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Bahamas

Turquoise cays, swimming pigs, and dive walls. As part of Caribbean in North America, Bahamas suits travelers drawn to big cities and nature. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Bahamas

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Dec – Apr

Nassau

Nassau is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Bahamas, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Exuma

Exuma pairs well with nearby highlights on a Caribbean route through Bahamas.

Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Bahamas, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Swimming pigs at Big Major Cay in the Exumas
  • Dean's Blue Hole, one of the world's deepest sea holes
  • Junkanoo parade costumes and goombay drums
  • Pink-sand beaches on Harbour Island
  • Conch salad, cracked conch, and Bahamian rum punch
key City
name
Nassau
label
Capital
why
New Providence's capital connects cruise passengers to Cable Beach resorts, Atlantis, and fast boats out to the Exuma cays.
Places to visit
  • area
    Nassau
    attractions
    • name
      Queen's Staircase
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Fort Charlotte
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Parliament Square
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Atlantis Paradise Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Exuma
    attractions
    • name
      Pig Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Thunderball Grotto
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Stocking Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Compass Cay
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Grand Bahama
    attractions
    • name
      Lucayan National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Gold Rock Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Port Lucaya Marketplace
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Garden of the Groves
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Buy day tickets on-site or online 3-7 days ahead on busy weekends.
Itineraries
  • title
    Bahamas Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Nassau
    • Exuma
    • Grand Bahama
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Nassau
    • Full day discovering Exuma
    • Full day discovering Grand Bahama
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Nassau
      description
      Land in Nassau, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Bahamas trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Exuma
      description
      Dedicate the day to Exuma: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Grand Bahama and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Grand Bahama visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Bahamas
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Nassau
    • Exuma
    • Grand Bahama
    highlights
    • Cover Nassau and Exuma
    • Explore Grand Bahama
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Nassau
      description
      Land in Nassau, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Bahamas trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Exuma
      description
      Dedicate the day to Exuma: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Grand Bahama and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Grand Bahama visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Bahamas Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Nassau
    • Exuma
    • Grand Bahama
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Nassau
    • Coastal day in Exuma
    • Coastal day in Grand Bahama
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Nassau
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Nassau.
    • day
      2
      title
      Exuma coast
      description
      Spend the day on Exuma's shoreline: Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto, Stocking Island, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Grand Bahama and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Grand Bahama, visiting Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach, Port Lucaya Marketplace before you depart Bahamas.
  • title
    Bahamas Countryside
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Nassau
    • Exuma
    • Grand Bahama
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Nassau
    • Rural stop: Exuma
    • Rural stop: Grand Bahama
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Nassau
      description
      Reach Nassau, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Exuma countryside
      description
      Explore Exuma at an easy pace: Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto, Stocking Island with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Grand Bahama and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Grand Bahama, stopping at Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach, Port Lucaya Marketplace before heading home.
  • title
    Bahamas Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Nassau
    • Exuma
    • Grand Bahama
    highlights
    • Must-see: Queen's Staircase
    • Must-see: Fort Charlotte
    • Must-see: Pig Beach
    • Must-see: Thunderball Grotto
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Nassau
      description
      Start in Nassau with Queen's Staircase, Fort Charlotte, Parliament Square, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Exuma monuments
      description
      Focus on Exuma's tourist favorites: Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto, Stocking Island with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Grand Bahama landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Grand Bahama, including Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach, Port Lucaya Marketplace, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
December through April is peak dry season in the Bahamas, with calm turquoise waters, lower humidity, and ideal conditions for swimming pigs, bonefishing, and Nassau culture. Trade winds keep islands comfortable even at warmest.
typical Weather
Nassau Dec-Apr: highs 26-28°C (79-82°F), lows 18-20°C (64-68°F), 40-60 mm rain. Sea 24-26°C (75-79°F). Out islands similar with steady trade winds.
details
  • Dec-Jan and spring break peak; Exuma and Harbour Island book out.
  • Jun-Nov hurricane season; monitor forecasts Jun-Oct.
  • Shoulder Nov and late Apr balance weather and rates.
  • Summer warmer and more humid but less crowded.
most Affordable
period
Jun – Nov
summary
Hurricane-season months bring the Bahamas' steepest resort discounts as properties compete for visitors willing to accept weather risk. September and October see the deepest cuts at Nassau and Out Island properties.
details
  • Paradise Island resorts discount 40-60% in Sep-Oct.
  • Exuma and Harbour Island rentals drop sharply in summer.
  • Bonefishing lodges offer shoulder rates May-Jun and Nov.
  • Cruise port days decrease, lowering Nassau restaurant premiums.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Apr
summary
Dry-season winter escape fills Bahamian resorts when American and European travelers pay premium rates for guaranteed sunshine. Christmas, New Year, and spring break weeks see the highest all-inclusive and villa pricing.
details
  • Christmas and New Year weeks require booking 6-12 months ahead.
  • Spring break (Mar) spikes Nassau and Freeport family resort rates.
  • Exuma swimming pig tours premium in peak winter season.
  • Direct flights from US hubs cost most Dec-Mar.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport is the primary gateway, with island hops from there.
airports
  • name
    Lynden Pindling International Airport
    code
    NAS
    location
    Nassau, New Providence
    distance From Center
    16 km (10 mi) west of downtown Nassau
    transfer Note
    Taxis and hotel shuttles serve Paradise Island and Nassau
Getting around
overview
Bahamians rely on jitney buses in Nassau, ferries between islands, and taxis.
trains
    ferries
    • name
      Bahamas Ferries
      description
      Inter-island ferry services.
      ticketing
      Buy tickets at ferry terminals.
    subways
      public Transit
      • name
        Nassau Jitney
        kind
        public
        description
        Route buses serving Nassau and Paradise Island.
        ticketing
        Pay cash when boarding.
      • name
        Family Island Mail Boats
        kind
        public
        description
        Scheduled boats linking Out Islands.
        ticketing
        Buy tickets at dockside offices.
      ride Share
        Currency
        code
        BSD
        name
        Bahamian dollar
        symbol
        $
        note
        Carry some bahamian dollar in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

        Convert your travel budget ↗

        Visas & official entry links
        Local customs
        summary
        The Bahamas are friendly and tourism-oriented, with British-influenced law and relaxed island manners. Nassau is busier and more formal than Out Island settlements. Respect for church, elders, and marine environments shapes local advice.
        customs
        • Island time means slower service; patience beats confrontation.
        • Junkanoo and church events are culturally significant; dress neatly if attending.
        • Beach vendors expect polite negotiation, not aggressive haggling insults.
        dos
        • Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral.
        • Tip 15 percent at restaurants unless a service charge is listed.
        • Greet people before asking directions or prices.
        • Use licensed taxis with posted rates from the airport.
        • Carry cash on smaller cays where cards are limited.
        donts
        • Do not wear camouflage; it is illegal for civilians.
        • Do not take coral, shells, or sand from protected areas.
        • Do not assume marijuana is legal; drug penalties are strict.
        • Do not leave valuables on open boats or beaches.
        • Do not feed stingrays or sharks outside approved tour settings.
        Useful travel phrases
        language
        English
        phrases
        • english
          Please
          local
          Please
          pronunciation
          PLEEZ
        • english
          Thank you
          local
          Thank you
          pronunciation
          THANK yoo
        • english
          Yes
          local
          Yes
          pronunciation
          YES
        • english
          No
          local
          No
          pronunciation
          NOH
        • english
          How much?
          local
          How much?
          pronunciation
          how MUCH
        • english
          Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
          local
          Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
          pronunciation
          wair iz thuh NEER-est RES-tuh-raunt or BAR
        • english
          Where is the airport?
          local
          Where is the airport?
          pronunciation
          wair iz thee AIR-port
        • english
          I need help
          local
          I need help
          pronunciation
          eye need HELP
        • english
          I need a hospital
          local
          I need a hospital
          pronunciation
          eye need uh HOS-pih-tul
        • english
          Call the police
          local
          Call the police
          pronunciation
          kawl thuh puh-LEES
        Longer stays
        visa Summary
        U.S. citizens may enter The Bahamas visa-free for up to eight months with proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Longer stays and work require a permit from the Department of Immigration, including annual residence and work authorizations tied to employment or investment. Permit fees and categories change by policy, so confirm current forms with Bahamian immigration before relocating.

        Practical tips.

        • Take the jitney bus in Nassau for local fares instead of taxis, which often quote flat tourist rates.
        • Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes because many beaches have sharp rock or coral near shore.
        • Confirm hurricane-season flight and ferry policies before booking Exuma island-hopping trips in late summer.
        More travel tips ↗

        Locate Bahamas.

        Location map of Bahamas

        Before you go.

        Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Bahamas ↗