COVID-19 and Travel to the Bahamas

Published on by troybook Category: Tourism News

While the Bahamas is slowly beginning to open up to visitors, the process is still a bit restrictive. Although restrictive it is no possible to vacation in the Bahamas with a little preparation and planning.

The Government of the Bahamas has issued guidlines for travel to the Bahamas and are as follows:

“STEP 1:

Everyone travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival. The day the test is taken is considered day zero. Test must return a negative result for entry into The Bahamas.

  • Children 10 and under, and pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are not required to take a test.
  • Negative PCR test results must be uploaded in order to complete a Bahamas Health Visa application, and must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas.
  • Any person presenting test results older than 5 days will not be allowed entry into The Bahamas.

STEP 2:

Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, travellers can apply for their required Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. (Click on International Tab)

  • As part of the Travel Health Visa application, travellers will be required to opt-in to COVID-19 health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas. The cost of insurance is included in the Travel Health Visa application fee.
  • Travel Health Visa applications take up to 48 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead time.
  • The cost of the Travel Health Visa is dependent on length of stay.

*A Bahamas citizen or resident planning to travel abroad for five (5) days or less must secure a test in the destination they visited before travelling back to The Bahamas. Any RT-PCR test taken in The Bahamas prior to travel will not be valid for re-entry.”

COVID-19 Testing Prior to Departure from the Bahamas

“The Family Medicine Center will be offering a safe and convenient way for rapid antigen nasal swab testing to members of the airport community and passengers alike.

On-site testing will be available at LPIA for a fee a $40.00. Beginning tomorrow the 26 January 2021, testing will be available daily 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Results will be ready in 30 mins after the test has been administered. Testing will take place in Terminal C check-in hall in the office space opposite Bahamasair’s check in counters (adjacent to Bahama Pearl ).”

Testing Sites by Island

Andros

SWAIN’S CAY LODGE

Guest testing only
Mangrove Cay, Andros
(242) 422-5018
www.swainscaylodge.com


CAERULA MAR CLUB

Guest testing only
Queen’s Hwy, Driggs Hill Settlement, Congo Town, Andros
(242) 369-1515
www.caerulamar.com

ANDROS SOUTH LODGE

Guest testing only
#1 Rahming Way, Johnson Bay Dock, Kemps Bay, Congo Town, Andros
(907) 563-9788
androssouthlodge.com

BAIR’S LODGE

Guest testing only
Queens Highway, Little Creek, Congo Town, Andros
(307) 200-1747
www.bairslodge.com

TIAMO RESORT

Guest testing only
Drigg’s Hill, Mangrove Cay, Andros
(786) 374-2442
www.tiamoresorts.com

ANDROS BEACH CLUB

Guest testing only
The Bluff, South Andros
(954) 681-4818
androsbeachclub.com

NICHOLL’S TOWN COMMUNITY CLINIC

Testing will be available as of Dec 16th by appointment
Dr. Natasha Bootle
Andros
(242) 329-2055

FRESH CREEK CLINIC

Testing will be available as of Dec 16th by appointment
Nurse Alberta Edgecombe
Andros
(242) 368-2038

MANGROVE CAY CLINIC

Nurse Deveaux
Andros
(242) 428-3096

MIRIAM GREEN CLINIC

Nurse Rahming
Congo Town, Andros
(242) 471-9398

Acklins and Crooked Island

ACKLINS & CROOKED ISLAND CLINICS

Nurse Beulah Carroll
Testing will be available as of December 14, 2020
Landrail Community Clinic – (242) 344-2166
Colonel Hill Community Clinic – (242) 344-2350

The Abacos

SPANISH CAY

Spanish Cay guest testing only
Spanish Cay, Abaco Cays
(242) 807-0317
www.spanishcay.com


GREEN TURTLE CAY

Concierge services available by booking
Green Turtle, Abaco Cays
Nurse Practitioner Trina Sasine
(229) 798-0233
M-F: 9:00AM – 3:00PM | Sat/Sun: By appointment only


ABACO HEALTH SERVICES

Corbett Medical Centre, Treasure Cay
Mon-Sun: By appointment only
Email: pattialbury@abacohealthservices.com
Facebook: Abaco Health Services


BAKER’S BAY

Baker’s Bay member testing only
Baker’s Bay, Abaco Cays
(242) 577-0325
bakersbayclub.com


INTEGRATED MEDICAL CENTRE

S.C. Bootle Highway, Marsh Harbour (Across from the Government Health Center)
(242) 825-8854
M-F: 9:00AM – 4:00PM, Sat/Sun: By appointment only


ABACO BEACH RESORT AND BOAT HARBOUR MARINA

Only testing Hotel and Marina Guests and Marina Guests that use Marina as a Port of Entry
Bay St, Marsh Harbour
(242) 367-2158
abacobeachresort.com/marina/


WINDING BAY, ABACO

Abaco Club on Winding Bay Guests and Members testing only
Abaco Health Services Mobile Clinic – Dr. James Hull
(242) 577-0744
Mon-Sun: Please schedule through Facebook message
Facebook: Abaco Health Services


HOPE TOWN CLINIC

Hope Town, Abaco Cays
M-F: 4:00PM daily | Weekends: By appointment only
(242) 577-4257


HOPE TOWN CLINIC

Elbow Cay, Abaco
Nurse Imelda Factor
Testing has begun and in progress
(242) 436-5816

Berry Islands

CHUB CAY CLUB

Chub Cay guest testing only
Chub Cay, Berry Islands
(786) 638-3342
www.chubcay.com


GREAT HARBOUR CAY AREA & MARINA

Concierge services available by booking
Nurse Lorell Cartwright
(242) 451-1517
www.greatharbourcaymarina.com

Bimini

CAT CAY YACHT CLUB

Cat Cay guest testing only
Cat Cay, Bimini
(954) 302-3131
www.catcayyachtclub.com


JAVON MEDICAL CENTER

Mall Mart Plaza, Alice Town, Bimini
(Diagonally across the road from Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina)
(242) 347-3123
M-F: 9:00AM – 5:00PM | Weekends: By appointment only

Cat Island

SHANNA’S COVE RESORT

Guest testing only
Shanna Bay, Orange Creek, Cat Island
(242) 359-9507
Mon-Sun: By appointment only.
www.shannas-cove.com

CAT ISLAND CLINICS

Testing available as of Dec 14, 2020
Nursing Officer Elaine Stuart
Smith’s Bay Community Clinic – (242) 354-4050
Orange Creek Community Clinic – (242) 342-3026
Old Bight Community Clinic – (242) 342-4049

Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Spanish Wells

BAHAMAS WELLNESS – SPANISH WELLS

Concierge services also available for booking, additional fees apply
Eagles Landing, Main Street, Spanish Wells, Eleuthera
(242) 333-4869 or (242) 359-7555
M-F: 9:30AM – 5:30PM | Sat/Sun: By appointment only (242) 819-1167
wellnessclinic.bs


BAHAMAS WELLNESS – PALMETTO POINT

Concierge services available for booking, additional fees apply
Church Street, North Palmetto, Eleuthera
(242) 333-4869 or (242) 359-7555
M-F: 9:30AM – 5:30PM | Sat/Sun: By appointment only (242) 819-1167
wellnessclinic.bs

BRILAND PREMIER MEDICAL CENTER

Concierge services available for booking, additional fees apply
Bay Street, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island
(242) 699-5451
Mon-Sun: By appointment only
www.brilandpremier.com

GOVERNOR’S HARBOUR, ELEUTHERA

Concierge services available for booking, additional fees apply
(242) 334-2500
M-F: 8:30AM – 4:30PM | Weekends: Please book
www.familymedicinecenter.org

FAMILY MEDICINE CENTRE – ROCK SOUND

Queen’s Highway, Rock Sound, Eleuthera
(242) 334-2500
M-F: 8:30AM – 4:30PM | Weekends: Please book
www.familymedicinecenter.org

CAPE ELEUTHERA INSTITUTE

Cape Eleuthera guest testing only\
Rock Sound, Eleuthera
(242) 334-8552
www.ceibahamas.org

THE ISLAND SCHOOL

The Island School guest testing only
Rock Sound, Eleuthera
(242) 334-8551
www.islandschool.org

The Exumas

DI-ARA COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CENTER – EMERALD BAY

Concierge services also available for booking, additional fees apply
Emerald Bay Plaza, Farmer’s Hill, Great Exuma
(Opposite Sandals and Grand Isles)
(242) 358-4042
M-F: 9:00AM – 5:00PM | Weekends: Concierge upon request


DI-ARA COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CENTER – GEORGETOWN

Georgetown, Great Exuma
(Directly behind H G Christie across the street from the Peace and Plenty Hotel)
(242) 358-4042
M-F: 9:00AM – 5:00PM | Weekends: Concierge upon request


HIGHBOURNE CAY

Marina & Hotel guest testing only
Highbourne Cay, Exuma Cays
(242) 427-1003
highbournecaybahamas.com


STANIEL CAY YACHT CLUB

Staniel Cay, Exuma Cays
(242) 355-2024
www.stanielcay.com


EMBRACE RESORT

Staniel Cay, Exuma Cays
(242) 355-2101
www.embraceresort.com


EXUMA FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC

Georgetown, Exuma
(Inside the Seaside Real Estate Building)
(242) 336-2001
M-F: 9:00AM – 5:00PM | Weekends: Closed

Grand Bahama, Freeport

THE MEDICAL PAVILION

Concierge services also available for booking, additional fees apply
E Sunrise Hwy, Freeport
(242) 373-1122
M-F: 8:00AM – 5:30PM | Saturdays: 8:30AM – 1:00PM
www.tmp-bahamas.com


BONAVENTURE – FREEPORT

West Mall Drive, Freeport
(Almost opposite the Kidney Centre)
(242) 352-5220
M-F: 8:00AM – 4:00PM | Weekends: Closed
bonaventurelab.com


THE NEW SUNRISE MEDICAL CENTER

Sunrise Medical Center, E Sunrise Hwy, Freeport
(242) 373-3333
M-F: 9:00AM – 5:00PM | Weekends: Closed

Long Island

LONG ISLAND CLINICS

Testing begins Dec 11, 2020 by appointment
Nurse Peggy Sands
(242) 472-8156
Simms Community Clinic 
Deadman’s Cay Community Clinic 

Nassau, Paradise Island

FAMILY MEDICINE CENTRE

Rivington Center, Blake Rd, Nassau
(242) 702-9310
M-F: 8:30AM – 4:30PM | Weekends: Closed
www.familymedicinecenter.org


BONAVENTURE MEDICAL LABORATORY – CENTERVILLE

East Ave (Near Centerville Food Store), Centerville, Nassau
(242) 328-3518
M-F: 7:15AM – 5:00PM | Saturday: 8:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday: Closed
bonaventurelab.com


BONAVENTURE MEDICAL LABORATORY – SANDYPORT

Sandyport Plaza, Nassau
(242) 327-2230
M-F: 8:30AM – 4:30PM | Weekends: Closed
bonaventurelab.com


BONAVENTURE MEDICAL LABORATORY – WULFF ROAD

Wulff Road (Across from FYP), Nassau
(242) 328-3518
bonaventurelab.com


THE ISLAND HOUSE

Guest testing only
Mahogany Hill, Western Rd, Nassau
(242) 698-6300
the-island-house.com/contact/


LYFORD CAY HOSPITAL

Concierge services only, additional fees apply
Western Rd, Nassau
(242) 362-4400


NASSAU YACHT HAVEN MARINA

Marina guests only
70 E Bay St, Nassau
(242) 393-8173
www.nassauyachthaven.com


BAY STREET MARINA

Marina guests only
E Bay St, Nassau
(242) 676-7000
Monday – Sunday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
www.baystreetmarina.com


PREMIER CLINICAL LABORATORY – COLLIN’S AVENUE

121 Collins Avenue, Nassau
(Frank Hanna Cleaning Company’s Building)
(242) 325-2030
M-F: 7:00AM – 5:00PM | Weekends: Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
premierclinicallaboratory.com


PREMIER CLINICAL LABORATORY – CARMICHAEL

#8 Carmichael Road, Nassau
(Across from Bamboo Shack)
(242) 361-0128
M-F: 7:00AM – 3:00PM | Weekends: Saturdays from 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
premierclinicallaboratory.com


MONTAGUE MEDICAL CLINIC

East Shirley Street
(242) 394-0086
M-F: 9:00AM – 12:00PM | Weekends: Closed


JAVON MEDICAL CENTRE

#21 Madeira Street
(242) 328-1224
M&F: 8:00AM – 4:00PM | Tue & Thur: 8:00AM – 7:00PM | W&Sat: 8:00AM – 1:00PM | Sun: Closed


CARIBBEAN HEALTH

#59 Montrose Ave, Nassau
(242) 677-4200
M-F: 7:00AM – 4:45PM | Weekends: Closed
caribbean-health.business.site


KELSO MEDICAL LABORATORY

#10 Collins Ave, Nassau
(242) 322-7994
M-F: 7:00AM – 5:00PM
www.kelsolab.com


DOCTORS HOSPITAL

#1 Collins Ave, Nassau
(242) 302-4600
M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Sat: 9:00AM – 1:00PM | Sun: Closed
www.doctorshosp.com


BREEZES RESORT

Guest testing only
West Bay St, Nassau
(242) 424-8704
www.breezes.com

San Salvador

COCKBURN TOWN COMMUNITY CLINIC

Testing has begun by appointment
Nurse Aleta Rolle
San Salvador
(242) 331-2105

Spanish Wells Hotels

Published on by troybook Category: Accommodations, Spanish Wells
An Historic Home on Spanish Wells, Eleuthera

I have been seeing searches for “Spanish Wells Hotels” coming in to bahamabook. Spanish wells is fortunate enough to not have Cottage Spanish Wellshotels on the island, at least not large ones. Spanish Wells has not become a tourist trap, and I hope the government of the Bahamas never allows a large hotel chain to build there.

Rental Homes

There are a good number of homes for rent through the normal online booking channels.

Homeaway

Airbnb

A local booking site.

Harbourside Rentals

Rental Home Web Sites

Sail Beach

Villa Anna

Sea Blue Rentals

Boutique Hotels

Spanish Wells Yacht Haven and Resort is a boutique hotel with six guest rooms, one villa and a 30 slip all-weather marina. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant & bar serving Mediterranean and Bahamian cuisine, and a shop. Also located on site are laundry facilities and showers for marina guests.

 

 

The Generation Gap

Published on by troybook Category: Restaurants, Spanish Wells
The Generation Gap Restaurant

The Generation Gap to me is a take on a traditional diner type restaurant. They serve good food cheap, and in large amounts. It is also a good place to sample traditional Bahamian food. The Peas-n-Rice is like my grandma used to make. There are quite a few other Bahamian specialties on the menu as well. I would suggest the cracked conch!

The Generation Gap is a dine in or take out kind of place. I don’t really like the dining room because it is kind of closed in feeling. The entrance of the restaurant has a few tables and a traditional eat-at counter that you’d expect at a diner. It’s fun sitting here in the morning eating breakfast while listening to the locals banter on about whatever is on their minds that day.

The deserts served here are pretty good. Careful though, the portion may induce diabetes. Most of the desert menu consists of cold no bake type deserts with the occasional cake as seen in the above photo.

Gap Facebook Page.

Bahamas Wireless Connectivity Explained

Published on by troybook Category: Spanish Wells, Technology
aliv cell phone network.

Modern technology is not only affecting our daily lives at home. It is also affecting the way we travel. Not too long ago one went on vacation while vernon at home wondered how the vacation was going, and if every one was safe and healthy.

Photos and live video can also be shared to your social media, letting family back home share in your vacation.

Now in any modern country there is no need to be disconnected from home.

Unlocked GSM Cell Phones

One simply needs to own an unlocked GSM phone. On arriving in the Bahamas for a few bucks one can obtain a local Bahamian number with voice access to the USA and Europe with out roaming costs.

In the video we talked about the iPhone, but in reality any GSM phone should work fine. If you would purchase a phone for this use, then I would suggest purchasing a quad band phone.

The following video pretty much goes through the whole process.

Shipyard Restaurant and Bar

Published on by troybook Category: Restaurants, Spanish Wells, Uncategorized
Shipyard Restaurant and Bar

The shipyard is one of the newest restaurants on Spanish Wells. This is a more upscale restaurant bent on changing it up from the fried food, local type food that has traditionally been served at the local restaurants.

The View

The View is definitely gourmet! I enjoy simply sitting on the deck, the food is a definite added bonus. On my first day on Spanish Wells we ordered the Smoked Fish dip, and a few beers. As we slowly consumed the food and drink I could not help being drawn to the sea, a mere 6 feet from where I sat. The swaying palms seemed to sing a sweet song of enchantment that would not permit us to leave.

The Menu

Is a bit more pricy than the other restaurants on Spanish Wells but it is definitely good for at least one visit during the stay.

Shipyard Menu

 

Facebook Page

 

Villa Anna

Published on by troybook Category: Accommodations, Spanish Wells
Villa Anna

Villa AnnaVilla Anna is a second floor apartment, giving you complete privacy.  You have your own spacious deck from which to enjoy beautiful sunsets each night.

Villa Anna is located in a quiet central street, close to everything, especially the beach! Your apartment is nestled in a beautiful tropical garden with a private entrance.

A short walk will take you to restaurants, stores, and boat rentals. You can rent a golf cart or use the bicycles provided to tour the island. The Island of Spanish Wells is 2 miles long, and it is attached by a bridge to the less inhabited Russell Island.

There are two bicycles, beach towels, 2 lounge chairs and an umbrella for your use. It’s a slow 2 minute easy walk to a long secluded beach.

Onsite Swedish massage available ,child care, if you need a break, and Kayak rentals $15 a day. There is one Stand Up Paddle board for your use.

The Beach

The Accommodations

  • Accommodates 4 guests
  • 1 Bedroom
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 2 Beds
  • Kitchen
  • Internet
  • Essentials Provided

$100.00 per night.

Airbnb Listing

Facebook Page

Bullseye Bonefishing

Published on by troybook Category: Fly fishing, Spanish Wells, To Do
Bullseye Bonefishing

Shaw Underwood of Bullseye Bonefishing has spent his entire life boating and fishing the waters around Spanish Wells. His skill Bone fish on a flybecomes evident very quickly as he pilots his boat from one fishing spot to the next in pursuit of the “ghost of the flats.”

The Challenge

Fishing for Bonefish is challenging in the best of conditions because the fish is extremely spooky. They are hunted by both predators of the sea, including shark and barracuda, while having to keep an eye out for the osprey from above. Add to this that the bone fish feed in very shallow waters, sometimes mere inches deep, and you have for yourself a combination of circumstances that produce a very skittish fish. Hook up on one and you realize very quickly why you’re fishing with an 8 weight rod.

The Gear

Shaw provides top notch gear including Loomis rods equips with Hardy reels and custom tied flies. No need to haul gear, just show up.

The saying “Your only as good as your equipment” is definitely the case when chasing bonefish. Our 2016, 18 foot flats boat is The Bossman TailSpotter. The TailSpotter is a new generation of technical poling skiff designed with shallow water tournament fishing & guide captains in mind.

Book a trip with Bullseye Bonefishing today at. https://bullseyebonefishing.com

Salt and Peppa’s Spanish Wells Dive

Published on by troybook Category: Restaurants, Spanish Wells
Salt and Peppa Menu

The Restaurant

Is mainly a take away, but has seating in the rear under a tent. They serve true Bahamian food and as a result it is Salt and Peppa Restaurant, Spanish Wellswhere the locals grab a bite on the run.

Virginia Parks is the owner operator of Salt and Peppa’s. She has a passion for good food and it shows in the food she serves through her window. Virginia calls Salt and Peppa a “Dive.” I must say this dive serves great food. For sure it is not your everyday restaurant. These kinds of places do attract me, I must say.

Another delight served at this small restaurant is the fresh “limeaid” which is lemon aid made from local limes. Limeaid is really refreshing and a personal weakness of mine. When you buy a “limeaid” keep your cup, they do refills at a reduced price.

Salt and Peppa MenuEverything I tried on the menu during my stay, I would order again. There are not too many place I’ve been that I could say that about.

Enjoy and say Hi to Virginia from bahamabook!

Budda’s Snack Shack

Published on by troybook Category: Restaurants, Spanish Wells
Budda's Snack Shack

Budda’s Snack Shack and Liquor Store is a local outdoor, family friendly restaurant and bar. Bahamabook was told that Friday nights this is a happening place. The place to go to meet the locals.

The menu at Budda’s includes Bahamian food, American food and some Chinese. Prices are reasonable between $7.00 and $20.00 per entree.

The Feel

Budda’s just feels comfortable, like the kick off your shoes and prop your feet up comfortable. A family can sit and relax while the kids do what kids do, and the adults can sit at the bar if they wish to hob nob with the locals. The locals are a friendly but at first reserved group. One they get to know you a bit they are warm and engaging, fun to talk with.

Budda’s started the restaurant as a food truck in a customized school bus. To this day the kitchen is run from the school bus.

Budda's Snack Shack