The Bahamas UK/CA copy

dream destination | earth first | cultural expression | making memories | ocean adventures

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. You’ll find stunning beaches, postcard-perfect waves, and warm breezes. Beyond the restful resorts, a wealth of historical, cultural and natural experiences are just waiting to be found. The Bahamas’ turquoise waters, lush mangroves, enchanting culture and historic towns are easy to get to. You can fly non-stop from London Heathrow—the average flight time is nine hours and 30 minutes. Read on to learn more about this tropical island nation.

With 16 major islands to explore, there’s no shortage of experiences. Each island has its own unique vibe—whether it's the lively city of Nassau, eco-adventures on Grand Bahama Island, the serene beaches of Exuma, or yachting in the Abacos. The Bahamas offers a variety of landscapes, each with its own charm and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home.

British Airways offers daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow and Virgin Atlantic operates two flights per week from London Heathrow to Nassau. Most Brits will fly direct to Nassau, The Bahamas’ capital city, on the island of New Providence. Nassau is packed to the brim with culture, history, and beautiful beaches. Regarded as the gateway to The Bahamas, it's the ideal place to start your holiday. Other islands are easy to get to by air or ferry so you can experience an astonishing array of beaches, reefs, forests, and historic towns.

There’s never been a better time to visit The Islands of The Bahamas

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 (or should we say, experiences). With so many different islands to choose from, the itinerary potential is infinite. 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. Go fishing, climb Cat Island's Mount Alvernia—the highest point in The Bahamas—or explore the sister islands of Eleuthera and Harbour Island.

Why stop at one?

Experience the enchantment of this multi-island destination

BACK TO THE TOP

Memory-making experiences for the whole family are plentiful in The Bahamas. 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 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 about a million 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 on one of our luxe islands.

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 unparalleled, 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 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 perfect private beach for sunbathing. If fishing is your passion, go deep-sea fishing for tuna, marlin and sailfish. Or, fly fish among the mangroves—anglers will love reef fishing for grouper or snapper.

Turquoise waters await

The Bahamian trifecta of must-do activities—boating, diving and fishing—offer up once-in-a-lifetime ocean adventures. Once you’ve tried swimming with pigs, head out in search of the elusive bonefish, or strap on some scuba gear and scour the ocean floor for shipwrecks.

There are plenty of ways to get involved in restoration efforts, whether on land or at sea. 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 16 main islands. You can dive in blue holes, explore caves, kayak, or visit protected national parks. For birdwatchers, 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 these 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

Dream destination

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

Lorem ipsum

Scuba diving off of Long Island

Exuma National Park and Lucayan National Park

Coral restoration with Bahamas Reef Rescue Network

Lorem ipsum

Boating off Cat Island (left); The Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera (right)

Ragged Island (left); The Exumas (right)

in collaboration with:

Cultural expression

Travellers in the know understand that locals know best, but Bahamians take it to a whole other level with their People-to-People program, celebrating 50 years of existence in 2025. Link up with locals who will take you to the best hidden gems for conch salad and fried snapper. Join a private historical tour and learn about places like the Elbow Reef Lighthouse in The Abacos or meet the pink flamingos at the Ardastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Centre in Nassau. 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. Trust us, you will want to return to The Bahamas.

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 flavorful and satisfying meals. You’ll find rich flavors in dishes like conch salad, peas and rice, fresh seafood, and hearty soups and souses. 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 Junkanoo celebration, parading down Bay Street, a bold and colourful art portrayed through costume and dance. It is also Rake n scrape, a rich culture of oral storytelling expressed through goatskin drums and hand saws native to the island with the highest point, Cat Island.

Junkanoo celebration

BACK TO THE TOP

People-to-People program on Cat Island

Bahamian conch salad

Parrot species in The Bahamas

The Exumas

dream destination | earth first | cultural expression | making memories | ocean adventures