Tropical Paradise
Laze beneath palm trees on powdery, coconut-hued beaches; explore the crystalline water of the Caribbean Sea; or be awed by kaleidoscope sunsets as you sip on piña coladas.
Once a haven for the raffish swashbuckling of Blackbeard and Calico, and seafaring rebellion of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, Nassau has since traded in a life of lawlessness for laidback Caribbean rusticism. Home to over 270,000 people, Nassau is the largest city in the Bahamas. Attractions include Blue Island Lagoon, Nassau Straw Market and Downtown Nassau.
Feel velveteen sand between your toes, the idyllic stroke of tropical water between your fingers, and the gentle caress of Bahamian culture around your heart with cheap flights to Nassau. Nassau is home to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), which is a 15-minute drive from the heart of the city. The airport serves a multitude of airlines, including British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Popular connecting flights to Nassau depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Flight duration from Johannesburg is approximately 20 hours and 54 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Laze beneath palm trees on powdery, coconut-hued beaches; explore the crystalline water of the Caribbean Sea; or be awed by kaleidoscope sunsets as you sip on piña coladas.
Before it was a tropical utopia, Nassau was a Pirate Republic. The island offered a haven for rum guzzlers such as Thomas Barrow, Benjamin Hornigold, and the notorious Flying Gang.
Explore colourful reefs and the eerie remains of the Sea Trader shipwreck on diving expeditions; meander along the beach on horseback; or glide beside dolphins in Dolphin Cay at Atlantis.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | The Bahamas |
|---|---|
| Currency | Bahamian Dollar |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 0.07 BSD |
| Language | English |
| Hub Airport | Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) |
| Airline | Bahamasair |
| Time Zone | GMT-5 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type A & B |
Nassau experiences a tropical climate, with warm, dry winters and wet summers. Average temperatures range from 28 degrees Celsius in summer to 21 degrees Celsius in winter. Winter (mid-December to April) is considered the best time to visit if you want to experience the best weather and experience one of the biggest festivals. Average temperatures range between 26 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius. Junkanoo, a celebration of Bahamian culture, takes over the city on 26 December and 1 January. These months are considered peak season, so the crowds are dense and rates are at their highest. For cheap flights to Nassau, the best time to visit would be from mid-April to mid-December. These months offer reduced rates and fewer crowds, but also coincide with the rainy hurricane season.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 17°C | 17°C | 18°C | 19°C | 22°C | 23°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 22°C | 21°C | 18°C |
| High °C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 29°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 28°C | 26°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 160 | 180 | 220 | 200 | 200 | 140 | 100 | 80 |
Nassau is a city built into the soft, cotton hued sand of the Bahamas and clear, turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea. Once a haven for buccaneers, the island is more than just a place of dreamy landscapes.
Colonial houses in a motley of pastel hues line sand strewn streets, while seafood shacks and colourful shops offer exceptional food and shopping experiences.
Bay Street is laden with shops, restaurants and attractions such as Nassau Straw Market and Pirates of Nassau Museum. Indulge in traditional dishes such as conch chowder and rock lobster at Arawak City, or visit one of the bustling bars for signature Bahamian cocktails such as Goombay Smash and Bahama Mama.
For a truly authentic Bahamian experience go swimming with dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island or get a glimpse into Caribbean slave history at Pompey Museum.
Although it now gleams with tropical allure and spends its days basking in the easy-going warmth of the Caribbean, Nassau still radiates gritty rebellion - which is perhaps what makes it so charming.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Nassau online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders do not require a visa when travelling to Nassau, or anywhere else in The Bahamas, for stays up to 90 days. Your passport will need to have a validity of at least 6 months.
The nearest representation is the South African High Commission in Jamaica.
Address: 15 Hillcrest Avenue, Kingston
Phone: (+1) 876 620 4840.
Nassau is a popular destination, so crime does happen. It is advisable to take certain precautions and maintain vigilance as you would in any other unfamiliar city. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended.
Avoid travelling alone, and through deserted areas, especially at night. Only make use of licensed taxis, and agree on a fare before starting the journey. Pick-pocketing and bag snatching can be a problem in crowded areas. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and important documents. Certain areas in Nassau that are not frequented by tourists should be avoided. This includes the “Over-the-Hill” area south of downtown
Hurricane season grips the island from June to November. Follow the news and emergency channels for information about approaching storms.
Precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, as Nassau is at risk for chikungunya, dengue and Zika virus. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Immunisation against hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended. Other recommended vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella and polio.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Nassau |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | R 100.00 | R 100.00 | R 208.94 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 25.00 | R 25.00 | R 38.31 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 23.06 | R 22.63 | R 60.94 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | R 10.00 | R 10.00 | R 69.65 |
| Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 39.00 | R 40.00 | R 114.92 |
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