TRAVEL GUIDE - Bahamas

NicoleDeRosa
1 day ago
10 min read

The Bahamas is known for its powdery white beaches, balmy climate + remarkably clear turquoise waters. Add in its convenient location, just under 200 miles from Miami + within a roughly 4 hour flight from major cities like New York + Boston + it’s easy to see why this island nation is such a popular getaway. Made up of nearly 700 islands + 2,400 cays, the Bahamas offers an impressive range of hotels + resorts to suit every style of traveler.

Where To STAY

For those who want a stress-free escape, all-inclusive resorts are an especially appealing option. These properties bundle accommodations with dining, drinks, activities + entertainment, so you can relax without worrying about extra planning or unexpected costs. The result is a seamless vacation experience where everything you need is right at your fingertips. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic, adults-only hideaway or a lively, family-friendly retreat, the Bahamas is home to standout all-inclusive resorts tailored to every kind of trip.

NASSAU

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort - A legendary beachfront retreat known for its timeless glamour, set along miles of pristine white sand + surrounded by lush Versailles-inspired gardens. It offers a secluded, ultra-luxury island experience w/ elegant accommodations, fine dining + a rich history dating back to the 1960s. @FSOceanClub #FSOceanClub

Rosewood Baha Mar - All Inclusive - Email: bahamar@rosewoodhotels.com - An ultra-luxury oceanfront retreat set on Nassau’s Cable Beach, offering a refined, residential-style escape w/ private villas, curated cultural experiences + personalized service. Nestled within the larger Baha Mar resort, it blends serene exclusivity with access to world-class dining, a spa, golf + vibrant island activities.

The Royal at Atlantis - A landmark luxury hotel within the Atlantis resort, known for its towering pink architecture + access to Aquaventure water park + marine habitats.

It’s a popular destination for families + couples seeking a large-scale beachfront resort experience in the Bahamas.

Sandals Royal Bahamian - All Inclusive - Adults Only - A resort that blends European-inspired elegance w/ laid-back island luxury, complete w/ multiple gourmet restaurants, lively pools + a private offshore island escape. Once a retreat for royalty, it’s now a romantic, couples-focused getaway offering seamless indulgence, from fine dining to water sports, all included.

Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island - All Inclusive - Adults Only - A beachfront resort known for its lively atmosphere, direct access to white-sand beaches + wide range of dining + entertainment options. It offers a convenient, value-driven Caribbean escape w/ 24-hour service, pools w/ swim-up bars + easy access to Nassau’s attractions.

Breezes Resort Bahamas - All Inclusive - A laid-back, beachfront retreat set on Nassau’s famous Cable Beach, known for its easygoing vibe, wide stretch of white sand + value-driven experience. With meals, drinks, activities + entertainment included, it offers a casual, social island getaway ideal for couples + groups seeking simplicity + fun.

Warwick Paradise Island - All Inclusive - Adults Only - Set along Nassau Harbor, offering a more intimate, relaxed alternative to larger mega-resorts w/ private beach access + harbor-view accommodations. It combines modern comfort w/ a social, easygoing atmosphere, featuring multiple dining options, pools + nightly entertainment, all included for a stress-free island escape.

Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach - A beachfront hotel in central Nassau, just steps from Junkanoo Beach + the downtown district, offering modern rooms, an outdoor pool + on-site dining at The Bistro.

FREEPORT

Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan - All Inclusive - A beachfront retreat on Grand Bahama Island that blends authentic Bahamian charm w/ an easy, value-driven resort experience. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, multiple dining options + a wide range of included activities, from pools + golf to beachside relaxation, set along a pristine stretch of Caribbean shoreline.

Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham - All Inclusive - A laid-back, beachfront resort on Grand Bahama Island set across lush tropical grounds + a long stretch of white sand. It’s known for its wide range of included activities, like kayaking, snorkeling + live entertainment, paired w/ casual dining + a relaxed, energetic island vibe.

ANDROS ISLAND

Small Hope Bay Lodge - All Inclusive - A rustic, eco-friendly beachfront retreat on Andros Island, set beside the world’s third-largest barrier reef + known for its barefoot, nature-first atmosphere. It offers simple oceanfront cabins, all-inclusive meals + easy access to world-class diving, fishing, and kayaking in a quiet, off-the-beaten-path setting.

ELEUTHERA

The Cove - An intimate, design-forward boutique resort set between 2 private white-sand coves on the island of Eleuthera, offering a secluded escape w/ a modern, minimalist island aesthetic. Known for its cliffside sunsets, infinity pool + serene atmosphere, it delivers a quiet, ultra-luxury experience focused on privacy + natural beauty. #TheCoveEleuthera

Dune - (Located inside The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort) - A beachfront, Jean-Georges–helmed restaurant known for upscale, French-Asian–influenced coastal dining w/ ocean views. A great order: start w/ the tuna tartare or crispy salmon sushi, then go for the local grouper or lobster tail + don’t skip the warm chocolate cake or tropical sorbets for dessert!

Nobu - (Located inside The Atlantis) - Famous global Japanese restaurant serving sushi, sashimi + signature black cod in a sleek resort setting.

Graycliff Restaurant - (Downtown Nassau) - Historic 5 star dining inside a colonial mansion w/ an extensive wine cellar + classic fine dining menu.

Paranza - (Located inside The Atlantis) - A modern Italian seafood restaurant inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavors.

Fish by José Andrés - (Located inside The Atlantis) - Upscale seafood-focused dining highlighting fresh Bahamian ingredients w/ a creative twist.

Seafire Steakhouse - (Located inside The Atlantis) - A high-end steakhouse known for premium cuts, seafood towers + rich desserts.

Cafe Matisse - (Downtown Nassau) - A romantic courtyard setting w/ Italian-Bahamian cuisine + a strong reputation among locals + visitors.

Carna - (Located inside the Baha Mar) - A luxurious steakhouse by Dario Cecchini focusing on high-quality meats + bold flavors.

Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House - A vibrant, chef-driven restaurant blending seafood + steak w/ Caribbean influence.

Streetbird on the Beach - (Located inside the Baha Mar) - A casual but flavorful spot known for fried chicken w/ Caribbean + Harlem-inspired flavors.

Fish Fry at Arawak Cay - A lively waterfront strip in Nassau known for its vibrant open-air seafood shacks. It’s one of the best places to try authentic Bahamian dishes like fried snapper, grouper + cracked conch, often served w/ classic sides like peas + rice or coleslaw. The atmosphere is casual + energetic, w/ music, friendly vendors + plenty of local flavor. It’s a must-visit spot for fresh seafood + a true taste of island culture.

Things To DO

Explore + Relax at Atlantis Paradise Island - Even if you’re not staying there, Aquaventure water park, marine habitats + beaches make it a full-day experience.

Swim with the pigs at Exuma - (Pig Beach at Big Major Cay) - A classic Bahamas bucket-list trip: boat through turquoise waters + meet the famous swimming pigs.

Visit Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay) - Great for dolphin encounters, snorkeling + calm private beaches just a short boat ride from Nassau.

Explore Queen’s Staircase + Fort Fincastle in Nassau - A quick cultural stop w/ limestone-carved stairs + sweeping harbor views.

Snorkel or dive Thunderball Grotto (Exuma Cays) - A cinematic underwater cave system made famous by James Bond films. Swim, snorkel, or dive through caves. This spot is often included on tours to see pigs + nurse sharks, since it’s just west of Staniel Cay. Visiting at low tide is best, as high tide requires diving gear. The real highlight is what lies beneath the surface: schools of vibrant fish + thriving marine life. Sunlight filtering through the opening creates a striking, almost otherworldly glow that makes the grotto unforgettable.

Scuba Dive at Andros Beach Club - The Bahamas offer clear, pristine waters that are ideal for scuba diving, w/ abundant marine life including conch, stingrays + colorful schools of fish. They’re also a great destination for beginners, w/ easy opportunities to learn through introductory diving programs. A standout site is the 190-mile Andros Barrier Reef off Andros Island, known for its rich coral, diverse sea life + nearby blue holes.

Swim w/ Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay - If you’ve already swum w/ pigs + want to take things further, nurse sharks are next. These gentle creatures are accustomed to visitors + you can safely observe + even gently interact w/ them up close. You’ll find them around Compass Cay + most tours depart from Nassau or Staniel Cay. Many itineraries combine both pig encounters + nurse shark swims.

Day trip to Harbour Island + Pink Sands Beach - Most tourism in the Bahamas centers around Nassau + Paradise Island, but Harbour Island offers a quieter escape. Known for its colorful houses + famous pink sand beach, it’s a small, walkable island just 3.25 miles long.

You can’t fly directly there, but you can fly to nearby Eleuthera + take a short boat ride over.

Day trip to Eleuthera Island - A long, narrow island known for some of the Bahamas’ best pink-sand beaches + natural attractions like Queen’s Bath + the Glass Window Bridge, where you can see both the Atlantic + Caribbean. It’s easy to visit on a day trip from Nassau, but w/ so much to explore, it’s also worth staying longer.

Float in Dean’s Blue Hole (Long Island) - The world’s second-largest sinkhole, plunging 663 feet deep w/ visibility reaching up to 115 feet thanks to its crystal-clear water. Similar to Belize’s Blue Hole, it’s far less crowded, making it especially appealing. It’s a popular spot for free diving, though swimming + snorkeling are also common. Beginners can even learn free diving through courses offered at Vertical Blue.

Spend a day at Baha Mar - A modern resort complex w/ casinos, restaurants, aquariums + beaches all in one place.

Go island hopping in the Exumas by boat or seaplane - This is where you see the Bahamas at its most unreal, sandbars, hidden beaches + crystal-clear shallows.

Watch sunset at Cable Beach or Junkanoo Beach (Nassau) - Easy, local + beautiful, great for a low-key evening w/ ocean views + music.

Rent a golf cart - The easiest way to get around the island of Staniel Cay is by golf cart. While bicycles tend to have issues due to the salty marine air, golf carts have no problem getting you from point A to point B. There are 2, 4 or 6 seater options, making it a breeze for you + your family to explore the island at your desired pace.

Discover an uninhabited paradise at Rose Island - Sandy Toes Beach on Rose Island is a less touristy Bahamian spot where pigs roam + visitors can spend a full day relaxing or playing. The beach offers hammocks, great snorkeling + activities like kayaking, tubing + volleyball. Because Rose Island is private, the easiest way to visit is through a full-day excursion that typically includes transportation, food + snorkeling gear, making planning simple.

Junkanoo Festival - A historic Bahamian celebration dating back to the 18th century, held on holidays like Boxing Day, New Year’s Day + Independence Day. It’s mainly celebrated on Bay Street in Nassau, w/ smaller events on nearby islands, check the schedule here to see if it overlaps with your visit.

Food Tour - A food + culture tour in downtown Nassau lets you explore Bahamian cuisine, learn its history + visit family-owned restaurants serving local favorites like conch + handmade truffles. For more great seafood, head to the world-famous Fish Fry at Arawak Cay.

Primeval Forest National Park - A 7.5-acre hidden gem perfect for nature lovers, w/ lush plant life, limestone sinkholes + ancient trees. Easily reached by car or golf cart, it offers a escape from Nassau’s crowds.

Take a glass bottom boat tour - With the Bahamas’ vibrant marine life, a glass-bottom boat ride is a must. You can spot turtles, tropical fish, nurse sharks + more without getting wet. This Nassau tour includes the boat ride plus a stop at a popular snorkeling spot if you want to dive in.

Clifton Heritage National Park - A 208-acre park in southwest New Providence is one of the Bahamas’ most eco-friendly parks. Spend the day exploring its ruins, caves + trails, or snorkel out to its unique underwater sculpture garden.

Nassau Straw Market - It may be crowded w/ tourists, but this Nassau market is still worth a visit. It’s the go-to spot for souvenirs, while some stalls feel gimmicky, others offer genuine handmade finds. You’ll also notice plenty of straw handicrafts, which is how the Nassau Straw Market got its name.

Step back in time at the Cloisters in Nassau - Located at Paradise Island at the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons resort. You might not expect to find the ruins of a 14th-century French monastery in the Bahamas, but they’re here. Tucked between 2 large condo buildings, the garden evokes medieval France w/ its stone arches + detailed statues. Unusual as it sounds, it’s one of the Bahamas’ most unique sights + you can wander the gardens even if you’re not staying at the resort.

Parasail over Cabbage Beach - The crystal-clear waters of Paradise Island’s Cabbage Beach look even better from above, so try parasailing. This adventure here lifts you up to 500 feet in a harnessed parachute, delivering a thrilling rush + a bold way to elevate your beach day.

"Play" an underwater piano - You can’t actually play this underwater piano, but you can pose with it. Magician David Copperfield, who owns a nearby island, commissioned the sculpture, titled “The Musician.” It’s not on most tours from Staniel Cay, but you can reach it by private boat. It’s about 15 minutes from Farmer’s Cay + sits just 15 feet below the surface, making it easy to swim down for a photo.

Pirate Beach - When visiting the Bahamas, make time for Staniel Cay + its peaceful Pirate Beach. With its soft white sand + dreamy baby-blue water, it’s a true hidden gem. To reach it, follow the G&B Highway nearly to the end, then turn right onto a dirt road just before it finishes.

Lucayan National Park - On the southern coast of Grand Bahama, this 40-acre natural gem features underwater caves, mangroves, beaches + wildlife-filled forests. It also includes the well-known Gold Rock Beach, w/ a pristine coral reef just offshore. This is the perfect escape for nature lovers seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path side of the Bahamas away from the large resorts.

Stocking Island - This rugged island is a hiker’s dream, w/ rocky cliffs offering sweeping views. Though it’s only about 3 miles long, there’s plenty to explore. From ancient stromatolites + some of the world’s oldest fossils to the intriguing Jacques Cousteau mystery cave, Stocking Island is full of natural wonders along its scenic trails.