Downtown Nassau
Walking and culture
The most walkable base on New Providence, close to forts, museums, galleries and the Bay Street Junkanoo route. Rental cars are easy to find here.
Quick pickAtlantic Ocean, east of Florida · The Bahamas
Swimming Pigs, Pink Sand and Blue Holes Across the Bahamas
The Bahamas is an island country in the Atlantic, with Grand Bahama about 55 miles east of Florida. Most visitors fly into Nassau and stay downtown, on Cable Beach or on Paradise Island, then take domestic flights or Bahamas Fast Ferries from Potter's Cay Dock to the Exumas, Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Highlights include the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, Pink Sands Beach, Eleuthera's Glass Window Bridge and Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama.
- Main airport: Lynden Pindling International (NAS)
- Ferries from Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau
- Domestic flights to Exuma, Eleuthera and Freeport
- Driving on the left
Why visit the Bahamas
Swimming pigs of the Exumas
At Pig Beach on Big Major Cay the pigs swim out to boats. Tours add Thunderball Grotto and the nurse sharks at Compass Cay.
Pink sand and two-tone seas
Walk Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, then cross Glass Window Bridge between the dark Atlantic and calm turquoise water.
Caves under Grand Bahama
Lucayan National Park protects one of the world's largest underwater limestone cave systems, with boardwalks and Gold Rock Beach.
Junkanoo on Bay Street
Masked parades fill Nassau's Bay Street in the early hours over the Christmas and New Year holidays, in costumes built over months.
Big resort days
Atlantis on Paradise Island has water parks for families; Baha Mar on Cable Beach groups Rosewood, Grand Hyatt and SLS.
Where to stay
Cable Beach
Couples and first-timers
A resort strip west of downtown Nassau with direct beach access: Baha Mar, couples-only Sandals Royal Bahamian and adults-only, all-inclusive Breezes.
Quick pickParadise Island
Families
Big-resort island linked to Nassau, home to Atlantis Paradise Island and its water parks, and The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort.
Quick pickThe Exumas
Boat days
Around Staniel Cay, days are spent on boats: swimming pigs, sandbars at low tide, iguanas and a sunken plane wreck. Fly in or visit on a day trip from Nassau.
Quick pickEleuthera and Harbour Island
Slow, longer stays
A long, quiet island of guesthouses and colonial wooden houses in Governor's Harbour, Gregory Town and Rock Sound, plus golf-cart-only Dunmore Town offshore.
Quick pickGrand Bahama and Freeport
Diving and eco-trips
The country's second-largest city, with boutique hotels, golf, diving, kayaking, dolphin experiences, jeep tours and the 100-acre Rand Nature Centre.
Quick pickStart here
Things to do in Bahamas
- Tours and ExcursionsCompare Bahamas tours and excursions by traveller type, from snorkeling and swimming pigs to cultural tours, plus booking checks and when to reserve it.8 guidesExplore
- Day Trips from FloridaCompare every Bahamas day trip from Florida option: ferries, short cruises, flights and air tours. Time on island, cost level and booking tips inside.8 guidesExplore
- Swim with PigsCompare Bahamas swim with pigs tours from Nassau and Exuma, plus other wildlife encounters. See which suits you, what to check, and when to go.8 guidesExplore
- Islands ComparedCompare the Bahamas islands side by side: Nassau, Exuma, Eleuthera and more. See which suits your travel style, top tours and how to island-hop.7 guidesExplore
- Water SportsCompare every Bahamas water sport by skill level, safety and value, from jet skis and snorkeling to diving and swimming with pigs, plus booking tips.7 guidesExplore
- Boat Tours and Yacht ChartersCompare Bahamas boat tours from shared catamaran cruises to crewed yacht charters, and learn which suits your budget, group and occasion before you book.7 guidesExplore
- Atlantis Day Pass GuideWondering how to visit Atlantis without staying? Compare the Atlantis day pass with Baha Mar and other Nassau resort passes to see which is worth it.8 guidesExplore
- Food ToursCompare Bahamas food tours, from Nassau walking tours to rum tastings and cultural experiences. Learn who each suits, what to check and when to book.6 guidesExplore
- Vacation PlannerPlan a Bahamas vacation with a ready-to-book 3-day itinerary covering Nassau, Paradise Island and Exuma, plus costs, timing and getting around.8 guidesExplore
When to go
December–April
Dry, sunny and low in humidity, with winter highs in the upper 70s°F. The busiest season, and the time for Junkanoo parades in Nassau.
May–early June
Fewer crowds and better value before summer. The rainy season begins in May, but showers tend to be short.
June–November
Hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October and the heaviest rain from July to September, mostly in short afternoon showers. Highs reach the high 80s°F; flexible travel insurance is worth considering.
Weather
Weather in Bahamas
Bahamas weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High / Low (°C) | 23° 21° | 24° 21° | 25° 22° | 26° 24° | 28° 25° | 29° 27° | 30° 28° | 30° 28° | 29° 28° | 28° 26° | 26° 24° | 25° 22° |
| Rain (mm) | 38 | 36 | 44 | 65 | 133 | 169 | 143 | 165 | 178 | 126 | 67 | 41 |
Average daily high and low (°C) and monthly rainfall (mm) · Forecast: MET Norway (yr.no) · Climate averages: NASA POWER
Gallery
Bahamas in pictures
Practical tips
- Traffic drives on the left, so take roundabouts carefully; your home licence is valid for up to three months.
- In Nassau you can flag down a jitney anywhere on its route, but plan on a taxi in the evening when service drops off.
- On Harbour Island, get around by golf cart rather than car.
- Book taxis, water taxis, jet skis, banana boats and speedboats only with licensed operators.
- Allow extra time at the Nassau–Harbour Island ferry, where check-in can be disorganised.
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