The Bahamas SitRep: Crime, Lodging and Water Activities

What the advisory says

The U.S. Department of State's country advisory is Level 2 as of July 28, 2026, with Crime as its risk indicator. According to State, sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches.

State's travel advisory says: “Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees are not allowed to use or rent jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands.”

State's separate security guidance says: “Due to security risks and lack of safety regulation enforcement, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators.”

The U.S. Embassy Nassau alert describes employees as “prohibited from renting and using jet skis on New Providence and Paradise islands.”

Crime locations and embassy-reported cases

According to the U.S. Department of State, most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport, on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.

According to State's information as of September 17, 2026, travelers should stay alert in Nassau's “Over the Hill” area, south of Shirley Street. State reports that gangs have killed residents there, typically in targeted attacks.

According to U.S. Embassy Nassau's jet ski alert posted June 15, 2026, U.S. citizen women reported three sexual assaults in 2024, two in 2025 and two in 2026. These are embassy-reported cases from that alert, not crime statistics.

According to the same embassy alert, a U.S. citizen riding a jet ski was killed in August 2025, and six U.S. citizens had been hospitalized since August 2024.

State reports sexual assaults by jet ski operators in The Bahamas. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, or FCDO, also reports sexual assaults on foreign nationals by jet ski operators in Nassau.

Walking and local buses after dark

According to the UK FCDO's advice as of May 28, 2026, travelers should not go on foot outside the main tourist areas and beaches, especially alone. The FCDO advises traveling in groups after dusk.

According to the UK FCDO, travelers should take care on local bus services at night away from the main tourist areas.

Vacation rentals, doors and windows

According to the U.S. Department of State, travelers should stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.

According to State, travelers should not answer the door at their hotel or residence unless they know who it is. State advises locking doors and windows and using other security features, especially on balcony doors.

Swimming, boating and water activities

According to the U.S. Department of State, travelers should never swim alone and should watch for jet skis and other watercraft operating close to shore.

According to State's information as of September 17, 2026, jet skis and boating are not well regulated, rules are not always enforced, and sexual assaults, injuries and deaths have occurred. According to State, some watercraft operators are not licensed or insured.

According to State, before booking a boat tour or water activity, travelers should confirm the operator's valid licenses and certifications, liability coverage, and safety and rescue procedures.

According to State, tourism equipment and facility inspections are rare, staff may lack training or certification, and first responders cannot reach remote areas in emergencies.

Firearms and ammunition

According to the U.S. Department of State, firearms and ammunition are illegal in The Bahamas, including small quantities in carry-on bags or luggage. State says travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time and fines.

Additional Thoughts for Solo Females Traveling

State advises never leaving food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. The UK FCDO also advises against leaving drinks unattended and says sexual assault risk increases during regattas and festivals.

According to State's information as of September 17, 2026, travelers should observe food or drink preparation when possible and refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.

According to State, criminals may use dating apps to target people for robbery or assault. State advises meeting in a popular public place, sharing the person's details and the app used with family or friends, having a video call before meeting, and avoiding isolated locations such as hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.

According to State, travelers should have a communication plan with friends or family and send updates on an agreed schedule.

According to the UK FCDO, travelers should travel in groups after dusk and avoid walking outside the main tourist areas and beaches, especially alone. According to State, travelers should stay alert in vacation rentals, lock doors and windows, and use balcony-door security features.

According to State, the U.S. embassy can help find medical care, replace a lost or stolen passport, explain how to report a crime to police, and contact friends or relatives with written consent.

Service members should check leave-travel rules with their own chain of command.

What is The Bahamas advisory level?

As of July 28, 2026, State lists The Bahamas at Level 2, Exercise increased caution, with a Crime indicator.

Are the embassy's assault counts crime statistics?

No. According to U.S. Embassy Nassau's June 15, 2026 alert, U.S. citizen women reported three sexual assaults in 2024, two in 2025 and two in 2026. These are embassy-reported cases.

What does State recommend before booking a water activity?

According to State, confirm the operator's valid licenses and certifications, liability coverage, and safety and rescue procedures.

What does State say about dating apps?

According to State, criminals may use dating apps for robbery or assault. It advises a public meeting, a video call beforehand, sharing details with friends or family, and avoiding isolated locations.

What lodging precautions does State identify?

According to State, stay alert in vacation rentals, especially without private security; do not answer the door unless you know who it is; lock doors and windows and use security features.