The Bahamas

From secluded cays to bustling Nassau, The Bahamas brings together nature, luxury and charm. Perfect for sunseekers, divers and those wanting total relaxation. Whether for a weekend or a longer stay, here’s what to know before you go.

Population407,400
LanguagesEnglish
Local time9:09 AM
Flagbs flag
CurrenciesBSD
Area13,878 km²
Bahamas beach
30°C
few clouds
Feels like: 36°C

Best time to visit The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a solid choice all year around as the temperatures remain comfortable all year around and rarely fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit The Bahamas is from December to April, when the weather is at its most pleasant and consistent. There is usually a big surge of visitors in March due to Spring Break, so if you're looking for a more relaxed and less crowded getaway, try avoiding March. The island usually sees fewer crowds between May and early July, which often results in better deals in terms of price (however, be aware that occasional short showers can occur so keep an eye on forecasts and be flexible with plans).

Where to stay in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is made up of hundreds of islands, each with its own personality. Whether you’re after all inclusive resorts, quiet beaches, or something more local and lowkey, there’s a perfect spot waiting. Here are three of the best areas to consider.

Nassau and Paradise Island

Nassau, the capital, and nearby Paradise Island are the busiest parts of The Bahamas, with a wide range of hotels, casinos, shops, and nightlife. It’s the most convenient base for first time visitors.

  • Paradise Island - Home to large resorts like Atlantis with pools, private beaches, and on site attractions.
  • Downtown Nassau - Close to markets, museums, and the cruise port. Great for walking and exploring local spots.
  • Cable Beach - A calmer beach area with upscale resorts and a more relaxed pace.
Atlantis Paradise Island
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Atlantis Paradise Island

Atlantis Paradise Island
Downtown Nassau, Bahamas
Cable Beach, Nassau

Exuma

Exuma is perfect for travelers who want open space, beautiful beaches, and a more peaceful setting. It’s known for boat tours and crystal clear waters.

  • Great Exuma (George Town) - The island’s main town with hotels, boat charters, and beach bars.
  • Little Exuma - Quieter and more local with Airbnb's and beautiful beaches.
  • Emerald Bay - A resort area with a marina, golf, and one of the island’s top all inclusives.
Exuma Cays
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Swimming pigs, Exuma Cays

Exuma Cays
Exuma Cays

Harbour Island

Harbour Island offers a charming and romantic escape with soft pink sand and boutique hotels. It’s stylish, small, and easy to explore by foot or golf cart.

  • Dunmore Town - Offers private villas, cafes, and a relaxed island vibe.
  • Beachfront areas - Private stays along the pink sand beach, perfect for couples or quiet getaways.
Dunmore Town, Bahamas

Dunmore Town, Bahamas

Is The Bahamas safe?

The Bahamas is mostly safe for travelers, especially in resort areas, but some caution is needed. The US government advises increased caution due to crime, including robbery and assault. Stick to busy areas, avoid isolated spots at night, and use common sense when exploring.

The Bahamas is welcoming, just be mindful and avoid quiet areas after dark.

Top things to do in The Bahamas

There’s more to The Bahamas than just laying on the beach. This island chain is full of one of a kind experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. Whether you're sailing through clear waters, snorkeling into hidden caves, or walking barefoot on pink sand, these are the moments that make a trip here unforgettable.

Swim with pigs in Exuma

This is one of the most famous and fun things you can do in The Bahamas. Take a boat tour to Big Major Cay where you’ll find the friendly pigs swimming out to greet visitors. It’s quirky, unforgettable, and perfect for photos.

Big Major Cay, Bahamas

Big Major Cay. Photo and CC by.

Exuma Island Hopping & Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau
Free cancellation
4.7 (429)
Exuma Island Hopping & Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau
8h
$439
Original Exuma Powerboat Adventures
Free cancellation
4.7 (442)
Original Exuma Powerboat Adventures
9h
$329
Exuma Elite Escape: Luxury Fly-In Pig Beach Adventure - 7 Stops
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4.5 (486)
Exuma Elite Escape: Luxury Fly-In Pig Beach Adventure - 7 Stops
6h
$750

Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto

Near Staniel Cay, this cave system was made famous by James Bond films. At low tide, you can swim into the grotto and snorkel among colorful fish in clear waters. It’s a must for adventure lovers and photographers.

Thunderball Grotto, Bahamas

Thunderball Grotto. Photo by Cvorobek. CC by.

Relax on Harbour Island’s pink sand beach

One of the most striking beaches in the Caribbean, Harbour Island’s soft pink sand stretches for miles. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and a perfect place to unwind or take a beach walk with a view.

Be Your Own Captain Adventure: Bimini, Nassau, Exuma or Eleuthera
Free cancellation
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Be Your Own Captain Adventure: Bimini, Nassau, Exuma or Eleuthera
4h
$1,500
Experience The Eleutheras and Pink Sands Beach
Free cancellation
5 (64)
Experience The Eleutheras and Pink Sands Beach
8h 30min
$439

Nightlife in The Bahamas

The Bahamas gets lively once the sun goes down. From beachside bars with live music to upscale lounges and casual rum shacks, there’s something for every kind of night out. The vibe is laidback but fun, with many places offering dancing, local bands, or a great spot to watch the sunset.

Nassau

Nassau has the busiest nightlife in The Bahamas, with options ranging from hotel bars to local dance spots and live music venues.

  • Aura Nightclub - High end club inside Atlantis Resort with DJs and a dance floor.
  • Skybar at Baha Mar - Rooftop bar with cocktails, music, and ocean views.
  • The Dilly Club - Cocktail lounge with a relaxed feel and great local drinks.

Freeport (Grand Bahama)

Freeport is quieter than Nassau but still offers a few places to go out, especially near Port Lucaya.

  • Count Basie Square - Open air space with live bands and casual outdoor drinks.
  • Rum Runners - Waterfront bar known for strong drinks and a fun crowd.

Harbour Island

Nights on Harbour Island are more low key but still social, especially in local bars and boutique hotel lounges.

  • Vic-Hum Club - Tiny local bar with a jukebox and dancing, popular with both locals and visitors.
  • Rock House Bar - Upscale lounge perfect for sunset cocktails and relaxed evenings.

Where is The Bahamas?

The Bahamas lie east of Florida and north of Cuba, scattered across more than 700 smaller islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean. While only a few islands are inhabited, popular destinations include Nassau, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Eleuthera, and Abaco.

Fun facts about The Bahamas

  • Was the first land Columbus reached in the "New World" in 1492.

  • You can swim with wild pigs at Big Major Cay, often called Pig Beach.

  • The Bahamas has no rivers or lakes.

  • The waters are so clear that astronauts have said The Bahamas is the most visible place on Earth from space.

  • The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands, though only about 30 are inhabited.

FAQ The Bahamas

Cities in The Bahamas

Nassau,Bahamas.webp
The Bahamas flag
Capital
few clouds30°C

Nassau

Easygoing, colorful, and full of character, Nassau is where beach days meet old pirate tales and fresh conch salad by the sea. As the capital of The Bahamas, it’s a laidback gateway that’s easy to get to and even easier to enjoy.

Explore Nassau

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