BahamasTravel Guide

Looking for a place where you can have it all? Put Sandals Royal in Nassau at the top of your list. This sophisticated, adults-only beach resort offers everything from two sky-sized pools and luxury swim-out suites to a whopping 12 dining options. The cherry on top? Your own private beach – need we say more? 

For privacy with a capital ‘P’ Tiamo on Andros Island is it. You can only get there by boat or seaplane and there are only 11 upmarket eco villas to choose from at this award-winning boutique resort. An on-site spa, plenty of water sports and opportunities to explore the interior with a guide means remote is definitely not boring.

There are plenty of self-catering places across the Bahamas. Pick an island and you’ll find what you’re looking for! You can be central in Nassau at the cute and colourful Studio Candy at Viking Hill, just 1.6km from Love Beach or opt for a quieter stay at 8 Villa Martinique in the Williams Town district of Freeport, with its swimming pool, garden, terrace, plus free bikes – bonus!  

Not sure where to stay in the Bahamas? Get some accommodation ideas right here! 

Situated on Paradise Island, Atlantis Paradise Island is a must if you’re travelling with your family. Aside from comfortable accommodation, it boasts a wide variety of outdoor (and child-friendly) activities. There are dolphin interactions, charter boat tours, plenty of swimming pools, and the ocean right on your doorstep. There’s also the Aquaventure water park. 

If you’d like to add some culture to your Bahamian vacation, time your visit with the Junkanoo, a local festival occurring on Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Year’s Day (January 1st). The main festivities take place in the capital of Nassau and involve traditional Afro-Bahamian street parades, calypso-style music called Goombay, dance and art.  

What lies beneath the shimmering waters of the Bahamas is what makes this destination truly exceptional. Book with an accredited scuba diving operator to discover gems such as Nassau’s treasure trove of sunken wrecks, the beautiful black-coral garden just off Bimini and convoluted undersea caves surrounding Stocking Island. The Bahamas is also known for shark diving! Grand Bahama Island’s Tiger Beach is where you can dive with tiger sharks without a cage (eek!)  

One of the world’s best snorkelling and diving spots is Dean’s Blue Hole off the coast of Long Island. It’s the second-deepest saltwater blue hole (underwater cavern) in the world at 202m (663ft) and is said to be one of the most beautiful, with fabulously clear water. 

The Bahamian capital of Nassau is where most locals live and the majority of cruise ships dock. With its fine assortment of restaurants, bars, shops and casinos, it’s easy to see why it gets a large number of annual visitors. If you want to learn more about the country’s swashbuckling history of pirates and plundered loot, a visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum is a must. 

Situated 5km from the capital of Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island is one of the most popular destinations for cruise passengers and those with the little ones in tow. From dolphin encounters to snorkelling with stingrays, this private island has many supervised activities to choose from. The facilities are top-notch, and there’s also a private beach to enjoy.  

Ready to find your very own paradise island? Check out these sweet bundles and offers! 

In the Bahamas, Big Major Cay, also known as ‘Pig Island’, is renowned for its swimming pigs. Yes, you read that right! These ocean-loving porkers can be seen living the easy life, wallowing in the calm, shallow waters. Whether they were originally left there by sailors or swam ashore from a shipwreck, no one knows. What we do know, is that these  hightide hogs remain a constant delight for visitors. 

Bitter Guana Cay is also called Iguana Island and for good reason. Many huge, endangered rock iguanas hang out on the beach there, suntanning all day. These brown and pink Jurassic-looking lizards are not found anywhere else in the world, so  a day trip to see them is well worth it! 

The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations for cruise vacations, with several lines operating to private island retreats, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line and Disney. If you love the idea of a no-frills vacation with everything included, speak to our travel experts about what’s on offer.  

For an elevated five-star dining experience, head to The Graycliff, tucked into an 18th century mansion in Nassau. Aside from its distinctive menu, which changes seasonally, it also boasts an award-winning wine cellar stocked with exceptional wines from across the globe.  

On the prowl for a plate of authentic island fare? Make your way to Fish Fry, a collection of open-air eateries where you can rub shoulders with the locals and quench your thirst with an ice-cold Kalik beer. If you can, go on a Sunday when they crank up  traditional Bahamian music. It’s guaranteed to get your feet tapping.

Should you find yourself close to Governor’s Harbour on Eleuthera Island, snap up your seat at the renowned and oft-reviewed Tippy’s Restaurant, Beach and Bar. The restaurant and bar combo is nestled right on the beach and features a wrap-around veranda where you can lie back and soak up the views. The menu offers a fun fusion of Italian and Bahamian cuisine, so you can expect to munch on anything from shrimp pizza to conch fritters. 

If you count cocktails as lunch, don’t skip a pitstop at John Watling’s Distillery. Based in Nassau and founded in 1789, this historic haunt is well worth a visit, and not just for its tasty tipple but for the vibey atmosphere too. Don’t forget to sign up for the rum tour, but make sure you do it before working your way through the tasting list.  

Salivating for some Bahamian cuisine? Explore our tour options to get you to its foodie hotspots.  

Ever seen a pink beach? You’re in luck! Harbour Island features three miles of the most extraordinary rose-coloured shoreline. This beautiful beach, aptly named Pink Sands Beach, tops many travel lists. But the reason for its blushing hue, you ask? Scores of broken seashells blended perfectly with powdery white sand. 

If you arrive at Providence Island via cruise ship, chances are you’ll find yourself at Cable Beach. Although a popular stretch of shimmering sand, it’s long enough that you won’t feel like you’re right on top of everyone. Situated west of Nassau, this slice of paradise offers a bounty of water-based activities.  

Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island may not have pink sand but it is pristine and very popular, so you have to be prepared to brave a few crowds. Most folk meander towards the western end, leaving the eastern side quite empty (how’s that for an inside scoop?). Great for daytime lounging, sunset strolls and full-moon gazing, this beautiful beach hams it up 24/7.  

Another one on our list of favourite beaches is Gold Rock Beach on Grand Bahama Island. What we love most about it is how it magically transforms into a massive sandbar during low tide. It’s the perfect beach for playing with little ones who can splash in the shallow waters. There are hammocks for Mom and Dad with a range of vendors packing all sorts of summer snacks. Ice cream, anyone? 

Now that you have an idea of the best beaches in the  Bahamas, pack your sunscreen and sandals, and don’t forget that travel insurance!