Bahamas Travel Guide

The Bahamas isn't one island—it's 700 of them scattered across turquoise water. Most travellers base themselves in Nassau or one of the Family Islands and day-trip to reefs, sandbars, and deserted cays. The appeal is straightforward: pristine water, bone-white beaches, and reliable sunshine.

Accommodation ranges from overpriced Nassau resorts to mid-range lodges on quieter islands. Food is expensive (everything's imported), so budget accordingly. The archipelago works best as a week-long island-hop rather than a single-destination stay.

Do your homework before booking. Many "tropical paradise" promises are overblown. The best experiences involve water—snorkelling, diving, or just finding an empty beach. Hurricane season (June–November) brings weather risk and higher prices in shoulder months.

Highlights

1. Exumas — Sandbars and swimming pigs; snorkel-accessible reefs; day-trip islands accessible by boat or small plane.
2. Abacos — Quieter than Nassau; powder-soft beaches and reef diving within reach; small-town Caribbean feel.
3. Andros Reef — Third-longest barrier reef globally; serious diving destination; mangrove systems and blue holes inland.
4. Grand Bahama — Shark diving (Tiger Beach) if you're keen; less touristy than New Providence; still pricey.
5. Nassau & New Providence — Main transport hub; decent reef snorkelling nearby; expect crowds, resort pricing, and Caribbean cruise traffic.
6. Family Islands (Eleuthera, Cat Island, others) — Quieter alternatives; limited services; require ferry or small-plane hop; authentic local experience.