The Bahamas is renowned for its pristine, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. From the famous Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island to the secluded shores of the Exumas, there’s a beach for every type of traveler.

The clear waters of the Bahamas are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. The archipelago is home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world, offering breathtaking underwater experiences.

But the Bahamas is not just about beaches; it’s also home to exotic wildlife, including the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas, the endangered Bahama parrots, and the world’s deepest blue hole.

Located just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas is easily accessible for many travelers, offering a quick escape to paradise. With over 700 islands and cays, the Bahamas is a versatile destination that promises unforgettable experiences.

• Visa: Many visitors, including those from the United States, Canada, and several European countries, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, requirements can change, so it’s essential to check the latest visa requirements for your nationality.

• Vaccinations: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines for most travelers to the Bahamas due to the risks of these diseases in the region.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Currency: The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a 1:1 ratio. US dollars are widely accepted throughout the islands, making it unnecessary to exchange currency for most visitors.

Day 1: Arrival in Nassau: Visit the Straw Market for some local shopping, where you can find Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional Bahamian dinner at Arawak Cay, also known as the Fish Fry, where you can sample local delicacies like conch salad and fried fish.

Day 2: Exploring Nassau: Explore the historic sites of Nassau, including the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, and the Government House. Visit the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Even if you’re not staying there, you can purchase a day pass to enjoy the water park and aquarium.

Day 3: Exuma Cays Adventure: Take a guided day trip to the Exuma Cays. This usually includes swimming with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, and relaxing at one of the pristine beaches.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion: Attend a Junkanoo workshop to learn about this unique Bahamian festival. Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to view contemporary and historical Bahamian art.

Day 5: Harbour Island: Take a ferry to Harbour Island. Spend the day relaxing on the famous Pink Sands Beach and explore the charming architecture of Dunmore Town.

• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: This is the first of its kind in the world, a protected marine park where you can see an array of marine life in crystal-clear waters. It’s a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering breathtaking underwater landscapes.

• The Blue Hole: Dean’s Blue Hole near Long Island is the second deepest blue hole in the world and a marvel for divers. It plunges 202 meters (663 ft) into the ocean and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty.

• Andros Barrier Reef: As the third-largest barrier reef in the world, Andros Barrier Reef is a diver’s paradise. It’s teeming with vibrant marine life and offers some of the best diving spots, including wall dives, wrecks, and blue holes.

• Lucayan National Park: Located on Grand Bahama Island, this park features one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. It’s a fantastic place for eco-tourists and adventurers, with opportunities to kayak, hike, and explore the caves.

• The Abacos: The Abacos are known for their calm waters, making them perfect for boating and sailing. The area is dotted with small islands, secluded beaches, and quaint colonial towns, offering a more laid-back experience compared to the bustling Nassau.

• Bahamian Stew Fish: This hearty stew features local fish (commonly grouper, snapper, or turbot) seasoned with spices, tomatoes, onions, celery, and bell peppers. It’s slow-cooked to perfection and often served with a side of Johnny cake or white rice.

• Peas ‘n Rice: A staple side dish in the Bahamas, peas ‘n rice is made with pigeon peas, rice, spices, tomatoes, and sometimes pork or bacon for added flavor. It complements almost any main dish and is a true taste of Bahamian home cooking.

• Conch Salad: This refreshing ceviche-style dish is made with raw conch, diced and mixed with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, citrus juice (usually lime or orange), and sometimes spicy peppers. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

• Johnny Cake: A versatile Bahamian bread, Johnny cakes are slightly sweet, dense, and baked until they have a golden crust. They can accompany meals or be enjoyed as a snack with butter or jam.

• Guanábana (Soursop) Ice Cream: For those with a sweet tooth, trying guanábana (or soursop) ice cream is a must. This tropical fruit offers a creamy, citrusy flavor that’s both refreshing and unique.

• Visit the Straw Market: The Straw Market in Nassau is a great place to experience Bahamian craftsmanship. Here, you can find handmade items such as straw hats, bags, dolls, and baskets. Bargaining is part of the fun and helps you engage with local artisans.

• Bahamian Cuisine: Sampling traditional Bahamian dishes is a cultural experience in itself. From conch salad to Bahamian stew fish, the flavors of the Bahamas tell the story of the islands’ history and diversity. Participating in a cooking class or food tour can deepen your appreciation for Bahamian cuisine.

• Rake and Scrape Music: Experience the unique sounds of rake and scrape music, a traditional Bahamian music genre that uses improvised instruments like saws, goatskin drums, and accordions. Attending a live performance or a local rake and scrape band can be a memorable experience.

• Bahama Village Market: In Key West, the Bahama Village Market offers a glimpse into the cultural and historical ties between the Bahamas and Florida. It’s a great place to explore Bahamian culture through food, music, and crafts.

• Tea Party at the Government House: In Nassau, the Governor General’s wife hosts a monthly tea party at the Government House, offering a unique opportunity to experience British colonial traditions mixed with Bahamian hospitality.

• The Blue Holes: The Bahamas has the highest concentration of blue holes in the world. These underwater sinkholes offer a unique and challenging environment for divers. The most famous, Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island, is the second deepest blue hole in the world and a popular site for freediving competitions.

• Rich History of Piracy: In the 17th and early 18th centuries, the Bahamas served as a stronghold for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. Nassau was known as a pirate republic due to its lawless and strategic location, which allowed pirates to easily capture passing ships. Today, visitors can explore pirate history in museums and forts throughout the islands.

• The Bahama Bank: The Great Bahama Bank is one of the largest underwater limestone platforms in the world, creating shallow waters that glow in shades of blue and turquoise. These shallow seas are not only beautiful but also rich in marine life, making them perfect for fishing, snorkeling, and exploring.

• Underwater Cave Systems: The Bahamas hosts an extensive network of underwater caves, providing unique opportunities for advanced divers. These caves are significant both scientifically and historically, with some containing ancient Lucayan Indian artifacts.

• The Swimming Pigs of Exuma: Big Major Cay (Pig Beach) in the Exumas is uninhabited by humans but famous for its swimming pigs. No one is entirely sure how the pigs got there, but they’ve become a major tourist attraction, swimming out to greet boatloads of visitors.

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

Bahamas roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Bahamas roaming charges is to download a Bahamas eSIM that comes with a prepaid Bahamas data package.