With hundreds of islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, located close to Florida, the Bahamas brings you a set of attractions that’s remarkably eclectic.
Whether you want to soak up the tropical sun rays, try water sports, swim with pigs, have fun at entertainment complexes or gorge on delicious food at restaurants, the Bahamas has it all.
Below are the places (including accommodation) we think are the best for travellers who want to experience the tropical charm the country has to offer.
New Providence
The primary commercial hub and the most populous island of the Bahamas, New Providence is home to Nassau, the nation’s capital. This is the centre of everything. From beautiful colonial architecture to street markets to beaches, New Providence brings you a heady mix of attractions.
Nassau
The Bahamian capital brings you a set of experiences that are both relaxing and exciting. Nassau is the centre of trade, commerce, and tourism. The city beautifully captures the essence of the old world while introducing tokens of modern times.
Delicious food, colonial buildings, water sports, beaches, golf courses, and world-class accommodation are a few delightful details of a vacation in Nassau.
Where to Stay at Nassau?
Margaritaville Beach Resort – A four-star hotel found in the midst of all the activity, Margaritaville Beach Resort provides accommodation that suits the discerning traveller. With rooms perched over the Caribbean sea, the hotel is located within walking distance of some of the main attractions of the island.
Riu Palace Paradise Island – An excellent choice for couples on a romantic holiday in the Bahamas, Riu Palace Paradise Island is an adults-only all-inclusive hotel that brings you luxurious comfort coupled with elegance, adventure, gastronomy, and the tropical tranquillity of the Bahamas.
Golden Palm B & B – This is a great accommodation option for budget travellers. Golden Palm B & B is located just a few minutes from Orange Beach and Love Beach. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a bar, and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel is conveniently located close to tourist attractions like Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park, and there’s also an airport shuttle service.
Paradise Island
If you envision your vacation to be one of adventure, excellent accommodation, and romantic activities, we suggest staying on Paradise Island. With marine parks, lagoons, casinos, and water parks, the island is a tourist hotspot, so be prepared to contend with crowds.
Where to Stay at Paradise Island?
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas – For an idyllic getaway punctuated with tropical tranquillity and luxurious comforts, stay at Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas. With a selection of delicious foods, spa treatments, beach fun, nightlife, and chic rooms, the adult-only hotel offers you luxurious hospitality.
Bay View Suites Paradise Island – Travellers looking for a budget option will find Bay View Suites Paradise appealing. The hotel is located just minutes away from the beach and offers accommodation at budget rates for couples, friends, solo travellers, and families.
Grand Bahama
You should visit Grand Bahama Island if you want a vacation filled with tropical island fun. The island offers plenty of water sports for you to enjoy, including swimming in the blue holes and diving with tiger sharks.
Tiger Beach, Taino Beach, and Lucaya Beach are all top-notch tourist attractions. However, Lucayan National Park, with its Gold Rock Beach, is the star attraction of the island. Port Lucaya Marketplace is worth visiting, too; you can enjoy some delicious food while listening to traditional goombay music here.
Freeport
One of the sophisticated neighbourhoods on Grand Bahama Island, Freeport is home to world-class hospitality, historical sites, and ecological attractions. Snorkelling with sharks and shipwrecks are two of the main attractions here.
Where to Stay at Freeport?
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach All Inclusive – If you are dreaming of a holiday that includes luxury, elegance, and comfort, you should stay at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach All Inclusive. Sitting in the midst of lush greenery that sprawls over 26 acres, the hotel is truly a paradise.
You can enjoy a range of activities onsite or head down to the beach for snorkelling, kayaking, and beach volleyball. The hotel is also known for its excellent gastronomy.
Royal Islander Hotel – With all the standard hotel amenities like outdoor pools, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes, and air-conditioned rooms, Royal Islander Hotel offers affordable accommodation. You can relax in the hot tub after an adventurous day or head outdoors for a BBQ with your friends and family.
The Exumas
Known for swimming pigs, cobalt blue waters of the sea, and white sandy beaches, the Exumas are a collection of 365 small cays, some of which are owned by celebrities like Johnny Depp. For a day full of adventure and beach fun, head to Tropic of Cancer Beach or Coco Plum Beach. Sea Park and Exuma Cays are ideal for swimming, and Thunderball Grotto is a highlight as well.
George Town
Found on Great Exuma Island, George Town is the capital of the Exumas. The town has an eventful history that involves pirates. Also, this is where the plantation class from North and South Carolina and Virginia settled during the 18th century. The town has a number of historical attractions and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Where to stay at George Town?
Hideaways Exuma – A three-star hotel in George Town, Hideaway Exuma is excellent for couples and families looking for a budget option. The hotel has a private pool, villas, studios, and rooms. Also, the onsite bar offers an extensive menu of drinks and snacks.
Eleuthera
With a diverse array of resorts and hotels and the highest number of airports in the Bahamas, Eleuthera boasts of rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and exotic fruits like pineapples. The pristine white sand is ideal for romantic strolls, and the blue waters of the ocean are an invitation for thrill seekers. The Glass Window Bridge is another highlight of the island.
Where to stay at Eleuthra?
La Bougainvillea – A four-star hotel in Eleuthera located just paces from Governor’s Harbour, La Bougainvillea, is a boutique hotel sitting on a 50-acres pink sand beach. The hotel offers a private beach where you can relax, a shared infinity pool, a restaurant, and a bar. You can also get the hotel to arrange aquatic excursions like snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing for you. The types of accommodations include suites and villas.
Andros Island
The largest island of the Bahamas, Andros Island, is nicknamed the “bonefish capital of the world”. Despite its size, the island has a small population of 8,000 people. Andros is made up of three islands: North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros. This is one of the best places for you to enjoy authentic Bahamian cuisine, and the islands attract nearly 200 species of endemic birds as well.
The islands are home to the third largest barrier reef in the world and a number of dive sites; Andros has long been known as one of the best scuba diving destinations.
Where to stay at Andros Island?
Andros Beach Club – A boutique hotel on South Andros Island, Andros Beach Club is a 4-star hotel that can accommodate up to 20 people – this is an excellent option for large family gatherings and reunions of friends, with a bit of privacy. The hotel offers a diverse range of activities like diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, and yoga.
Harbour Island
For an unforgettable romantic getaway, we recommend Harbour Island. The beautiful cottages, palm-dotted beaches, and turquoise waters of the ocean come together to make up a picturesque oasis. You can spend your vacation here admiring the historical tokens of Dunmore Town, sampling delicious Bahamian food, and relaxing at the beach – Girl’s Bank Beach and Harbour Island’s illustrious Pink Sand Beach are ideal for relaxing, snorkelling, and swimming.
Where to stay at Harbour Island?
Valentines Resort & Marina – For a luxurious accommodation experience, stay at Valentines Resort & Marina. The resort offers a varied array of accommodation options, including suites and villas, and the resort facilities include a fitness centre, a spa, a dive centre, a restaurant, and onsite bars.
Abaco Islands
Known as the boating capital of the Bahamas, Abaco Islands are a tropical paradise. Beaches fringed with crystalline waters are the main attraction, but those who want to stay on land can have fun exploring golf courses and colonial towns. The islands are also home to a number of great accommodation providers.
Marsh Harbour
The commercial hub of Abaco Islands, Marsh Harbour is home to two international airports, cafes, shops, restaurants, and a number of hotels. The town is modern and sophisticated in every way, but it’s managed to retain its small-town feel.
Treasure Cay
This is where you find one of the most outstandingly white beaches in the world; it’s often featured among the top 10 beaches in the world. Although called a cay, this is not exactly a cay but a region in the Abaco Islands where you find luxurious accommodations and upscale restaurants.
Where to stay at Abaco Islands?
Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina – For an experience complete with luxury and elegance, you should spend your tropical vacation at Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina. The resort is located 10 minutes from the beaches, and getting here involves a scenic golf cart ride. What’s more, the onsite restaurant features an array of delicious seafood dishes.
Long Island
With crystalline waters fringed by the white sandy beaches along the western coastline, Long Island is one of the tourist hotspots in the Bahamas. You can swim here, see exotic birds, sunbathe and relax on the soft white sand of the beach. The western shore of the island, on the other hand, is speckled with dramatic cliffs that perch over the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, the eastern shore is ideal for water sports like bone fishing, sailing, and diving.
Where to stay at Long Island?
Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas – Located just a minute from the beach, Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas is a 3-star hotel with facilities like bike rentals and a sports centre. Each accommodation comes with a private patio, a refrigerator, and a coffee/tea-making facility. The villa also has a well-outfitted kitchen.
Bimini
Known for its big game fishing, exceptional nightlife, and pristine beaches, Bimini is referred to as the sports fishing capital of the Bahamas. Bimini is the composition of two main islands: South Bimini and North Bimini. Both islands are located just 50 miles from Florida’s coast, making them the closest islands to the US. Big game fishing, unspoiled beaches, and delicious food are some of the draws for tourists. Dolphin House Museum, Fountain of Youth, and Bimini Road are the main highlights of Bimini.
Where to stay at Bimini?
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini – A 4-star hotel in Bimini, Hilton at Resorts World Bimini offers white beaches and sapphire waters coupled with facilities like free Wi-Fi, a tennis court, a casino, a fitness centre, and an outdoor infinity pool. The adult-only rooftop is ideal for couples who want some romantic time, and the rooms are pet-friendly.
Cat Island
Compared to Great Exuma and Nassau, Cat Island is not touristy, which is what makes it appealing to those who want to enjoy the unperturbed tropical allure of the Bahamas with a bit of privacy. To mingle with locals, visit New Bight Beach; for kitesurfing, visit Greenwood Beach; and head to Fernandez Bay to look for sand dollars. The island also features great accommodation.
Where to stay at Cat Island?
Rollezz Villas Beach Resort – A budget holiday home for travellers looking for a place to stay close to the beach at the best possible price, Rollezz Villas Beach Resort offers free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned accommodation, a patio, and rooms with views. Hiking, snorkelling, and fishing are a few activities you can enjoy during your stay here. What’s more, parking is absolutely free! The resort is only 7 km from the airport.
San Salvador
With a unique geographical position in the archipelago, San Salvador is one of the smallest Bahamian islands. The beautiful inland lakes, historical sites, and uncrowded beaches are what make this island an excellent place to spend your vacation. The island also features around 50 dive sites and great accommodation options.
Where to stay at San Salvador?
The Sands Hotel – Located in Cockburn Town, 1.3 km from San Salvador, The Sands Hotel offers family-friendly accommodation with private parking, a garden, BBQ facilities, a nightclub, and a front desk that operates around the clock. The rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, wardrobes, and coffee machines. There are a select few rooms with kitchenettes as well.
The Berry Islands
A collection of 30 islands, the Berry Islands lie 56 km from New Providence and 242 km from Miami. The islands are frequented by sailors, yachters, fishermen, and beach lovers. As a fishing hotspot, the Berry Islands are second only to Bimini.
Head to the Tongue of the Ocean for big game fishing. One of the best things about the Berry Islands is that you can find your own islet and relax at one of the secluded white sandy beaches. The islands are some of the best places in the Bahamas for shell collecting.
The largest island of the 30 is Great Harbour Cay. The island stretches over 1,520 hectares of land. The island is a favourite with the rich and the elite. You find excellent accommodation options here as well, although they all come at exorbitant rates.
Crooked Island
With age-old ruins and tranquil sandy terrains, Crooked Island is part of the Bight of Acklins. The island isn’t heavily populated, which makes it heavenly for tourists craving peace and tranquillity during their holiday. This is where you find the first-ever post office in the Bahamas; you can see the ruins of the building in Pitt’s Town. Meanwhile, the northern part of the island features old British fortifications.
Where to stay at Crooked Island?
Nature’s Delight Lodge – With free Wi-Fi, a bar, a restaurant, and a common lounge area, Nature’s Delight Lodge offers pet-friendly accommodation. All units are air-conditioned, and there are BBQ facilities as well. There’s also a sun terrace, and if you want to explore the area, speak to the hotel about snorkelling. Guests are offered a car rental service as well. Also, you can get here within three minutes from the airport.