Your guide to Bahamas
Top destinations in Bahamas
Nassau
The Bahamas’ colourful capital is the perfect base for island hopping. Unwind on powder-sand beaches, explore pristine coral reefs and feast on seafood straight from the ocean.
Freeport
Freeport’s crystal-blue waters and white-sand shorelines dazzle visitors. And with lush gardens, charming markets and rich maritime history, there’s plenty to do besides relaxing.
Marsh Harbour
Set your watch to island time in Marsh Harbour. This dreamy northern Bahamian town offers tranquil beaches, untouched reefs and epic fishing.
Bahamas: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Bahamian dollar (B$) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT) |
Bahamas highlights
Go island hopping
Whether you’re soaking up the energy of bustling New Providence or wandering the sparsely populated beaches of Eleuthera, island hopping is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas. Visit Big Major Cay to watch a famous pack of wild pigs swim offshore, or explore the caves on picturesque Long Island. Daily flights, ferries and private boats facilitate excursions.
Play in the water
Surrounded by crystal-clear water, the Bahamas are a prime spot for aquatic fun. Snorkel among coral reefs and tropical fish in the Exuma islands. Go wreck diving in Stuart’s Cove, or head to tiny Bimini for legendary game fishing. For a more leisurely activity, try renting a kayak and paddling at your own pace — there are even some with clear bottoms.
Find a festival
The Bahamas loves a good party. In June, the Eleuthera Pineapple Festival honours the sweet fruit with a variety of dishes and eating contests. In December, Nassau comes alive with Junkanoo, a celebration marked by rollicking costume parades, dancing and traditional ‘rake-n-scrape’ music. In May, the streets fill with music and parades as the country rings in Carnival.
Things to do in Bahamas
Top attractions
The Bahamas’ natural wonder is on full display at Lucayan National Park, where you can experience all six of the region’s distinct ecosystems. See the highest concentration of blue holes in the world at Blue Holes National Park on Andros Island. Or unwind in the Exuma Cays, a dreamscape of mostly uninhabited islands known for their secluded beaches and crystal-clear water.
Beaches
You don’t come here to not spend time in the surf and sand. And with so many beaches in the Bahamas, you’re bound to find one that suits you. Dip your toes in pink sand — which takes its colour from coral — on Harbour Island. Catch a wave at Surfer’s Beach on Eleuthera. Or wade into the crowds of partygoers on Junkanoo Beach. The options are endless.
Nature
Pry yourself from your beach chair long enough to explore the country’s turtle and bird habitats, coral reefs and lush mangrove forests. The Bahamas also boasts a stunning network of ‘blue holes’, or marine caverns. Plan a visit to Blue Holes National Park, home to more than 50 of them. Or check out the incredible biodiversity of Lucayan National Park and stroll elevated walkways through wetlands and forest.
Culture and museums
The best museums in the Bahamas are located in Nassau. Explore prehistoric artefacts, pirate relics and items related to the nation’s British occupation at the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas. See works by Bahamian artists at the National Gallery of the Bahamas, housed in a regal mansion. And tour a restored 18th-century home with period furniture at the Balcony House Museum.
Cuisine
Just about every good restaurant in the Bahamas will offer you fresh seafood. Conch is a local favourite, often served diced up in a fresh salad dressed in lime or battered and fried. Head to the Arawak Cay fish fry, a colourful cluster of restaurants, food trucks and stands just outside Nassau. Here, you can try conch, snapper and grouper fresh off the boat and prepared to perfection.
Family friendly
Head to Paradise Island for a day at Aquaventure, a sprawling water park boasting high-speed slides and 14 swimming pools. Soak in the fun at the Pirates of Nassau, where life-sized scenes bring ships and smugglers to life. Take a short boat ride from New Providence to Blue Lagoon Island, where little ones can enjoy water parks and older kids can try kayaking and more.
Find the best time to visit Bahamas
Weather in Bahamas
May – November: Temperatures in the Bahamas are fairly consistent year-round. The rain starts in May, but you’ll still have sunny stretches perfect for days at the beach. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so be sure to keep an eye on weather advisories.
December – April: Many consider winter the best time to visit the Bahamas. This is the dry season, with long, balmy days and plenty of sunshine. Expect peak crowds and prices, especially around spring break and the popular Junkanoo festival in December. This is also the best time for divers to see marine life like hammerhead sharks. Take note that many businesses close around the Easter holiday.
Events in Bahamas
Nassau Paradise Island Food and Wine Festival (March): Celebrity chefs like José Andrés and Bobby Flay descend on New Providence to mingle with a who’s who of local food and beverage stars for a week of culinary events and evening concerts.
Pelican Point Coconut Festival (March or April): Head to Grand Bahama Island for this popular celebration of the beloved tropical crop. Enjoy coconut-themed contests, local dishes and drinks like the Gully Wash, a refreshing cocktail made with coconut water and gin.
Junkanoo (December and January): The country bursts to life with parades of colourful costumes made from crepe paper and cardboard, crafted in time-honoured styles. The biggest event takes over downtown Nassau, drawing crowds with music, dancing and non-stop street energy.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Join the fun at Junkanoo, but remember to do so with respect — the parade is not just a party, but a proud celebration of Afro-Bahamian culture and history. In the Bahamas, it’s customary to tip. Give hotel staff a small gratuity for help with luggage, and tip about 15% at restaurants.
Health and safety
Many advisories recommend being up to date with routine vaccinations when visiting the Bahamas, particularly for hepatitis. Insect-borne diseases like Zika and dengue are present, so use insect repellent and wear long sleeves to minimise risk. Swimmers should watch out for strong currents and jellyfish. Always follow safety advice from local experts.
LGBTQ+ travel
Same-sex relationships are legal in the Bahamas, and the country is slowly becoming more LGBTQ+ friendly. October’s Pride celebrations offer a joyful opportunity to show support, though public displays of affection should be kept discreet. While most major resorts are inclusive, it’s still wise to be mindful of local attitudes outside tourist areas.
Budget
With a little planning, you can enjoy a relatively affordable stay in the Bahamas. An inexpensive meal costs about 26 Bahamian dollars ($), while a local beer or coffee is less than $5. Short taxi rides are about $2, and if you aren’t on a tight schedule, Jitney buses are even cheaper.
Getting around Bahamas
Public transport
Buses: On busy islands like New Providence, take an affordable jitney (a small minibus) to get between popular tourist destinations — just be prepared to move at a leisurely pace. To get off, simply call out ‘stop’ when you’re near your destination. Pay in cash at the end of your ride.
Boats: Ferries regularly connect major hubs like New Providence and Eleuthera, with additional services to the outer islands. For more remote destinations, you may need to charter a boat. If you prefer flexibility and speed, a water taxi is a great option for getting around on your own schedule.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights are the quickest way to island-hop in the Bahamas. The main hub is Lynden Pindling International Airport, just outside Nassau. There are more than 20 airports sprinkled throughout the islands, so a quick flight will usually put you within a short distance of your destination.
Driving
Driving is the best way to see the country at your own pace. You’ll find most major car hire companies on New Providence and other island hubs. Note that Bahamians drive on the left side of the road. And take caution behind the wheel, as road conditions can vary, especially in rural areas.
