Lonely Planet Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (Paperback)

by Christopher P. Baker (Author) "The original inhabitants of the Bahamas were the Lucayans, a tribe of the Arawak Indian group..." (more)
Key Phrases: Grand Bahama, Marsh Harbour, Getting There (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
For reliable and authoritative travel information, reach for your Lonely Planet guide.

-- The Times (UK)

Product Description

Strung like jeweled necklaces across hundred of miles of turquoise sea, The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos are a traveler's dream. Whether you want to lounge on white-sand beaches, revel in some of the world's best fishing and diving, or try your luck in Nassau's casinos, this detailed and opinionated guide will lead you to all the delights of the islands.

• coverage of all outdoor activities, from bonefishing in the Biminis to kayaking through the national parks
• places to stay and eat, from down-to-earth to opulent
• off-the-beaten-track dive sites, hidden beaches, and historic villages
• 54 detailed maps showing every island

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 2nd edition (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1864501995
• ISBN-13: 978-1864501995
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,129,634 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars??? Well, I don't know about that., September 17, 1999

By	James N. Holland (Heredia, Costa Rica) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Lonely Planet Bahamas Turks & Caicos (Travel Survival Kit) (Paperback)

Found the book useful as a starting point. Complete, thorough. Interesting tidbits. But when it came down to actually scheduling trips and tickets, I found out that most of the information was already out of date.

BahamasAir wasn't familiar with the AirPass, so I had to fax them the section where the author cattily railed on them. All they had to say was "interesting."

The suggested weekend and week trips were a little sketchy as well. In fact, when I had acutally arrived, I never used the book because of the terrific tourist infrastructure already in place.

Overall, I felt the author was a little harsh on his take with Bahamian culture, keeping a good sense of humor but almost crossing the line of offensive in some places.

People should remember that these tour books are a subjective peephole into their place of destination, and should always keep an open mind to discover for themselves.

I had a great time there.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars the operative word is lonely..., January 12, 2003

By	David Laufer (Atlanta GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am usually a fan of Lonely Planet, but having just returned from Grand Bahama, I would not recommend this guide. Published in 2001, which means it was researched before that, it is quite out of date given the tough post 9/11 economy. Examples: Running Mon Resort- closed. Hydroflora gardens- closed. Rand Nature Center- closed. Many retailers- closed, moved, renamed, etc. Restaurant prices - way out of date.

Some of this is just irritating, but some is more dangerous- eg. LP suggests that, to get to Water Cay you drive the 'dirt road' to the 'north dock' and hire a boat from a local. Do it their way, and you may be a lot lonelier than you bargained for: That dirt road takes 45 minutes on a rutted logging road, lots of forks, no signs, and there is no dock- just a narrow ramp and a couple abandoned cars. High tide there swamps a good 2-300 yards of the shoreline. Time to do a new edition, guys!

I thought the maps provided were inadequate. For some reason, LP takes the trouble to make a map of Downtown Freeport with some of the restaurants (including a Burger King!?!) and attractions located and numbered, but they don't put the map number with the review! Add that to the Bahamian's indifference to street address numbers, street signs.

Conclusion: Not up to LP's usual standards. Though useful for background information, be prepared to check everything by phone or on the web before you depart. Or skip the guide and start with the web...

11 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Budget,coverage basic, but gives days, times-real use info., June 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Bahamas Turks & Caicos (Travel Survival Kit) (Paperback)

Excellent maps. More budget minded then most guide books. Gives actual prices for hotels, not just $ signs. Easy to read, and honest evaluations. Gives ideas of ways to cut costs. Full coverage of all islands, including out islands. Complement with one other guide and you'll be complete. Site coverages basic, but real use information such as days, times, how to get there.