My family and I are going to Nassau next February for 4 days. I had to go somewhere Delta flew to and somewhere with five economy skybonus seats were available (without staying for 2 weeks!), and it all came down to the Bahamas, although that wouldn't have been my first choice in the Carribean. Anyway, we are all going there and it's our first time in the Carribean and my Mom and Dad and Bro and Sis's first time anywhere tropical (I have been to Hawaii).

Reading up on the area, looks like there are several islands to visit. The reason we are going is because I got the tickets to Nassau free with skybonus points, and I don't want to spend too much money on inter-island flights, but I would like to visit another island besides New Providence.

Should I take a ferry or fly on a local airline? What are the approximate costs?

Maybe the island we fly into will have everything we want....but as I am ready, sounds like it is crowded. Is that correct?

Also, how easy is it to rent a car and drive around the island as oppose to taking Taxi's all over? I may be clueless, but are the driving rules same as the U.S. and is there adequate signage?

We don't want to be stuck at the hotel the whole time. We like to get out and explore. Is it cheaper to take Taxi's or maybe ride bikes around everywhere?

All you avid Carribean traveler's!!! Please let me know what you think. I can read up on it all day, but I value the opinions of people that have been there.

Thanks so much!!

I went to New Providence a few years ago and I can answer a few parts of your question.

I didn't drive while I was there, but one significantly different rule from the US is that there PEOPLE DRIVE ON THE LEFT. The signs I remember seemed a little different from in the USA, but pretty evident in my recollection; Bahamas I seem to remember may use km.s but I'm not sure on that one. I didn't personally rent a car there, using the jitneys to get around, but many people do, and I'm certain others can help you with this.

Taxis will add up quickly in expense on New Providence. Jitneys are modern and frequent ($1) on a lot of the main routes, but only between 6am and 6pm. I had a great time without a car, but you may wish to rent one to give you a bit more mobility.

New Providence really has different sides; downtown Nassau, Cable Beach and Paradise Island certainly draw crowds, but on other parts of the island, you can have a beach almost to yourself. The Out Islands though from my understanding will give you more of the remoteness that you seek. You could take a ferry out to Eleuthera (see www.bahamasfastferries.com) or fly out to many islands from Nassau. Enjoy.

Been to New Providence 3 times with my family. Each time we stayed at Compass Point and LOVED it! It is small - ONLY 18 units but beautiful, secure and has easy access to snorkeling right off their small beach.
We have met Sean Connery there, Al Roker, you never know what celeb you may encounter as they have a famous recording studio right across the street.
I would go back here in a minute. Check out their website at islandoutpost.com
PS VERY conveniently located near airport and on busline to get into downtown Nassau should you desire that stress!

Since you have 4 days, I'd spend the time on New Providence. Of course, you could take the Power Boat exursion to see the northern cays of Exuma, and interact with the sharks and stingrays, and feed them. Beautiful reefs and shallow waters there. Some nice dive operations on New Providence which have snorkeling exursions for the whole family as well. It would be fun to rent a car and island explore; New Providence has some remote areas, believe it or not! You could find some small, undeveloped sandy beaches still. They will be small fishermen's docks scattered around the southern section of NP, and you could swim and snorkel around the docks, which are usually wooden and small for several small boats. You'll also see piles of conch shells stacked up as well by these docks. They're usually vacant and when the men come home, they could care less that we were there. Four days will go real fast! Have fun. Robert

The jitneys (little buses) are great and extremely economical. Traffic can get heavy in Nassau and PI and we relied on cabs most of the time as opposed to attempting to drive.