Travel to the Bahamas
Seven hundred islands, more than 2,400 cays and only about thirty places where people live: the Bahamas are a short flight from Florida and a world away from the mainland. Whether you want a cruise-port day in Nassau or an empty sandbar, here is how to plan it.
The Bahamas in numbers
Capital
Nassau
Population
~398,000
Area
~13,900 km²
Currency
Bahamian dollar
Language
English
Islands
700+
Continent
North America
Time zone
UTC-5
Airports covered
1
Why visit the Bahamas
Warm water, sandbars and a pirate past
Swimming with pigs in the Exumas
The Exuma Cays are home to the country's first land and sea park and the famous pigs that swim out to boats. Thunderball Grotto is another stop on the same boat route.
Nassau's forts and the Queen's Staircase
Fort Fincastle, Fort Charlotte and Fort Montagu guard the harbour, and the Queen's Staircase climbs 65 steps cut from limestone by enslaved workers in the 1790s.
Blue holes and one of the longest reefs
Andros has the third-longest barrier reef complex in the world and several blue holes along a fault line. Dean's Blue Hole is on Long Island. Diving is good on every inhabited island.
More than 3,000 hours of sunshine
Frost has never been recorded, and the gap between the warmest and coolest month is only about 7 °C, so a winter escape is the classic way to visit.
Islands and highlights
Nassau, the Exumas, Grand Bahama and Eleuthera
Most itineraries start on New Providence, where the capital and the international airport are, then add one quieter island. Here is what each stop offers.
Nassau and Paradise Island
Walk the old town to Fort Fincastle, the Queen's Staircase and Fort Charlotte, then eat conch at the Fish Fry. Across the harbour, Paradise Island holds the Atlantis resort and Dolphin Cay. Nassau is also a cruise-ship port, so the centre can be busy on port days.
The Exuma Cays
Over 360 islands and cays stretch for more than 200 km. Boat trips go to the park, Thunderball Grotto and the swimming pigs, and George Town on Great Exuma is the main base. Giant stromatolites grow off the cays.
Grand Bahama, Andros and Eleuthera
Freeport, on Grand Bahama, has Lucayan National Park and underwater limestone caves. Andros is for divers and blue holes. Eleuthera is about 160 km long with only a few hotels, which makes it a good pick for a quiet week.
The Abacos, Long Island and Cat Island
The Abacos are sailing country with wild horses. Long Island is home to Dean's Blue Hole, and Cat Island rises to Mount Alvernia, the country's highest point at just 63 m.
Before you go
Dry season, hurricane season and entry rules
| Period | Climate | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Warm and drier season, winter nights near 16 °C | High season: best beach weather and the highest prices |
| May to October | Hot, wet season, highs rarely above 32 °C | Fewer crowds, regular showers |
| June to November | Hurricane season | Watch the forecast; Hurricane Dorian struck Abaco and Grand Bahama in September 2019 |
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, do not need a visa for short stays, but always check the current rules with the Bahamian authorities and your own government's travel advice. Pre-clearance for US flights is available at Nassau and Freeport.
To extend your trip, see also Cuba to the south and the United States next door.
Getting around
Short flights, mail boats and driving on the left
There is no railway. Bahamasair connects most inhabited islands from Nassau, though fares are high and delays common, and Western Air is often more punctual on its routes. Mail boats are cheap but slow, and Bahamas Ferries run a more reliable service. Many visitors simply charter or join a boat tour for the cays.
Taxis in Nassau use fixed fares; rental cars are worth it outside the capital. Traffic drives on the left, and power outlets are the US type at 120 V. US dollars are accepted at par everywhere.
Food and culture
Conch, rum punch and Junkanoo
Conch is the national dish: cracked (deep-fried), raw with lemon, or in a salad, served with peas and rice. Grouper, lobster, Kalik beer and Goombay Punch complete the table. A plate usually costs about 5 to 25 dollars, and a 15% service charge is often added.
The Bahamas became independent from the United Kingdom on 10 July 1973 and remain in the Commonwealth. The biggest cultural event is Junkanoo, the costumed street parade held in Nassau on 26 December and 1 January.
Flying to the Bahamas
The Bahamian airport SniperAir covers
Lynden Pindling International (Nassau)
The country's main international airport, on the west side of New Providence. It handled about 4.1 million passengers in 2019, and British Airways flies nonstop to London-Heathrow.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Bahamas
Which airport do I fly into for the Bahamas?
Lynden Pindling International (NAS) in Nassau is the main gateway. Freeport on Grand Bahama is the other large airport, and domestic flights reach the other islands.
What's the best time to visit the Bahamas?
December to April, the drier season, though it is also the most expensive. The hurricane season runs from June to November, when prices are lower but weather needs watching.
Where can you swim with pigs?
In the Exuma Cays, on boat excursions from Great Exuma or Nassau. Check conditions with your tour operator.
Are the Bahamas expensive?
Yes, accommodation and dining cost more than in many Caribbean destinations. Local spots such as the Nassau Fish Fry and low-season travel help keep costs down.
Do I need a visa for the Bahamas?
Citizens of many countries can visit without a visa for short stays with a valid passport. Rules change, so confirm them with official sources before booking.
How long should I stay in the Bahamas?
Four to five days covers Nassau and a day trip; plan eight to ten days if you add the Exumas or Eleuthera.
How do I get alerted when a flight to the Bahamas drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert profile with your departure airport and Nassau as your destination: we track prices for you and notify you the moment a deal matching your criteria appears.
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