Bahamas Travelers Recommend

With three days in Nassau, you’ll have plenty of time to hit all the highlights, from colonial sites to beautiful Caribbean beaches, and still have time left over for a couple of island day trips. Here’s how to make the most of three days in the Bahamian capital.

Day 1: Nassau in a Day

Spend your first day in Nassau familiarizing yourself with the city. In the morning, take the Queen’s Staircase to the top of Bennet’s Hill, the highest point on the island and a great place to get panoramic views. Also on the hill, 18th-century limestone Fort Fincastle is worth a quick visit for those interested in colonial or military history. Make your way down to the main strip—Bay Street—for lunch, perhaps stopping at the Straw Market to pick up local handicrafts along the way. In the afternoon, get some sun on nearby Cable Beach, a popular snorkeling spot. Stick around for sunset followed by dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants and/or drinks at the sea-facing Baha Mar Casino.

Day 2: Swimming with Pigs

Spend your second day on a boat tour out to the Exumas, a pristine archipelago where you can swim with (and feed) friendly swimming pigs that hang out on Big Major Cay. Many tours also include visits to Allen's Cay, where visitors can feed Bahamian rock iguanas, and Compass Cay, known for its nurse sharks. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant followed by an afternoon swimming and snorkeling. Most tours will have you back in time for dinner; depending on your energy levels, you may want to hop on another boat for a sunset dinner cruise or simply head to one of the lively restaurants along Nassau’s Bay Street for dinner.

Day 3: Paradise Island

Spend your last day visiting nearby Paradise Island, a quick boat ride from Nassau proper. Here you’ll find beautiful beachfront and warm water, but most visitors come for the famous Atlantis resort. This sprawling megaresort is home to a huge casino, an equally impressive aquarium, and the waterpark Aquaventure (book ahead as the water park can sell out). Along with a slew of water features, the park has nine slides, one of which passes next to a shark-filled tank. After the water park, head to the resort’s extensive aquarium (don’t miss its nighttime illumination), followed by dinner or games at the on-site casino.

With its compact city center and mix of historic pastel-hued buildings, lively bars, and sandy beaches, Nassau is easy to explore in just one day. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in the Bahamian capital city.

Morning: Explore the City

Start your day by exploring the heart of central Nassau. Start at the Queen's Staircase, a steep set of 66 stairs measuring some 100 feet (31 meters) that was carved by slaves at the end of the 18th century. The stairs lead to the top of Bennet's Hill, the highest point on the island and the location of Fort Fincastle, a towering limestone fort built in the shape of a paddle steamer. After taking in the views from the fort, head back into town, wrapping up your morning at the Straw Market, a popular spot to buy woven baskets and hats along with other local handicrafts.

Afternoon: Sea and Sun

In the afternoon, head over to Cable Beach, with its beautifully clear Caribbean waters and powdery sand. Stretching around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), this beach is popular both for its proximity to Nassau and its great snorkeling and water sports opportunities. The beach is lined with hotels and resorts, most of which offer amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas. Many also offer day passes for nonguests, but if you want to save money, simply bring your own towel or beach blanket.

Night: Sunset and Drinks

When night falls, you may want to stick around Cable Beach to grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area or for a round of blackjack at the popular Baha Mar Casino, which sits right in front of the beach. For a more romantic option, charter a boat or join a group sunset cruise, many of which include dinner and drinks. Once you’re back in Nassau, wrap up your evening with a nightcap in one of the many lively bars that line the harbor along Bay Street. 

The Bahamas is the textbook definition of a Caribbean paradise, with hundreds of islands to explore, and miles of white-sand beaches fringed with glittering waters and swaying palm trees. Here are some options for island-hopping tours from Nassau. 

• Cruise around Paradise Island, watch the sunset over Rose Island, or relax at a beach resort on Blue Lagoon Island on a short cruise from Nassau.

• Dive in to swim and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea or enjoy exhilarating water sports such as water biking, sea kayaking, SNUBA, or a SUB (Scenic Underwater Bubble) excursion.

• Set sail for the Exuma chain and spot sharks, stingrays, swimming pigs, and iguanas around Allen’s Cay, Pig Island, and Ship Channel Cay.

• Travel by catamaran or powerboat on a full-day cruise and tuck into a delicious onboard lunch.

• Feel like a VIP with a private island-hopping tour aboard a chartered boat.

• Venture farther afield to explore the Out Islands such as Eleuthera, Bimini, Long Island, or Harbour Island.

With two days in Nassau, you’ll be able to check out the city’s historic sites, beaches, and nightlife and still have plenty of time left over to visit neighboring Paradise Island, home to the world-famous Atlantis resort. Here’s how to plan your time.

Day 1: History and Beaches

**Morning:**Start your first day at the Queen's Staircase, with 66 steep stairs that lead up to Bennet's Hill, the highest vantage point on the island and home to late-18th-century Fort Fincastle. From here, it's a short walk down to the Straw Market, where you can pick up a locally produced straw hat or basket.

**Afternoon:**Next, grab some beach time at Cable Beach, a powdery stretch of sand not far from the town center. Here you’ll find plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants where you can grab lunch, as well as the popular Baha Mar Casino. Many of the area’s hotels offer day passes to visitors, which allow access to facilities such as lounge chairs and showers.

**Night:**While you may want to stick around Cable Beach for sunset, you might choose to head out on a sunset cruise around New Providence Island; many sunset cruises include dinner and drinks. Alternatively, grab dinner on Bay Street in the city center, home to numerous lively bars and restaurants.

Day 2: A Day on Paradise

**Morning:**Devote your second day to nearby Paradise Island; you can catch a boat to the island from Nassau's waterfront or join a half- or full-day tour to the island. Spend your morning wandering around the resort Atlantis, checking out its huge aquariums, before grabbing lunch at one of the many on-site restaurants.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, make your way to the resort's Aquaventure water park—just make sure to reserve ahead in case it sells out. This sprawling park has wave pools that range from calm and family-friendly to exhilaratingly powerful, plus nine water slides, one of which passes through a (sealed-off) shark enclosure.

**Night:**Stick around Atlantis in the evening for dinner, followed by a stop at the huge on-site casino. If you've got kids with you, visit the arcade, which has games suitable for younger guests. Don't leave before revisiting the aquarium at night; evening illuminations make for an enchanting experience. Sail back to Nassau and top off your stay with drinks along Bay Street overlooking the harbor.

Built as a tourist destination for beach seekers in the 1950s, Freeport serves as the gateway to Grand Bahama. With a day to spend on the island, you’ll have time to get a feel for the town, immerse yourself in the turquoise Caribbean waters, and hit the beach. Here are some tips for a 24-hour itinerary.

Morning: Around Town

Kick off your day with a tour of Freeport to learn more about Grand Bahama’s only urban settlement. See the mansions of Millionaire’s Row, visit an open-air fruit market, stroll through the Garden of the Groves, and do some duty-free shopping. If you’d rather get out of town, opt for a round island tour—or hop on an all-terrain vehicle for a guided excursion through jungle and past beaches along the Grand Lucayan Waterway.

Afternoon: Sailing and Snorkeling

No trip to the Caribbean would be complete without some time spent on and in the water. Climb aboard a party boat for a few hours of music, grilled seafood, swimming, and snorkeling, or explore the Bahamian coast on a luxury sailboat instead. Active travelers might consider an afternoon of water sports just off the coast of Freeport—options include jet-ski safaris, shark diving, deep-sea fishing, and kayaking.

Night: Beach Bonfire

Polish off your perfect day in Freeport with an evening bonfire on Taino Beach. These island-style parties typically include a buffet dinner, tropical cocktails, a local DJ spinning tunes, and lots of dancing in the sand. Alternatively, make your way to Port Lucaya Marketplace, where steel bands, gospel singers, and Junkanoo groups take the stage at the vine-covered bandstand almost every night.

With three days to spend in Freeport, you’ll be able to see the highlights around town, explore the island’s national parks, get out on the water, and eat like a local—a comprehensive Grand Bahama Island experience. Here are suggestions for how to spend your three days in Freeport.

Day 1: Local Culture

Start your first morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Freeport. Stroll through the waterfalls and winding paths at the Garden of the Groves, then head to Millionaire’s Row—home to the island’s international celebrities. Next, shop at local markets or visit the only distillery on the island where you can buy duty-free liquor. In the afternoon, take a food tour to sample local Bahamian flavors, get a behind-the-scenes look at a local brewery, collect seashells on a white sand beach, or learn more about the history of Grand Bahama on an electric bike tour. After the sun goes down, head to Count Basie Square in the Port Lucaya Marketplace for live music on the bandstand.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Freeport is a nature lover’s paradise, and any trip to the city must include a visit to Lucayan National Park, home to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems. The park boasts six diverse ecosystems, ranging from pine forests to mangroves and beaches. After a morning spent touring this pristine part of the island, spend the afternoon on the water. Freeport offers a variety of aquatic adventures, including scuba diving (with sharks, for those brave enough), snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking. If you’d prefer to stay dry, you can still enjoy the water and the colorful life that lies below aboard a glass-bottom boat. End your day on Taino Beach with a bonfire party complete with food, cocktails, and a live DJ.

Day 3: Island Highlights

Now that you’ve experienced the essentials of Grand Bahama Island, spend your last day on a day trip and enjoy one of the island’s quirkier attractions on a day trip: Animal lovers can take a tour to West End for a day spent splashing in the Caribbean Sea with the region’s resident wild pigs, while sun seekers might opt for a day on the private beach at Sweetings Cay, where you can fish, kayak, bike, swim, or simply relax on the sand. If you’re an avid snorkeler or scuba diver, use this time to explore Peterson Cay National Park, home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Bahamas. Finally, finish off your time in Freeport with a sunset cruise, where you can toast to a trip well spent. 

Grand Bahama Island allures with its white sands, unspoiled scenery, and warm Caribbean waters. With two days in Freeport, you’ll have plenty of time to take it all on. From underground caves and shark dives to beach bonfires and sunset cruises, here are some ideas for a 48-hour itinerary.

Day 1: On Land

**Morning:**Get oriented with a guided sightseeing tour around Freeport, the island’s major urban center. Catch highlights such as Millionaire’s Row, Garden of the Groves, and the local produce market.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, head to Grand Bahama’s East End to discover one of its most scenic gems, Lucayan National Park. Most tours give you the chance to walk along Gold Rock Beach, explore one of the world’s largest underground cave systems, and spot native Bahamian birds and colorful tropical fish.

**Night:**As the sun goes down, make your way to nearby Taino Beach for a nighttime bonfire in the sand. Island parties typically include a buffet dinner, tropical cocktails, and a live DJ spinning tunes beneath the stars. 

Day 2: In the Water

**Morning:**The warm, clear water just off the coast of Grand Bahama seems made for water sports. Sample a new adventure or stick to an old favorite, such as shark diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, or checking out the underwater fauna from a glass-bottom boat.

**Afternoon:**Take some time to relax and soak up the sun at a Freeport-area beach. Venture out on your own, or prebook a day pass at a beach bar where drinks, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and equipment for water sports are included.

**Night:**Wrap up your stay in Freeport with a romantic cruise aboard a sailing yacht. Capture images of the Bahamian sunset as you sip drinks and snack on appetizers. You’ll be back in town in time for dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.

With more than 700 islands and many more cays, the Bahamas have a whole lot of coastline. Unsurprisingly, the archipelago is home to countless beautiful beaches, so choosing which palm-lined stretch to spend your day on can be difficult. Here’s our list of the best beaches in the Bahamas. 

Pig Beach

Pig Beach is popular not just for its good looks—though it is indeed picturesque—but also for its animal inhabitants. A drift of wild pigs who live on the uninhabited Big Major Cay in the Exumas can often be seen paddling through the waters just offshore. Tours take visitors out to swim with the swine.

Gold Rock Beach

Located within the protected Lucayan National Park, on the island of Grand Bahama, Gold Rock Beach has azure waters, white sands, and a tree-lined shore—all the features of a paradise beach. It’s best at low tide, when the shoreline extends far out into the water, leaving sun-warmed shallows ideal for wading. 

Cabbage Beach

This Atlantic-facing beach is one of the most attractive and popular on Nassau and Paradise islands. Take a dip in the water, stroll barefoot on the sands, and lay out under the Caribbean sun. Alternatively, opt for more active pursuits such as snorkeling, parasailing, and waterskiing. 

Rose Island

If it’s seclusion and silence you want, then the sandy beach of uninhabited Rose Island, situated west of Paradise Island, fits the bill. Find a shaded spot on the sand to soak up the picturesque and peaceful surroundings.

Paradise Cove

This golden-sand beach near Freeport provides access to Deadman’s Reef, one of the best snorkeling spots in the Bahamas. Don your flippers and look beneath the surface of the turquoise waters for schools of tropical fish, stingrays, and even sea turtles. 

Allen Cay

Allen Cay in the Exumas is famous for its reptilian inhabitants. Allen Cay iguanas, a subspecies of Bahamian rock iguanas, can be seen hanging around the beach here, padding quietly across the sands. 

Pink Sand Beach

The clue is in the name. Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island is known for its peachy-hued sands, which turn even more rosy under the fiery sunset. The sand’s pink tint is derived from finely ground coral.