AA x Bahamas

getting there | nassau | explore farther afield

The Bahamas

The peaceful Bahamian shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters have a decidedly—and deliciously—remote feel. Arriving is much easier than you'd think, though, from just about anywhere. American Airlines service to The Bahamas is one of the most convenient ways to travel in from airports across the U.S. Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL) and Washington, D.C. (DCA) all enjoy nonstop flights, with connecting flights from hundreds of airports across the U.S. Those flying from, or connecting in, Miami or Charlotte can enjoy direct access to several Out Islands, making it wonderfully convenient to see a side of The Bahamas you haven't before.

the island getaway that's closer than you think

in collaboration with:

BACK TO THE TOP

Tip: Experience The Bahamas through a local lens with the People-to-People program. Now in its 50th year running, this free-to-participate program matches visitors with local volunteer guides who will take guests to eateries, fishing spots or cultural events only insiders know about. The program operates on the Out Islands, too. To see Nassau at its peak excitement level, head in for Junkanoo celebrations (the main festivals are on Dec. 26 and New Year's mornings, but there are smaller celebrations throughout the year). The street parade comes alive with exuberant handmade costumes, driving rhythms of goatskin drums and cowbells plus energetic whistles and horns. All 16 islands host Junkanoo parades, but Nassau's is the most over the top. If you can't make it in for a festival, visit the Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre to see what the buzz is all about. Another bonus for those traveling to Nassau: it's the first international destination to offer TSA pre-check, so your journey home can be as easy as a day at the beach (well, almost).

Once you touch down in The Bahamas' vibrant capital city, the vacation vibes will quickly set in. As you make your way to your resort, you'll spot electric-blue waters, swaying palms and lively conch fritter spots (tip: jot down their names so you can visit later). After you've gotten in a day or two of total relaxation at the beach, venture out to attractions like Clifton Heritage National Park, where you can wander lush walking trails, explore a variety of historic sites and witness the world's largest underwater sculpture with a snorkel or dive tour. Hit the shops in downtown Nassau, admire contemporary Bahamian art at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (housed inside a striking 1860s-era villa) or sip fine rums at John Watlings Distillery.

The Exumas This string of 365 islands and cays is a must-visit for nature and animal lovers. Major Cay is famous as the home of the beloved swimming pigs. It's not known how this friendly herd arrived on the island, but it certainly suits them. Pack a few pieces of fruit or veggies if you'd like to win them over with a snack. Lose yourself in the pristine Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park nature preserve, a 176-square mile protected park. Its wonders include the Rocky Dundas caves—a swimmable grotto filled with fossils, colorful stalactites and stalagmites. Divers can explore blue holes across the island, or reefs teeming with colorful marine life. You'll find everything from pampering all-inclusive resorts to guest houses operated by welcoming locals on Great Exuma. American Airlines offers nonstop flights to George Town airport (GGT) out of Miami or Charlotte.

Eleuthera & Harbour Island Stretches of white and pink sand, palm tree-shrouded hideaways and calm, crystal-clear waters await at this stunning island's myriad beaches. There's over 100 miles of coastline on Eleuthera, and Harbour Island, nicknamed the "Nantucket of the Caribbean" for its New England-style architecture, is 10 minutes away by water taxi. If you can tear yourself away from the sand, visit Eleuthera's iconic Glass Window Bridge, where the cerulean-blue Atlantic Ocean meets the bright turquoise Caribbean Sea. Or don your water shoes and head to the Queen's Baths on the Atlantic side of the island for a soak with privileged ocean views. At low tide, water pooled inside tub-like rock formations warms in the sun to create a series of natural baths. Don't miss the Friday fish fry in Governor's Harbour, where you'll enjoy delectable seafood, live music and dancing alongside friendly locals. Branded resorts, boutique hotels and vacation rentals are among the many stay options. American Airlines offers nonstop flights from Miami or Charlotte to Governor's Harbour (GHB) and North Eleuthera Airport (ELH).

The Abacos Salt-lifers will find a not-so-little slice of heaven on this 120-mile-long island chain: The Abacos are best known as a top destination for boating, sailing and bone fishing. That said, there's plenty to enjoy on land as well. Climb The Bahamas' last manually operated lighthouse in Elbow Cay to savor panoramic views of the gorgeous surroundings. Explore the incredible work of local creators at The Johnston Art Foundry artists' colony in Great Abaco. Or rent a golf cart and cruise past the pastel-colored houses on Green Turtle Cay. There are stay options to suit all manner of travel styles: unfussy boutique hotels, sprawling resorts and well-equipped vacation rentals. Get there easily with nonstop American Airlines flights from Miami or Charlotte to Marsh Harbour airport (MHH) in Central Abaco.

Getting there

Welcome to Nassau

Explore farther afield

Plan your trip

American offers multiple cabin choices on flights to the Bahamas

I n the glittering turquoise waters of The Bahamas, subtropical islands and cays rise from the surface in brilliant aquatic constellations. Each link in the archipelagic chain is quite unique. The nation's 16 main inhabited islands range from vibrant New Providence, where the capital city Nassau offers eclectic straw markets, energetic festivals and a wide variety of beach resorts; to the remote and tranquil Abacos, where serene beaches, top-notch bonefishing and vast blue holes are defining features. Connect with locals, who are eager to share their intel on the best fish fry spots, traditional recipes and Bahamian culture (keep reading to find out how). Between the sand-rung flashes of land, divers will discover troves of stunning corals, colorful marine life and intriguing wrecks. Getting to these diverse and endlessly scenic islands is easy with American Airlines. Six U.S. cities enjoy nonstop service to destinations like Nassau, Great Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco and Grand Bahama Island. And the airline offers one-stop flights from 200+ destinations across the U.S. Plunge into getaway planning with our quick guide.

Natadera Temple

Grand Bahama Island This island gem has it all—a buzzy activities scene in The Bahamas' second-largest city, Freeport, and incredible nature preserves. Lucayan National Park showcases the immense biodiversity of the islands, while the super accessible Rand Nature Centre offers a scenic walking trail right in the heart of Freeport. Visit the waterfront Port Lucaya Marketplace to browse unique shops, savor an authentic Bahamian meal and groove to live musical performances. Visit the West End, the island's oldest town, for a slice of history: it was a hub for smuggling during the American Civil War and rum-running during Prohibition. Among Grand Bahama Island's many standout sands, Gold Rock Beach boasts a special claim to fame as a film site for Pirates of the Caribbean. Accommodations include all-inclusive resorts, cozy inns and family-friendly finds. Nonstop American Airlines flights to Grand Bahama National Airport (FPO) are available from Charlotte and Miami.

Natadera Temple

Swim with pigs at Major Cay

The Bahamas' last manually operated lighthouse

Harbour Island, Eleuthera (left); The Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera (right)

Junkanoo celebration

Freeport

National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and John Watlings Distillery

Nassau

Junkanoo costumes

Snorkeling in Bimini

Blue Hole on Long Island

getting there | nassau | explore farther afield

Eleuthera Broad stretches of soft pink sand, palm tree-shrouded hideaways and calm, crystal-clear waters await at this stunning island's myriad beaches. There's over 100 miles of coastline on Eleuthera, so you could literally spend an entire vacation exploring all the gorgeous options without coming close to visiting them all. If you can tear yourself away from the sand, visit the iconic Glass Window Bridge, where the cerulean-blue Atlantic Ocean meets the bright turquoise Caribbean Sea. Or don your water shoes and head to the Queen's Baths on the Atlantic side of the island for a soak with privileged ocean views. At low tide, water pooled inside tub-like rock formations warms in the sun to create a series of natural baths. Don't miss the Friday fish fry in Governor's Harbour, where you'll enjoy delectable seafood, live music and dancing alongside friendly locals. Branded resorts, boutique hotels and vacation rentals are among the many stay options. American Airlines offers nonstop flights from Miami or Charlotte to Governor's Harbour (GHB) and North Eleuthera Airport (ELH).

Exumas This string of 350 islands and cays is a must-visit for nature and animal lovers. Major Cay is famous as the home of the beloved swimming pigs. It's not known how this friendly herd arrived on the island, but it certainly suits them. Pack a few pieces of fruit or veggies if you'd like to win them over with a snack. Lose yourself in the pristine Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park nature preserve, a 176-square mile protected park. Its wonders include the Rocky Dundas caves—a swimmable grotto filled with fossils, colorful stalactites and stalagmites. Divers can explore Blue Holes across the island, or the second-largest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere. You'll find everything from pampering all-inclusive resorts to guest houses operated by welcoming locals on Great Exuma. American Airlines offers nonstop flights to George Town airport (GGT) out of Miami or Charlotte.

Grand Bahama Island This island gem has it all—a buzzy activities scene in the Bahamas' second-largest city, Freeport, and incredible nature preserves. Lucayan National Park showcases the immense biodiversity of the islands, while the super accessible Rand Nature Centre offers a scenic walking trail right in the heart of Freeport. Visit the waterfront Port Lucaya Marketplace to browse unique shops, savor an authentic Bahamian meal and groove to live musical performances. Visit the West End, the island's oldest town, for a slice of history: it was a hub for smuggling during the American Civil War and rum-running during Prohibition. Among Grand Bahama Island's many standout sands, Gold Rock Beach boasts a special claim to fame as a film site for Pirates of the Caribbean. Accommodations include all-inclusive resorts, cozy inns and family-friendly finds. Nonstop American Airlines flights to Grand Bahama National Airport (FPO) are available from Charlotte and Miami.