The Best Bahamas Travel Guide -The Bahamian islands lure millions of visitors to their white-washed shores, duty-free shops, fishing and scuba diving excursions and luxurious accommodations each year. The families that flock here tend to indulge in the diversions of the mega resorts, but this diverse island chain also offers a range of activities away from the hotel zone. Nature enthusiasts can explore the offshore reefs and wildlife preserves and golf lovers can tee up on the numerous par-72 courses. Bargain-hunters enjoy patrolling the marketplaces for the best duty-free deals. No wonder the Bahamas has become a popular destination in the Caribbean.
Though the area consists of more than 700 islands and cays, this first stop for most visitors is New Providence Island’s Nassau. Here, the twinkling casinos and upscale resorts are intertwined with American Civil War history and pirate lore. The second most popular island is also the most northwest: Grand Bahama, home to bustling Freeport and a center of ecotourism with its underwater limestone caves and botanical gardens. When you need a break from all the crowds, head east from Nassau to the Outer Islands, where you can easily drop off the grid and enjoy a simpler way of life. Visit the Best Beaches in the Bahamas for an in-depth look at the best beaches located in the Bahamas, or visit us on Pinterest.
Bahamas Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country’s peak season. Though temperatures here are great year-round, the islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may be a factor between June 1 and Nov. 30. Most of these months (plus May) also fall within the region’s rainy season, which can leave you with fewer days spent enjoying the islands’ outdoor activities. But keep in mind that mid-December to mid-April’s sublime weather attracts hordes of tourists, so prices will be at their highest and crowds at their thickest during these months.
Top Beaches in the Bahamas
Love Beach (Nassau)
Love Beach (Nassau)Love Beach offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, long stretches of soft, white sands, and the opportunity to see low-flying airplanes buzzing right overhead. It’s a convenient beach close to the Nassau downtown area that you can get to by bus, and it’s a favorite among visitors and locals alike. If you get hungry after a hard day of relaxation, you can head for the local beach bar to grab a cocktail or some snacks.
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Pink Sands Beach (Harbour Island)
Pink Sands Beach (Harbour Island)Pink Sands Beach offers a truly unique beach experience because the sand is actually pink where the surf laps ashore. The pink color of this 3-mile stretch comes from crushed seashells, and it truly looks magical. This is something of a hidden gem among Bahamas beaches that’s become very popular among honeymooners looking for that picturesque, romantic getaway. Regular vacationers looking for something convenient and relaxed also love this one. For my information on Harbour Island, visit The Best of Harbour Island.
Tropic of Cancer Beach (Exuma)
Tropic of Cancer Beach (Exuma)Tropic of Cancer Beach offers a getaway that’s among the most iconic in the Bahamas, with gorgeous landscapes, clear waters, endless stretches of sand, and quiet surroundings. This beach is about 20 minutes by car from Great Exuma and is a secluded stretch of sand and surf that tends to be a quiet and serene place even when crowded. You won’t find many shops or restaurants around here, so be sure to pack your snacks, food, and other requirements.
Cable Beach (Nassau)
Cable Beach (Nassau)Cable Beach is among the most popular beaches in Nassau, offering great views, clear-blue waters, water sport adventures, nearby resorts, shopping, dining, and excitement. This is one of the more expansive beaches in Nassau, so you’ll find a lot to do here before or after your time building sandcastles, laying out in the sun, going surfing, or renting a water scooter to get out on the waters. You can also find plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and snack stands to grab a cocktail and some food.
Junkanoo Beach (Nassau)
Junkanoo Beach (Nassau)Junkanoo Beach is named for the Junkanoo celebrations between December and January and offers a party atmosphere with restaurants, bars, music, dancing, and a hip vibe. If you’re looking for a place in Nassau that combines a tropical paradise, white sands, and clear turquoise waters with a truly vibrant nightlife, this is it. You’ll hear loud music thumping from the clubs almost any time of day.
Best 5 Islands in the Bahamas
Harbour Island
Harbour IslandFor the ultimate fairy-tale getaway, head to Harbour Island. With pastel-colored cottages, swaying palm trees and alluring blush-tinted sand, this dreamy oasis is worthy of a postcard. Spend a day exploring the quaint streets of Dunmore Town on a golf cart (the island’s primary mode of transportation), then refuel with a delicious lunch of conch fritters (shellfish that is battered and deep-fried with vegetables and seasonings). When you’re ready to hit the beach, Harbour Island’s illustrious Pink Sand Beach provides excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, while the Lone Tree at Girl’s Bank Beach is a must for photographers. For my information on Harbour Island, visit The Best of Harbour Island. Best Hotel on Harbour Island: French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection
Exuma Islands
Exuma IslandsFamed for its cobalt blue water, white sand beaches and friendly swimming pigs, this chain of 365 cays along the Atlantic Ocean is so esteemed that many of its islands are privately owned by celebrities (including Johnny Depp and Tyler Perry). Head to Coco Plum Beach for prime sand dollar hunting or get your feet wet at the renowned Tropic of Cancer Beach. Meanwhile, divers should suit up for a swim at Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the world’s first land and sea reserve, or Thunderball Grotto, a fascinating underwater cave featured in the 1965 James Bond flick, “Thunderball.” You can visit The Best Exumas Guide here. Best Exuma Islands Hotel: Grand Isle Resort & Residences
Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama IslandVisit Grand Bahama Island if your idea of a perfect island getaway includes ample water sports. Snorkel in some of the Bahamas’ best blue holes or go diving with tiger sharks at Tiger Beach. Lucaya Beach and Taino Beach are both top-notch shores, but the rippled sand at Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park has been known to attract photographers. In the evening, head to Count Basie Square in Port Lucaya Marketplace for dinner, drinks and traditional goombay music. Visit the Grand Bahamas Travel Guide here. Best Grand Bahama Island Hotel: Dolphin Cove
Abaco Islands
Abaco IslandsSpanning 120 miles, the boating capital of the Bahamas is home to the Sea of Abaco, a naturally protected body of water with stellar fishing and premier sailing. Marsh Harbour’s myriad restaurants, resorts and marinas make a great home base for island hoppers, while Hope Town, a charming village known for its colorful cottages and iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse, appeals to history buffs. Don your scuba diving gear to explore the underwater caverns of Walker’s Cay, or stroll the sandbar at Tahiti Beach. Only accessible by bike, boat or on foot, this secluded stretch of shore is perfect for leisurely beach days. For vacation planning, visit our Abaco Islands Travel Guide here. Best Abaco Islands Hotel: Bahama Beach Club
Eleuthera
EleutheraBoasting a plethora of resort hotels and more airports than any other Bahamian island, Eleuthera may be easy to visit – but it’s definitely not easy to leave. Dramatic cliffs, miles of unspoiled coastline and some of the sweetest pineapples in the world make this picturesque island ideal for long, leisurely days by the water. Hang 10 at Surfer’s Beach or spend an evening on Lighthouse Beach, a stretch of pink sand best for romantic strolls. For an unforgettable experience, see where the aquamarine waters of the Bight of Eleuthera meet the dark blue Atlantic Ocean at the Glass Window Bridge. Get more information on the Best Eleuthera Hotels and Resorts here. Best Eleuthera Hotel: Villa Allamanda
Best Hotels in the Bahamas
Hi Leahrae
I absolutely love your post. I have only been to the Bahamas once, many years ago, however I do not remember it as being so beautiful as you have portrayed in your website. I loved the drone video in your post, such fabulous beaches, makes me want to go there right now. Thank you so much for all the great information, great restaurants, points of interest, great lodging. I look forward to checking out your other posts.
Great 🙂 Thanks for the visit and I am glad you enjoyed my Bahamas post. I was just there this past winter, and it is beautiful. So worth a vacation to.
This is an excellent website and article on the Bahamas. I’m a huge fan of the Caribbean and have been to most of the islands, but have never made it to the Bahamas. I’m a big fan of Aruba and have been there many times. The US Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guadaloupe, and Barbados are also some of my favorites.
Not a big fan of Jamaica or Cuba.
It looks like I will have to find a way to make it to the Bahamas as it looks and sounds amazing. I think your website will convince many of your visitors to visit the Caribbean.
I hope so Ray! the Bahamas and any where in the Caribbean really is worth a visit. Especially if you like a tropical paradise. I just love the clear ocean….and can and do just spend a day mostly in the water. So nice! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I have been wanting to go the Bahamas so this post is really helpful. You don’t realize that The Bahamas are so close to Florida, so it might be a nice double trip when considering The Bahamas. I appreciate you shedding light on things to do away from the resorts. I’m particularly fond of Dunmore Town, Sapona and Parliament. I’ll be sure to save your post that I can reference it on my next Bahamas trip, well done!
I live in Florida and heading to the Bahamas from Miami is super affordable! It’s a great weekend trip for me 😀 Thanks for reading my Bahamas Travel Guide.
Visiting Bahamas will be on my list of places to travel! It looks like a lot of fun and my family love the sun and the sea so it’s perfect for us. Going there on a cruise also will be an option for us. Thanks for your recommendations!
You bet Yvonne. Yes, a cruise is a great option because you get to visit so many places and I think they are a bargain! Thanks for reading Bahamas Travel Yvonne!
Bahamas is one of my favourite places to visit. The sheer colour of water is so inviting. Have not seen the sea as clear and with so many shades of blue, green, turquoise as in The Bahamas. Just sitting by the sea and sipping on the local beer ‘Kalik’ in itself is so relaxing!
You have described the place so well!!
Great job!
Thank you so much and sounds like you have enjoyed the Bahamas on more than one occasion. You are very lucky! Yes, have a Kalik by the pool would be wonderful! Thank you for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!
Really informative article.
The Bahamas have always looked so beautiful and I love how you have really broken down the nuts and bolts of travelling arrangements.
Would love to go there someday myself so who knows, maybe this article is just the right amount of inspiration I need at the moment!
Great Michael! I know that you would absolutely love the Bahamas! Thanks for visiting Bahamas Travel!
I’m preparing to plan a vacation. Yes, I’m the type of person that prepares to plan. Ha! It’s great to know that I’ll be dealing with higher prices if I’m trying to escape the US winter. Thanks for including so much detail! It was nice to get so much info from one spot.
You are very welcome! Yes, I do the same thing actually. I prepare to plan as well :D. I think that way I get the best vacation I am looking for. I go thru different destinations, and whole thing before I finally land on something that I can start planning for. You will absolutely love the Bahamas. Thanks for visiting Bahamas Travel!
This is fantastic. As a travel agent and someone who has visited Nassau as a port of call on a cruise, I didn’t know a quarter of the information you have in your article. Having the hotel recommendations is great too. I will tell my colleagues to check out your site if they need any information.
Thank you so much and I am glad that I have all the “right stuff”! I try to provide information that travelers will need when they are visiting these great beach destinations. Thank you so much for visiting Bahamas Travel!
This is a great article to learn about the Bahamas. Thanks so much for the very details and recommendations. I’ve been thinking of visiting the Bahamas, but I wonder when is the best time to travel there.
Do you have a month or season preference to visit the Bahamas? And, Is there a timing when is cheaper?
Thanks again.
Really, anytime in the Bahamas is going to be great as the weather is very similar to Florida, making the Bahamas a year-round destination. The highest prices are going to be mid-December thru April. Any other time will be much less. Also, if you book 2 to 3 months in advance, you can get MUCH better deals.
Hello and thank you very much for shining the light on the Bahamas. It just so happens that I am searching for ideas for a vacation destination. Your article is great and provides all the necessary information for a prospective vacationer.
I am certainly going to refer to this article if I decide to go to the Bahamas
Cheers
Orion
Great! I am glad I could help. Please let me know if you need any other information or vacation ideas 🙂
I was in my early twenties when I first heard about the Bahamas especially the cool beaches. And that was like two decades ago. So I really wish to visit it hopefully before the end of this year or next year. I’ve been working really hard to make this dream of visiting the Bahamas a reality.
I’ve been to other places with beautiful beaches such as Singapore and Thailand but I’m expecting the Bahamas beach to be much more beautiful. Thank you for this article that makes me want to visit the place even more.
I am glad you enjoyed reading and you will not regret going to the Bahamas. With the gorgeous beaches, the beautiful water, and so many things to do, it is just one of those bucket list places for sure.
Hi Lea,
This article is fantastic!
My family and I are planning to sail to the Bahamas this winter, and we can’t wait. We are so excited!
I didn’t know that to be able to rent a car you need to be more than 21 years old. Great to know!
Another thing I didn’t know about the Bahamas is that restaurants are expensive. But you know what. It really doesn’t matter to me because when I am on vacation, I love spending money!
However, I will follow your great suggestions!
Thank you for this excellent post.
We are in agreement! When on vacation, it’s time to enjoy and not follow a budget. That takes away from the vacation. Enjoy your trip!
Ah the Bahamas, I’ve never been but would love to go. It’s my cup of tea where the weather is between 70’s and 80’s in the winter. I live in Wisconsin and we all look for a getaway in the winter. I love how you broke down everything from passports to travel while visiting there. I would imagine there are all inclusive resorts? I’m planning a trip with my wife in February and now you peeked my interest thanks.
Yes, the Bahamas, one of those places everyone needs to go, even if you are not a beach goer. So much to see and do. Thanks for reading.
This is a plethora of useful information! I had to bookmark it because I was actually thinking about taking my wife on a trip out to the islands. To me I just think of beaches and sand no matter where I would go, but this is a great primer in understanding what there really is to see and do, and it also shows how unique it really is. I also appreciate the connections to sites that will help me make this trip happen. Keep up the quality content – I love it!
Thank you and glad you have found it useful for you! I am glad to hear I am doing things right 🙂 Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com