Safety/Cleanliness in Bahamas (Nasau)
Jan 3rd, 2002, 06:27 PM
#1
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Safety/Cleanliness in Bahamas (Nasau)
We're staying at the Atlantis with my family, but I was concerned about the safety and "cleanliness" in areas OUTSIDE of the resort in Nassau. Is it safe? How about walking around at nighttime, or alone as women? Is it clean? I went to San Juan and was NOT impressed--litter around the beaches and streets, etc. Also, is it like the Jamaica "rumors"--that no one strays outside of their resorts due to safety fears and guys pushing marijuana? I know all this sounds naive, but I'm really concerned about my kids.
Thank you very much!!!!!
Thank you very much!!!!!
Jan 5th, 2002, 06:51 PM
#6
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Behtany; It all depends upon your perception of how things should be. The Bahamas are a third world country with plenty of poverty. It is safe to take your kids into downtown Nassau in the daytime, but perhaps not at night. Also, the area of Nassau along Bay Street between the Paradise Island Bridge heading until you get to Christie Street has some rundown appearance. As you get closer to Parliment House and Elizabeth Street, it gets better. In fact, I think the Parliment House, Senate Building, Supreme Court, the Library, Governor's House, and the area is quite beautiful. The Old English architecture is impressive. I'd suggest not walking to the nicer section of Nassau from the PI Bridge. Instead, go to the right of the PI Bridge and walk down a little walkway to a small Bahamian Ferry operation. For several bucks apiece, they take you across the water, with a guided tour that's interesting, to the cruise ship docks along Prince George Wharf. You are let off right by the temporary straw market, British Colonial, and neat shopping areas. A mom with two kids will not be harassed to buy pot. I was asked only once in my two week stay there, and it was done very quietly. The Royal Bahamian Police Force have everything in check around this better section of Nassau, and they are everwhere on foot patrol. Nassau is safe during the day around this section, but don't venture into the poorer neighborhoods. Robert
Jan 5th, 2002, 08:20 PM
#7
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Hi Bethany--
I spent 6 days on vacation in Nassau about a year ago. As Robert conveyed, the Bahamas has a fair amount of poverty, although as the 3rd richest country in the western hemisphere, I wouldn't exactly call it 3rd world.
My impressions: I stayed at an inn, but took the jitney during the day with my mother into the city a few times with working Bahamians and felt perfectly at ease...so, visitors "straying outside 'resorts'" can be done. I did not feel confined in the least. Clean? I didn't really take note of litter, but downtown Nassau felt a little "raw"er a few blocks away from the touristy areas by Bay St., with no sidewalks walking toward the Queen's Staircase and dustier, cracked roads. Having lived in the past in Nigeria, my mother and I were not phased by this and walked single file on the side of the road. Daytime exploration should not be a problem; I saw a number of women on their own walking around, including some that looked like they'd come in from a cruise ship.
I had read that it was not recommended to walk at night in downtown Nassau, so I didn't...what the truth is in that regard, I will never know. I heard that some people pushed pot; I was not offered any.
I'll finish by saying that I had an absolutely delightful vacation, enjoying the food, accomodation, culture, R&R and beaches tremendously. DAN
I spent 6 days on vacation in Nassau about a year ago. As Robert conveyed, the Bahamas has a fair amount of poverty, although as the 3rd richest country in the western hemisphere, I wouldn't exactly call it 3rd world.
My impressions: I stayed at an inn, but took the jitney during the day with my mother into the city a few times with working Bahamians and felt perfectly at ease...so, visitors "straying outside 'resorts'" can be done. I did not feel confined in the least. Clean? I didn't really take note of litter, but downtown Nassau felt a little "raw"er a few blocks away from the touristy areas by Bay St., with no sidewalks walking toward the Queen's Staircase and dustier, cracked roads. Having lived in the past in Nigeria, my mother and I were not phased by this and walked single file on the side of the road. Daytime exploration should not be a problem; I saw a number of women on their own walking around, including some that looked like they'd come in from a cruise ship.
I had read that it was not recommended to walk at night in downtown Nassau, so I didn't...what the truth is in that regard, I will never know. I heard that some people pushed pot; I was not offered any.
I'll finish by saying that I had an absolutely delightful vacation, enjoying the food, accomodation, culture, R&R and beaches tremendously. DAN
Jan 7th, 2002, 11:16 AM
#9
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My family and I have traveled to New Providence the last 3 years with NO problems. Personally, I could care less about going into downtown Nassau, I prefer the solitude of where we stay, but to go along with others, we have gone into Nassau each year during the day experiencing no problems. We have also used the local buses (jitneys) and have found the Bahamians very friendly (just watch out for cab drivers-some will overcharge).
Take care and if you use good judgement all will go well.
Take care and if you use good judgement all will go well.
Jan 7th, 2002, 08:57 PM
#10
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Yes; My wife and I took a jintney every day from the Orange Hill Inn into town. I was amazed at how friendly the Bahamians are, to each other and to tourists. It is commonplace to always greet everybody when you get on a jitney. I would climb on board and elderly people and young alike would just say "Hi!", not only to tourists from the plush hotels along the way into town, but to local people as well. it is part of the Bahamian culture to be friendly. Robert
