Best Islands in the Bahamas – Idyllic white sand beaches, azure waters and a relaxed way of life mean that a visit to the Bahamas is high on most people’s bucket lists. However, the Bahamas is a vast archipelago made up of more than 2,000 islands and cays, some of which aren’t even inhabited. With so many stunning islands on offer, how do you choose which one to visit? Whether you’re looking for the best beach in the Bahamas, or you would prefer your holiday to have an exciting nightlife, there is an island in the Bahamas to suit every type of vacation. Visit The Best Beaches in the Bahamas Guide for information on all of the Grand Bahama beaches, 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.
Harbour Island
Located just 50 miles from the Florida coast, Bimini has a fascinating history and culture due to its close proximity to the United States. Rumored to be a part of the legendary lost city of Atlantis, Bimini is made For 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 Harbour Island Hotel: Rock House
The Exumas
Famed 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.” Head to The Best of the Exuma Islands guide for more information on the Exumas. Best Hotel on the Exumas: Saint Francis Resort & Marina
Eleuthera
Boasting a ton 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
Grand Bahama Island
Visit 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 and cinephiles (it is featured in several of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films). In the evening, head to Count Basie Square in Port Lucaya Marketplace for dinner, drinks and traditional goombay music. For more information on Grand Bahama, visit The Best Grand Bahama Guide here. Best Grand Bahama Island Hotel: Bell Channel Inn
The Abacos
Spanning 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 The Best of the Abaco Islands, visit here. Best Hotel on the Abacos: Lofty Fig Villas
Cat Island
Although this unpretentious island lacks the flashiness of Nassau and Great Exuma, it is precisely this low profile that keeps its beaches pristine and uncrowded. Go kite surfing at Greenwood Beach, search for sand dollars along Fernandez Bay or chat with locals at New Bight Beach. Afterward, visitors can hike Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas, or embrace the island’s folklore by trying to spot the fabled mermaids in Mermaid Hole. Visit in June when the annual Rake ‘n’ Scrape music festival lights up the island with a farmers market, battle of the bands and quadrille dancing. For more information on Cat Island, visit The Best Cat Island Guide here. Best Cat Island Hotel: Shanna’s Cove Resort
Paradise Island
If your perfect vacation includes glitzy resorts, sparkling white sand beaches and family-friendly activities, head to Paradise Island. The massive Atlantis, Paradise Island resort complex is the island’s crowning jewel, sheltering the world’s largest open-air marine habitat and one of the Caribbean’s largest casinos and water parks. Book your stay with the resort or purchase a day pass to enjoy amenities, such as the Predator Lagoon, Aquaventure and Dolphin Cay. Keep in mind that Paradise Island is primarily a tourist destination, so expect crowds. For more information, visit the Best Nassau Travel Guide here. Best Paradise Island Hotel: Warwick Paradise Island
Long Island, Bahamas
Along the western shore of Long Island, pristine white sand beaches frame the calm, sapphire waters of the Great Bahama Bank. Here, visitors can sunbathe, swim or spot exotic birds along the coast of Cape Santa Maria Beach. Meanwhile, dramatic cliffs tower over the Atlantic Ocean on Long Island’s eastern shore, where bone fishing, scuba diving and sailing are popular pursuits. Hold your breath for a thrilling free dive of Dean’s Blue Hole, the world’s second deepest blue hole, or explore the stalactites at Hamilton’s Cave, the largest cave system in the Bahamas. Best Long Island Bahamas Hotel: Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas
Hi Leahrae,
Thanks for this post. I haven’t been back to the Bahamas since my honeymoon which was in 1995. At that time, I visited Freeport. I was curious about Nassau, but I didn’t get to go there. We couldn’t do much because we were so broke.
Anyhoo, I’d like to visit New Providence and mosey on over to see what Paradise Island is about.
Additionally, Coco Cay would probably be better for me. Since I wanna take a cruise AND NOT go far from the boat, I’d definitely want to stroll on the beautiful beaches and go on the nature trails, kayaking. I’m a little too afraid of snorkeling at this moment.
However, thanks for this article.
You are very welcome Lane. Sounds like you need to plan another Bahamas vacation! Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Thanks for all these great travel locations in the Bahamas. The pictures are really nice, with the blue water and nice sand and palm trees. It would be nice to go there. It’s been a while since I traveled. Recently I started learning how to make an income from my laptop so maybe one day I’ll be able to travel around to nice places like the Bahamas and visit. Maybe even live there for a little while. Thanks for the inspiration to travel. Have a great day.
You are very welcome. Oh yes, to live in the Bahamas…now that would be nice! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I enjoyed the pictures in this article they are breathtaking and one thing I want to make sure I do when I get there is that I want to take as many photos, I’ve just realised my passion for photography and being a Pisces guy its understandable that I love watery places. I can’t imagine going a place as far away as bahama to see trees and mountains. Looking forward to visit Abacosa.
Oh yes, I like to take LOTS of pictures too. I’m not a Pisces, but I am a water girl for sure. It calls my name LOL
I had no idea the breadth of opportunities one has to explore when it comes to the Bahamas! Wowzas! Seemed I only scratched the surface when I pooped by on a cruise ship. I will aim to go back with the famjam to explore all these wonderful places. The manner in which you have delineated all there is to see is captivating and proves super inspirational. Thanks for the continued stellar posts Leahrae!
-Bex
You are very welcome Bex. Thanks, as always for your continued support. I am glad you enjoyed…and now it is time for another vacation!
My wife and I are both a person who likes the sea. The islands of the Bahamas look as beautiful as the Maldives. Although I live in China, I still hope to live with my wife and daughter for a while. Turn off your phone, forget the troubles, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery here.thank you for your sharing!
You are welcome Nox. What is not to like right? Thanks for stopping by.
I love the Caribbean and have been to almost every island. Some I have returned to many times. St. Thomas six times as it’s the main duty-free shopping port for the American Virgin Islands. I visited Aruba four times and it’s one of my favorites. Still, I have never made it to the Bahamas and your post reminds me that perhaps it’s time.
It is definitely time Ray! I think you would really love it in the Bahamas, given all the travel you have done in the Caribbean. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Hello there, such nice beaches you have listed here. I use to live in Cuba and it’s been a dream to visit these islands in the Bahamas. I once had a chance to visit Abacos, but things didn’t go as planned and I couldn’t. Seeing these lists again just makes me really ecstatic. I hope to someday visit them for vacation. Thanks for sharing.
I hope you can too Bella! Please let me know if you need any more information on the wonderful Bahamas!
The feeling of staying in a cold environment with enough breeze blowing around cane to me while I was reading through this post. So many islands in the Bahamas, I must admit having a great love for that place, but work and everyday stress haven’t given me time to take a trip down. These islands are really cool and the Abacos island is one I have in mind right now. I’ll add it to my bucket list for the start of new year trips. Best regards.
Ok Benson and great choice! You will love the Abacos. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Wow, I always dreamed of traveling to the Bahamas, such a beautiful place to be. I am sure I won’t want to leave if I go there:) I’ve heard that we can feed pig in the Bahamas. Do you where exactly? I am going to show this article to my husband so we can already plan our trip for next year. What would be the best to travel to the Bahamas? Thank you for this excellent post!
I would have to agree Daniella. The Bahamas is always a great beach vacation destination! You will want to go to Pig’s Beach, which is it’s own island in the Bahamas. It is located in Exuma, the Bahamas. The best time to travel to the Bahamas is going to be mid-December thru mid-April. I do have a Bahamas Travel Guide which will also give you additional information.
Wow! I really enjoyed reading your article!
I was surprised to know that there is an island called Andros in the Bahamas! There is one called Andros in Greece, too!! I have never been to either of them and I am intrigued! Next destination Florida to meet you. How about popping Andros island? Then you could come to Greece and we could visit the Greek Andros island. Is it a deal?
Sounds like a deal to me Effie! I do believe we would have a great time!
Bahamas should be on anyone’s plan for the next summer if one wants to enjoy the true nature of being on a beach. Wow! Simply ecstatic to behold are the various beaches that makes this place very beautiful. I like the
Andro the most. I just googled more information about it. Simply beyond words description and I love places like that. I will surely make enquiries more about it but then, this is awesome.
The Bahamas are wonderful, no two words about it. Please let me know if you need any additional information Shelley. And thanks for visiting!
Bahamas is truly a home of wonders. Beauty beyond words description and an abode of serenity. The list here of the best islands that nature has blessed this place with are just awesome and truly wonderful. Each of them has a greatness attached and I love the outlook of this place. If I can, I would love to explore here. Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Thumbs up to you
Thanks Rodarrick, I am glad you enjoyed. And thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
So many islands here, I have the feeling that it is going to be a great experience and adventure in one of them. I’ve heard a lot about Bahamas and I’ve always wanted to be there to witness and appreciate the natural endowments there. I’ll make sure I plan my next holiday to be at one of these islands and I know my wife will so much love it. Thanks for sharing this helpful information.
You are very welcome. I am glad you enjoyed reading and learning about the best islands in the Bahamas.
Wow, this is really interesting, a visit to Bahamas. I really love to be around water bodies and I enjoy the solemnity in the voice of nature that Surrounds it. Thanks for this information,it’s really useful, I’ve always wanted to experience what it feels like on the deep side of an island like that of the Bahamas compared to some local islands around. There are many options to pick from, I’ll definitely add the Bahamas to my bucket list.
I agree 100% that the Bahamas are worth the experience. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.