Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of many islands in the Atlantic Ocean east of Florida. The country is made up of about 2,000 islands if you include the cays, which are small islands that are formed on coral reefs. Not densely populated and the Bahamas is famous for its natural beauty, unique culture and is a popular tropical vacation destination.

Mosques on the Bahamas

There are a few notable mosques in the Bahamas that hold significance for the Muslim community and contribute to the country's religious diversity.

Nassau Islamic Center

Located in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, the Nassau Islamic Center is one of the prominent mosques in the country. It serves as a focal point for the local Muslim community, providing a place of worship, education, and community gatherings. The center is known for its welcoming atmosphere and outreach programs aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Al Rahmah Mosque

Another significant mosque in the Bahamas is the Al Rahmah Mosque, situated in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. This mosque plays a vital role in the religious life of Muslims in Freeport and surrounding areas. It offers regular prayer services, religious classes, and cultural events, contributing to the spiritual and social development of the Muslim population in the region.

Masjid Isa Ibn Maryam

Masjid Isa Ibn Maryam, located in Marsh Harbour on Abaco Island, is an essential Islamic center serving the Muslim community in this part of the Bahamas. It provides a place for worship and community engagement, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among Muslims living in Marsh Harbour and neighboring areas.

Introduction

The word Bahamas is of Spanish origin and means "Shallow Water".

History of the Bahamas

Arawak Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador Island in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. The Bahamas were also infamous as a pirate nest with some even trying to form a pirate Republic. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography and the nation is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Music

There are many types of music known in the Bahamian culture but the four most prevalent forms of music are Calypso, Soca, Junkanoo and Rake and scrape. The music of the Bahamas is associated primarily with junkanoo, a celebration which occurs on Boxing Day and again on New Year's Day. Parades and other celebrations mark the ceremony. Groups like The Baha Men, Ronnie Butler and Kirkland Bodie have gained massive popularity in Japan and the United States and elsewhere.

Weather in Bahamas

Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream.Hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage. Can be cool if trade winds shift. During summer months, temperature in the Bahamas rarely goes above 90°F (32°C). The normal climate during winter is mild with temperatures around 60°F (16°C). The Northern and Western islands, Grand Bahama Island, Great Abaco, Andros and Eleuthera are somewhat cooler than the southern islands. The Bahamas hurricane season runs between June and November and rain storms are expected during this period.

Geology

The Bahamas archipelago are in fact the tops of banks that were formed some time between 90,000 and 120 years ago from coral reef formation. The well known pink sand beaches of the Bahamas get their vibrant appearance from the fractured pieces of seashell combined with the sand. The highest point in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, which is 63 meters (over 200 feet) high.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Bahamas contains various species. Many different breed of crabs can be found on the beaches. Hermit and Cardisoma guanhumi are two of the land crabs to be noted frequently in the island. The wild horses of Abaco are famous in The Bahamas. During a tour of the Bahamas, tourists can come across various other species including the Bahamas Hutia, numerous frogs, rocky raccoon, snails such as Cerion, cicada, blind cave fish, ants and reptiles. Bahamas wildlife features a wide range of amazing birds. Parrots and pigeons are two of the most common and popular birds found in The Bahamas. The Bahamas is also home to numerous aquatic life. Sharks, manatees, dolphins, frogfish, angelfish, starfish and turtles can be viewed in the waters surrounding The Bahamas. Apart from numerous species of fish, tourists can spot several types of worms also.

Electricity

Officially 120 V 60 Hz, which is identical to the US and Canadian standard. Outlets are North American grounded outlets, identical to standard U.S. and Canadian wall outlets. Occasionally non-grounded outlets may be found, which do not accept the third, round pin present on grounded plugs and require an adapter. Older North American outlets may not be polarized (with one slot wider than the other). Otherwise, adapters are available which accept a polarized plug and adapt it for use with a non-polarized outlet.

Islands of Bahamas

New Providence (Nassau, Paradise Island) Dominated by the capital Nassau and paired with smaller Paradise Island, home to the gigantic Atlantis casino resort.

Grand Bahama An ecological playground featuring an underwater limestone cave system. The centre of eco-tourism, offering nature tours, national parks and botanical gardens.

Bimini

Abacos and Elbow Cay

Eleuthera

Exuma

Long Island

Berry Islands

Mayaguana

Cities in Bahamas

• Nassau - Capital
• Freeport

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Bahamas

Several cruise lines operate private island retreats in the Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line owns Castaway Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line owns Great Stirrup Cay, Princess Cruise Line owns Little Stirrup Cay, Carnival Cruise Line owns Half Moon Cay and Royal Caribbean owns Coco Cay. To visit these islands you have to be a passenger on the cruise line that owns the island. Dolphin Encounters is an all natural seawater dolphin facility with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and California Sea Lions located on Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay), a private island retreat and tourism attraction 5 kilometers (three miles) from Nassau, Bahamas.

Travel to Bahamas

Entry requirements

Visa policy of the Bahamas - Visa policy of the Bahamas Muslims visitors of the United States, Canada and EU countries do not require a visa to visa to enter the Bahamas. Visitors do not need to complete the Customs form. If you require a visa to enter the Bahamas, you might be able to apply for one at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the nation where you legally reside if there is no Bahamian diplomatic post. British diplomatic posts charge £150 to process a Bahamian visa application and an extra £70 if the authorities in the Bahamas require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in the Bahamas can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly. Travellers returning to the United States from the Caribbean must display their passport to get back into the States. This applies to minor children as well as adults. US immigration pre-clearance facilities are available at Nassau and Freeport.

What is the best way to fly to Bahamas

The largest airports in the Bahamas are at the capital Nassau, on New Providence and Freeport (Bahamas) | Freeport, on Grand Bahama. Smaller airports are scattered amongst the other islands. The Bahamas has six international airports the largest being the Lynden Pindling International Airport on the west side of Nassau. For those who own a pilot's license: as the first country to accept Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Pilot license from the US, to fly in on your own plane may be a great option. It would not only provide you with the great scenery throughout your flight into Bahamas, but also become the most convenience way to get around those islands. The same privileges and limitations as if you are flying in the US apply.

Travel by boat to Bahamas

The Bahamas are a popular port of call for cruise ships plying the Caribbean. The capital, Nassau, on New Providence|New Providence Island is one of the world's busiest cruise ship ports and is well served by ships that originate from Florida. Freeport (Bahamas) | Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is a growing destination as well. Most island groups have customs and immigration available for those arriving by yacht. The customs fee for a private yacht is $150 for 35' and under and $300 for over 35'. Royal Caribbean has their own island in the Bahamas called Coco Cay. Thit island is leased by Royal Caribbean, rather than being fully owned such as Disney's ownership arrangement for Castaway Cay. It is strictly for Royal Caribbean cruisers. The island has 25 little shops for souvenirs and their own private beaches, as well as water games in the middle of the clear crystal blue ocean. They have a bbq and main picnic area with the cruise employees as well as the people that Royal Caribbean hire to live and work on the island. Royal Caribbean is busy all year round because of the hot climate in the Bahamas, that they have frequent travelers through all the months of the year. Disney's Castaway Cay, formerly known as Gorda Cay, is a privately owned island near the island of Abaco, close to Sandy Point. Thit island differs from most of the leased cays in the fact that it is privately owned by The Walt Disney Company and has its own dock so that tendering is not necessary. Castaway Cay has separate areas for families, teens an adults. The island also contains a fiber optic network which connects to the ship. Additionally, a regular passenger ferry operated by Baleària Caribbean runs daily between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Freeport, in the Bahamas.

How to get around in Bahamas

What is the best way to fly to Bahamas

Bahamasair offers a comprehensive network radiating out from Nassau and covering most population centers. However, fares are expensive, frequencies are low, planes are small and the airline is notorious for extensive delays and many travellers in a hurry opt to charter planes instead.

Travel by Bus to Bahamas

Nassau/New Providence have a system of buses called jitneys, discussed in the Nassau Halal Travel Guide. Bus travel on the other islands (with the exception of Grand Bahama) is very limited.

Best way to travel in Bahamas by a Taxi

Taxis are expensive. A short ride from the airport to Cable beach costs $18, to downtown is $26.Between Cable beach and downtown expect to pay $15-$20 with no room to negotiate.

By boat and yacht

• Mail boats serve almost all populated islands in the Bahamas and are amongst the cheapest way to reach many areas, though far from the fastest or most comfortable.
• Windward Islands, a yacht charter company, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed yacht in the Bahamas (starting Abaco).

What to see in Bahamas

• Lucayan National Park and Port Lucaya in Freeport
• Dolphin Cay on Paradise Island
• The Thunderball Grotto in Exuma
• Flamingos, iguanas and other tropical wildlife.
• Fort Fincastle and the Old Town and the Pirate museum in Nassau

Shopping in Bahamas

Money Matters & ATM's in Bahamas

The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (B$), but it's tied to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio and US dollars are accepted everywhere at par. There is thus no need for Americans to change money and many tourist-oriented businesses will even give change back in US$. Keep an eye out for the famous (but now rare) three-dollar bill and 15-cent coin, both made to ease the 1966 transition from British pounds to dollars, $3 being roughly equivalent to £1 and $0.15 approximating a shilling.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Bahamas

There is very little made in the Bahamas, but some luxury goods can be purchased at a bargain. Salespeople in the straw market have a very direct but often humorous manner of negotiating the price of a product. A sense of humor is greatly appreciated in thit island nation. Beware of purchasing Cuban cigars. The vast majority of "Cubans" for sale in the Bahamas are counterfeit. Only buy cigars from reputable and dedicated tobacconists, do not buy on the street, in the market, or from rinky-dink combination cigar/drink shops. Real Cubans cost upwards of $30 per cigar. If the price is $10, it's 100% fauxhiba. If you do plan to buy cigars, some online research may assist you in identifying authentic Cubans.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bahamas

A very limited number of resorts offer Halal food on advance reservations.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to the Bahamas

the Bahamas - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to the Bahamas, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for the Bahamas. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in the Bahamas and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to the Bahamas. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to the Bahamas. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in the Bahamas: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in the Bahamas. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in the Bahamas: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in the Bahamas, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in the Bahamas. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in the Bahamas, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in the Bahamas, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within the Bahamas and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in the Bahamas, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in the Bahamas, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of the Bahamas without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for the Bahamas is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring the Bahamas. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group the Bahamas is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in the Bahamas, please contact: eHalal Travel Group the Bahamas Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in the Bahamas

eHalal Group the Bahamas is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in the Bahamas. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in the Bahamas. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in the Bahamas ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within the Bahamas. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in the Bahamas, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in the Bahamas are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Bahamas

Accommodation on the Bahamas is expensive and the cheapest hotels start from around US$ 70 and most hotels cost US$200-300/night, with the very best resorts easily pushing up above US$2500. Deals may be available in the summer off-season though. Be aware the Bahamas charge a Service Fee or Resort Fee to every person staying overnight. Hotels collect the fee of $18 per day per person as well as a $6 per person one time bellhop fee. Thit is an addition to the rate of the room and is not optional and cannot be waived. Often tourists first hear about this when checking into their hotel for the first time. Most hotels and resorts in the Bahamas are located in New Providence (Nassau) and neighboring Paradise Island. The rest of the nation remains rather off the beaten track for tourism and places like Eleuthera, despite being 100 miles long, has only three hotels.

Study in Bahamas

School attendance in Bahamas is required between the ages of 5 to 16. Out of the 210 primary schools run in the nation, 158 are operated by the government. The remaining 52 schools are operated by private owners. Higher education is also offered by many non-Bahamian colleges in the nation. The College of the Bahamas is the main institution that offers post secondary education in the nation with several schools including and undergraduate business school, an undergraduate social science. Other tertiary educational institutions in the nation include Success Training College, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and Nova Southeastern University. The University of the West Indies also has a campus in the Bahamas. There are also some international universities that offer programs in the nation such as the University of Miami's MBA programme.

Telecommunications in Bahamas

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