Welcome to the Bahamas
Hundreds of islands and cays surrounded by some of the clearest water on earth, just off the coast of Florida.
Island time, Bahamian style
The Lucayan people were living here when Columbus made his first landfall in the Americas in 1492. Later came British colonists, Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution and the enslaved Africans whose descendants make up most of today's population. The Bahamas became independent in 1973, but you'll still notice the British influence: cars drive on the left. The joyful spirit shows best at Junkanoo, a street parade of costumes, cowbells and goatskin drums.
Nassau, on New Providence, and neighboring Paradise Island have the big resorts, casinos and the busiest cruise port. Grand Bahama is close behind. The real magic for many travelers is in the Out Islands, also called the Family Islands: the Exumas with their swimming pigs and endless sandbars, Eleuthera and the pink sand of Harbour Island, the sailing waters of the Abacos and Andros, the largest island, edged by a huge barrier reef.
Winter and spring are the most comfortable, with warm days, low humidity and little rain. Summer is hot, and hurricane season runs June through November, peaking from August to October. The Bahamas is also one of the most popular cruise destinations, and several cruise lines have their own private islands here, so a short cruise from Florida is an easy way for Californians to get a taste.
Bahamas at a glance
Our favorite ways to spend your time
Not an exhaustive list, just the things our travelers come home talking about.
Things to do
- Swim with the pigsIn the Exumas, a colony of friendly pigs paddles out to greet boats. A full-day boat trip from Nassau or a short ride from Great Exuma.
- Snorkel or diveShallow reefs, shipwrecks, blue holes and wall dives in water so clear it can be hard to judge the depth.
- Spend a day on a boat in the Exuma CaysSandbars, hidden beaches and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, protected since 1958.
- Try bonefishingAndros and the shallow flats of the Out Islands are famous among anglers. Guides know every channel.
- Island-hopFast ferries and short flights from Nassau make it easy to add an Out Island to a resort stay.
Places to go
- Nassau & Paradise IslandBig resorts, water parks, casinos and dining, plus pastel colonial streets downtown. Easiest to reach.
- The ExumasA chain of more than 360 cays with sandbars, turquoise channels and the famous swimming pigs.
- Eleuthera & Harbour IslandLong, quiet beaches and the pink sand of Harbour Island, with its old clapboard cottages.
- The AbacosA boater's paradise of small islands and charming settlements. Ideal for sailing or a quiet escape.
- Grand BahamaBeaches, national parks and Lucayan caves, a short hop from Florida.
Things to see
- Pink sand beachesHarbour Island's beach gets its blush from tiny pink shells. Best seen in the early morning light.
- JunkanooNassau's Bay Street fills with costumed dancers and drummers on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
- Thunderball GrottoA cave in the Exumas you can snorkel into, famous from two James Bond films.
- Dean's Blue HoleOn Long Island, one of the deepest blue holes in the world, sitting right off a sandy beach.
- Historic NassauThe Queen's Staircase, carved from limestone in the 1700s, Fort Fincastle and pastel government buildings.
What to eat in Bahamas
Dishes to order
- Conch saladRaw conch diced with onion, peppers and tomato and tossed with fresh lime and orange juice. Made to order before your eyes.
- Cracked conchTenderized conch, battered and fried, served with fries or peas 'n' rice.
- Peas 'n' ricePigeon peas cooked with rice, tomato and thyme. The Bahamian side dish with everything.
- Guava duffA rolled, steamed guava dessert topped with a warm rum or butter sauce.
Where to eat
- The Fish Fry at Arawak CayA row of colorful, casual spots in Nassau where locals go for conch, fried fish and music.
- Conch shacksSmall dockside and beach stands across the islands, where the conch is as fresh as it gets.
- Resort diningParadise Island and the big resorts offer everything from casual poolside grills to celebrity-chef restaurants.
What to drink
- Goombay SmashRum, coconut rum and pineapple, born on Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos.
- Sky juiceA local favorite of gin, coconut water and sweetened condensed milk. Smoother than it sounds.
- KalikThe Bahamas' own crisp island lager, best ice cold on the beach.
Let's plan your Bahamas trip
Whether it's a big resort on Paradise Island, a quiet Out Island hideaway or a cruise with a Bahamas stop, we'll match the islands to the way you like to travel. Tell us when you'd like to travel and we'll come back with options and current pricing.
