Bahamas Travel Guide: Tips For Your Bahamas Vacation at Fowl Cay

Visit the destination page of the website. You can find the link under "about Fowl Cay" at the top of any page in the website. If you have trouble scheduling a flight, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-242-357-0095.

Travel document requirements for The Bahamas

US Citizens - a valid US passport is required for each traveler (even babies and children). All visitors should bring proof of return ticket. No visa is required for stays up to one month.

US Residents (non citizens) - Original Alien Registration Card AND a valid passport from country of citizenship. All visitors should bring proof of return ticket. No visa is required for stays up to one month.

Canadian Citizen - A valid Canadian passport OR a "raised stamp" or "original ink" birth certificate and picture ID (if over 16) are required for each traveller (even babies and children). All visitors should bring proof of return ticket. No visa is required for stays up to 21 days.

Canadian Resident (non citizens) - A valid national passport accompanied by a Canadian Immigration Record Form 1000. No visa is required for stays up to 21 days. All visitors should bring proof of return ticket.

UK Citizents - A UK passport valid for at least six months beyond dates of travel in the Bahamas. No visa required for visits up to 8 months. All visitors should bring proof of return ticket.

Other - Citizens of all other countries should visit the Bahamian consulate in their country or call the Bahamas Department of Immigration at 242-322-7530.

Communications

Since we are a remote out-island, communication abilities are somewhat limited compared to what many are used to.

General and Emergency Numbers - Our office number in the Bahamas is 1-242-355-2046 and should be used for general messages. An emergency contact number is the manager's cell phone which is 1-242-357-0095. Please also use this number to inform us of travel delays.

Fax - Our office fax number is 1-954-208-8216. Guests may recieve faxes at this number and are welcome to send faxes during our normal office hours - 7:30AM - 4:30PM.

Cell Phones - It is likely that your cell phone will not work here. Even if you have a TDMA or dual-band phone, there are no guarantees (although you can try calling your provider to set service up - ask about roaming and other fees - Be sure to tell them we are in the out-islands, not Nassau or Freeport). We have pre-paid cell phones that you are free to use during your stay and buy pre-paid minutes in $20 or $50 denominations - rates are about $1/min to the US and Canada. Please email info@fowlcay.com if you would like the phone number prior to your arrival.

Email/Internet - We have an Internet-connected computer for guests' use to check emails and surf the Internet. There is also an Ethernet hub to connect your computer with an Ethernet port (looks like an oversized phone jack). There is no Internet service in the houses and there is no wireless Internet. Internet access is through a satellite connection, so upload speeds are slow. For this reason, voice communications (VOIP applications) do not work.

Check-in and Check-out

In order to turn the houses over between guest visits, guests are not able to check into their houses until 3:00PM on the day of their arrival. Check-out time is 10:00AM at the latest.

Dress Attire

Casual everywhere. Shorts, collar shirt, sundress, long pants, sandals, bathing suits, coverups, and T-shirts are welcome at any time. You may want to pack a sweater or jacket in case it gets cool at night.

Gear and Houses - What We Have and What You Should Bring

We have stocked the houses and clubhouse with plenty of supplies to make your stay an enjoyable one and packing easy.

Houses - Each house has AC, linens, soap for showers, a full kitchen, a cooler, beach bags, beach chairs, beach umbrella, satellite television, DVD player (+ movies), stereo with CD player (+ CDs), a hairdryer, toys, and games.

Gear - We supply snorkels, masks, and fins; waterskiis, tube (for pulling behind the boat), life-jackets; spinning rods and tackle; tennis rackets and balls; beach toys; pool floats (adult and kids).

What to Bring - Perscription medication (there is NO PHARMACY here), sunblock, shampoo and other toiletries, fishing rod if you're attached to it.

Electrical Outlets

All electrical outlets on the island are United States standard (115-volt, 60 cycle AC). Visitors from the US will not need converters or adapters (all others use the same adapters as if you were going to the US). Due to slight variances in the Hertz of our generators, time-keeping devices that are plugged in will not keep the correct time.

SCUBA

The shallow waters of the Bahamas makes it an ideal area for snorkeling (since most things to see can be found near the surface of the water). Therefore, not many people SCUBA dive in our area. For more information on SCUBA diving, please call us at 1-242-357-0095.

Food & Beverages

Breakfast and Snacks - When you arrive, your house will be stocked with the items you selected on your food request sheet. There are also a few local restaurants at which you may choose to eat at your own expense. We typically have more of just about everything on the food list and can restock your house throughout the week.

Lunch and Dinner - Lunch and dinner is served every night in one of our two restaurants. Guests may dine on island or request a take-away picnic to be prepared at a neighboring island.

Beverages - Unlimited Premium Drinks

Special Requests - Due to our pricing structure and the complex logistics involved with our location, we cannot accommodate special requests for food or beverages.

Money & Currency

Please note that there are NO BANKS OR ATMs in our area, so you will need to bring whatever spending money you will need with you.

What To Spend On - Here are some of the items to think about when deciding how much money to bring: Off-island lunches (avg: $25 per person); off-island dinner the one night the Hill House is closed ($60-75 per person); Fishing or tour guide (avg: $400 / half day); Fowl Cay gift shop and local crafts.

How To Pay - Fowl Cay accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amex as well as travellers checks and personal checks. Two other establishments (Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Restaurant and Sampson Cay Club and Restaurant) accept Visa and Mastercard or travellers checks. Everybody accepts cash. US dollars and Bahamian dollars are used interchangeably, so there is no need to exchange money before your arrival.