Freeport

snorkel on a spectacular Bahamian reef

Freeport - “snorkel on a spectacular reef; ride horseback along trails and beaches or enjoy the sheer beauty of nature in wild and cultivated settings.” Try kayaking, hiking and jeep riding through remote areas for a close-up look at mangroves, birds and marine life . If you like the idea of travelling around the world in minutes, head for Freeport's International Bazaar. This collection of 80 shops and restaurants features virtual-reality settings in Paris, Spain, the Greek islands, Denmark, Hong Kong and about 10 other exotic locales. Not to be outdone, Lucaya boasts Port Lucaya Marketplace, a waterfront six-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex with funky architecture and a bandstand centrepiece at Count Basie Square. The legendary jazz pianist was enchanted by Freeport, built a home and encouraged a "jazzy" Bourbon Street N'awlins theme. Entertainment includes jazz, rythym and blues, limbo and fire dancers and more.

Time:
Eastern Standard Time is used on all islands. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with US summer hours.

Open for Business/Shopping:
Perfumes and Fragrances, Crystal, Leather Goods, Jewelry, Fine Linens and Tablecloths, Watches and Clocks, Photographic Equipment, China, Binoculars, and Telescopes are all duty free. Savings on these items are between 25% - 50% below US prices. The best shopping is concentrated in Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya; boutiques and gift shops are also found in most major resorts. Everything from duty-free products to local arts and crafts, wood, straw, shell and clothing creations are readily available.

Money Matters:
The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. In Nassau, Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya, banks are opened from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Hours vary throughout the Out Islands.

Electricity:
Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances are fully compatible.

Climate:
The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout The Bahamas give the islands a warm agreeable climate which varies little year round. The most refreshing time is between September through May when the temperature averages 70-75F degrees. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures between 80-85F degrees.