The Bahamas
A trip to The Bahamas guarantees searing hot sun, crystal blue waters and everything that you could possibly need for a tropical paradise getaway.
Bahamas travel guide
The Bahamas are made up of 700 paradise islands with legendary beaches, some of them rare pale pink in color, an unmatched marine life evident in spectacular coral reefs and fascinating shipwrecks that make scuba diving and snorkelling sheer delight.
But that’s not all. Add in spectacular tropical scenery, varied entertainment, accommodation, sports and dining facilities in a wide selection of resorts and hotels and the iconic Bahamian charm and atmosphere, and you have the perfect vacation experience. No wonder 14 of the islands located here – including Nassau and Paradise Island – have been named some of the world’s top vacation destinations!
Interestingly enough, the Bahamas are officially part of the Caribbean. But these magical islands situated between Florida and Cuba are located across more than 800km in the Atlantic Ocean and offer their own very special culture and charm. Of the Bahamas’ 700 islands, only 31 are inhabited. The premier destination to visit is the island of New Providence, home to the iconic city of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. This island is famous for its spectacular beaches, pastel buildings, enthralling pirate history, which you can find out all about at the Pirate Museum, and clear turquoise waters.
Then there’s neighboring Paradise Island, where most of the cruise ships dock, and stunning Grand Bahama Island, home to the towns of Freeport and Lucaya.
The rest of the islands, called the Out Islands, are accessible by yacht, launch or seaplane. These islands are known for their secluded beaches and a laidback lifestyle. Amongst them are Freeport, Abaco and Eleuthera as well as popular Harbor Island with its boutique hotels and resort offerings and more rugged Andros, a haven for fly fishing.
The area of Exuma features 365 islands in all, many of them uninhabited, so there are few resorts and hotels there. On the main island, Great Exuma, you’ll find a major resort, where vacationers come to escape the crowds.
The Bahamas definitely gives you a proper tropical paradise and the perfect place to unwind.
Best time to visit: Weather is glorious here year-round, but rain falls in late summer and fall. The Bahamas is very busy from March to the middle of April and in the winter season, which is the dry season. Best time for great prices is from mid-April to the end of June.
Best Area for Sightseeing: With so many islands to explore, it’s hard to pin down just one spot to sightsee in. See Things to do in the Bahamas below for some inspiration.
Shopping in the Bahamas: Paradise Island offers designer boutiques and fashion stores, and you’ll find some stunning shops on Bay Street in Nassau’s downtown area. Also, visit the local markets for the vibe and for traditional items.
Food & Restaurants in the Bahamas: Aside from the resorts and hotels, there are stunning eateries offering freshly caught seafood and other delights. Some of the hotels also offer all-inclusive programs, where all meals are included.
Nightlife: The best spots for nightlife are Nassau and Paradise Island and most of the resort towns, such as Freeport on Grand Bahama, offer bars, cafes and clubs. In addition, evening entertainment is offered in many of the hotels and the resorts.
Beaches: The beach life is what the Bahamas is all about. For some secluded spots, visit Treasure Cay or gorgeous Guana Cay on the island of Abacos. Then there’s Gold Rock Beach, part of the Lucayan National Park, located east of Freeport on Grand Bahama. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. More secluded spots are available on the Out Islands, including the beaches on Rose Island.
The glorious Pink Sand Beaches on Harbor Island are well worth visiting and tiny Bimini Island is home to charming Radio Beach, with its calm waters that are ideal for swimming. Pig Beach on Major Cay is a delightful spot where you can literally swim with pigs. On Central Eleuthera there’s stunning Surfer’s Beach and then there’s the incredible Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island, the second deepest saltwater sinkhole in the world.
Things to do in the Bahamas:
- See the sights in Nassau while travelling in a horse-drawn cart.
- Enjoy deep sea fishing in the waters around the Abacos Islands.
- Sunbathe on a pink sand beach on Harbor Island.
- Swim with pigs on Major Cay.
- Enjoy birdwatching in Lucaya National Park.
- Visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum to learn all about the pirates who occupied these gorgeous isles.
- Climb the hand-carved Queen’s Staircase near Fort Fincastle, built to honor Queen Victoria.
Best way to get around: Most visitors fly from one island to the next, or take the ferry. There are also small boats that offer their services or water taxis.