The Bahamas : Safety by City
The Bahamas - safety as a country
The documented history of Nassau, Bahamas dates to the 17th century.
Its history includes the well-known piracy that occurred in and around Nassau, as well as the rich, vibrant culture of Nassau today.
Although some people who lived in the Bahamas have a history dating back to around 900 A.D., stories about the early history of Nassau are more closely tied to pirates than to the people who lived here before the pirates.
Pirates and other lawless men overran Nassau in the 17th century.
Pirates looted cargo ships that passed through the area.
The King of England sent Woodes Rogers to become governor and restore order.
It started a turnaround for Nassau.
It quickly became a tourist destination at the end of the 19th century.
The British ruled the Bahamas until it received its independence in 1973.
Nassau recently documented having an unprecedented number of tourists.
Yet, many people are likely to wonder if traveling to Nassau is safe for themselves or for their families.
Learn about safety risks, the best places to visit, places to avoid, and how to stay safe when traveling to Nassau.
Warnings & Dangers in Nassau
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Nassau has high rates of some types of crimes. Travelers are often victims of these crimes, which can range from petty crimes to assaults, sexual offenses, and other serious crimes. Most travelers to Nassau have no issues with safety if they follow safety guidelines to lower their risk of becoming crime victims.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Travelers who visit Nassau should not take a taxi or other transport that they can hail on the streets of Nassau. Taxi and transport scams frequently target tourists. Taxis are not metered in Nassau. Taxi drivers can overcharge you for your ride and try to force you to pay whatever they demand for your fare. Make sure that you have an agreement on the cost of the fare before you get into the taxi. Taking other public transport can put travelers at high risk for petty crimes such as pickpockets or theft.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Do not put your phone or wallet in your back pocket when walking around Nassau. Do not have your purse open or on a counter. You may find that you no longer have a wallet or cash. The capital city of the Bahamas is known for having high rates of pickpocketing incidents.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Travelers who want to visit Nassau need to monitor weather reports before they leave on their trip and while they are in Nassau. Hurricane season runs from June through November. Past hurricanes have caused some devastation to the area.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Travelers need to stay alert wherever they are when visiting Nassau. Although violent crime often occurs between residents, travelers can become targets. Stay in your group and in well-lit areas. Do not walk alone at night.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risk of terrorism in Nassau is low. Still, travelers should stay vigilant and leave the area where any demonstrations or violence occur.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a warning about visa scams in January 2026. Do not fall for these scams. Travelers to the Bahamas, including to Nassau, are not required to have a visa if they visit for less than eight months. Do not get into a taxi on Nassau streets where the taxi driver offers rides to destinations. You can become a crime victim, or face demands for high taxi fares. Some cruise ship travelers have reported that they became scam victims when in Nassau.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Many women feel safe traveling to Nassau alone. Many others have become victims of crimes that range from petty crimes to sexual assaults. The U.S. Department of State urges people to stay alert in public restrooms and downtown beaches. Sexual assaults have occurred at downtown beaches. Women have been victims of sexual assault by jet ski operators.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Nassau is one area of the Bahamas where tap water is treated, which lowers risks to safety. The tap water meets the drinking water safety standards of the World Health Organization.
Safest Places to Visit in Nassau
Nassau has several safe places for travelers to visit, including popular destinations and attractions.
Cable Beach features two and a half miles of beautiful beach area.
The golf course, luxury resorts, and water activities offer opportunities to experience some of the best amenities in Nassau.
Another beach that offers fun in the sun for beachgoers is Junkanoo Beach.
It is a popular beach for travelers on cruise ships and for other travelers who visit Nassau.
Downtown Nassau is safe for travelers who want to experience diverse cultures, food, fun, and shopping.
The historic architecture, monuments, street artists, and colorful streets are ideal for all travelers who want to experience a variety of safe options.
Sign up for a walking tour to get the best out of Downtown Nassau.
The Queens Staircase is usually part of the walking tours.
Other travelers enjoy the experience of walking the 66 limestone steps of the Queens Staircase.
The Pirates of Nassau Museum is a unique destination for travelers.
Step back in time to the days when pirates ruled the Bahamas, including Nassau.
The wax exhibits on the self-guided tour tell a story of the history of the area.
Visit the Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Centre for a safe destination that offers travelers the chance to relax in more than four acres of gorgeous tropical gardens.
The center specializes in bird rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
Places to Avoid in Nassau
Many places are safe for travelers, but there are some areas to avoid when visiting Nassau.
One area to avoid is the Over the Hill area.
The high crime rate makes it unsafe for tourists.
The Sand Trap is an area that is known for violent crime.
Gang violence, usually targeting other gangs, and other crimes are common in the area.
Arawak Cay also has high crime rates.
It is an area that travelers should avoid when visiting Nassau.
Pinewood Gardens is an area where local officials have been trying to make it safer for residents and tourists.
Avoid the area because high crime rates are still an issue.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Nassau
- Do not wear expensive jewelry or clothes. Avoid advertising your wealth or what criminals could perceive as wealth. Dress down and leave the expensive jewelry at home.
- Do not walk alone at night. Travelers should not walk alone at night, even in areas of Nassau that are usually safe for travelers.
- Do not leave your drink unattended. Do not leave a drink unattended. Travelers, both male and female, can have their drinks spiked and easily become crime victims.
- Do not go to the beach alone. Women have been victims of sexual assaults, even at very public beaches. Jet ski operators and other people have committed sexual assaults.
- Avoid independently operated watercraft experiences. Some jet ski rental vendors and commercial recreational watercraft are not well-regulated in Nassau. Some vendors of these types of watercraft are also known to try to scam travelers.
- Stay in well-lit areas. Although much of Nassau is safe for travelers, they should still stay in well-lit areas. Do not leave a bar alone or walk alone at night.
- Stay alert for sharks. Although some sources report a low risk of shark attacks in the area, the U.S. Department of State lists shark attacks as one of the risks for travelers to the Bahamas. The agency says that shark attacks have led to serious injuries and deaths.
- Lock hotel doors and windows. Make sure that you lock all doors and windows in your hotel room, including balcony doors. Do not open the door for anyone unless you know who is at the door.
- Use indoor ATMs. Do not use ATMs on the street. Use ATMs that are inside or that are enclosed to avoid being a crime victim.
- Book accommodations at reputable hotels. Book your hotel stays or other accommodations with major hotels or vacation rental companies.
So... How Safe Is Nassau Really?
Nassau offers travelers many opportunities to enjoy the many beaches, historical sites, botanical gardens, nightlife, and local culture.
Many areas of Nassau are safe.
Some areas have a reputation for being high-crime neighborhoods or other places that travelers should avoid.
Nassau is a destination that is popular with couples, families, and solo women travelers.
Women who travel alone must take extra precautions because of the risks of sexual assault.
People who travel to Nassau and educate themselves about the places to avoid and current safety risks are likely to make new memories when they visit Nassau, Bahamas.
How Does Nassau Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Nassau |
55 |
| Harbour Island |
68 |
| Grand Bahama |
70 |
| Freeport |
60 |
 Snoqualmie | 78 |
| Bend | 87 |
 Havana | 55 |
 Hong Kong | 75 |
| Sterling Heights | 78 |
| St. Albans | 72 |
Useful Information
Visas
A tourist visa is not required for people who visit Nassau.
Currency
The Bahamian Dollar is the official currency of Nassau and the rest of the Bahamas. It is managed by the Central Bank of the Bahamas. One Bahamian Dollar is equal to one U.S. Dollar. Travelers can pay for goods and services with either currency. Major banks, some hotels, and international airports are exchange locations. Travelers must declare currency and other negotiable interests of $10,000 or more upon entry. They must also declare currency or negotiable interests of $10,000 or more when they exit Nassau or other areas of the Bahamas.
Weather
Nassau has a tropical Savannah climate. This means that the weather stays pretty close to steady throughout the year. Travelers still need to pay attention to the weather before they plan their trip to Nassau. They also need to stay aware of the weather once they are in Nassau. The mild winters and the hot summers appeal to many travelers. The average temperatures are the hottest during June, July, and August. The temperature only fluctuates a few degrees in the other months of the year. The rainy season runs from June through October. Travelers should also plan their trip around the hurricane season, which is from June through October.
Airports
The Lynden Pindling International Airport was formerly known as Nassau International Airport. The airport offers travelers easy access to and from Nassau. It is the largest airport in the Bahamas. Millions of travelers pass through Lynden Pindling International Airport every year. Many of them arrive to enjoy all the natural beauty and experiences that Nassau has to offer travelers who visit or decide to stay in Nassau.
Travel Insurance
Travelers should always purchase travel insurance. The U.S. Department of State has a travel checklist on its site. Purchasing travel insurance is among the top five things on the travel checklist. Get travel insurance to protect yourself and your family.
Nassau Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
25 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 26 |
| Low °C |
17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 18 |
| High °F |
77 | 77 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 | 82 | 79 |
| Low °F |
63 | 63 | 64 | 66 | 70 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 72 | 68 | 64 |
The Bahamas - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Freeport | 60 |
| Grand Bahama | 70 |
| Harbour Island | 68 |
| Nassau | 55 |
Atlantis going down
Hi just writing a review on the time I spent at The Reef. I arrived like I usually do I asked for an SUV we went to the market to purchase spring water (Dasani) and some snacks for the kids. We checked in the check-in was pretty fast.
We were escorted to our rooms. Upon arrival to the room it was very warm I assumed it was because the room may have not been in use a day or 2. The air conditioner in the room was broke the refrigerator was broke not getting cold, the TV in the bathroom was broke fuzzy no signal, no radio was in the room and the tv was old not dated which meant my phone could not connect to the tv to play free movies I had downloaded but I would have to pay for movies provided by the hotel for $14.99 newest movie was “US”.
I called down and spoke with a manager who sent staff up later staff said the air conditioning was broke and suggested I go to a new room I did not want to move to a different floor because the kids and I were unpacked.
I suggested a room adjacent to the hall or not too far on the same floor. The manager said that there was nothing he had but did suggest I upgrade to a different room for $50 more a night I was soo tired and exhausted that I just said ok, not to mention I had already paid $2100 in advance for my room. The Atlantis resort is going down to shambles I have been coming to the resort frequently since I was 18 flying in on Paradise Airlines when the airport was on Paradise Island before the bridges and the royal, reef and cove yes that long when it was owned by Merv Griffin and the airport was back where the ocean club is.
I even purchased stock with the holding company that owns and manages The Atlantis and I was told by my accountant that I should sell because the Atlantis is in Jeopardy of the worst. The food has gotten horrible all the restaurants sell the same food which is all garbage and you are charged ridiculously high prices and tax which I never mind in the past because the food was sooo good.
The food is bad the rooms are old and falling apart the resort charges a separate resort fee of $67 daily plus tax of $12 daily for attractions which I have never paid before must be new and I never let my children entertain the rides because of how old and wore down the water park is. The lagoon is smelly and nasty. I feel bad for the little boy that never came back up from the lagoon again that was hidden. Miami is not looking bad at all. At least I’m safer and accounted for in the States. The Bahamas is not the Caribbean and people need to know that, The Bahamas is The West Indies.
The Atlantis is up for sale and buyers are turning it down due to so many problems that need to be fixed. My 9yo daughter asked me what does it mean when I say the staff are not like they use to be and I simply explained the best way I could I said if you have a substitute teacher that is very nice and lets you and your friends do what you want because she’s not on staff there she’s just there temporarily will you treat her differently and my daughter was honest and said I may do things I wouldn’t do if my permanent teacher was there and I said that’s kind of how the staff are they are not as attentive as they usually are and it’s because they know the Atlantis is up in the air with no potential buyer. Brookfield is fed up and ready to sell ASAP.
Staff is not as attentive as they were in the past I could count maybe 4x I saw a guard at the entrance to the elevator. A guard was always there and at the entrance. I have never had a problem with the fee because I’ve always said I pay for my children and me to be safe and now that has changed.
I just kept thinking what if something like This happened to me when I was younger my family is okay but not wealthy and they would be left to think I killed myself that’s terrible. I felt so bad for her I could remember myself being there that young at the Atlantis because I could get peace of mind and I didn’t have to pay duties/taxes at the Gucci or Fendi Shop. I will not go back and if I do it may be at the Baha Mar but that’s another story because Nassau is the worst island in the Bahamas with killings every day hopefully the security is better.
I heard the water park at Baha Mar will be done before the year is out and I’m told it should be better than the Atlantis. We will see. All I can say is be safe travel with friends and family when going to the Atlantis and don’t ride the jet skies they are not regulated by the Resorts but by the locals and The Who knows the last time they were serviced. Be careful and ask questions it’s your right.
The killing happened at The Royal Towers on the 3rd floor in 2018 and I was there that year in June 2018 and after a day we were moved to The Cove because of a bad plumbing problem at the Royal Tower I don’t remember which floor I was ok but sheesh I couldn’t believe what I read and to think I was there with my family a month after a homicide. Shame on you Atlantis.
Its normal to check.out the complex before you go travelling to the Atlantis?
Bahamas very safe
Just saying if anyone is reading this and thinking that the Bahamas is super unsafe it is very safe. As long as you aren’t being an idiot and putting yourself in dangerous situations you will be fine.
Very Safe for Tourists
The Bahamas is VERY SAFE for tourists. Honestly, Gang crimes and murder rates have NOTHING to do with tourists and are especially NOT happening in touristy areas. The only things tourists should worry about is petty scams and rain.
You gotta follow some rules though…
I have been to Nassau twice, would not say no to another visit.
To keep things on the safe side I think having someone accompany you would be safer, especially if you’re venturing outside after dark.
As with most other places, especially when it comes to islands, crimes against tourists are very rare, more so near hotels or resorts.
I have to say, I never felt unsafe here and I’m generally not the type to be extra protective of my wallet or other belongings. Downtown Nassau benefits from a lot of police officers patrolling and the East Bay Street – Downtown route is rather safe.
All water-related activities are fun and quite decently priced but if you’re a woman traveling solo I would skip it altogether since not all ‘companies’ are regulated, you don’t really know who you’re dealing with. We went on a snorkeling tour which was fun but the whole atmosphere was rather amateurish and the boat we got there with, well, I’m glad we got out of it alive.
You have to stop by “The Daiquiri Shack”, they make the best drinks and the whole area is ok for any tourists as it’s located near two hotels. If you’re a big snacker or you just want to hit the local grocery stores to buy random stuff be prepared to overspend, the prices here are surreal!
The “Over the Hill” area is branded as a place where you go if you wanna get in trouble, I never went past that point.
During my stay I saw no unpleasant incident except for the shock I had when I tried to buy a statue that would have looked lovely above my fireplace. I will place cab drivers in the same category as these guys love ripping people off. I just did what my dad does: I went around asking several drivers for their fees and went with the lowest one.
Fair
I stayed at a hostel between cable beach and love beach, here right now (Viking Hill). Didn’t get toilet paper, a towel, a pillow, a induction of facility, my room under construction, ceiling leaking. Had to put towels and bowl down. Taxis expensive. Beaches rocky unless at big hotels. Tropical storm, most excisions cancelled. The good part diving with Sharks ❤️🦈. Dilly Dally walking tour in the rain, better than in room. Bohemians I’ve met sincerely nice. Although, I got yelled at and cursed at by a homeless man in downtown Nassau, but as long as he didn’t touch me, I’m good. by the hostel good spots to hang, travelers rest and spot next door. Bus situation is much cheaper than taxi. Didn’t know of murder rate, but be safe use your brain.
Bahamas was a huge let down, go someplace else
I will NEVER go back. It was the absolute worst vacation of my life.
Stayed at the Riu, which is a run down all- inclusive resort on Paradise Island. Most staff were not very friendly, though to be fair there were those few that did treat the guests liked welcomed visitors- this was absolutely the exception in our experience.
The rooms at the Riu rooms were not well-kept, crumbs, dust hair everywhere & smelled strongly of mold/ mildew. The beds were very uncomfortable, pillows teeny/tiny squares. Plumbing in bad shape, HVAC needs to be overhauled as the mold/mildew smell was strongest when it was on. The pool was OK, when intoxicated people were not vomiting in it.
The beach area is patrolled by many aggressive vendors who will constantly bug you to buy something. It was very hard to relax.
The Riu did not have an ATM, most taxis only took cash & were VERY pricey. The Riu did not consistently offer the advertised accommodations (not a daily pool side BBQ as advertised, coffee/snack bar not really open-during advertised hours), food was meh and super salty. Had to book the specialty dining 2 days in advance.
Honestly, this particular resort was staffed by people who didn’t seem to care about the paying customers. I’ve never been to a hotel where the majority of the staff were so unfriendly.
Nassau was nuts- it was dirty, trash strewn everywhere, & full of extremely aggressive vendors. However, we did enjoy the pirate museum.
This vacation was so bad we left the country early. We will never go back.
bahamas is not the place you think.
so far have been here for a day and a half and are staying in a gated community. first day we arrived the catcalls started immediately to my girlfriend the second we left the airport to go outside. the taxi driver we got (fully licensed with yellow plates) decided to go get “gas” when he brought us to the middle of no where. where many vehicles and men approached the cab. i closed the windows and doors and everyone left once i did that. the driver returned and i had looked at the gas guage and it was at a quarter tank…didn’t even put gas in it. when ended up at our location after a very stressful and unpleasant cab ride around the backside of the island. the driver had no reason to do this. other than well what we can all assume to be either some sort of setup that they tried or some really really weird coincidence. the people downtown nassau are great people. other people…not so much. very hostile feeling when in public. never felt “safe”. yes. i’m aware every city in the world has its crime and it’s problems. but here. just felt different. felt like we didn’t belong. like we were unwelcome and they were just playing us. extremely scary to see what happened to us. the driver even left the keys in the ignition and left the car running and opened the passenger door where my girlfriend was sitting. insisting on the men leave the vehicle to get something to eat. just weird. not having a great time so far. i don’t know if i did something wrong but. it just feels very negative here