All great vacations start with lots and lots of research. Now, we know what you’re thinking: “But this is a charter company—you take care of all of that!” And that is true! While our expert team takes the reigns on your day-to-day activities and port stops, it is super helpful to be informed about the places you are going, cultural differences such as daily customs and food, and even important legal information. Luckily, we’ve rounded up a few tips on what to and what not to do when you visit the Bahamas.
DO bring cash with you when you’re out and about! Though credit cards are widely accepted across major islands, having cash with you will simply make paying for things that much easier, sans the international transactions fees. Plus, the Bahamian dollar is always equivalent to the U.S. dollar, and most places will even let you pay with U.S. dollars!
DO NOT venture off alone at night. Though our itineraries will generally keep you in popular spots and we’ll be waiting for you nearby on the charter, it’s helpful to remind your party to stay together, especially at night. Though the Bahamas are a safe place to visit, most incidents that are reported happen after dark in non-tourist areas. Be aware and stay in busy, well-lit areas if you find yourself off the charter at night.
DO stay to your left! If you’re exploring on land, look both ways! Cars drive on the left side of the road in the Bahamas.
DO NOT tip (well, tip your crew)! If you decide to enjoy a meal off the charter, don’t worry about tipping your servers. Gratuity is generally included at most restaurants and bars in the Bahamas.
DO read up on local laws! The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18, and the government is very strict on smoking cigarettes in public places. Additionally, any sort of possession or dealing of illegal drugs is a serious offense in the Bahamas.
DO NOT drink the tap water—if you can avoid it. Though the tap water is drinkable, we suggest you opt for bottled water when possible to ensure that you stay hydrated with filtered, clean H2O at all times!
Traveling to a new place can be daunting, but we hope that these few do’s and do not’s can help you navigate this unforgettable and immersive experience. Of course, our Mast Charters crew will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your trip is an epic one.
Learn more about our itineraries and how to book here: https://mastcharters.com/
