The U.S. State Department recently issued a Level 2 travel advisory for The Bahamas, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to crime and potential shark attacks. The advisory highlighted that violent crime, including armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, can occur anywhere in the Bahamas. However, the majority of incidents tend to happen in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.
Travelers were advised to be vigilant in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have been known to target residents. Additionally, caution was recommended at vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present. The State Department emphasized the importance of locking doors and windows and only answering the door for known individuals.
Aside from crime, the advisory also highlighted risks while boating and visiting beaches in The Bahamas. Boating was noted as being poorly regulated, with incidents of injuries and deaths occurring. Some watercraft operators were reported to be unlicensed and uninsured, posing additional risks to travelers. Due to these concerns, U.S. government employees were prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.
Reports of sexual assaults by jet ski operators and incidents near downtown Nassau beaches were also mentioned in the advisory. Travelers were advised to be aware of their surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms. Furthermore, shark attacks were identified as a serious concern, with recent incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. In February, two American tourists were attacked by a shark at Bimini Bay, leading to their airlift to New Providence for treatment.
Notably, in December 2023, a 44-year-old newlywed from Massachusetts was tragically killed by a shark while paddleboarding near New Providence Island. A month later, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten by a shark while in a shark tank at a resort on Paradise Island. The State Department confirmed that the travel advisory for The Bahamas was previously at Level 2 before the update on March 31.
Despite the advisory, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation did not provide an immediate response to inquiries regarding the situation. Travelers were encouraged to heed the warnings and exercise caution when visiting The Bahamas to ensure their safety and well-being during their trip.
