What to bring
Reef Safe Sun Protection
Surge Protector for Electronics
Surge Protector for Electronics
Surge Protector for Electronics
Surge Protector for Electronics
Surge Protector for Electronics
Guide Book for Boating
Surge Protector for Electronics
Guide Book for Boating
TRAVELING WITH A PET?
Effective September 1st, 2024 the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) has transitioned all agri-import permits to Customs Click2Clear, including animal import permits. If you haven't already, you must first register with Click2Clear at http://www.click2clear.gov.bs. Detailed instructions for requesting a permit can be found at https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/how-to-register-for-bahfsas-epermitting-system/. The approval time is just 24-48 hours. If you have a permit that was approved prior to the new systems, all valid unused permits will be honored.
Please note that the Bahamas restricts the importation of certain breeds – even temporarily by visitors. For dogs, the following are not permitted, including if mixed breed; Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, American Bully, Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino. For cats, the Savannah Cat, Bengal Cat, and Chausie are not permitted.
Once you have an approved permit, you'll need an international health certificate and a signed IMP1B form from a licensed veterinarian. The exam should be completed within 48 hours prior to your arrival into the Bahamas.
IMPORTANT: Returning to the United States dogs that have been in the Bahamas (a low-risk rabies country), a CDC Dog Import Form is required for reentry. Upon submission of the form, a receipt will be emailed to you, usually within 30 minutes or less. You can print the receipt or show it on your phone at Customs. I recommend printing it and also printing a copy of your pet's rabies certificate. The Dog Import Form Receipt is valid for multiple entries for 6 months and includes the expiration date.
Public holidays in the Bahamas
January 1st - New Year's Day
The first day of the Gregorian calendar is celebrated with a Junkanoo parade on Green Turtle Cay.
January 10th - Majority Rule Day
Commemorates the day the Bahamian government gained majority rule for the first time, on this day in 1967. It is usually listed with the emancipation of slavery in 1836 and independence from the United Kingdom in 1973 as the most important events in the history of the Bahamas.
Friday before Easter Sunday - Good Friday
Marks the end of the Lenten season and the beginning of a 4-day holiday weekend. Most Bahamians attend church services and serve fish as the main meal for the day.
Monday after Easter Sunday - Easter Monday
The last day of the long Easter holiday weekend. Marks the beginning of the beach picnicking season.
Seventh Monday after Easter - Whit Monday
Marks the end of the Easter cycle, 50 days after Easter Sunday. It is the day after the Feast of Pentecost.
First Friday in June - Labour Day
The Bahamas celebrates Randol Fawkes Labour Day on the first Friday in June. It's a public holiday that honors the work of Sir Randol Fawkes, a civil rights activist and unionist.
July 10th - Independence Day
Marks the day Bahamas became a fully independent nation, officially splitting from the United Kingdom in 1973.
First Monday in August - Emancipation Day
It commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834.
Second Monday in October - National Heroes' Day
Formerly known as "Discovery Day" or "Columbus Day," has now been dedicated to honoring Bahamian national heroes since 2013. An official National Heroes Day ceremony is held with a keynote speech by the Prime Minister, and heroes from a cross-section of civil society are celebrated with a week of activities.
December 25th - Christmas Day
The Christmas season in the Bahamas sees many carnivals and festivals throughout the country.
December 26th - Boxing Day
This holiday was granted to slaves the day after Christmas, when they were given the boxes left over from their master’s gifts. These boxes usually were sent from England and were well-crafted from fine wood. Hence the holiday is known as Boxing Day.
Off-Season Closures
Many businesses close during the slow season for time off and repairs. This is typically between mid-August to mid-October, during the peak of hurricane season.
Green Turtle Cay
- Albert Lowe Museum - Aug 1st thru late Nov (date TBD)
- Big O's (on No Name Cay) - closed for September
- Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina - closed for September
- Green Turtle Club - closed for September
- Pinapples Bar & Grill - Sep 3rd thru mid to late November
- Seagrapes Cafe & Seagrapes Spirits - closed for September
- Spilligate Bar & Lounge - staying open
- Sundowners - closed for September
- Turtle Crawl Cafe - open as usual
- Wrecking Tree - closed for September
Treasure Cay
- Bahama Beach Club Resort - closed for September
- Fruity Freddie Farms Hydroponics - closed for September & October
Great Guana Cay
- Grabbers - staying open
- Nipper's - staying open
Elbow Cay
- Cap'n Jack's - closed for September
- Firefly - closed for September
- On Da Beach Bar & Grill - closed for September
- Sea Spray Resort & Marina - closed for September
Marsh Harbour
- Pete's Pub - closed for September
- Snappas Bar - now back open
- Wally's - closed September thru November
CONTACT US with updates to add to the list.
