The Bahamas is an independent country and a member of the British Commonwealth. There are over 700 islands in the group. The capital of The Bahamas is Nassau on the island of New Providence.
The Exuma Cays are a string of 365 islands in the Central Bahamas and only recently have they become vacation destinations. The two largest island in these Cays (pronounced Keys) are Exuma and its neighbor Little Exuma. These two islands are joined by a bridge and The Queens Highway extends from Williamstown in the Eastern end all the way to Barraterre at the West, a distance of 49 miles.
George Town is the principal City in the two islands and is located on the Northern coast overlooking Elizabeth Harbor. You will notice the frequency of royal names
reflecting the islands British heritage..
On the opposite side of the harbor lie a string of islands which
provide perfect shelter from whatever weather is in the Atlantic
Ocean.
The harbor is around 10 miles long by between 2 and 4 miles
across and in that area are numerous islands and coral heads and
white sand beaches, some large some small.
In late 2003 the brand new five star resort at Emerald Bay opened.
Operated by Four Seasons this undoubtedly will become one of
the top resorts in the world. Other developments are in the design
stage.
Despite this growth we believe the Exumas will still retain their
laidback friendly charm.
The currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar which is one for one with the US dollar. You can pay for items with either US or Bahamian currency, and your change will probably be a mixture of both.
Exuma currently has three banks, all of which will provide cash from credit cards for visitors and have ATM machines.
While the islands do not have a hospital we do have a clinic with two doctors and in the case of a dire medical emergency we have access to medical airlift facilities.
Local government is headed by the district administrator, Mr Everitt Hart.
DSL internet service is provided by Bahamas Telecom.
There are a wide range of churches in Exuma:
The Anglican church is St Andrews. Located in George Town on the highest point in town
St Theresa's Catholic Church is in George Town around Lake Victoria
Baptist Church.
Church of God of Prophesy
Church of Latter Day Saints
Special Note for our friends from the USA; You MUST have a current passport or your ORIGINAL birth certificate (or notarized copy) plus a photo ID otherwise your airline will not let you on board. From January 2007 all US citizens will have to have a passport, birth certificates will not be acceptible
We do have supermarkets here in Exuma, equipped with British and US produce. It really is not necessary to bring fresh food with you. While prices here are probably 20% higher than in the US, by the time you have gone to all the trouble of packing and carrying and probably paying excess baggage and then paid import duty upon arrival, the savings are questionable (especially if your baggage gets delayed or lost !)
Supplies: Most fresh food arrives by The Grand Master and Sealink, the two regular supply boats bringing produce from Nassau..
Calendars.
Immigration.
Provisions
The following are national holidays:
New Years Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Whit Monday (7 weeks after Easter)
Labor Day (first Friday in June)
Independence Day (July 10th)
Emancipation Day (first Monday in August)
Discovery Day (October 12th)
Christmas Day
Boxing Day (December 26th)
Junkanoo
Every year in the early hours of Boxing Day (the day after Christmas Day) a unique experience happens in the Bahamas. Its called Junkanoo and it is a procession through the center of town, of bands of musicians and characters dressed in very elaborate costumes and paper mache floats. Each village puts together its own team and prizes are presented to the winners
Fishing Restrictions.
Crawfish: It is illegal to take crawfish between April 1st and July 31st each year. It is also illegal to take crawfish unless the carapace (base of horns to end of jacket) is at least 3 1/4 inches.
Turtles: It is also illegal to catch turtles between April 1st and July 31st.
It is illegal to catch Hawksbill Turtles any time
Conch: It is illegal to take conch unless it has a well developed lip. Cone shaped conch are juveniles and should replaced.
Guns
The punishment for bringing guns into the Bahamas is a $10,000 fine and 3 years in jail !!
The local office is located in George Town where the staff will be happy to assist you with any questions 242 336 2345
Honeymoons
Does the idea of a beach wedding appeal to you? The waves gently lapping at your bare feet in the sand as the she says "I do". Just bring your ORIGINAL birth certificate and complete a form at the administrators office. Most hotels will arrange it for you with local flowers and a cake.
