Bahamas [CA]

Golden hour | heart & soul | island time | earth first

Brilliant 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 just waiting to be found in and around some 2,400 coastal cays. And with new direct airlifts from major Canadian cities, the Bahamas’ turquoise waters, mangroves, historic towns and famous swimming pigs are easier to get to than ever.

This year, Bahamians are celebrating their Golden Anniversary—it has been 50 years since they declared independence from the United Kingdom—so there couldn’t be a better time to plan a trip to The Bahamas. And if you’ve been before, this is your chance to discover new islands and more hidden gems.

There are more than 20 international airports across The Bahamas, making it easy to plan an island-hopping adventure, but most Canadians will conveniently arrive via Nassau, the capital city on the island of New Providence with plenty of connecting flights to the Out Islands. With multiple national carriers offering direct flights from Montreal, Toronto and Calgary, you’ll be in Nassau and on the beaches of The Bahamas before you know it.

Now is the time for a Bahamian vacation

Getting there

Whether you take an intra-island plane, a ferry or a private charter, island-hopping in 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. In one trip, you can jet ski in the turquoise waters along Nassau’s shores, experience the magic of low tide on the sandbars of Royal Island and snorkel off the coast of Eleuthera.

Pleasure island(s)

An archipelago filled with surprises

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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 how these pigs arrived on Big Major Cay, but swimming and playing with these friendly porkers is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

When pigs swim

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 luxe Harbour Island.

Romantic adventures and family fun abound in The Bahamas

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 options (and conditions) for diving in The Bahamas are unparalleled, with exceptional visibility and warm waters year-round plus shipwrecks, wildlife and reefs to explore. Marvel at the Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest in the world, explore the H.M.S. Conqueror shipwreck at Rum Cay or scour the many Bahamian blue holes—Instagram-ready underwater craters, like The Lost Blue near Nassau.

Undersea stargazing

Boat on

You’re much more likely to find yourself renting a boat in The Bahamas than a car, and there are plenty of opportunities to feel those salty breezes in your hair (and catch a big fish). Cruise the crystal blue waters aboard a sailboat to 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, board a charter to deep-sea fish for tuna, marlin and sailfish, or fly fish among the mangroves—anglers will love reef fishing for grouper or snapper.

Navigate those turquoise waters

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 a record-setting marlin, or strap on some scuba gear and scour the ocean floor for shipwrecks.

Travellers in the know understand that locals know best, but Bahamians take it to a whole other level with their People-to-People programme. Link up with locals who will take you to the best hidden gems for conch salad and fried snapper, give a private historical tour and take you to places like the Dolphin House Museum in Bimini or meet the pink flamingos at the Adastra Gardens Zoo and Conservatory 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. Because trust us, you will want to return to The Bahamas.

Cultural immersion

Eco-adventures

Ecotourism is not a new concept to Bahamians—they’ve been living it for decades. You’ll find countless sustainable travel options in The Bahamas, from glass-bottom kayak adventures that keep waters clean to snorkelling excursions with the Reef Rescue Network to help with the restoration of coral reefs.

Preserving the beauty (and fun) of The Bahamas

From the cultural and culinary experiences to the sustainability programs that help to preserve the reefs, this island nation is all about protecting the people and places that make The Bahamas special. It’s easy (and enjoyable) to do your part!

Junkanoo festival

Captain Bill's Blue Hole, Andros

Golden Hour

Heart & soul

Island time

Earth first

Government House in Nassau

Junkanoo celebration

Plan your trip

Mayaguana

Swim with pigs on Exuma

Lorem ipsum

Freeport

People-to-People programme on Cat Island

The BLOX Building (left); The Black Diamond (right) Photo credit: Daniel Rasmussen

Lorem ipsum

Eleuthera (left); Mayaguana (right)

Exumas

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An archipelago filled with surprises

Golden hour | heart & soul | island time | earth first