Things To Do
in The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a tropical paradise of more than 700 islands, islets, and reefs with crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white-sand beaches. It blends vibrant Bahamian culture with luxurious resorts, palm-fringed shores, and crystalline coves perfect for snorkeling and sailing. The archipelago offers accessible day trips to swimming pigs, limestone caves, and pristine reefs, all linked by easy boat and flight connections.
With warm hospitality and fresh seafood at every turn, it’s both a relaxing escape and a nature-filled adventure for travelers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Nassau and check into your beachfront resort. Spend the morning soaking up the sun on the pristine white sand beaches, listening to the gentle lapping of the turquoise waves. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail at a beachfront bar as you acclimate to the tropical atmosphere.
Explore the vibrant local markets where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs, or take a historical tour of the city to learn about its rich culture. Enjoy a lunch of conch fritters and fresh seafood at a local eatery nestled within the bustling streets. Take some time to relax by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment at your resort.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, watching the sky transition into hues of pink and orange. Dine at a seaside restaurant, savoring Bahamian cuisine while listening to live music. Cap off the night with a walk through the lively Marina Village, soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Spend the morning visiting the famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, where you can marvel at the marine habitat. Discover the fascinating underwater world through the aquarium and enjoy the thrill of the various water attractions. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures of the iconic architecture and stunning views.
Relax at one of Atlantis's beautiful beaches or try your hand at snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants within the resort that offer delectable dishes with ocean views. In the afternoon, consider venturing into the Coral Towers' casino for some excitement and entertainment.
Before the night winds down, explore the vibrant nightlife at Atlantis, with options ranging from bars to nightclubs. Watch a captivating performance or try your luck at the tables while enjoying the energetic ambiance. End your evening with a moonlit walk along the beach, feeling the soft breeze and listening to the soothing ocean waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee/espresso | $3-6 |
| 🍺Local beer | $5-7 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short ride) | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $150-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning beaches and crystal-clear water
- Friendly, welcoming locals and easy island vibes
- Varied island experiences from Nassau to Exuma
- Excellent seafood and fresh tropical produce
- Hurricane season can affect travel plans (June–November)
- Some islands are remote and more expensive to reach
- Crowds on peak tourist days can be high on Nassau and Paradise Island
- "Wah gwaan?" - What’s going on? / How are you?
- "Good morning" - Good morning
- "Where is the nearest taxi?" - Where is the nearest taxi stand?
- "Thank you" - Thank you
- "How much is this?" - How much is this?
- "Do you speak English?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in The Bahamas
Visit one of these nice places.
Powder-pink sand paired with turquoise seas makes for dreamy coastal portraits and wide-angle landscape shots.
Historic limestone architecture and city views offer striking vantage points, especially at golden hour.
Underwater cave system with shafts of light filtering through clear water—amazing for underwater photography.
Rocky shoreline where friendly iguanas mingle with blue-green water for unique wildlife and portrait shots.
Long white-sand beach with palm silhouettes and warm skies, perfect for sunset photography.
Food in The Bahamas
The Bahamas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A zesty seafood starter made from fresh conch, lime juice, onion, pepper, and peppers, best enjoyed at a beachside shack.
Must-Try!
Lightly battered and fried conch pieces, often served with lemon or tartar sauce—a Bahamian staple at roadside stands and seafood shacks.
A flavorful lobster dish, typically grilled or steamed and served with butter and citrus, especially popular in island towns.
Crispy fried fish with sweet cornmeal hush puppies, a classic pairing found in fish fry spots and local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively string of seaside shacks offering conch, fried fish, mahi-mahi, and other Bahamian favorites, ideal for a casual dinner or late-night bites.
A bustling market for handmade crafts, hats, beads, and locally inspired snacks—great for sampling street-side bites between purchases.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, friendly greetings go a long way; a simple 'Good morning' or 'Hello' is appreciated. Address people as Sir or Ma’am in formal settings.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or private property; avoid loud behavior in quiet neighborhoods and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in The Bahamas
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 15-20% tip is customary for good service. Taxis, hotel porters, and tour guides typically receive small tips in the 5-10% range or a few dollars for smaller services.
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted; US dollars are widely accepted at most venues, with Bahamian dollars (BSD) used locally at fixed parity. ATMs are common in Nassau and other tourist hubs.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with frequent sea breezes; water temps are ideal for snorkeling and boating. Peak tourist season means busy beaches and higher prices; carry sun protection and stay hydrated.
Pleasant daytime temperatures with cooler evenings; a popular time for travelers, so expect more crowds but excellent clarity for snorkeling and diving.
Comfortable warmth and blooming landscapes; great for outdoor activities and photography with lower humidity and manageable rain.
Still warm but with a higher chance of tropical showers and the start of hurricane season; good off-peak travel window for lower prices.
The Bahamas at Night
Hiking in The Bahamas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mangroves, limestone caves, and coastal trails including Gold Rock Beach access.
Ridge-to-reef ecosystems, blue holes, and coastal hikes with abundant wildlife.
Gentle walks along pink sands and secluded coves with striking sea views.
Airports
How to reach The Bahamas by plane.
Main international gateway to Nassau; frequent flights from North American and Caribbean hubs; taxis and shuttles available to hotels.
Serves the Exumas with regional flights and connections to Nassau and major hubs; convenient for Exuma day trips.
In Freeport, used for regional and some international flights; access to the Abaco and Grand Bahama areas via road and ferry connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group with a rich cultural heritage expressed through music, food, and festivals.
Haitian and other Caribbean communities contribute to a diverse, multicultural society.
Seasonal and long-term visitors who shape the economy and cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A strong maritime culture with regattas and island-hopping adventures.
Widely played and followed, with community leagues in many islands.
Popular among Caribbean communities and visitors; casual play and local matches occur.
Inshore and offshore charters are common for sport fishing and reef fishing.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Nassau and popular islands, vegetarian options are widely available in restaurants; ask for fresh fruit, salads, veggie sides, and island-twist dishes. Many places can accommodate dairy-free requests; consider visiting vegetarian-friendly cafés and markets for fresh produce.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting The Bahamas.