Featuring over 700 islands and 2000 cays spread out like clouds across the sky blue ocean, the Bahamas is everything you’ve been looking for. Just a short flight from Miami, Florida travelers can bask in the white sand beaches of the Exumas or wander through Nassau in the blink of an eye. But the Bahamas is more than just beauty. With underwater caves, world class diving, and cliff hikes, there is an abundance of outdoor activities to suit all types of travelers.

Top Things to do in The Bahamas

Whether you want to laze in the sun or see as much of the archipelago as you can, our guide to the best things to do in the Bahamas will help you tick all the boxes.

Our very first trip to the Bahamas was on a Caribbean Cruise and while it was a great introduction, all we really saw was Holland America’s private Half Moon Cay for a bit of fun in the sun and a stop at Nassau. To really enjoy the Bahamas, we suggest spending a week seeing a good chunk of its incredible islands and spectacular scenery. You can book day tours from many of the islands in the Bahamas.

1. Nassau – New Providence Island

Nassau is the capital city of The Bahamas and is located on New Providence Island. It is a great place to start your vacation and is filled with historical sites, museums, and bustling markets. Some of the must-visit attractions in Nassau include the Queen’s Staircase, the Pirates of Nassau Museum, and Fort Charlotte.

Although it’s one of the biggest cruise ship ports on earth, there are ways to experience local life and escape the tourist traps. Wander down the historic Bay Street, jumping between the same buildings once inhabited by some of the most infamous pirates. Explore the Pirates of Nassau Museum before wandering the aisles of the Straw Market.

For a great introduction to Nassau, book this highlight tour of the city. You’ll see Nassau’s landmarks including Atlantis Resort, the Queen’s Staircase and you’ll visit the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, John Watling’s Distillery, and the Graycliff Chocolate Factory.

2. Explore Paradise Island

Paradise Island is a small island located just off the coast of Nassau and is one of the top places to visit in the Bahamas. Some of the must-visit attractions on Paradise Island include the Atlantis Resort, the Aquaventure Water Park, and the Marina Village.

The Atlantis is the most famous place to stay in Nassau, check here for rates, availability, and reviews of the Royal at Atlantis. There are different sections of the hotel including The Royal, The Cove, The Coral, and The Reef.

3. Atlantis Paradise Island Water Park

The monumental Atlantis Bahamas Resort, north of Nassau is one of the best tourist attractions in the Bahamas. The Paradise Island Water Park is perfect for couples, families, and thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline-packed afternoon. Experience dozens of fun waterslides with amazing views of the coast and surrounding sea.

One of the best rides at Paradise Island includes the Leap of Faith, a heart-in-mouth experience that shoots riders through the replica of an Aztec Temple. Non-guests can use the waterpark by purchasing a day pass here.

While it’s hard to escape the action on Paradise Island for a moment’s peace, there are adult-only pools complete with poolside bars. You can also chill on the lazy river or trade the rides for some time on the beautiful local beach. There is a reason everyone recommends Paradise Island as one of the top things to do in the Bahamas. Warwick Paradise Island is an all-inclusive adults-only resort that is a good option for couples looking for quieter options.

4. Atlantis Paradise Island Casino

Adults will enjoy trying their luck at the Atlantis Paradise Island Casino. It is one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean and is for adults only. You can enjoy your time at the tables while still enjoying the sun with its poolside tables.

If you are staying in Nassau and want to get on the water you can book this highly rated tour. A half day snorkeling tour takes you to two snorkeling sites where you’ll see colorful fish and sea turtles and you’ll enjoy some relaxation on a secluded beach.

5. Queen’s Staircase

The Queen’s Staircase, also known as the 66 Steps up to Fort Fincastle, which offers panoramic views of Nassau, is a historic landmark located in Nassau. The staircase was carved out of solid limestone in the late 18th century and is so named because it is believed to have been built on the orders of Queen Victoria.

The Queen’s Staircase is an important part of Nassau’s history and is considered one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The staircase is also surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, making it a great place to take a walk and admire the natural beauty of The Bahamas.

Visitors to Nassau can easily reach the Queen’s Staircase by taking a short walk from downtown Nassau. The staircase is open to the public and admission is free.

7. National Art Gallery

While in Nassau, you may want to pop in to see the National Art Gallery. The National Art Gallery was founded in 1984 and is dedicated to showcasing the works of Bahamian artists, both past and present. The museum is housed in a historic building and features a collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media works that represent the diverse artistic traditions of The Bahamas.

In addition to its permanent collection, the National Art Gallery also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events. The gallery is open to the public and admission is free, making it an accessible and affordable destination for those interested in art and culture.

10. Eleuthera Island

From one end of the spectrum to another, venture from the happening Tiki Bikini Hut to Eleuthera Island. The beauty of the island will quickly sweep you off your feet. The Glass Window Bridge is one of the star attractions on Eleuthera. Glass Window Bridge is a natural arch bridge. It is so named because of the narrow opening in the bridge, which provides a clear view of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea on the other.

One of the best things to do in the Bahamas is to go horse riding along the local beaches. Later, pay a visit to the serene Ten Bay Beach or wax up your board for some surfing around the island. But for those who just love to explore, Eleuthera Island has much to offer, it was home to the first Bahamian Parliament in Rock Sound. With an abundance of hidden coves and remote beaches, this is one island that you can discover through your own eyes.

11. Blue Lagoon Island

Blue Lagoon Island is located three miles away from Nassau. The stunningly blue waters surrounding the island have created a palm-lined paradise. This island spot is perfect to go to for beautiful parks and the Bahamas’ famous white sand beaches.

While one of the most popular things to do at Blue Lagoon Island is to swim with the dolphins and sea lions, we do not recommend this activity as these are captive dolphins. We don’t condone or suggest any activity that takes advantage of any animal that should be in the wild but wanted to mention this island because it is always at the top of people’s lists of things to do in the Bahamas. It is certainly worth seeing, but please choose to enjoy the beach or one of the other activities on the island instead.

The private island also known as Salt Cay was discovered by pirates in the 1800s where they came to cull salt. Visiting Blue Lagoon Island is one of the top things to do in the Bahamas with kids. The calm turquoise waters

13. Pink Sands Beach

Diving, snorkeling, and fishing are all popular tourist attractions on Harbour Island, and it is also home to the revered Pink Sands Beach. Located on the eastern edge of the island the pink sand beach gets its name from foraminifera, a tiny organism that paints the sand pink.

Although a sight to behold, Pink Sands Beach offers a quieter Caribbean experience compared to the popular beaches on New Providence Island. The gentle sea rises and falls against the shoreline of Harbour Island with the far-off swell stopped by vibrant coral. Embrace the serenity and the color of the beach, which changes as the sun falls from its peak towards the western horizon.

16. Thunderball Grotto

Speaking of James Bond movies, a filming location for the iconic movie Thunderball can be found right here at Thunderball Grotto. A part of an incredible underwater cave system between Staniel Cay and Pig Island, the inside of the grotto has to be seen to be believed. Read more: Thunderball Grotto – James Bond in the Exuma Cays

After essentially swimming underneath the small island, experience an open amphitheater where pockets of sunlight dive through the clear waters. Inside Thunderball Grotto spot exotic marine life and colorful coral, while trying to figure out how it all came to be. Because of the ever-changing tides, it’s best to arrive with a diving company.

From Nassau, you can book a full-day tour to Thunderball Grotto and other highlights that include, a scenic flight from Nassau, and 7 stops to feed the pigs, see the sharks, the iguanas, Thunderball Grotto and more.

At high tide, you will need to scuba dive through the underwater tunnels in order the reach the open cave. There is PADI-certified diving on Great Exuma and you can book a scuba diving tour from Staniel Cay at Staniel Cay Adventures. Looking for a place to stay on Staniel Cay, we loved the luxurious and locally owned Embrace Resort.

24. Port Lucaya Marketplace

On Grand Bahama Island, the Port Lucaya Marketplace is the place to go to scratch that shopping itch. A colorful entrance awaits visitors with the building covered in pinks, greens, blues, and yellows.

Just steps from the edge of the harbor in Freeport, peruse the goods of over 40 vendors selling anything from hand-crafted gifts to local art. One of the top attractions in the Bahamas, the Port Lucaya Marketplace in Grand Bahama, is also a magnificent spot to try many local eats under one roof from conch fritters to fish fry.

As the sun falls behind the horizon, stick around as the market becomes party central. Experience some of the best nightlife in Grand Bahama.

The caves of Lucayan National Park that supports the local bat population. When you explore Lucayan National Park, you will have the chance to gaze into different caverns for a chance to see another side of this natural world. The park is not only home to a stunning cave system but mangrove swamps, and miles of white-sand beaches.

25. Garden of the Groves

Garden of the Groves is a tropical oasis located in Grand Bahama. This beautiful garden is a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape. The garden features lush vegetation, exotic birds, natural waterfalls, and a Memorial Wall and Chapel dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the island.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, bird watching, and having a picnic. The nature trail offers a guided tour through the gardens, showcasing the diverse plants and wildlife. There is also a gift shop and dining options for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, Garden of the Groves offers something for everyone to enjoy and is the perfect destination for a peaceful and rejuvenating day trip.

Ideal for all ages: The garden is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers of all ages, as there is something for everyone to enjoy.

26. Gold Rock Beach

While at Lucayan National Park make sure to visit the secluded Gold Rock Beach. Like most beaches in the Bahamas, Gold Rock Beach is known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and fine golden sand, hence the name “Gold Rock”.

Visitors should visit this beach because of its stunning natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape from the busy tourist areas. The park is a critical nesting site for several species of sea turtles, making it a unique destination for wildlife viewing.

27. Andros Island

The entire Bahamas is famed for its exquisite diving, but there may be no better place to dip beneath the surface than off of Andros Island. Enveloped by the third-largest reef on earth, Andros Island provides divers with a vibrant marine life backed by a slew of exotic colors. It boasts a barrier reef with underwater blue holes filled with colorful fish,

As the sun dances through the water, prepare to be amazed by the surrounding beauty featuring shipwrecks and blue holes where colorful fish roam in large numbers.

28. Blue Holes National Park

Blue Holes National Park is a protected area that is known for its unique underwater sinkholes, or “blue holes.” Located on Andros Island, which is the largest of The Bahamas’ islands.

There are 50 blue holes on the island which are formed when the roof of a limestone cave collapses, creating a circular opening that descends into the depths of the ocean.

Visitors to Blue Holes National Park can experience the beauty of the blue holes by taking a snorkeling or diving excursion, or by simply admiring the stunning views from the shore. The park is also a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. With its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, Blue Holes National Park is a must-visit for anyone visiting The Bahamas.

29. Long Island

One of the most famous blue holes in The Bahamas is Dean’s Blue Hole, which is the world’s deepest known blue hole at over 620 feet deep. The clear waters of the blue holes allow divers to see an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, and even occasional shark sightings.

Located in the southern portion of the Bahamas, Long Island is primed for a day trip. Long but thin, this island remains an untouched paradise of powder sand beaches and jagged soaring cliffs.

You could spend all day by the turquoise waters that lap the shoreline of Long Island. Enjoy the lack of crowds and noise while simply shutting off from the world. But if you’re up for an adventure, Long Island is home to the second deepest saltwater blue hole on earth. Dean’s Blue Hole falls over 650ft into the Caribbean Sea, offering some of the best diving in the Bahamas.

30. The Abaco Islands

The Abaco Islands are a group of islands both inhabited and uninhabited islands in the northern Bahamas. Konwn as the boating capital of the Bahamas, Visitors to the Abaco Islands can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, snorkeling, and beach-combing on some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the Abaco Islands are also a nature lover’s paradise, with several parks and reserves that offer opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The islands are also home to the popular Hopetown and Marsh Harbour, offering a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

31. Take a Boat Tour

From taking a scenic sunset cruise to chartering a boat to cast your reel out in the deep Atlantic Ocean, getting on the water is a must when visiting the Bahamas. If you are into fishing, from all major Bahamian islands, you’ll have the opportunity to jump on a charter and try your luck at any of the many fishing hot spots.

However, a popular spot for deep-sea fishing in the Bahamas is off of Bimini. Known as the “Capital of Big Game Fishing”, Bimini is home to a range of renowned tournaments from March until September. You can catch and release or the captain will clean your catch to create a local Bahamian fish fry at home.

How to get to the Bahamas

You will find a variety of flights that cover different parts of the Bahamas. However, the primary service will be to the nation’s capital, Nassau. The most populous city receives direct flights from the USA, with Miami being the major hub.

For those traveling from Europe, there are direct flights from major hubs, including Heathrow in London. From Nassau, you’ll enjoy a brief and easy flight to various destinations.

Cruise ships are another common way to arrive, with Nassau being one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. You can also jump on a shuttle boat or ferry from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.

Best time to visit the Bahamas

Although the temperature remains warm to hot all year long, the best time to visit the Bahamas is from December to April. Through this period, the weather is at its optimal with minimal rain, clear skies and the handy Trade Winds mitigating the heat.

Often avoiding high room rates and peak tourist season is recommended, but the looming threat of hurricanes and tropical storms means travelers should avoid visiting between June and November. But if you are booking last minute, there are sometimes windows of opportunity, where the weather opens up long enough for a worthwhile vacation.

Where to stay in the Bahamas

The Bahamas may be a paradise, but that doesn’t make the archipelago a place purely for the rich and famous. While not crazy cheap, there is something for travelers on all budgets with the opportunity to be close by to all the best things to do in the Bahamas.

• Budget – With an outdoor pool, right on the beachfront, budget travelers can enjoy decent accommodation in a world class location at Unique Village. On Eleuthera Island, be within steps of the pink Poponi Beach, with an onsite restaurant.

• Mid-Range – Great for families and couples alike, Sandyport Beach Resort is close to Nassau and comes with three lagoon-style pools. When you aren’t enjoying the poolside bar, make the most of your private beach. Although there are many nearby restaurants, rooms also come with full kitchens.
• Luxury – In the Exuma Cays, the Grand Isle Resort has your extravagant Bahamas vacation covered. With a laid-back vibe, guests can enjoy the serenity of Great Exuma with direct access to the beach. There is an onsite spa along with a golf course while many rooms come with expansive views of the sea.
• Mid-Range – For a quieter stay in the Exumas, choose the locally owned and operated Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay. This will give you an authentic island life feel.