Location
Nassau (NAS) is around 9 hours direct flying time from London. Indirect services take longer. From Nassau you can connect with local flights to several islands.
The Bahamas is a scuba diving paradise, with breathtaking dive sites offering pristine reefs, multitudes of exciting wrecks, blue holes, spectacular walls and the chance to dive with dolphins and sharks. It's also got great life surface side, with pristine beaches, plenty of restaurants and bars and a fabulous place to while away the hours enjoying the Caribbean sunshine.
Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here
From 19 June 2022, fully vaccinated adult travellers will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test for entry into and inter-island journeys within The Bahamas.
If you are not fully vaccinated and are aged 12 and over you must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Self-administered tests are not accepted.
You must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter The Bahamas. You may also be asked to present proof of vaccination to enter a variety of locations in The Bahamas and should carry it with you at all times.
The Bahamas will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record.
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 113 SEP 2022
Weather and Climate
The Bahamas enjoys fairly constant trade winds, and as such, it a fabulous year round holiday. The winter air temps are between 21-24C whilst the simmer months are warmer, 27-29C, with a greater chance of rain. Water temps go from around 23C (Feb) and 29C (Aug).
Travel
Flight options
There are both direct and indirect flight options to the Bahamas (Nassau). BA operate the direct flight from London. Depending on the day of departure, you may need to route via the States, usually Miami, with American Airlines. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA.
We are able to book most major airlines. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Nassau, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
If you are routing through the USA, we are able to book a stop over en route. This is usually in Miami. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA.
Arrange before you go
Regular Entry Requirements
UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on entry to the Bahamas. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. if your flights transit through the USA, you MUST have a valid ESTA or visa before travel. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival for any of our Bahamas holidays, you will be met and taken to your hotel or liveaboard. Simply make your way to through baggage reclaim and immigrations. Your transfer will be waiting for you with a board with your name, resort or liveaboard.
If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
If you are travelling onto Bimini you will need to catch a domestic flight. These can only be booked with a smaller baggage allowance than the international flights. Excess baggage is charged for locally. Domestic flights are on smaller planes, and the schedule can be affected by adverse winds. We will always try to allow time in your itinerary for any possible delays.
If you have made your own flight arrangements to land in Nassau, please confirm at the time of booking if airport transfers are included or available at an additional cost
Departures
You will be advised locally of your transfer times at the end of your holiday. The departure tax of BS$15.00 is collected from every person 6 years and older.
Info
Tipping
All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally
Currency
USD, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but you should check with your bank about any additional overseas charges they may levy for using your card.
Phone coverage
Phone coverage is generally good - do check with your phone provider about any applicable overseas charges. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a local SIM for making calls or data use
Plugs and electricity
Electrical outlets in The Bahamas are 60 cycles / 120 volts, which is compatible with all American devices. British and European appliances require a two-pin flat adapter and a 220-volt converter.
Extras
Hire equipment
Kit hire is arranged in resort and is included in your package price
Extras
Entry level PADI courses are booked and paid for in resort
Souvenirs
Sandals resorts have a wide range of shops on site with a variety of gifts and souvenirs
Nitrox/Gas
Limited - please ask at the time of booking if nitrox may be available
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Sandals holidays departing more than 71days in advance can be secured with a £175 deposit pp. If departing less 71 you will need the full balance to be paid at the time of booking.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX.
All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge.
Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees.
We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Included
7 nights all inclusive in your chosen room grade - all inclusive with meals, drinks (inc selected premium liquors), in resort entertainment schedule and a wide range of selected and and water sports. Unlimited golf play at Sandals Emerald Bay is included for butler-level guests only. All other guests can play 2 rounds free as part of current "2 Rounds Free" offer which is subject to change at any time
Sandals resorts include complimentary scuba diving for certified divers, with two 1-tank
dives, or one 2-tank dive, every day of your stay (except arrival and departure days)
Use of the Red Lane Spas plunge pools, steam baths and saunas (all of which are free to use)
Your holiday includes flights to Exuma (via Nassau) from the UK- please ask for a competitive quote to upgrade your flight option from economy. Return airport transfers are included
Excluded
Spa services, candlelight dining and selected excursions/sports are booked and paid for in resort
Additional diving, any PADI courses or scuba reviews are booked and paid for in resort
All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally
Sandals new Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness encompasses added health and wellbeing requirements across all points of contact at every resort, including common areas, all restaurants and kitchens, bars, guest rooms, activities, fitness centers, spas, and includes all behind-the-scenes operations. They are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to welcome guests back to the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean in a friendly, clean and, most importantly, safe environment.