This Bahamas Island Has Been Confirmed The Safest As Of 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Which Bahama islands are safest? ›

Crime Rate: It's moderate, so stay cautious. Danger Zones: Be extra careful in Grand Bahama (Freeport) and Nassau's “Over the Hill” area. COVID Safety: No restrictions, but cases exist, so take precautions. Natural Disasters: Hurricane season is from August to October, and earthquakes are rare.

Crime levels are similar to those in many major cities. US authorities have categorized Nassau in their travel advisory's second level, advising tourists to “exercise increased caution.” This means that dangerous crime and violence do exist, but they're not so prevalent that you should skip this beautiful city.

Are there travel warnings for Bahamas? Yes. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory, urging visitors to use increased caution in the Bahamas due to crime. "The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.

Montserrat. This island has the lowest crime rates in the entire Caribbean.

Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders. Actions to Take: Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau)

The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Updated with additional water safety information.

Bahamas travel advisory 2024

The Bahamas travel advisory was updated to Level 2 to exercise increased caution due to crime and water safety, according to the State Department.

And the U.S. Embassy in Nassau released a security warning notifying would-be travelers that "murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets." The embassy reported 18 murders have occurred since the start of 2024.

How safe is Nassau at night? ›

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau offers some guidance for staying safe, advising travelers to use “extreme caution” in the eastern part of New Providence Island — where Nassau is — especially “when walking or driving at night.” Specifically, the Over the Hill neighborhood, south of Shirley Street, should be avoided.

If you're looking to plan a trip when the weather is more stable and the temperatures are pleasant, you will want to avoid planning your trip to the Bahamas during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30. The period from August through October poses the greatest risk for hurricane activity.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau offers some guidance for staying safe, advising travelers to use “extreme caution” in the eastern part of New Providence Island — where Nassau is — especially “when walking or driving at night.” Specifically, the Over the Hill neighborhood, south of Shirley Street, should be avoided.

Swimming safety

Fatal shark attacks can happen without warning. Night swimming (including at dusk), puts you at a higher risk, even in shallow waters close to resorts. Paddle boards in deeper water could be at risk. The Bahamian authorities warn of a particular threat in New Providence and nearby islands and cays.

The city was severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian with damage still being assessed as of 12 September 2019.

Exuma Islands

You'll hardly find any violent crime on these islands which make them one of the safest places to visit in the Bahamas. Grand Exuma is the biggest island and is the base for most visitors. Here you'll find plenty of activity options as well as friendly locals and breathtaking beaches.

Country Summary: The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population.

Don't visit deserted beaches or walk alone, especially after dark. Food and drink spiking is a risk in tourist resorts. Never leave your food or drink unattended. The water sports industry in The Bahamas is poorly regulated.

The Andros, Bimini and The Berry Islands are the best islands to visit in the Bahamas if you like adventure and activity as well as convenience.