LOCAL AREA

The Bahamas, officially the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is an archipelagic country that consists of more than 3,000 islands, cays, and islets in the Atlantic Ocean. It is located to the East of Florida, US, and to the north of Cuba. The capital of the country is Nassau, and it is based on the island of New Providence. You can read more about the history and culture of the country on the Bohemian Government website.

All Hands and Hearts program is based in the Abaco Islands, which are a 120-mile stretch of islands and cays in the northernmost section of The Bahamas. More specifically, our base will be located in Marsh Harbour on the island of Grand Abaco - the largest of the Abaco Islands and stretches nearly 105 miles. It is surrounded by outlying islands and cays, both inhabited and uninhabited. The Abacos were severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Homes, businesses and infrastructure were destroyed initially, making a very austere environment. There continue to be ongoing efforts to restore services to the island. Resources are limited, but there is a well-stocked grocery store in Marsh Harbour, and new businesses are regularly opening. A large handful of restaurants and bars are open, along with basic services such as a laundry mat, ATMs, gas stations and a coffee shop located within Marsh Harbour.


There are several small communities outside of Marsh Harbour that visitors frequently visit to explore, boat, fish and relax on sandy beaches. We encourage volunteers to check out rental car options, taxis and ferry services and schedules to plan their days off. Amenities and excursions in The Bahamas can be quite expensive, so please plan accordingly.


As welcome volunteers to base only on Mondays. If you are planning to arrive during the weekend, these are some recommendations of some places to stay and explore the island.

  • Island Breezes: walking distance from the base.

  • AIRBNB/Vrbo: all around the island.

  • Calypso Hills: 10 mins drive from base.

  • Oeisha's Resort: +1 (242) 804-0660 Oeisha Roberts is a woman who owns this small hotel. It has a kitchen and pool table, and it's next to the beach. Best price to stay in Abaco. (more than an hour drive from base)

If you want to explore the island on that Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, consider renting a car: Kerri Sawyer K&S AUTO: +1 (242) 577-0745 (Gas station + car rental). Text Kerri and tell her you are from All Hands and Hearts for discount prices. There are other options on the island; please find some in Marsh Harbour, which is where the airport and base are located.



MONEY

The Bahamian dollar is maintained at the same level as the U.S. dollar, and both are accepted interchangeably on all islands. If you are travelling from the US, there is no need to change your money. US dollars are used as readily as Bahamian Dollars in the Bahamas and are equal in value. If you are coming from another country, you will need to change your money before you get to The Bahamas, or you can use one of the three ATMs in Marsh Harbour to withdraw cash.

SIM CARD

We recommend that you always travel with a phone and a working SIM card, so you are able to contact us at any time. The best option may be to bring an unlocked phone and purchase a local SIM with a data package. You can pick up a SIM card on your way through Nassau; however, it is now also possible to purchase SIMs in Marsh Harbour. The best network for the area is Aliv. SIM cards can be purchased at Bahama Pearl located at Domestic/ International check-in or at the Alive store in Marsh Harbour. There are different packages available, ranging from 7 days with .06GB for $6 to 30 days with 3GB for $30.


THE ABACOS

'Abaco, the second largest island in The Bahamas, is best known as a yachtsman’s paradise. Abaco and its cays are scattered over 130 square miles of aquamarine water. Its two major islands, Great and Little Abaco, have a myriad of small cays flanking the mainland. The sea channel between the islands allows for good cruising. Abaco, located in the northern Bahamas, typically boasts pine forests and is inhabited by wild boars and ducks. Its waters abound with fish, including the marlin and sailfish. It also has bonefishing flats.' (The Government of the Bahamas). Therefore, the island is a paradise for nature lovers and those who enjoy snorkelling and diving. Abacos are a popular tourist spot due to its pristine beaches and crystal clear water, and we encourage you to explore the island and support locals by shopping locally during your days off and breaks. Tourist attractions such as cruises and boat renting are rather expensive, so if you plan on trying it out, we recommend budgeting accordingly. More budget-friendly activities include snorkelling (you can bring your own mask and fins), exploring pristine beaches of Abaco island, try local food in downtown, or simply renting a car and drive around the island for stunning views!


Here is a great blog post about travelling the Abacos. It also has a list of interesting tourist attractions in the area and links to companies providing various services. You can check out this blog as well.

MARSH HARBOUR

Marsh Harbour is the 3rd largest city in the Bahamas and the biggest one in the Abacos. Although the city is still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, it provides a wide range of useful facilities and tourist attractions. If you want to stock up on toiletries or buy groceries, we recommend heading to Maxwell's Supermarket. It is located close to our base, and it has a good selection of food. In the close proximity to our base, you will also find three pharmacies and the city has both private and public health centres in case of emergencies. The city has also a fair number of eateries, restaurants and coffee shops. We recommend that you stroll around the area and explore possibilities on Google Maps.

Some beaches in the Bahamas are private and require you to buy at least a drink to use them, but there are also a lot of nice public beaches on the island that are worth exploring. The most famous one is the Treasure Cay Public Beach, but it is located a bit far from our base so you might need to rest a car to get there. The closest public beach is the Crossing Public Beach.

THE WEATHER

The daytime temperatures in The Bahamas are typically warm, ranging from 70°F/21°C in the fall and winter months and up to 90°F/32°C during spring and summer. However, nighttime temperatures can reach as low as 50°F/15°F in the winter and fall months but typically hover around 80°F/27°C in the summer. The night time lower temperatures can catch program attendees off guard, so think about both evening clothing and appropriate sleeping bags.

Humidity and UV levels also typically increase in the summer, so use plenty of sunblock and always remember to drink water! We recommend you check the forecast before joining to help you pack accordingly.