Travel warning issued for Bahamas over crime concerns, sharks

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for The Bahamas, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime and the risk of shark attacks in the area. The advisory warns that violent crimes such as armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults can occur anywhere in The Bahamas, with most incidents taking place in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.

Travelers are advised to be vigilant, especially in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, where gangs have been known to target residents. Additionally, caution should be exercised at vacation rental properties, especially those without private security. The State Department recommends locking doors and windows and being cautious when answering the door to unknown individuals.

In addition to the crime warning, travelers are also cautioned about the risks associated with boating and beach activities in The Bahamas. Boating is not well regulated, leading to injuries and deaths, with some watercraft operators being unlicensed and uninsured. Due to these risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on certain islands.

Sexual assaults by jet ski operators and on and near downtown Nassau beaches have also been reported, prompting the State Department to advise travelers to be aware of their surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms. Shark attacks are another concern in The Bahamas, with recent incidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.

In February, two American tourists were attacked by a shark at a popular Bahamas resort, while in December 2023, a 44-year-old newlywed from Massachusetts was killed by a shark while paddleboarding off New Providence Island. Just 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 travel advisory for The Bahamas was previously at Level 2 before the update on March 31, according to a statement from the State Department to Fox News Digital. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has not yet responded to requests for comment on the advisory.