Travel Warning Issued for The Bahamas: Crime and Shark Attacks Highlighted

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for The Bahamas, urging visitors to "exercise increased caution" due to concerns over crime and recent shark attacks. This tropical paradise may look like heaven, but it seems there are a few devils lurking beneath its glossy exterior.

Violent crimes such as armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults have been reported across the islands. While these incidents can occur anywhere, the advisory highlighted Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama as the hotspots. Travelers are also warned to be cautious in Nassau’s "Over the Hill" area, south of Shirley Street, where gang-related violence has been reported.

Safety at vacation rental properties is another point of concern, especially those lacking private security. Visitors are advised to lock their doors and windows and to avoid answering the door unless they are confident about who is on the other side. Basic precautions, sure, but it’s unsettling to think that such advice is even necessary for a vacation destination.

Beyond crime, the advisory also flags risks associated with boating and beach activities. Boating regulations are reportedly lax, with accidents, injuries, and even fatalities noted in the past. Visitors are urged to be cautious with watercraft, as some operators are neither licensed nor insured. U.S. government employees are even prohibited from renting jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands due to safety concerns and reported sexual assaults.

Sharks add another layer of danger. Recent attacks have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. In February, two American tourists were attacked by a shark while swimming at Bimini Bay. Tragically, in December 2023, a Massachusetts newlywed lost her life to a shark while paddleboarding near New Providence Island, and just weeks later, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten by a shark while in a resort’s shark tank on Paradise Island.

It’s not all doom and gloom—the Bahamas remain a breathtaking destination. But travelers should stay alert, exercise caution, and maybe avoid reenacting scenes from "Jaws" while they’re there.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has yet to respond to the updated advisory, which was refreshed on March 31 but remains at Level 2. Whether you're planning to bask in the sun or dive into the crystal-clear waters, this advisory serves as a stark reminder: paradise comes with its risks.