Bermuda Beach
US Department Of State Post Report
Bermuda's beaches are the main recreational areas. Along South Shore, superb white and pink sand beaches are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Hardy individuals can bathe in the sea year-round, although most swimming occurs from late May to early October when the surface sea temperature becomes a little warmer. Water skiing, jet skiing, and parasailing can be enjoyed in the protected waters of the harbors and sounds. Skin-diving with a mask and snorkel or with aqualungs is popular, and even inexperienced swimmers can soon learn how to explore reefs close off Bermuda's shore. ... [Read More]
Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
May 1997 Foreword Since colonial times, the Caribbean has been a favorite place for American visitors. In the past 50 years, tourism to the area has increased greatly, and today millions of U.S. citizens visit the islands every year. The majority of these visitors have a safe trip. To help you have a similar experience, the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has prepared these tips for you. Consular Affairs provides services to Americans ... [Read More]
Mauritania
The traditional route to Nouadibou has been along the beach during low tide, and some travelers may continue to use this route until the new highway is opened. Visitors to coastal fishing villages and other points of interest use the beach, as well as smugglers and others who try to avoid the security checkpoints that are often erected along the asphalt roads. Visitors to the beach should exercise caution: with the noise of the surf, pedestrians might not hear oncoming vehicles and could be in danger. ... [Read More]
Benin
CRIME: Street robberies are a significant problem in Cotonou, especially in the wealthier Haie-Vive and Cocotiers areas. Some robberies and muggings occur along the Boulevard de France (the beach road by the Marina and Novotel Hotels) and on the beaches near hotels frequented by international visitors. Most of the reported incidents involve the use of force, often by armed persons, with occasional minor injury to the victim. You should avoid isolated and poorly lit areas and should not walk around the city or the beaches between dusk and dawn. If you are a victim of crime, we ask that you please contact the U.S. Embassy immediately. ... [Read More]
Mexico
Warning flags on the beach should be taken seriously. If black flags are up, do not enter the water. In Cancun, there is often a very strong undertow along the beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to the Sol y Mar. Several drownings and near-drownings have been reported on the east coast of Cozumel, particularly in the Playa San Martin-Chen Rio area. In Acapulco, avoid swimming outside the bay area. Several American citizens have died while swimming in rough surf at the Revolcadero Beach near Acapulco. Beaches on the pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula at Cabo San Lucas are dangerous due to rip tides and rogue waves; hazardous beaches in this area are clearly marked in English and Spanish. Recreational facilities such as pools may not meet U.S. safety or ... [Read More]
Gabon
The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans to take extra precautions when traveling in Libreville. To prevent carjacking, citizens are encouraged to travel with their automobile windows up and doors locked. Marginal neighborhoods, poorly lit streets, and unfamiliar areas of the city should be avoided, especially at night. Walking or running on the beach alone at night should be avoided. When dining in restaurants or visiting markets, it is recommended that one carry only minimal amounts of cash and avoid wearing excessive amounts of jewelry. ... [Read More]
Anguilla
CRIME: While Anguilla 's crime rate is relatively low, both petty and violent crimes have been known to occur. Travelers should take common-sense precautions to ensure their personal security, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or displaying expensive jewelry. Travelers should not leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms or on the beach. They should use hotel safety deposit facilities to safeguard valuables and travel documents. ... [Read More]
Sao Tome and Principe
CRIME: Crimes such as burglary, pick-pocketing and armed robbery do occur on the islands. Such crimes can occur anywhere, but are more prevalent in public places, such as in markets, on the streets, or near hotels. Do not display large amounts of cash in public. If possible, leave valuables and extra cash at your hotel while sightseeing or visiting the beach. The prevalence of sexual assault is low, and no specific groups seem to be targets for victimization. While scams and confidence schemes are not common, travelers should exercise caution. ... [Read More]
Togo
CRIME: Pick pocketing and theft are common in Togo, especially along the beach and in the market areas of Lome. Residential burglary is becoming more common. Theft while riding in taxis is also increasing as sometimes taxicabs are shared with strangers. Because of the potential for violent crime, Americans should avoid the Grand Marché area and the beach road during hours of darkness. ... [Read More]
Thailand
Strong seasonal undercurrents at popular beach resorts pose a sometimes-fatal threat to surfers and swimmers. During the monsoon season from May through October, drowning is the leading cause of death for tourists visiting the resort island of Phuket. Some, but not all, beaches have warning flags to indicate the degree of risk (red flag: sea condition dangerous for swimming; yellow flag: sea condition rough, swim with caution; green flag: sea condition stable). In recent years, an American tourist died in a surfing accident in Phuket at a beach that was not marked, and in January 2004, an American drowned after underestimating the strength of the current off of Koh Samui. ... [Read More]
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