Tony and Arien Knight, circa 1979

• The Bahamas lie only 50 miles off the coast of Florida and are comprised of 37 inhabited islands and thousands of unpopulated islets and Keys.
  
• U.S. visitors staying for eight months or less need a return ticket plus a passport or a certified birth certificate with official photo identification.
  
• British rules apply, so you will drive on the left. Pedestrians should remember to look right before crossing streets. Visitors may use their home license for up to three months.
  
• If you're entering the Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration. For boats 35 feet and under, the fee is $150 and $300 for boats 36 feet and over covers a vessel with up to four people.The fee also includes the cruising permit, fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $15 Departure Tax.
  
• Today, the Bahamas are free and sovereign but continue to remain part of the British Commonwealth.
  
• The Bahamas are said to have the clearest waters in the world with visibility of more than 200 feet.
  
• The Bahamas protects endangered species such green turtle and various types of iguanas.

Resources

Bahamas general information
www.bahamas.com/bahamas

Visa information, the Bahamas
www.learn4good.com/travel

Arriving by boat, the Bahamas
www.pelicanpower.com/AbacoGuide