About the Island of Green Turtle CayINTERESTING INFORMATION Currency, if you come across a $3 bill, it’s ok. Bahamian paper
money comes in ½ dollar, $1, $3, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. There
is also an extra Bahamian coin, the 15-cent, which is square with rounded
corners, and decorated with a hibiscus. Illegal Items - Strict laws and penalties apply for possession
of dangerous drugs and firearms. Any drugs considered dangerous, including
marijuana, bring stiff fines and even jail terms, if found in the
possession of unauthorized persons. Immigration - Upon your arrival to The Bahamas, you will be
given an immigration card to fill out. The officer at the Port of Entry
will keep the top section and return the bottom section to you. You must
return that portion to the ticket agent upon departure. Citizens of the
U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, or colonies do not need a passport for a
visit that does not extend beyond 3 weeks, provided that you have proper
identification, birth certificate, picture identification and a return
ticket. Temperatures - We enjoy a tropical temperature year round. Water
temperature ranges from the low 80’s in the summer to the mid-70’s in the
winter. The air temperature in the winter can go down to 60 and, with the
wind, can be a bit chilly. In the summer, August through the end of
September, the days are HOT, many times in the 100’s with high humidity.
Communication services - The phone at the house is set up for
only local calls. Internet services are available in New Plymouth at
Island Property Management, but isn’t that what you got away from? Traffic Rules - Drive on the left side, yes, even with the golf
carts. Most of the cars have their steering wheels on the left. Remember
to keep left, and wearing seat belts is mandatory. If you are walking
where there is no sidewalk, face oncoming traffic. Fishing - For bone fishing guides on GTC contact Ricky Sawyer at
242-365-4261 or Packing Tips - First time visitors always over pack, here are a
few suggestions of items. Dress casually, including evening attire.
Jackets and ties are not needed. Swimming suits, and summer attire, water
shoes, beach towels, flashlight, fishing gear, medicine for personal use,
insect repellent depending on the time of year, camera and any special
foods you may require. Each person over 18 is allowed to bring into the
Bahamas1 quart of spirits and 1 quart of wine; or 1 case of beer; and 200
cigarettes or 50 cigars. Coolers of food are allowed, as long as it is for
your own consumption (within airline limits), but no fresh fruits or
vegetables. Underwater Environment - Spear guns of any type are illegal in
the Bahamas. Pole spears and Hawaiian slings, used only while free diving,
are permitted. Scuba divers may take photos, but no spearing or shelling
of any kind while in scuba gear. Enjoy the underwater beauty, but please
take home beautiful memories and pictures, leaving the live shells, sea
fans, and sea stars for other visitors to enjoy, as it is illegal to take
these. Ones found on the beaches, that are empty or dead, are permitted to
take. Medical Help - There is a government run medical clinic on GTC;
we hope you won’t need to use it. Dining - Green Turtle Cay offers a wide selection of upscale, as well as native restaurants, located throughout the island. In White Sound there are the two excellent establishments: The Green Turtle Club and Marina, which was on the TV program “Life Styles of the Rich and Famous”, and across the bay is The Bluff House. Both are expensive, but well worth it. They do lunch and dinner. Both have gift shops, and there is also a store at the Club. On the other end of the island in New Plymouth, there are a number of great local places to eat. They serve a great breakfast at Plymouth Rock Café, and the Sundowners Bar and Grill does mouth-watering hamburgers and other foods. There are quite a few places to dine in town. It’s best to walk around and find them yourself. The Wrecking Tree Diner has an interesting history. Native food on the island usually consists of some variation of peas and rice (seasoned rice and pigeon peas served with coleslaw), lobster (Crawfish), or deep-fried, wonderfully battered strips of grouper (grouper fingers). There are also conch fritters or conch salad, and delicious desserts, such as guava duff or homemade coconut ice cream. While in town, visit The Blue Bee Bar, the birthplace of the world famous Goombay Smash. Originally made famous by the legendary Miss Emily, this potent and fruity drink is served throughout the islands and in specialty restaurants throughout the world. True to her Christian principles, Miss Emily never tasted her Goombay Smash or any other form of alcoholic beverage. Her secret patented recipe has been handed down only to her immediate family. As you are walking around town, stop by Sid’s Groceries of the
little house just a few gates away from the ferry dock for a loaf, or two,
of fresh-baked Bahamian bread. It comes in different flavors, and types,
right from the oven. You have to get there early to choose from a
selection. Night Life - During your stay, you may want to visit the Sundowners for live music. Both the Green Turtle Club and Bluff House have nights when they have a live band playing after dinner. Usually it is the great sounding local band, The Gully Roosters is a wonderful way to spend an evening out under the stars, listening or dancing to music, relaxing, and sipping a refreshing drink. Nancy and Larry Fitzgerald OR CALL (925) 933-2473 |