Where to Stay in The Bahamas

Our Favorite Bahamas Hotels

Riverside Hotel Hotel phone: +1 767 616 2888
• Boutique Hotel: The Island House
• Affordable Hotel: Pelican Bay Hotel
• A family-friendly hotel option is the Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
• For a strictly adult atmosphere, try the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort • All-Inclusive: Warwick Paradise Island
• The pool at The Coral at Atlantis in the Bahamas is highly rated. The Coral at Atlantis
• Near Airport: A Stone’s Throw Away

a beach with lots of beach chairs and umbrellas

The Best Area to Stay in The Bahamas

Though situated in the Atlantic Ocean east of Florida, the Bahamas archipelago is regarded as the quintessential tropical paradise. Comprised of over three thousand generally low-lying small islands and cays, the Bahamas undoubtedly delivers with pink sandy beaches, pristine coral reefs, luxurious resorts, lush mangroves, deep azure sinkholes, flocks of flamingos, and a vibrant Afro-Bahamian culture, all spanning more than five hundred miles across the ocean. Representing an advantage for American visitors, English is universally spoken, United States dollars are accepted throughout the islands, and it is relatively nearby (Grand Bahama is a twenty-minute flight from Miami).

English settlers from Bermuda arrived here in the mid-17th century, and despite occasions of piracy, the islands remained under nominal British control until 1973 – they’ve been fully independent since then, though the British monarch remains ceremonial head of state.

The Bahamas is rightly known for its high prices; not only is it one of the wealthiest areas in the region, it has long served as a refuge for the rich and famous, and true budget accommodations are uncommon. The main exception lies on Grand Bahama Island, where you`ll find a scattering of reasonably priced hotels and guesthouses, as well as many vacation rentals in addition to the usual luxury resorts. The island makes for a fair introduction to the Bahamas, with beautiful beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, one of the best places to shop, and some of the best bird-watching in the archipelago. The actual capital of the Bahamas and its sole large city is Nassau on New Providence Island, intriguing to explore for a day or so, but otherwise not especially appealing; nevertheless, most first-time visitors to the Bahamas end up staying nearby on Cable Beach or on nearby Paradise Island, home of the enormous Atlantis Resort complex. Though it can be expensive, staying here is particularly fun for families, and very convenient – New Providence and Paradise Island are the simplest places to get to in the Bahamas, and most of the services, tour companies, and transportation hubs are here.

With more time allocated and financial means available, considering islands beyond the two primary hubs would prove valuable. Islands such as Eleuthera,Exumas, and Abacos offer much more interest, substantially less development, and beautiful coastlines lined with picturesque colonial towns and vibrant coral reefs. An abundance of “Out Islands” also exist from which to choose – we discuss the best options below.

Bahamas Travel Tips

  • Lynden Pindling International Airport on New Providence, close to the capital Nassau, represents the largest airport in the Bahamas and its main international gateway. Most visitors fly into this airport – it acts as the primary hub for the country, and travellers will likely need to change planes here to reach other islands. Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport is the next largest entry point: direct flights are available here from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, and Orlando. Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, servicing Marsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands, provides non-stop flights from Miami, West Palm Beach, Charlotte, and Fort Lauderdale.
  • Traveling between the various Bahamian islands by oneself can prove costly; most visitors opt to remain on a single island for their whole trip. However, it is possible to visit multiple islands as the primary islands have air service from Nassau provided by several domestic carriers, and ferries connect some locations (though traversing the entire archipelago by boat is no longer a practical choice unless joining an organized cruise or chartering your private yacht). One challenge is the infrequency of direct flights between the different Out Islands – generally a return trip to Nassau is necessary to switch flights. Allow at least two hours between scheduled departures. The primary airlines serving domestic routes are Bahamasair,Flamingo Air,Pineapple Air,Southern Air Charter, and Western Air.
  • Bahamas Ferries delivers constrained passenger services between Nassau and Spanish Wells and Harbour Island close to Eleuthera (service to the Abacos, the Exumas, and Freeport may restart in future). Balearia Caribbean operates swift ferries between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport, Grand Bahama (3hr), though flights are commonly cheaper.
  • Unless you expect to pass the whole time on the shore, you’ll need to hire a vehicle for at a minimum a day to see most of the islands. Most significant rental businesses run in the Bahamas, but you can also acquire good prices from local outfits (accommodations can recommend these). UK regulations apply in the Bahamas (so drive on the left).
  • Public transportation between different areas on New Providence and Grand Bahama is primarily done using minibuses, locally called jitneys. Rates are low ($1.25–3.50), however jitneys are not very convenient for extensive exploration. The most useful route connects Nassau and Cable Beach on New Providence using route #10. Jitneys only operate until around 6:30pm, after which taxis are relied on, and these are plentiful. However, the service known as Uber is not available in the Bahamas.
  • Fortunately for US visitors, the Bahamian dollar has an equal value to the US dollar at a 1:1 exchange rate, meaning both currencies can be used interchangeably across all islands (though US coins may not be given as change). So there is no need for US dollar users to exchange cash (visitors from other countries will need to). While most places accept credit cards, it`s recommended to carry some cash for exploring the Out Islands where card acceptance may be limited.
  • Thanks to the Trade Winds, the Bahamas experience warm conditions year-round, though lows can reach a mild 70° F (21°C)in winter. Summer highs range from 80 to 90°F (26–32°C). Rain is possible all year, but showers rarely persist; May and June are usually the wettest months, with hurricane season from June through November (though direct hits are unusual).
  • Details on the complimentary “People-to-People” program, connecting visitors with local volunteers, can be found at the official tourism website.

a large body of water with a cruise ship

The Best Places to Stay in The Bahamas

a large body of water surrounded by palm trees

Best Places in The Bahamas for…

    • Best Place to Stay for Beaches: The Exumas
      The Bahamas are principally renowned for their visually striking beaches comprised of pristine white and pink sands spread across nearly every island in the archipelago. For convenience and amenities catering especially to family travelers, Grand Bahama Island and Paradise Island prove quite accommodating, but venturing farther allows evading larger crowds. Despite additional expenses, the Exumas emerge as a premier selection among the islands due to the attractiveness and diversity of beach experiences featured. Little Exuma boasts Tropic of Cancer Beach, renowned as one of the archipelago`s more expansive beaches, and the scenic Forbes Hill Beach bounded by a palm-lined bay. Adjacent Stocking Island and Moriah Harbour Cay National Park similarly showcase incredible beaches, with Stocking Island permitting interaction with stingrays. Grand Exuma is also home to the comely Coco Plum Beach, a popular location for kite surfing, windsurfing and snorkeling owing to its white sands. Those with the fortune to visit or explore the Exuma Cays can observe iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay or Allen Cay, bask on the famed “Mile-long Sandbar”, play with the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay (a.k.a. “Pig Beach”), or swim among nurse sharks near Compass Cay north of Staniel Cay.Our other preferred beaches include Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, Treasure Cay Beach in the Abacos, Lighthouse Beach on Eleuthera, and Cape Santa Maria Beach on Long Island.
    • Top Spot for Diving: Andros Island
      Several islands in the Bahamas offer outstanding scuba diving, with coral reefs and shallow wrecks, superb visibility, and warm waters in abundance. Serious divers should truly consider Andros, though. While it’s the largest island in the Bahamas, it’s among the least visited and remains essentially undeveloped – remaining here feels incredibly remote. The prime attraction off the east coast is the world’s 3rd largest barrier reef, running over 100 miles. Expect excellent visibility, averaging 150–200ft. There’s also the “Tongue of the Ocean” a 150-mile underwater trench between Andros and New Providence, ranging 3,600–6,600-feet deep (meaning massive walls and precipices to explore, such as the Andros Wall and the “Giant Staircase”). Finally, there are more than 180 blue holes in Andros, around 22 of the best ones preserved in Blue Holes National Park. Further south, divers can explore the Stargate Blue Hole and Benjamin’s Blue Hole, an ocean sinkhole teeming with marine lifeSome of the best places to stay on Andros Island include the Andros Island Beach Resort,Love At First Sight Hotel, luxurious Caerula Mar Club, family-oriented Nathan’s Lodge, the fishing-focused Andros Island Bonefish Club; and the extremely-exclusive Kamalame Cay and Small Hope Bay Lodge.

      • Divers should contact Andros Diving or Small Hope Bay Lodge to organize excursions.

      San Salvador, the Abacos, and Freeport/Grand Bahamas also offer excellent diving, though the diving is generally good everywhere in the Bahamas.

    • Most Romantic Destination: The scenic Exumas islands or Harbour Island
      The Bahamas is packed with romantic spots and activities, from sunset cruises and relaxing on peach-colored beaches, to remote sandbars completely devoid of people. The Exumas is difficult to surpass, though; island hopping through the Exuma Cays, or simply staying in one of its serene, exclusive resorts (like EMBRACE or Fowl Cay). In the cays you have the swimming pigs, empty beaches, iguanas, underwater caverns such as Thunderball Grotto, and swimming with nurse sharks. For snorkeling or diving couples there are numerous sites to explore, not least the “Aquarium” at O’Brien’s Cay, awash with a vast array of marine life. For a romantic but less active holiday, consider Harbour Island, home to picturesque Dunmore Town and the ultra romantic Pink Sands ResortRomantic alternatives: these spots are somewhat easier to access, and typically somewhat cheaper:
      • Grand Bahama: try Paradise Cove or Old Bahama Bay.
      • Sophisticated hotel overlooking the harbor, offering stylish rooms and suites with wooden floors, high ceilings, contemporary furnishings, bathtubs (some), and balconies with city/sea views; top-end suites have jacuzzis. Complimentary buffet breakfast. 5-minute walk to the port. • Map

• On Eleuthera,Pineapple Fields Resort is a secluded, wonderfully romantic option.

    • Top Locations for Nightlife: Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama
      The islands of The Bahamas are not renowned as a destination foremost for vibrant clubs and raucous bars crowded with revelers. The only locales that offer true nightlife experiences (outside of resort bars and the occasional beachside watering hole) are the capital city of Nassau along with adjacent Paradise Island and Cable Beach on New Providence. Those seeking cocktails and glamour should make Paradise Island their priority, as the majority of its luxurious resorts and hotels (notably Atlantis Royal,Reef, and Cove) operate refined bars and clubs such as Aura Nightclub, Atlantis Theatre, a massive casino, the Sea Glass lounge, Dragon’s Ultra Lounge, and more – accessible for non-guests as well. Those seeking an exquisitely elegant evening should sample the cocktails at the Dune Bar within the Ocean Club Four Seasons Resort. In nearby Nassau, the downtown scene revolves around favorites for spring break such as Fat Tuesday’s, Shenanigans Irish Bar, Señor Frog’s, Pirate Republic Brewing, and the Bearded Clam Sports Bar, as well as the Tiki Bikini Hut on Junkanoo Beach. The Xscape Lounge & Nightclub is considered the city’s premier club, popular with both visitors and locals. Over on Cable Beach there’s the perennially popular Daiquiri Shack plus a range of venues at the SLS Baha Mar, such as the adults-only pool party at Privilege and the panoramic Skybar. For those lodging on Grand Bahama, in or surrounding Freeport/Lucaya, an abundance of good bars can also be found: Bahama Mama Bar and Dive-In Bar & Grill in Port Lucaya Marketplace, the nearby Bones Bar within the Pelican Bay Hotel, Banana Bay on Fortune Beach, and the Two Dollar Baron East Palm Beach.
      Other favorite bars:
      • Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, Abacos – home of the “Goombay Smash” cocktail since 1960.
      • Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill, Great Guana Cay, Abacos.
      • Pete’s Pub & Gallery, Little Harbour, Abacos.
      • Tiny’s Hurricane Hole, Long Island.
    • Prime Places For Shopping: Nassau and Freeport
      The principal shopping hubs of the Bahamas are Nassau on New Providence and Freeport on Grand Bahama, where stores are filled with duty-free goods generally priced 25–50% lower than US stores such as alcohol, perfumes, fragrances, crystal, leather goods, jewelry, watches, and photographic equipment. Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza and Marina Village at Atlantis are popular malls located in strong>Nassau. On Cable Beach is the upscale Shops of Baha Mar. In Downtown Nassau, Bay Street combines high-end boutiques with local stores, as well as the Nassau Straw Market, containing handicraft and souvenir stalls (straw baskets, hand-painted tiles, and more, but bargaining skills are needed). Festival Place on the harbor is a touristy mall mainly serving cruise ship passengers, but can provide some deals. You`ll find more authentic items at the excellent Craft Cottage Bahamas (20 Village Rd), and Bahama Art and Handicraft on Shirley Street. Specialty shops include the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory and Graycliff Cigar Company. The Bahama Crafts Centre on Paradise Island contains around 100 stalls offering various Bahamian handicrafts such as conch shell jewelry, rum cakes, Junkanoo art, driftwood paintings, wood carvings, straw-work, and pine seed dolls as well as Androsia, a Bahamian fabric from Andros IslandIn Freeport the Port Lucaya Marketplace has become a central location for duty-free shopping and local crafts – it also has its own section dedicated to straw goods.
    • Inagua or Mayaguana are two islands that offer a chance to get away from the crowds.

The Bahamas is sprinkled with tiny cays and remote islands, but a visit to Inagua, the chain’s southernmost islands (comprising Great Inagua and Little Inagua), offers true adventure. With fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, the islands are largely pristine wilderness (Great Inagua is the second largest island in the Bahamas), home to over 70,000 flamingos and around 140 species of native and migratory birds (parrots, pelicans, egrets, herons, kestrels, spoonbills, and more). On the main island, Inagua National Park protects the main colony of West Indian flamingos, plus the rare Bahama parrot, the Inagua woodstar hmmingbird, and many other bird species. In the northwest corner of park, Union Creek Reserve protects Green and Hawksbill turtles nesting sites. Other attractions include the 19th-century Great Inagua Lighthouse (113ft/34m), which offers sensational views from the top, and tiny Matthew Town, the main settlement, with a smattering of historic buildings, including the ruins of the old Colonial jail of 1849. Remote Little Inagua National Park covers the whole of this uninhabited island, a home for sea turtles, feral donkeys, and goats. There’s not a lot of choice when it comes to staying on Great Inagua. The best options are Enrica’s Inn and Red Knot Manor in Matthew Town.

Even more isolated, Mayaguana has a tiny permanent population, miles of untouched coastline, and a wild interior, making it a prime eco-tourist destination. Abraham’s Bay, the primary settlement, retains some old buildings such as the Zion Baptist Church. Black Wood Point is home to flamingos, while Booby Cay (to the east of Mayaguana proper) is named after its colony of brown boobies (endemic rock iguanas and wild goats also live here). Again, lodging options are limited here; Baycaner Beach Resort and Majon Bed, Bath & Breakfast are the best choices.

  • Safety in the Bahamas
    While there is criminal activity present on the populated islands of New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) in the Bahamas, the vast majority occurs away from the major tourist zones. Taking normal precautions at night on these islands should leave one feeling safe. In Nassau specifically, it`s best to avoid walking south of Shirley Street after dark (an area locals refer to as “Over the Hill”). Elsewhere across the Bahamas, it is extraordinarily uncommon for visitors to encounter any problems.

The 7 Best Places in The Bahamas for Tourists

a row of beach chairs sitting on top of a beach

1. Nassau and New Providence

Functioning as the primary entryway for the majority of Bahamian visitors, New Providence (and neighboring Paradise Island) commonly accommodate entire vacations. Certainly diversions and sights abound here, yet this location also experiences the archipelago`s heaviest traffic and provides a less characteristic representation overall. While lodging spans the island, three key concentrations emerge: within capital Nassau; bordering the brilliant white sands of Cable Beach and northern coastline; and confined to tiny Paradise Island alone aside resorts, connected to New Providence by causeway.

Cable Beach tends to be a little less expensive than Paradise Island, and while it can become crowded (and attract the attention of local souvenir and drink sellers), it’s a beautiful stretch of sand that’s easy to access from the airport and connected to Nassau by jitney (meaning you don’t have to rent a car to visit the city). Families will enjoy the water recreation facility adjacent to the 3 hotels that make up the Baha Mar Resort complex ( Grand Hyatt,Rosewood, and SLS).

There are no public transportation options to take you to Paradise Island – you’ll need to rely on taxis during your stay here. The island is home to enormous resorts like Atlantis and the Four Seasons’ beautiful Ocean Club, as well several gorgeous beaches (most necessitating day passes for non-guests, Cabbage Beach is the main exception), and the Paradise Island Golf Course.

Nassau offers a couple of small beaches but the capital is best known for its collection of cultural and historic sights, plus its dining and drinking scenes. At the heart of Downtown lies Parliament and Rawson squares, the former surrounded by distinctive pink-colored colonial government buildings. From here Bay Street is one of the country’s major shopping strips, home to the Nassau Straw Market, a handicrafts showcase. The Pompey Museum recounts the history of slavery in the Bahamas in an 18th-century building once used for slave auctions. Nearby, the family-friendly Pirates of Nassau offers a fun, interactive look at the city’s piratical past. Other Downtown highlights include pink and white Government House, the elegant official residence of the Governor General of the Bahamas; the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, the best place to learn about the nation’s artistic heritage; John Watling’s Distillery, which gives tours of its rum-producing facilities; the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas at the Graycliff Hotel’s Heritage Village; the 18th-century Balcony House, painted pink and decked out in period furnishings; the Educulture Junkanoo Museum (31 West St), which highlights the Bahamas’ famed Carnival; the Bahamas Historical Society; and the dramatic Queen’s Staircase, 65 stone steps built by enslaved Africans, leading up to the 18th-century remnants of Fort Fincastle. It’s also worth checking out Nassau Public Library on Shirley Street, housed in the 18th-century Octagonal Building that once served as the town jail. The best of the island’s remaining fortifications lies just under a mile west of Downtown: Fort Charlotte features exhibits charting its history, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Nearby you’ll find the tranquil Nassau Botanical Gardens (at the back of the fort), the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre, home to a troop of “marching” pink flamingos, and Junkanoo World, another site dedicated to the big annual celebration.

If you are staying on New Providence for a week or so, renting a vehicle for at least one day is worthwhile in order to see the sights beyond Nassau. On the southern coast, Bonefish Pond National Park safeguards a vast expanse of coastal wetlands and mangroves (accessed by a boardwalk), while Da Pig Beach is home to the island’s very own sand hopping and swimming pigs. At the western tip of the island lies Clifton Heritage National Park, which preserves remnants of Lucayan, American Loyalist, and African culture. Nearby is the Primeval Forest National Park, a rare patch of old-growth woodland, featuring giant sinkholes. In the center of the island, tiny Harrold & Wilson Ponds National Park conserves a wetland habitat for herons, egrets, and ibises.

– From Nassau there are brief boat rides available to idyllic privately-owned islands located nearby offshore: the miniature Pearl Island (also called Sun Cay), which presents two beaches with white sand, water sports, snorkeling, and an iconic lighthouse; and Blue Lagoon Island (also known as Salt Cay), principally renowned for sea lions and opportunities to swim with or observe dolphins, but that also boasts pristine beaches and snorkeling (you can simply visit the island without the animal encounters). A little farther away (25 minutes by boat) is Sandy Toes on Rose Island, offering a comparable variety of experiences.

• Junkanoo is a conventional Bahamian festival (a bit like carnival) celebrated across the archipelago, though the biggest events are held on Bay Street in Nassau (Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and throughout the summer).

• The Bahamas` capital of Nassau and the nearby islands of Paradise Island and Cable Beach offer visitors the greatest variety of dining options, but do not miss the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay just outside downtown Nassau. This strip of local food stalls is busy throughout the day and night and provides the best location to sample indigenous cuisine and beverages. It can seem somewhat touristy, nonetheless many residents dine here and the costs are reasonable.

• Note that the iconic British Colonial Hilton in downtown Nassau, open since 1924, closed permanently in 2022, but may reemerge in some form in the future.

Another Bahamas option is the Comfort Suites Paradise Island (+1 242 363 3680) The Coral at Atlantis – Hotel contact number: +1 242 363 2000
The luxury hotel ” The Cove at Atlantis” is situated in Nassau, Bahamas. Guests can contact the hotel directly by telephone at +1 242 363 3000.
The Ocean Club by Four Seasons • Hotel phone: +1 242 363 2501

    • Ios does not have the high-end hotels found on Santorini or Mykonos. However, there are still some very nice places to stay here.

The Reef at Atlantis can be reached at +1 242 363 3000
The Royal at Atlantis • Hotel telephone number: +1 242 363 3000
Sunrise Beach Villas • Hotel contact number: +1 242 363 2234
The Hotel Indigo Victoriaplatz in Düsseldorf. Contact number: +49 211 49990

  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Bay View Suites · Hotel phone: +1 242 363 2555

2. Eleuthera and Harbour Island

Eleuthera, a short flight east from Nassau, is one of the most attractive Bahamian destinations, especially when combined with tiny Harbour Island, just off its northeast coast. Eleuthera is very long and narrow, some 110 miles (177km) north to south and only a mile wide in some places. The best way to see the whole island is to rent a car and traverse the only major road, the Queens Highway, though there are resorts scattered along its length if you prefer to spend quality time on a beach. At the southern tip of Eleuthera lies untrammelled Lighthouse Beach, a gorgeous strip of sand being developed as part of the new Disney Lighthouse Point development (slated to open in 2024). North from here the first main settlement is Rock Sound, with a small airport and a few grocery stores and restaurants. Highlights here include the Ocean Hole, a “blue hole” crammed with fish; Pink Beach; and Cathedral Cave, with a ladder giving access to a large cavern full of bats (the path to the cave snakes around another sinkhole known as the “Boiling Hole”). Continuing on, Ten Bay Beach is a beautifully calm, sandy bay perfect for snorkeling – surrounded by a handful of rental properties, it’s rarely busy.

Governor’s Harbour, the principal settlement on the island, is a pleasant locale to explore at a leisurely pace featuring structures, places of worship, bakeries, and dining establishments from the Bahamian era. Nearby is the diminutive Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, committed to propagating indigenous vegetation and trees, boasting its own educational center and trails winding through its gardens and mangroves. Another worthy stop is Edwin’s Turtle Lake Marine Reserve, a privately owned saltwater lake and mangrove sanctuary providing kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoe rentals. North of Governor’s Harbour, the narrowest strip of the island is bordered by spectacular and generally empty beaches (like the aptly named Surfer’s Beach), ultimately thinning to the natural Glass Window Bridge, merely 30ft wide with the dark blue waters of the Atlantic on one side and the brilliant turquoise of the Bight of Eleuthera on the other. The Queens Baths (aka Hot Tubs) are just south of the bridge on the Atlantic side, a series of naturally formed pools carved from the rocks generating warm tidal “baths” that are perfect for a relaxing dip (during lower or medium tide solely). The northern region of Eleuthera is best known for its tranquil beaches such as Ben Bay and Preacher’s Cave, associated with the island’s early English settlers, the “Eleutheran Adventurers”. Just offshore here is the famed “Train Wreck” dive site, the remnants of a barge transporting a steam locomotive that sank in 1865. Back on land, the Sapphire Blue Hole is a pristine swimming hole nestled amongst the limestone rocks, surrounded by jungle and exclusively accessible by rope. Boats from Genes Bay dash across to the community of Spanish Wells on St. George’s Cay, where you can tour remote sandbars and visit yet more swimming pigs.

Be sure to spend some time on Harbour Island – linked by ferries to North Eleuthra and Dunmore Town, one of the most attractive settlements in the Bahamas. It’s a peaceful seaside village, with a blend of Bahamian colonial and New England architectural styles, galleries, coffee shops and bakeries. The 18th-century St. Johns Anglican Church on Gaol Street is the oldest religious foundation in the Bahamas. The real highlight lies a short walk away on the east coast of Harbour Island, where Pink Sands Beach really does glow with a reddish hue thanks to crushed shells.

The best hotels are on Harbour Island.
Harmony Villa — Hotel contact number: +1 767 612 4166 The Dunmore • Hotel phone: +1 242 333 2200
The Landing • Hotel Contact Number: +1 242 333 2707
Pink Shores • Hotel phone: +1 242 333 2030
Rock House • Hotel phone: +1 242 333 2053
The Warwick hotel in the Bahamas. Contact number: +1 242 363 2560 Runaway Hill Inn • Hotel phone: +1 242 333 2150
The Romora Bay hotel in the Bahamas. Contact number: +1 242 333 2325

3. Freeport and Grand Bahama Island

Mainly developed by the city of Freeport, one of the largest in the Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island provides visitors with a variety of accommodation options at different price points. Even though certain areas take on a more Floridian atmosphere with increased tourist infrastructure, the sizable landmass – approximately 95 miles in length and up to 15 miles wide at its broadest point – allows escaping crowds amid extensive forested tracts and remote beaches spanning much of its lengthy coastline. Likewise considered an avian observer`s paradise, numerous diving locales attract underwater enthusiasts.

Freeport itself was deliberately established in the 1960s to function as a tourist center. Therefore it lacks the character of older Bahamian towns, but most region hotels are situated in its Lucaya district along the coastline. The white sandy beaches here are excellent, and Port Lucaya Marketplace represents one of the biggest shopping destinations across the nation. Much island nightlife and live shows revolve around the mall`s Count Basie Square on the marina.

The island`s main appeal is its white-sand coastlines, lining the south shore east and west from Freeport/Lucaya; Silver Point Beach, Xanadu Beach, Bahama Beach, Taino Beach, and Fortune Beach are the primary beaches. Further east, Barbary Beach is far less busy – you’re likely to have it alone if visiting mid-week. Just offshore lies Peterson Cay National Park, an important habitat for bridled terns, surrounded by a rich coral reef. Inland, you can take a break from the beach with visits to the Garden of the Groves, a lush botanical garden, and the Rand Nature Centre, which preserves a tract of pine forest, native and exotic coppice, and a freshwater pond. Other attractions include the early 20th-century Pinders Point Lighthouse just outside Freeport, with spectacular views; the Bahamian Brewery, an excellent craft beer producer that offers tours of its facilities; and the Coral Vita Coral Farm, where you can learn about reef restoration.

Grand Bahama’s most extensive natural characteristic is the Lucayan National Park, a vast protected area that includes underwater cave passages (via Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave), remains of the indigenous Lucayan civilization (the skeletons of six ancient Lucayans were located in one cave as well as artifacts), pine forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and the popular Gold Rock Beach, a wonderfully untouched stretch of chalk-white sand.

Grand Bahama Island is a premier destination for diving due to numerous underwater highlights worth exploring, such as the Papa Doc Wreck from 1968 harboring sea life. The Pygmy Caves are immense coral constructions sheltering lobsters and moray eels. Ben`s Blue Hole is a congregation spot for eels and loggerhead turtles. Theo`s Wreck, an intentionally submerged 230-foot steel boat from 1982, is now blanketed in stunning black corals and gorgonian fans. The Pretenders Wreck is an upside down tugboat on the west side of Shark Alley attracting reef sharks and stingrays. Another is the Etheridge Wreck, a sunken ferry from the Carolinas in 1992 serving as a favored habitat for turtles.

You`ll find the widest choice of affordable hotels and guesthouses in the Bahamas on Grand Bahama when it comes to lodging.

• Hurricane Dorian slammed Grand Bahama in 2019. Even though the island has greatly recovered from the storm, you may still see signs of the damage.

    • Highest Rated Hotels in Freeport and Grand Bahama Island
      .

Dolphin Cove • Hotel phone: +1 242 602 3346
Lighthouse Point at Grand Lucayan – Hotel phone: +1 855 582 2926
Contact the Old Bahama Bay Resort at +1 888 983 6188 The Marlin at Taino Beachshore • Hotel contact number: +1 242 350 2200

  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    The hotel ” Bell Channel Inn” can be reached at +1 242 373 1053
    The beachfront resort ” Castaways” is located in Grand Bahama, Bahamas. For reservations or inquiries, call +1 242 352 6682.
    Also look into Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort in Freeport, The Bahamas (+1 242 373 3217) Pelican Bay – The contact number for this hotel is +1 242 373 9550

4. The Abacos

Though Abaco island chain in the Bahamas was impacted by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, it remains one of the most appealing destinations; a boating, fishing, and snorkeling paradise, enhanced by charming colonial towns, top golf courses, isolated beaches, and high-quality hotels, restaurants, and bars. While the islands have impressively recovered since the 2019 devastation, you’ll still see signs of the hurricane everywhere. The main chain, loosely split into North, Central and South Abaco, spans around 120 miles. There are also some smaller cays off the east coast, notably Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, and Elbow Cay, with its attractive Hope Town settlement. To the west, Castaway Cay has been developed as an exclusive Disney-owned island for cruise ships. On the main island (Central Abaco), Marsh Harbour serves as the commercial hub of the islands, while Treasure Cay is the major resort area.

Highlights involve Mermaid Reef just outside Marsh Harbour; readily obtainable, wealthy in marine life, and incredible for novice snorkelers; and Sawmill Sink, a lovely blue hole wealthy in fossils and surrounded by unusual Caribbean pines. (You can swim here.) In South Abaco, Abaco National Park preserves the Caribbean pine habitat of the unusual Bahama Parrot.

On the tiny island of Green Turtle Cay in The Bahamas, the picturesque New England-style homes found in the community of New Plymouth add to its charm. A sculpture garden pays tribute to local heroes from history, including Loyalists who fled from the American Revolution in the 1780s. “Ye Olde Gaol” served as the island’s original prison facility when it was constructed in the mid-1800s. Local historical facts and artifacts can be discovered at the Albert Lowe Museum located on Parliament Street. Nearby Noname Cay is known for its swimming pigs, continuing a Bahamian tradition. The tiny coastal area of Black Cay Sound National Preserve boasts pristine mangrove wetlands.

Notable sites on the 8-mile long Elbow Key include the historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse, a local symbol since 1863 and the sole functioning, manually wound and kerosene burning lighthouse globally. The Wyannie Malone Historical Museum in Hope Town outlines local history. Just south of Elbow Key, the Tilloo Cay National Reserve shelters various species of tropical birds, yellow-crowned night herons, and a number of tern species.

Bluff House – Hotel phone: +1 242 365 4200
The Tingum Village Hotel hotel contact number is +1 242 333 2161. Green Turtle Club • Hotel phone: +1 443 912 5839
Hope Town Inn – Hotel phone: +1 242 366 0003
Turtle Hill • Email: [email protected]

5. The Exumas

The Exumas chain, situated in the heart area of the Bahamas, is renowned for its remarkably clear waters, generally empty shorelines and posh resorts, numerous of which are all-inclusive. Comprising roughly 365 islands, the chain extends for approximately 130 miles (209km) but most lodgings can be found in just two groupings: on the more sizable Great Exuma Island, and on Staniel Cay quite a distance to the north, serving as a base for exploring the remote Exuma Cays – stay on the latter and you’ll primarily rely on your resort for eating, entertainment, and pastimes.

At the southern tip of the chain lies Little Exuma, divided down the middle by the Tropic of Cancer (denoted by Pelican Beach, also known as Tropic of Cancer Beach). Forbes Hill Beach highlights this area, one of the world’s most stunning stretches of sand, situated on a tranquil bay backed by palms.

On Great Exuma Island connected to its neighbor Little Exuma Island by a bridge, the scenic capital city of the Bahamian chain George Town is home to the Exuma Straw Market. Here, one can procure local craftworks and souvenirs indigenous to the area, including jewelry crafted from coconut shells and local sand as well as freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. The town also features a handful of eateries and restaurants, the stately Government Building, and the historically renowned Peace & Plenty Resort, welcoming guests since 1958. From George Town visitors can quickly ferry across the bay to the largely uninhabited Stocking Island shoreline.

Situated in between Little and Great Exuma is the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, an incredibly beautiful protected area containing pristine white-sand beaches, blue holes, coral reefs, mangroves, and coppice forests offering crystal clear waters and a vast array of wildlife. Most of the tiny islets located north of the main island fall under protection within the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park – mainly exploring by boat, untouched coral reefs will be uncovered along with stunning beaches, mangroves, and abundance of wildlife. Staniel Cay is the primary place to stay, situated at the heart of the Exuma Cays; it serves as a major hub for scuba diving and beach hopping. Nearby is Pig Beach on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island inhabited solely by swimming feral pigs; though there are now several replica sites around the Bahamas, this was the original “Pig Beach”. Additionally located nearby is Thunderball Grotto, a cave utilized in the 1960s James Bond film Thunderball. To the north, the rare Allen Cays iguana can be seen scurrying throughout the beach on Allen Cay (opposite Leaf Cay, owned by Nicholas Cage). Just south of Big Farmer`s Cay lies one of the region`s most spectacular natural wonders – at low tide a stretch of bone-white sand emerges from the warm waters, known as the “Mile-long Sandbar”, often deserted.

The isolation (and privacy) of the Exumas attracts famous individuals seeking seclusion: Little Hall’s Pond Cay belongs to Johnny Depp, Musha Cay is owned by David Copperfield, Goat Cay is owned by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Nicolas Cage owns Leaf Cay, Eddie Murphy owns Rooster Cay, and White Bay Cay belongs to Tyler Perry.

Exuma International Airport (northwest of George Town on Great Exuma) is primarily connected to Nassau, but there are also non-stop flights from Miami, Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, plus seasonal flights from Charlotte and Toronto.

  • The Best Hotels in the Exumas
    Coral Sands — Hotel contact number: +1 242 333 2320
    Fowl Cay • Hotel phone: +1 876 684 9747
    Grand Isle Lodge • Hotel contact number: +1 242 358 5000
    Kahari Hotel contact number: +1 242 524 8889
    Paradise Bay • Hotel telephone number: +1 242 358 5229
    Peace and Plenty • Hotel telephone number: +1 888 203 4843
    Regatta Point • Hotel contact number: +1 242 336 2206
    Saint Francis Resort” is a family-friendly hotel set on Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas. The telephone contact is +1 242 557 9629.
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    The Sandals Royal Bahamian contact details contain the telephone number +1 888 726 3257.

6. Long Island

Despite often being overlooked by visitors, the aptly named Long Island located in the Bahamas is one of the most scenic islands in the region. Measuring approximately 80 miles (130km) long by 4 miles (6km) wide, the island lies just east of the Exumas, featuring magnificent coral reefs and pristine shorelines (lodging and resorts are spread along its length, and you’ll need to rent a vehicle to explore the full island). It`s otherwise best known for its top-notch bonefishing possibilities, abundant marine life, and vast underground cave network.

The capital city of Long Island, Clarence Town, is home to just a few hotels, restaurants, bakeries and other services, such as the scenic Lighthouse Point Restaurant situated along coastline views. Also located here is the island`s most unique place of worship, the twin-towered St. Peter`s & St. Paul`s Catholic Church. Just north of here is Dean`s Blue Hole, the second deepest saltwater sinkhole in the world (663ft), while Bonniecord Beach forms a beautiful horseshoe cove that`s perfect for calm ocean swimming. You can also explore the partially ruined St Mary The Virgin Anglican Church, said to be the oldest church building in the Bahamas. Nearby, the Shrimp Hole is an inland aquatic cavern primarily inhabited by shrimp – you can swim or snorkel in this location. The Long Island Museum in Buckley`s along the Queen`s Highway documents local historical facts. The northern end of the island is anchored by Stella Maris, specially constructed in the 1960s as a hub for hotels and resorts, and served by its own small airport. Cape Santa Maria Beach (dominated by the resort of the same name) is another candidate for the finest beach in the Bahamas. The northernmost tip of the island is marked by the stone Columbus Monument/Lucayan Memorial, offering spectacular views (though historians no longer support this as the location where Columbus first landed in 1492).

– Long Island is the best starting point for excursions (via boat or charter flight) to several more secluded Out Islands. Peaceful Ragged Island lies to the southwest, mainly a hub for sport fishing (and bonefishing), with grouper, snapper, barracuda, tuna, and kingfish all frequently caught. To the east, Rum Cay is a lesser-visited gem, home to miles of white sand beaches, pristine coral reefs, wreck dives, historic ruins, and a few vacation rentals in the small settlement of Port Nelson. Between Rum Cay and Long Island lies Conception Island National Park, encompassing one of the most attractive islands in the Bahamas – an uninhabited preserve of pink sand beaches, sandstone cliffs, and mangroves along Conception Creek. It`s also home to migratory birds and green turtles.

7. San Salvador

One of the smallest inhabited islands in The Bahamas, San Salvador serves as where Christopher Columbus is thought to have initially landed in 1492 (marked with a simple white cross on the beach). Currently visitors come to experience its miles of largely empty and untouched beaches, inland lakes, and numerous dive sites. Though the island rarely seems busy, there are some major resorts here, including Club Med Columbus Isle, as well as a surprising number of historic sites.

The island capital Cockburn Town is known for its iconic “Lazy Tree,” an enormous old almond tree, as well as the former jail from the nineteenth century, the island museum, restaurants and bars, hotels, a marina, and various historic churches. At the edge of town, Watling`s Castle is the remains of a late eighteenth-century Loyalist plantation home owned by the buccaneer George Watling.

It’s recommended to rent an automobile for a minimum of a day or two to explore other sections of this island. On the northern coast, Graham’s Harbour Iguana & Seabird National Park safeguards several colonies of frigatebirds, boobies, terns, and tropicbirds, as well as San Salvador’s endangered rock iguanas. On the eastern coast, Green’s Bay National Park is another reserve for San Salvador rock iguanas, while nearby Pigeon Creek & Snow Bay National Park shields the island’s only tidal creek, with mangroves, hard bottom corals, and a vast sea urchin population. In the center of the island, Southern Great Lake National Park also encompasses mangrove swamps and San Salvador rock iguana habitat. Other local attractions include the operational Dixon Hill Lighthouse, built in 1887, with stunning perspectives of the island from the top (163ft). There’s also the ruins of the once mighty Fortune Hill Plantation on the eastern coast, and the West Coast Marine Park, which preserves the Columbus landing site and the surrounding beaches and reefs.

San Salvador has long been a significant scuba diving site, though it truly gained popularity starting in the late 1970s. It is renowned for its shallow reef networks, phenomenal wall plunges and exceptional water clarity (generally 100–150ft).

Dining out with Celiac Disease always has some level of risk because it depends on individual staff strictly following the procedures put in place.

More Islands in the Bahamas

We’ve covered our favorite places to visit and stay in more detail above, but with extra time these islands are worth exploring as well:

  • Acklins and Crooked Island: At the southern end of the Bahamas, these two islands surrounded the Bight of Acklins are well away from the usual routes, best known for bonefishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Our preferred place to stay on Crooked Island is Nature’s Delight Lodge.
  • The Berry Islands: This chain of 30 islands located between Nassau and Grand Bahama are well known for the abundant marine life surrounding them. The chain is also home to Coco Cay (the private island of Royal Caribbean Cruises) and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruises’ private retreat. When staying in the Berry Islands, we recommend Chub Cay Resort & Marina and Soul Fly Lodge.
  • Bimini: The island of Bimini, located closest to Florida among the Bahamas (50 miles east of Miami), is best recognized for sport fishing, notably the blue marlin made renowned by author Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. There are also some excellent wreck dive sites just offshore. Recommended resorts here include Bimini Cove,Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, and Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina.
  • Cat Island: This lengthy, narrow stretch of land is home to Elevation Peak, the Bahamas’ highest point (an impressive 207ft/63m) topped by a religious complex, and the childhood residence of actor Sidney Poitier. Today the island feels isolated from congested areas, though it boasts an 8-mile pink sand coastline, inland lakes, trails through rolling terrain, and especially welcoming locals. Our favorite lodgings here are Fernandez Bay Village,Fountain Bay Resort,Greenwood Coastline Resort,Hawks Nest Resort,Rollezz Villas Coastline Resort, and Shannas Cove Resort.
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

about me

ComfyUI_00005_

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

social

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube Email

Search