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The Islands of The Bahamas
The Islands of The Bahamas are so much more than an island getaway. In fact, this commonwealth country is made up of more than 700 islands, where you’ll find stunning beaches, postcard-perfect waves and warm breezes. Beyond the restful resorts, a wealth of historical, cultural and natural experiences are waiting to be found. Get there with nonstop flights from major U.S. cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Los Angeles. All in all, you'll find the Bahamas’ turquoise waters, lush mangroves, enchanting culture and historic towns are a breeze to reach—and even easier to enjoy.
With 16 major islands to explore, there’s no shortage of experiences to choose from. Each island has its own unique vibe and offers a singular view into authentic local life. Explore broadly to take in as much beauty as possible—and to gain a deeper understanding of Bahamian culture.
There are more than 20 international airports across the islands. Most Americans will arrive via Nassau, where there's access to plenty of connecting flights to the Out Islands. Travelers flying in from Southeastern U.S. gateways have even easier access to an island-hopping adventure, with direct flights to Freeport, The Exumas, Eleuthera, Andros, The Abacos, Bimini and The Berry Islands.
Choose your adventure
Getting there
Whether you take a plane, a ferry or a private charter, island-hopping throughout The Bahamas is a one-of-a-kind experience. On a single trip, you can jet ski in Nassau's turquoise waters, climb Cat Island's Mount Alvernia, the country's highest point, and explore the sister islands of Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Have eco-adventures on Grand Bahama Island or lounge on the serene beaches of The Exumas. Take a sunset cruise to see firsthand why The Abacos are considered the Boating Capital of The Bahamas. The itinerary potential is infinite.
Why stop at one?
A dreamy getaway is in easy reach
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Nature experiences on offer throughout The Bahamas will leave an impression on the whole family. Snap next year’s holiday card on a sandbar at low tide, watch the kids’ eyes widen as they snorkel among sea turtles, or take a boat to Exuma to swim with the world-famous pigs. No one knows for certain how the pigs arrived on Big Major Cay, but swimming and playing with these friendly porkers is practically guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Natural wonders
A sandbar for two
Nothing says romance more than an isolated island getaway, and The Bahamas has those in spades. In addition to numerous destination wedding locales and dream honeymoon spots, experiences made for two abound. Stroll along a sandbar with your partner, charter a sunset cruise for two or soak in a private pool as the sun goes down.
Romantic escapes and family getaways
No matter the stage in your life, there’s an adventure to be had in The Bahamas. Options abound, whether you’re looking to be alone with a new love, seeking a trip to satisfy kids, parents and grandparents all at once or pursuing an adrenaline-pumping adventure with your friends.
The conditions for diving in The Bahamas are nothing short of stellar, with exceptional visibility and warm waters year-round. Marvel at the Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest in the world, explore the H.M.S. Conqueror shipwreck near Rum Cay or scour the many Bahamian blue holes, like Captain Bill's Blue Hole on Andros Island.
Undersea exploration
All aboard
You’re much more likely to find yourself chartering a boat in The Bahamas than renting a car, and there are plenty of opportunities to feel the salty breeze in your hair (and catch a big fish). Cruise the crystal blue waters aboard a sailboat through the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, charter a private boat for an island-hopping voyage or find the ideal private beach for sunbathing. If fishing is your passion, board a charter to deep-sea fish for tuna, marlin and sailfish, or fly fish amid the mangroves.
Turquoise waters await
The Bahamian trifecta of must-do activities—boating, diving and fishing—offers up once-in-a-lifetime ocean adventures. After you’ve tried swimming with pigs, head out in search of a record-setting bonefish, or strap on some scuba gear and scour the ocean floor for shipwrecks.
There are many ways to get involved in restoration efforts, both on shore and off. Join the Mission for Mangroves, which helps protect Grand Bahama Island from storm surges and supports marine habitats through mangrove planting. If you're into snorkeling or scuba diving, check out one of the five Reef Rescue Network projects focused on coral reef restoration. You can also tour Coral Vita, a prominent coral farm known for its cutting-edge reef restoration techniques. The Bahamas is home to 35% of the Caribbean's coral reefs, so there's a significant impact to be made.
Land or sea: jump in on the action
Immerse yourself in eco-adventures
Whether you’re interested in a day of environmentally conscious activities or a longer eco-focused volunteer trip, The Bahamas offers many options across its main 16 islands. You can dive in blue holes, explore caves, kayak, or visit protected national parks. And bird watchers, take note: The Bahamas is part of The Audubon Society’s International Alliance program, which supports bird conservation through organizations like the Bahamas National Trust.
Protecting what's priceless
The Bahamas has made significant strides in preserving its natural landscapes and protecting endangered species like the Bahamian Rock Iguana and the West Indian flamingo, its national bird. The work of preserving the country's natural environments is done by The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), an organization known for its vast wetland conservation efforts across the islands. With 32 parks spanning 2.2 million acres, the BNT oversees the largest network of protected areas in the region.
Stocking Island, The Exuma Cays
Captain Bill's Blue Hole and The Exumas
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Making memories
Ocean adventures
Earth first
Rake 'n scrape, the traditional music of The Bahamas, performers on Cat Island
Lucayan National Park, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Plan your trip
The Exumas
Swim with pigs on Exuma
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Scuba diving off of Long Island
Exuma National Park and Lucayan National Park
Coral restoration with Bahamas Reef Rescue Network
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Boating off Cat Island (left); The Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera (right)
Ragged Island (left); The Exumas (right)
in collaboration with:
Cultural expression
Savvy travelers understand that locals know best, but Bahamians take it to a whole other level with their People-to-People program, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The free program lets you link up with locals who will take you to the best hidden gems for conch salad and fried snapper. Head to places like the Elbow Reef Lighthouse in The Abacos or to meet the pink flamingos at the Ardastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Centre in Nassau as your on-island guide provides context and insight. You’ll come away from your Bahamian vacation with more than photos and souvenirs; you’ll also have new friends and unique memories to tide you over until your next visit.
An authentic local experience
Tastes of The Bahamas
Bahamian cuisine is a vibrant expression of the islands' rich cultural heritage. It reflects the diverse history and natural bounty of The Bahamas, transforming fresh, local ingredients into tasty and satisfying meals.
You’ll taste the true flavors of the islands in dishes like conch salad, peas and rice, fried fish, stuffed crab and spicy, clear-broth soup dishes, known locally as "souse." The beverages are equally impressive, blending tropical flavors with local ingredients to create drinks like Bahamian Sky Juice, Switcha and various rum punches.
Rhythms of The Bahamas
Bahamian culture is joy personified. It is a bold and colorful Junkanoo celebration, with vibrant costumes, music and dance, parading down Bay Street on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Rake-n-scrape, a rich musical storytelling tradition performed with goatskin drums and hand saws, is also integral to The Bahamas cultural identity. This unique art form originated on Cat Island, where a beloved rake-n-scrape festival is still held each June.
Junkanoo celebration
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People-to-People program on Cat Island
Bahamian conch salad
Macaw in The Bahamas
The Exumas
dream destination | earth first | cultural expression | making memories | ocean adventures
dream destination | earth first | cultural expression | making memories | ocean adventures
dream destination | earth first | cultural expression | making memories | ocean adventures
dream destination | earth first | cultural expression | making memories | ocean adventures
