Bahamas [US]

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

Brilliant Bahamas

There are more ways to explore The Islands of the Bahamas than there are days in a year—and that's no exaggeration. The Commonwealth country is made up of more than 700 islands, where you’ll of course find stunning beaches, postcard-perfect waves and warm breezes. But beyond the restful resorts, a wealth of historical, cultural and natural experiences await in and around some 2,400 coastal cays. And fortunately, the Bahamas’ turquoise waters, mangroves, historic towns and famous swimming pigs are easier to reach than ever.

This year, Bahamians are celebrating their Golden Anniversary—it's been 50 years since they declared independence from the United Kingdom—so it's an extra special time to plan a trip. And if you’ve been before, this is your chance to discover new islands, stay longer and take a deeper dive into all the country has to offer.

There are more than 20 international airports across The Bahamas, making hopping amid the nature-rich, quirky, luxurious and universally beach-blessed islands an easy feat. Twenty-one U.S. gateways in every corner of the U.S.—including western cities like Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle—offer direct flights into the islands. While some land on Grand Bahama Island or Eleuthera, most Americans will start their adventure in the capital city, Nassau, on New Providence. From there, you'll find plenty of convenient and short flights to the Out Islands so you can make the most of your Bahamas vacation.

A fitting 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. With so many 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 islands

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 like a secluded island getaway, and The Bahamas has options in spades. Destination wedding locales, dream honeymoon spots and an array of experiences made for two are all here for the taking. Stroll along a sandbar with your partner, charter a private sunset cruise or soak in an intimate plunge pool on luxe Harbour Island.

Find romance, family fun and more

No matter the stage in your life, there’s an adventure to be had in the Bahamas. Whether you’re looking to be alone with a new love, seeking some kid-friendly fun, heading out for a multigenerational trip or pursuing an adrenaline-pumping adventure with your friends, you'll find accommodations, tours and experiences to suit the occasion.

The options (and conditions) for diving in The Bahamas are unparalleled, with exceptional visibility and warm waters year-round—plus shipwrecks, natural and artificial reefs to explore. Venture to the Andros Barrier Reef, the world's third-largest, explore the H.M.S. Conqueror shipwreck at Rum Cay or scour the Bahamian blue holes—that is, Instagram-ready underwater craters, like The Lost Blue near Nassau. At Grand Bahama’s Tiger Beach (named for the large striped sharks that gather in its waters), divers can experience the thrill of swimming with these massive creatures, which, along with all other sharks, have been protected under Bahamian law since 2011.

Undersea marvels

Boat on

You’re much more likely to find yourself renting a boat in The Bahamas than you are a car, and there are ample opportunities to feel the freedom of open waters with the breeze in your hair. Cruise 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 a secluded 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. Serious anglers will love reef fishing for grouper or snapper.

Navigate those turquoise waters

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, take a dip (safely) with sharks; head out in search of a record-setting marlin; or strap on some scuba gear and scour the ocean floor for shipwrecks.

Savvy travelers understand that locals know best, but Bahamians take it to another level with their People-to-People program. Link up with locals who will bring you to authentic spots for conch salad and fried snapper, give a private historical tour and show you local-owned attractions like the Dolphin House Museum in Bimini. You may even meet the pink flamingos at the Adastra Gardens Zoo and Conservatory in Nassau with the help of a local guide. 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.

Cultural immersion

Eco-adventures

Ecotourism is not a new concept to Bahamians—they’ve been living it for decades. You’ll find ample 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

Marine animals are just the start of the phenomena the Bahamas has gone to great lengths to protect. From cultural and culinary experiences to sustainability programs that help to preserve the reefs, this island nation is all about protecting the people, animals places that make The Bahamas special. It’s easy (and enjoyable) to do your part.

Junkanoo festival

Dean's Blue Hole, Long Island

A milestone year

Heart & soul

Island time

Earth first

Government House in Nassau

Junkanoo celebration

Plan your trip

Mayaguana

Swim with pigs on Exuma

Lorem ipsum

Freeport

Lorem ipsum

People-to-People program on Cat Island

Reffen Street Food Market Photo credits: Lukas Bukoven (left); Reffen - Copenhagen Street Food (right)

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

Eleuthera (left); Mayaguana (right)

Exumas

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An archipelago filled with surprises

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