Nassau, Bahamas as a Bachelor Party Destination
Sometimes it is nice to kick back in the Caribbean at an all-inclusive resort. Nassau, Bahamas is a really easy trip from the USA- you even go through US customs in Nassau before departing home. With that being said, Nassau is extremely touristy & relatively expensive. Nassau caters to resort style travelers and cruise ship stopovers. This article will give an analysis of whether Nassau, Bahamas is a worthwhile bachelor party destination.
Why Consider Nassau, Bahamas for Bachelor Party?
Nassau is an easy trip from the US and you can find affordable flights. No visa required for US citizens and it’s very tourist friendly. Bahamian economy is driven off tourists coming to party, there’s no shortage of options to let loose. There is a lot to do from casinos, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, chilling at the beach/resort, and partying in downtown Nassau. Nassau also has a plethora of affordable resorts. Staying at an all-inclusive resort is ideal for a group because you do not have to worry about constantly splitting bills it’s just all included in the cost of your stay. If you want to go somewhere exotic, still have the ease of 1st world comforts, and embrace the cheesy touristy party scene then Nassau is a great destination. Bahamian hospitality is world class and they know how to have a good time.
Who shouldn’t consider Nassau, Bahamas
If you like to get off the beaten path and have more authentic experiences then Nassau is definitely not the right place to vacation. There are other islands in the Bahamas that are harder to reach that will cater to a more authentic experience. If you are looking for a tropical escape in nature and are more into eco-tourism then Nassau is likely not the best fit, the beaches are nice but heavily trafficked, there are better islands in the Bahamas/Caribbean for pristine beaches. If you’re not really into the party scene there are much better places in the Caribbean.
How much did my 4 day/3 night trip cost?(all in USD)
Round Trip Direct Flight with American Air= $418
3 Nights in All-inclusive resort: $1049/2= $524.5 per person
Chartering a fishing boat: $3000/10=$300 per person
Baha Mar Casino: $180
Taxis: $80
Night out in downtown Nassau= $140
Total = $1,642.5
Where to stay:
Bahamas is pretty expensive, but the medium range (2-4 star) all-inclusive resorts are relatively affordable. I stayed at Breezes all-inclusive resort, I booked through Priceline because it was the cheapest offering online- even cheaper than Breezes own website. A lot of people stay at the Baha Mar because of the Casinos, great nightlight, and luxury, but it’s NOT all inclusive. One drink at the Baha Mar will run you $25… Breezes is walking distance to Baha Mar, and non-guests are allowed to enjoy Baha Mar’s amenities. It was really convenient to stay at Breezes all inclusive resort and then just walk to Baha Mar for nightlife. Breeze’s is not anything special but it’s great value, all inclusive, fun, ocean front, and great location. If you want luxury in the Bahamas you’re gonna have to splurge. You can find great deals on CheapoCaribbean, Priceline, Expedia, Groupon, etc. The reason I highly recommend all-inclusive resorts is because if you stay in a resort that is not all-inclusive they charge very expensive rates on alcohol and food because you have no other options. It is especially convenient to stay at an all-inclusive resort when traveling with a group because you do not need to worry about constantly splitting the bills.
Breezes All-Inclusive Resorts
General Info:
Nassau is the capital and by far the biggest city of the Bahamas. It is located on New Providence island, only 185 miles from Miami. Nassau is home to Bahama’s biggest international airport, Lynden Pindling International Airport, the airport is really well connected to USA. My flight from Charlotte, NC only took 1.5 hours and was $418 direct roundtrip. Nassau’s main industry is tourism. The official language of the Bahamas is English, but a lot of locals speak a Bahamian Creole English dialect- it’s still English just a little hard to understand. The USD is accepted everywhere- sometimes you will get change in the local Bahamian dollar but it is pegged to the USD and has a 1:1 exchange ratio. Nassau is a really popular tourist destination and it caters to resort style travel.
Safety:
I found Nassau to be safe and the locals to be friendly and welcoming. I didn’t really get ripped off, except for drink prices at Baha Mar, or hassled by any Bahamians. I was actually surprised at how little I got haggled or accosted by vendors with how touristy Nassau is. I would recommend staying within your resort at nighttime and not go looking for trouble in downtown Nassau.
Conclusion:
I had a great time, but if it were my bachelor party I probably wouldn’t go to Nassau, it’s too cheesy and over touristic. I definitely would not go to Nassau unless it were for a bachelor party or a super cheap all-inclusive getaway. There are other plenty of other islands in the Bahamas, so don’t write off the Bahamas entirely. If you are going to visit Nassau, you need to just accept the touristy scene and stay at an all-inclusive resort. If you are looking for a classic bachelor party trip then Nassau is great for an easy and affordable Caribbean bachelor party.
