Weeks ago, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare travel advisory level increase for a Carnival Cruise Line port of call due to crime. Now, the U.S. government has updated its travel advisory for another popular Caribbean cruise destination, warning Americans about violent crimes, including deaths and sexual assaults associated with certain tourist activities.
U.S. travel alerts for this island nation have historically sparked friction, with its local government representatives and tourism officials calling the warnings “exaggerated.” However, travelers should definitely not overlook these risks if they want to ensure a safe and stress-free vacation.
U.S. Warns Travelers Of Violent Crime In The Bahamas’ Travel Advisory Update
On July 28, the State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, a top destination for major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. The new summary highlights that violent crime, including armed robberies, burglary, and sexual assaults “can occur anywhere” in the Caribbean nation.
Most crime happens in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Gang-related violence has claimed lives in the “Over the Hill” residential area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street. But wherever you are planning to stay, the U.S. government advised tourists to stay alert in their vacation rental properties, especially if there is no private security present.
Deaths And Sexual Assaults Tied To Water Activities In The Bahamas
In addition to street crimes, the U.S. travel advice for the Bahamas reminds Americans that boating is “not well regulated,” noting that injuries and deaths have occurred. There have also been reports of sexual assaults by jet ski operators and near downtown Nassau beaches. On June 15, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that seven women have reported being sexually assaulted by jet ski operators since 2024.
“Some victims reported that male jet ski operators sexually assaulted them after soliciting them for jet ski rides from the small islands just east of Paradise Island, downtown Nassau, and Paradise Island beaches. This includes the area from Junkanoo Beach to Saunders Beach and Cabbage Beach,” said the U.S. Embassy. “The victims said they were assaulted on isolated islands near Nassau.”
In August last year, a U.S. citizen riding a jet ski was also killed after being struck by an unregistered boat driven by an unlicensed operator off Paradise Island. In the same month in 2024, six Americans were hospitalized due to jet ski-related injuries, with three of them requiring emergency medical evacuations to the U.S.
As a result, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using or renting jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands. Tourists are also cautioned about shark attacks that have led to serious injury and death, as well as the often overlooked risks of snorkeling, which have cost the lives of swimmers after overestimating their physical fitness or health.
Is It Safe To Travel To The Bahamas Now?
The U.S. maintains a standard Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, making it a generally safe destination for travelers as long as they “exercise increased caution,” mainly due to crime. In recent years, Bahamian officials have notably pushed back on U.S. warnings, arguing that many other countries share the same travel risk level.
However, the U.S. government stresses that watercraft activities may not be safe in the Bahamas, with some operators not being licensed or insured. Others also ignore weather forecasts sometimes, so make sure to follow local weather and marine alerts. Not all risks in the Bahamas are driven by local crime or error as well.
In February, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning for Americans: “Do not operate a fishing charter in Bahamian waters without a license.” With South Florida only about 50 miles from the Bahamas, a lucrative black market has emerged where U.S. boat owners and captains run illegal, unlicensed fishing charters into Bahamian waters.
Despite warnings about “unregulated” boating in the Bahamas, the U.S. Embassy warns that the “Government of The Bahamas strictly enforces all boating-related laws, including those concerning charters, fishing, and cruising.”
Operating a charter without all necessary licenses and permits from the Bahamian government can lead to your boat being seized, a fine of up to $100,000, and three years in prison for every charter. Given these strict regulations and safety warnings, taking a few proactive precautions can help ensure your trip remains both legal and trouble-free.
How To Stay Safe When Traveling To The Bahamas
Vacationing in the Bahamas can still be a worry-free experience despite the safety warnings. You can have complete peace of mind and focus on your fun time on the islands by keeping a few mindful habits in place. For cruisers, it is best to stick to official shore excursions booked through your cruise line.
When it comes to safety in your rental property, remember to always lock your doors and windows and use other available security features, especially on balcony doors. Never answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is. In case of a robbery attempt, however, do not physically resist, as escalation could only lead to violent injury or death.
No destination is completely danger-free, but travelers can confidently enjoy their time in the Bahamas by staying aware of official safety advisories, only using licensed tour operators, and practicing basic personal safety measures. The Caribbean nation welcomed a record-breaking 12.5 million visitors in 2025, proving that it remains a rewarding destination for tourists.
