The NEW Bahamas Travel Advisory

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by fahtcha

The State department tends to be rather extreme in their warnings. The only thing I found wrong with Nassau is that it's too dern big and has the associated trappings.

I wonder how the State Department would describe the area near their offices in Foggy Bottom.

They’re not extreme, they are conservative. Blow them off at your own risk.

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by zeehag

would it be possible for those who KNOW the area to discuss the reality instead of the communique, as those seem to be sensationalized in many cases.....

Wow, you sure have that right !

[anacapaisland42]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I agree, avoid Nassau.

SO.....where do we freezing Canucks go now.....


Venezuela.....so sad

Colombia.....good possibility
San Andreas is good..as is Providencia and the Hobies (OK you can laugh at that)...Guanaja (petty theft is all)...
Panama.....ugh.. but what about Bocas.....
Honduras ......Love Rio Dulce but that seems to be getting dodgy.....
CUBA..... that is great and safe.....
Belize...I don't know....but is sure is nice on the inside of the reefs

Florida...depends where you are.....same as the rest of the USA
Canada....safe but it's -20C with 5 inches of ice outside at the moment


Bill...in -20 territory

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by anacapaisland42

SO.....where do we freezing Canucks go now.....


Venezuela.....so sad

Colombia.....good possibility
San Andreas is good..as is Providencia and the Hobies (OK you can laugh at that)...Guanaja (petty theft is all)...
Panama.....ugh.. but what about Bocas.....
Honduras ......Love Rio Dulce but that seems to be getting dodgy.....
CUBA..... that is great and safe.....
Belize...I don't know....but is sure is nice on the inside of the reefs

Florida...depends where you are.....same as the rest of the USA
Canada....safe but it's -20C with 5 inches of ice outside at the moment


Bill...in -20 territory

Go to the Bahamas just avoid Naussau. It is only one tiny Island among hundreds and hundreds of islands and thousands of square miles of places to see.

[kapnkarl]

It's an advisory to exercise caution. Think of it as a bop on the forehead with an empty paper towel roll to make sure your staying aware of your surroundings and don't have your face planted in your smartphone (just sayin).

It's a wonderful place to visit but as you know, the more populated the place, the more possible it is to make an acquaintance with those few who would look to spoil your adventure in paradise.

Just be careful out there.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by fahtcha

I wonder how the State Department would describe the area near their offices in Foggy Bottom.

"Don't ride the metro"

[Captain Bill]

This is pretty much the same advisory they give every year.

[kmacdonald]

The murder rate in Naussau and Freeport make Baltimore look like a nursery school playground. I don't know if its the tourists that are being killed or the locals but I'm not going there. Too many nice and safe places there to waste my time in the high crime areas.

[trifan]

"Chicago of the Caribbean"? Etc.


I have observed that those jurisdictions that discourage self defense (and the tools used for that purpose) tend to have higher crime rates because, after all, what do the criminals have to fear from their victims?


I vote my views with my wallet; a Bahamian visit is not on my itinerary.

[wannacat]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

The murder rate in Naussau and Freeport make Baltimore look like a nursery school playground. I don't know if its the tourists that are being killed or the locals but I'm not going there. Too many nice and safe places there to waste my time in the high crime areas.

Don't know where you get your facts and figures but I think your blowing things way out of proportion!!!!

Was down here in 85-87 and it was still the same way, it's the same way in any big city around the world at night.

Like others have said, leave the big jewels and gold chains at home, make sure the wife keeps her buttons done up to the top especially when she starts drinking those nice fruity rum drinks and starts dancing her ass around with the locals in a place that's a little off the beaten tract!!! Or your asking for big problems anywhere in the world!!!!

Stick to the main anchorages or marina's when around Nassau, go do your groceries in the daytime, booze and stuff.

Then take the next weather window out of Dodge to an out island and enjoy life!!!!

[Captain Puget]

Avoid Nassau (as always)- nasty place/ armpit of Caribbean. There are so many great areas around the region - why bother?

Kind of like Newark ... only reason to go there is the airport.

[mglonnro]

Spent an evening and walked around in downtown Nassau just a couple of months ago. Was a nice place. Visited twice last year with a few days inside a gated community as well.

The travel advisories have plenty of useful information but imho shouldn’t be used to form blanket opinions.

[wannacat]

Originally Posted by Captain Puget

Avoid Nassau (as always)- nasty place/ armpit of Caribbean. There are so many great areas around the region - why bother?

Kind of like Newark ... only reason to go there is the airport.

Armpit of The Caribbean ? Really! The Bahamas is in the Bahamas check you're charts. The Caribbean is south of here, try cities in The Dominican, Haiti or Jamaica at might! Now your talking armpits!!! Why bother with Nassau? It's a great reasonably place to resupply before heading to the out islands. Lots of history, culture and architecture !

[vonchris7]

I'm on New Providence right now for work. Been here a zillion times. We typically drive "over the hill" to avoid traffic, but can't see any reason for the average tourist to go there. There are some sketchy areas. The traffic is ridiculous in downtown Nassau.

Also, been to the fish fry at night and didn't feel in danger. But, again, I'm careful, know the area, and not a likely target. I wouldn't go by myself at night.

The family islands are much safer. If the police catch a native committing crimes there, the individual is "deported" to Nassau. Obviously after facing any charges. So, yeah, all the thugs end up there.

Overall, the people you encounter are very pleasant and warm. Remember, over 90% of the nation's economy is built on tourism. Just make wise choices. Same as back home.

[Gene Neill]

The conch salad at the Fish Fry is worth risking your life for.