Bahamas Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

The Bahamas is a tropical paradise of over 700 islands and cays, each with its own unique character. Powder-soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, colourful towns, and a laidback vibe—the Bahamas promises the quintessential Caribbean getaway. But with so many islands to choose from, planning a trip can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve put together this guide to the best places to visit in the Bahamas, along with insider tips on where to stay, what to eat, and top things to do.

1. Nassau, New Providence Island

Nassau, the nation’s capital on New Providence Island, is usually the first stop for visitors. This vibrant town is a delightful mix of pastel-coloured colonial buildings, lively markets, and historical landmarks.

Top Things to Do in Nassau

• Browse the Straw Market for traditional Bahamian crafts like straw hats, bags, and wood carvings. Remember to bargain!

• Visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum to learn about the island’s swashbuckling past.

• Climb the 66 steps of the Queen’s Staircase, carved out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 18th century.

• Soak up the sun at Junkanoo Beach, a short walk from downtown.

Where to Stay in Nassau

• British Colonial Hilton Nassau: Located right on the beach, walking distance to downtown. Doubles from $289.

• Graycliff Hotel: Housed in a colonial mansion, this elegant hotel oozes old-world charm. Doubles from $385.

Where to Eat & Drink in Nassau

• Cafe Skans: This colourful shack serves the best conch fritters and guava duff (a local dessert) in town. Mains from $12.

• Arawak Cay: Also called “The Fish Fry”, this collection of seafood shacks is the go-to spot for authentic Bahamian cuisine. Try the conch salad and fried snapper.

2. Paradise Island

Connected to Nassau by a bridge, Paradise Island is dominated by the gargantuan Atlantis resort complex. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth a visit to the marine habitats and water park.

Top Things to Do on Paradise Island

• Ride the thrilling waterslides at Aquaventure, the 141-acre water park at Atlantis. Day passes from $135.

• Snorkel or dive with sharks, rays, and tropical fish in the resort’s various marine habitats.

• Try your luck at the Atlantis Casino, the largest in the Caribbean.

Where to Stay on Paradise Island

• The Royal at Atlantis: The most iconic of the Atlantis towers, with elegant rooms and suites. Doubles from $242.

• Comfort Suites Paradise Island: A more affordable option with access to all Atlantis amenities. Doubles from $190.

3. Exuma Cays

This string of 365 cays is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and swimming pigs. It’s a favourite with celebrities and a popular spot for yachting and diving.

Top Things to Do in the Exumas

• Swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay. These friendly porkers live on the uninhabited island and love to swim out to greet visitors. Day trips from $189.

• Visit the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected area with pristine beaches, hiking trails, and coral reefs teeming with fish. Entrance fee $15.

• Dive or snorkel in Thunderball Grotto, a sea cave made famous by the James Bond film of the same name.

Where to Stay in the Exumas

• Grand Isle Resort & Spa: Luxe villas on Emerald Bay, with a golf course and spa. One-bedrooms from $450.

• Embrace Resort: Simple, cheerful rooms on a pretty beach in George Town. Doubles from $165.

4. Harbour Island

Known for its pink sand beaches and colourful clapboard houses, Harbour Island is a charming step back in time. Golf carts are the main mode of transport on this petite island.

Top Things to Do on Harbour Island

• Sunbathe on the famous Pink Sands Beach, a 3-mile stretch of pale pink sand.

• Browse the cute boutiques and art galleries in Dunmore Town.

• Sip a Goombay Smash at a beachfront bar and watch the sunset.

Where to Stay on Harbour Island

• Pink Sands Resort: Chic beachfront cottages with a pool and restaurant. Cottages from $495.

• The Landing: Historic 1800s hotel with 13 elegant rooms. Doubles from $290.

Where to Eat on Harbour Island

• Sip Sip: Dine on the deck overlooking the ocean at this popular lunch spot. Order the famous lobster quesadilla. Mains from $25.

• Queen Conch: A simple shack serving the freshest conch salad, cracked conch, and conch fritters. Mains from $10.

5. Eleuthera

This long, thin island is known for its secluded beaches, surf breaks, and laid-back vibe. Eleuthera is also home to a number of interesting natural and historical sites.

Top Things to Do on Eleuthera

• Explore the unique Glass Window Bridge, where the dark blue Atlantic meets the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

• Climb down the cliff ladder at Lighthouse Beach for some excellent snorkelling.

• Visit the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, a 25-acre botanical garden with walking trails.

Where to Stay on Eleuthera

• The Cove Eleuthera: Stylish resort on a secluded beach with two pools and a spa. Doubles from $395.

• Pineapple Fields: Pastel-colored villas around a pretty garden, steps from the beach. Studios from $205.

Other Must-See Islands & Cays

• Andros: The largest island in the Bahamas, known for its bonefishing, blue holes, and diving the third-largest barrier reef in the world.

• Bimini: The closest Bahamian island to the US, just 50 miles from Miami. Famous for its fishing, shipwrecks, and the Lost City of Atlantis Bimini Road rock formation.

• Long Island: Home to Dean’s Blue Hole, the second deepest blue hole in the world. The island is also known for its excellent diving, fishing, and uncrowded beaches.

• San Salvador: Where Christopher Columbus first made landfall in the New World in 1492. Visit the spot where he came ashore and explore the island’s many shipwrecks.

Getting Around the Bahamas

The best way to explore the different Bahamian islands is by plane or boat.

• Plane: Bahamasair and several smaller carriers operate regular flights between the major islands. Flights from Nassau to Exuma from $120 one-way.

• Ferry: Bahamas Ferries runs daily service from Nassau to Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Andros, and Exuma. Fares from $155 round-trip.

• Boat: Chartering a boat is a popular way to hop between islands, especially in the Exumas and Abacos. Full-day private charters start at around $1000.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, during the dry season. Expect warm, sunny days with average temperatures around 78°F (26°C).

June to November is considered the wet season, with a higher chance of rainfall and the occasional hurricane. However, this is also when you’ll find the best deals on flights and hotels.

Tips for Travelers

• Pack reef-safe sunscreen to avoid damaging delicate coral reefs while snorkelling or diving.

• Bring insect repellent, especially if visiting during the wet season when mosquitos are more prevalent.

   

Stay Connected in the Bahamas with Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming Plans

Use an international roaming plan, like Airtel’s Postpaid packs, to stay connected while island hopping in the Bahamas. With reliable coverage, you can easily book tours, make reservations, and stay in touch with your loved ones throughout your journey.

Whether you’re seeking solitude on a secluded cay, enjoying a lively family resort, or embarking on a deep-sea fishing adventure, the Bahamas offers something for every traveler. With so many places to visit, you’re bound to discover your own perfect slice of paradise. Happy travels!