treasure Cay, 279 senior travelers, 105–106 Sail Shop (Man-O-War Cay), 278 Shenanigan’s Irish Pub (Lucaya), sailing. See boating 208–209 Sammy’s Place (Eleuthera), 306–307 Shoal Restaurant and Lounge Sam’s Place (Exuma), 323 (Nassau), 152 San Salvador shopping accommodations, 332–333 bargaining custom, 176 attractions, 335–336 best, 20 beaches, 334 budgeting for, 75 fast facts, 336–337 duty-free, 75, 176 getting around, 331–332 Grand Bahama, 20, 223–227 getting to, 330 Harbour Island, 294–295 map, 51, 331 Lucaya, 224–227 nightlife, 336 Man-O-War Cay, 278 outdoor recreation, 334–335 Nassau, 20, 176–180 overview, 35, 50–51, 330 New Providence, 176–180 pros and cons of visiting, 50–51 sightseeing. See attractions restaurants, 333 Silvano’s (Freeport), 209 Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel (Cable Silver Palms Beach (Exuma), 319 Beach), 12, 142–143 single travelers, 111 Sandy Point (San Salvador), 334–335 smoking, 349 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 363

Index 363

snorkeling taxes, 75, 113, 349 best, 16–17 taxis Elbow Cay, 17, 256 Elbow Cay, 259 Eleuthera, 307, 308 Eleuthera, 299–300, 313 Exuma, 17, 326 Exuma, 316–317, 329 Grand Bahama, 17, 216 Grand Bahama, 186, 187–188, 190 Green Turtle Cay, 17, 266, 267, 269 Green Turtle Cay, 270 Harbour Island, 293 Harbour Island, 283, 285 Marsh Harbour, 242–243, 245 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 236, 247 New Providence, 16–17, 163–164 New Providence, 129, 131 Peterson Cay, 228 San Salvador, 331, 337 Pigeon Cay, 328 Treasure Cay, 271, 272, 279 San Salvador, 17, 334–335 telephone, 76, 349 Stocking Island, 17, 326 temperature, average, 62 Treasure Cay, 275–276 Ten Bay Beach (Eleuthera), 10, 308 Sole Mare (Cable Beach), 14–15, tennis 156–158 Grand Bahama, 223 Spanish Wells (Harbour Island), 312 New Providence, 175 The Spinnaker Restaurant (Treasure San Salvador, 335–336 Cay), 275 theater, 228 St. Andrew’s Anglican Church (George Theo’s Wreck (Grand Bahama), 16, 214 Town), 327 Three Ships Restaurant (San St. George’s Cay, 312 Salvador), 333 St. John’s (Harbour Island), 294 time, island, 26 The Star Club (West End), 209 time zone, 349 steel drums, purchasing, 180 Tingum Village (Harbour Island), 288 stingrays, 269, 345 tipping, 126, 260 Stocking Island (Exuma), 17, 48, 314, Tipsy Seagull Bar (Treasure Cay), 324–325, 326 276–277 The Stoned Crab (Lucaya), 209–210 Touch of Class (Treasure Cay), 275 Straw Market (Freeport), 224 tourist information Straw Market (Nassau), 176, 180 Elbow Cay, 258 submarine rides, 166–167 Eleuthera, 312–313 Sun and . . . (Nassau), 14, 152–153 Exuma, 329 sunbathing, safety cautions, 119 Grand Bahama, 189 Sunrise Beach Club and Villas Green Turtle Cay, 269 (Paradise Island), 143 Harbour Island, 295 sunsets, best, 345 Marsh Harbour/Great Abaco, 247 New Providence, 130 sources, 350 • T • Treasure Cay, 278 Tahiti Beach (Elbow Cay), 10, 42, tourists, etiquette, 343 255–256 Towne Café & Bakery (George Taino Beach (Grand Bahama), 211 Town), 323 tall cross (San Salvador), 335 Trade Winds Café (Lucaya), 193 Tappan Monument (San Salvador), 335 travel agents, cruise specialists, 89 Tarpum Bay (Eleuthera), 299, 309 travel and medical insurance, 117–118 39_962503 bindex.qxp 10/26/06 11:58 AM Page 364

364 Bahamas For Dummies, 4th Edition

traveler’s checks, 78 Grand Bahama, 187 Treasure Cay (Abaco Islands) Green Turtle Cay, 262 accommodations, 272–274 Harbour Island, 285 attractions, 276 Marsh Harbour, 235 beaches, 275 Nassau, 128, 174 day-trips from, 277–278 wall diving, 16, 334 described, 43 wallet, lost or stolen, 80 fast facts, 278–279 Wally’s (Marsh Harbour), 241–242 getting around, 272 water-skiing, 74, 215–216 getting to, 271 weddings, 109–110 map, 273 Wesley Methodist Church (Harbour nightlife, 276–277 Island), 294 outdoor recreation, 275–276 West Beach (Eleuthera), 308 overview, 271–272, 274 West End (Grand Bahama), 38, 199, 221 restaurants, 274–275 Western Esplanade (New Treasure Cay Beach, 10, 275 Providence), 163 Treasure Cay Billfish Championship, 43 Western Union, 80 Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina, Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama 11, 274 Island at Our Lucaya Resort, trip-cancellation insurance, 117 196–197, 222 Two Turtles Inn Restaurant Westin Breakers Cay (Lucaya), 197 (Exuma), 324 Westin Lighthouse Pointe (Lucaya), 197 Williamstown (Little Exuma), 328 • U • Willy Broadleaf (Lucaya), 210 Unique Village (Eleuthera), 304 Windermere Island (Eleuthera), Unique Village Restaurant & Lounge 307, 309 (Eleuthera), 307 The Wrecking Tree (Green Turtle Cay), 266 Wyannie Malone Museum (Elbow • V • Cay), 257 Versailles Gardens and Cloister Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal (Paradise Island), 174, 345 Palace Casino (Nassau), 12, 144 villas, 95–96 Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach (Grand • X • Bahama), 11, 196 Xanadu Beach (Grand Bahama), 10, 211 Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina (Grand • W • Bahama), 197–198 walking Elbow Cay, 250 • Z • Eleuthera, 300 Exuma, 316 Zorba’s Greek Cuisine (Lucaya), 210