IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO THE BAHAMAS?

If your dream destination has turquoise waters, soft white sands and a vibrant island culture, your only question is probably, is it safe to travel to the Bahamas? 

Like any destination, the Bahamas have their risks, but a little knowledge and the right preparation is all it takes to have a safe and memorable trip.  

Here’s what you need to know about safety in the Bahamas, whether you're traveling solo or with your family, or planning a special getaway. 

Quick overview of the Bahamas 

The Bahamas boast more than 700 islands and 2,000 cays, only about 30 of which are inhabited. 

On those islands you’ll find luxurious resorts, sugar-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals.  

At less than 200 miles from Miami, the Bahamas are the most accessible Caribbean islands for most American travelers. This is reinforced by the large number of flights to the Bahamas from airports in the South and along the East Coast. 

Bahamas safety by the numbers 

The Bahamas shake out as a middle-of-the-road Caribbean destination safety-wise, but definitely one of the safest of the highly developed Caribbean destinations (a group that includes the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica). 

The U.S. State Department currently has the Bahamas at a level-two safety status (“Exercise Increased Caution”), noting the incidence of violent crime in and around Nassau and Freeport. 

In addition, the State Department notes that: 

• Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults 

• Many tour-boat operators flout regulations and run unsafe operations 

• Some crimes occur on resort property  

The Canadian government adds that petty crime may occur in tourist areas. In addition, “Robberies also occur in cruise-ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas in Nassau and Freeport, even in daylight hours.” 

Finally, they remind travelers that crime “increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas.”  

GeoSure Global’s safety ratings for Nassau and Freeport are middle-of-the-pack, with both cities getting high marks for basic freedoms and low marks for LGBTQ+ safety. 

Finally, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's latest Safest Countries rankings put the Bahamas as the 39th-safest of the 42 most popular destinations for U.S. travelers.  

The numbers vary by demographic, however. For instance, the Bahamas are rated the seventh-safest destination by people who spend more than $25,000 on travel annually.  

Are the Bahamas safe for solo female travelers? 

Speaking of variations in the rankings, women rated the Bahamas as the 26th-safest country in 2025. Among women who sometimes travel solo, the country came in 20th. 

If you’re a female traveler looking to tackle the Bahamas solo: 

• Stay aware of your surroundings 

• Stick to well-lit, populated areas 

• Avoid walking alone at night 

Resorts and organized tours are your best bet for hassle-free exploration, with resorts and islands outside of Grand Bahama and Nassau being more low-key.  

As “Eva” told Solo Traveler World about Eleuthera, “Deserted beaches, a kayak, and I was in heaven.”  

Locals tend to be friendly, but women traveling alone may encounter unwanted attention. Politely but firmly decline any advances, and keep walking.  

Use apps like GeoSure to assess safety by neighborhood and apps like Noonlight to enhance personal safety when moving about. 

Is it safe to travel to the Bahamas while pregnant? 

The best time for a mother-to-be to visit the Bahamas is during the second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks.  

Medical conditions 

The Zika virus is a known risk in the Caribbean, and has implications for pregnant women, so consult your doctor about precautions.  

To avoid contracting Zika, use mosquito repellents with a high concentration of DEET, wear long sleeves, and stay in accommodations with air conditioning and/or mosquito netting. 

Medical care 

Access to quality care varies by island.  

You can expect to find: 

• Hospitals like Doctors Hospital in Nassau  

• Modern medical facilities and English-speaking healthcare providers at the main tourist areas 

• Limited facilities on the smaller islands  

• Partner clinics accessible at most major hotels 

Regardless of where in the country you travel, bring all your medications, check your insurance coverage and get clearance from your doctor before traveling.  

You should read the general travel medical recommendations for the Bahamas from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before traveling. Be sure to click on the link for travel-health packing tips. 

Is Nassau, Bahamas safe for tourists? 

Nassau, the Bahamas’ vibrant capital, is a bustling place that not coincidentally is also where most of the country’s safety concerns are centered.  

There’s strong security presence, mainly from the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s dedicated tourism units, in tourist zones like Downtown Nassau and Paradise Island. 

Even with the added security, petty theft – pickpocketing and bag-grabbing – is more common here than on smaller islands. In addition, violent crime has spiked recently in Nassau. 

To avoid becoming a statistic: 

• Don’t flash valuables 

• Stay out of the Over-the-Hill neighborhood 

• Stick to tourist-friendly zones like Paradise Island or Cable Beach 

• Use taxis and rideshares as opposed to walking in unfamiliar neighborhoods 
  
  

Is it safe to travel to Atlantis Bahamas? 

Atlantis Paradise Island is one of the Caribbean's most secure resorts. 

The property has: 

• 24/7 patrols with its own security force and emergency response teams 

• Controlled access 

• Monitored parking areas  

• On-site medical facilities  

Connected paths and shuttles ensure secure movement throughout the property. 

Atlantis has expansive, well-maintained facilities, lifeguarded pools, private beaches, and extensive dining options, making it less likely that guests will leave the premises. 

To that end, guests are encouraged to stay within the resort grounds at night and avoid less-secure areas.  

Are the Bahamas safe for families? 

Families flock to the Bahamas for its accessibility as well as its kid-friendly beaches, aquariums and adventure parks. 

Resorts like Baha Mar and Atlantis cater specifically to families, offering childcare services, kids' clubs and family-oriented excursions (and the aforementioned safety measures). 

While the Bahamas is largely safe for families, you still need to keep smart and stay vigilant.  

It’s not rocket science, but it’s important to: 

• Make sure your kids are supervised at all times, especially near water. Don’t let them have the run of the resort. 

• Be water-smart. Have kids stick to shallow water and outfit them with rash guards to minimize sun exposure. 

• Use reef-safe sunscreen and apply it liberally.  

• Carry insect repellent with a high DEET concentration and remember: bug dope over sunscreen. 

• Make sure there are ample life jackets any time you board a boat. 

• Watch out for aquatic hazards. Not to put too fine a point on it, but: There are sharks. 

• Pack a first-aid kit for minor owies.  

Family-focused travel insurance, like ExactCare® from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, can also provide peace of mind. 

Practical safety tips for traveling to the Bahamas 

Whether you're visiting the Bahamas for adventure or relaxation, observe these common-sense safety recommendations: 

• Protect your belongings: Carry bags with cut-proof straps and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Carry important documents and valuables in separate pockets. 

• Stay weather-aware: Hurricane season generally runs June through November, though it’s starting earlier and ending later. Monitor forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and have an emergency plan. 

• Be cautious in the water: Currents can be strong, so swim in designated areas and heed lifeguard warnings. 

• Know emergency contacts: Save numbers for local police and medical services, as well as the U.S. embassy (+1-242-322-1181). 

• Use resort safes for valuables. 

• Book tours through licensed operators. 

The Bahamas are super-popular for some very good reasons. Furthermore, the country’s tourism industry prioritizes visitor safety through dedicated police units, resort security and modern infrastructure.  

No destination guarantees complete safety, but if you follow some basic precautions you should have an amazing time in the Bahamas.  

Want to protect your Bahamas vacation? Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has an industry-leading array of plans that cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and more. 

So, is it safe to travel to the Bahamas? With the right mindset and preparation, the answer is a resounding yes.