Bahamas Post-Hurricane Dorian Update: Most Islands Open for Visitors – How You Can Help
As Tropical Storm Humberto (now Hurricane Humberto) approached the Bahamas over the weekend, concerns mounted for a region still recovering from Hurricane Dorian. Thankfully, Humberto spared the islands, bringing widespread relief.
Despite Dorian's catastrophic impact, most of the Bahamas' 700+ islands escaped unscathed. Visiting these unaffected areas is one of the most effective ways to support the hardest-hit regions. It's a rare opportunity to combine tropical travel with meaningful aid.
Before booking your trip, here's a factual overview of Dorian's impact and the current status.
Where Dorian Struck Hardest
Spanning 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic, the Bahamas saw Dorian—a Category 5 hurricane—deliver a glancing blow to Nassau, the tourism capital. Grand Bahama Island and Great Abaco, however, endured the full force: the storm's eye, with 185 mph winds, stalled over them at just 1 mph, unleashing hurricane-force winds for over 24 hours.
Extent of the Damage
The destruction was profound and ongoing assessments continue. At least 50 lives were lost, with 1,300 still missing, primarily in the Abacos. Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco flooded completely, while wind and surge razed thousands of homes, businesses, and hotels. Power, phone service, and water remain disrupted on Grand Bahama and the Abacos, with full restoration potentially months away.
Bahamas tourism officials state: "All hotels in Grand Bahama Island (GBI) and the Abacos are closed until further notice as damage assessments continue. Recovery timelines cannot be confirmed."
Even in affected areas, damage varied. On Grand Bahama, north coast storm surge flooded inland (now receded), Freeport saw widespread flooding, and north shore homes were destroyed—while southern elevated areas fared better.
Grand Bahama resident Bob Davies, who weathered the storm in Chesapeake near Freeport, reported minimal damage: "We just lost the garden and a few tiles." Nearby Pelican Bay hotel sustained little harm. Davies notes the airport and ports are open for relief efforts, with supplies arriving. "We will rebuild again," he affirmed. "It's not pretty now, but everyone is pulling together."
Great Abaco faced graver conditions, with Marsh Harbour—the main town and airport hub—devastated. Nearby cays like Green Turtle Cay and Man-O-War Cay also suffered heavily.
Conversely, the Abaco Club on Winding Bay (20 miles south) emerged largely intact, per marketing director David DeSmith: "Our resort fared much better than media reports suggest." (Most trees lost, but few of 100+ villas seriously damaged.) "The real concern is Marsh Harbour, home to most of our 178 employees—who all survived, a miracle—though some may have lost loved ones," DeSmith added.
Which Bahamas Islands Are Open?
Tourism leaders emphasize that most of this vast archipelago remains untouched and ready for guests. Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar urged: "The best support now is visiting Nassau, Paradise Island, and the Out Islands."
Open destinations include the Exumas (famous swimming pigs unharmed), Bimini, Eleuthera, and Berry Islands (some seasonally closed until mid-October). Essentially, everywhere except Grand Bahama and the Abacos is safe and operational.
Other Ways to Help
Donate to verified relief organizations delivering supplies and services.
Bahamian resorts have contributed significantly—the Abaco Club alone raised nearly $2 million. The Caribbean Tourism Organization reactivated its Hurricane Relief Fund. Chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen is feeding thousands via heroic efforts. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism lists reputable charities and U.S. drop-off points for supplies.
Editor's Note: Support Bahamas recovery by booking trips—see special offers below.
