Bahamas Ultimate Travel Guide

 
A woman with long blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing sunglasses and a black and white checkered bikini top, smiling and holding her ponytail, standing on a beach with sand and ocean waves in the background. 
The Bahamas is one of the dreamiest places in the Caribbean, if not the world. I keep finding myself planning and booking trips to the Bahamas because of how great it is and its proximity to the United States. Only 296 kilometers (183 miles) or a thirty minute plane ride, the Bahamas is probably the most accessible Caribbean island from the US–especially the East Coast. Not only is it super easy to get to, having non-stops from most American cities, but it is relatively inexpensive in comparison to most other Caribbean destinations. Even the mega-resorts like the Atlantis and Baha Mar can still be reasonably priced if booked far enough in advance.

I find the Bahamas to be the best ‘First Caribbean Island’ experience for people. With over 700 islands, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to sip Goombay Smashes by the pool curled up with a book or ride ATVs to a beach with swimming pigs, the Bahamas provide something for all travelers.
Text that says "DESTINATIONS" in bold, peach-colored letters on a black background.
Profile picture of a woman in a swimsuit sitting at the shoreline, with the word NASSAU
Beach with rocky coastline and clear blue water
A couple holding hands and walking along the beach at sunset, with orange and pink clouds in the sky and calm water

Best Time to Visit

With pretty consistent weather all times of the year, the only time to avoid planning a trip to the Bahamas is during hurricane season which runs from June through November. If you are looking for a PTO getaway from the cold in the winter or an ideal girls-trip for Spring Break, the Bahamas should be your go-to.

What to Expect

Language: English is the national language of the Bahamas.
Currency: The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD). 1 USD is equivalent to 1 BSD.
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in the Bahamas–especially Nassau and Paradise Island, and if not you will surely find an ATM within a couple minutes. Keep some cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is accepted at most places.
Plugs: In the Bahamas, the plugs are type A and B, the standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Visitors from the United States will not need an adapter or converter.
Safety: Some parts of Nassau can be sketchy and are popular spots for petty crime including armed robbery. The resorts are generally safe, but crime has been reported to occur even within resort grounds, so always travel with a buddy. If you are traveling alone, keep your wits about you and make sure someone knows where you are at all times. Refer to the US Dept of State’s travel advisory for a more detailed synopsis of potential crimes and what to do in certain situations.

BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

  • Four partiers pose with drinks in front of a DJ booth at Tropicana Day Club in Mykonos.

    Stay at the Atlantis

    One of my favorite resorts in the world is the Atlantis. If you mixed Disney world, Las Vegas, and an island oasis, that’s what you get. Although it is quite pricey compared to other lodgings on the island, this place is quite special and is great for families, couples, and that girls trip you want to take.

  • A woman in sunglasses and a white swimsuit swimming in a pool with three sharks swimming nearby.

    Swim with Sharks at Compass Cay

    When else will you have the opportunity to swim with sharks up close and personal? These little sharkies are nurse sharks so they don’t bite (unless you stick your fingers in their mouth).

  • A pink cocktail with a lemon wedge garnish and striped straw on a white table outside at a tropical beach resort with palm trees and lounge chairs under umbrellas.

    Enjoy a Goombay Smash & a Bahama Mama in the same day

    No trip to the Bahamas is complete without indulging a little in the tropical cocktail scene. My first stop after checking in to our hotel when we get to the Bahamas is to have my first Goombay Smash of the trip. These local cocktails are the absolute BEST!

  • Two women wearing swimsuits and sunglasses sitting in a floatation ring in shallow water, smiling and waving at the camera.

    Ride the Lazy River at the Aquaventure Water Park

    I frequently tell my friends and family that I want my ashes spread in this lazy river. Just joking (not really) because it is my absolute favorite water ride in the world. It takes your tube up water slides, through waterfalls, and is just an all-around awesome time.

  • A tropical beach scene with clear turquoise water, white sandy shore, rocky and bushy coastline, and a bright blue sky.

    Visit the incredible beaches of the Exumas

    You can’t say you have truly enjoyed all the Bahamas have to offer if you never leave Nassau. Some of the world’s most incredible beaches and islands are in the Exumas and it is worth it to spread out your vacation or do a day trip to experience it.

  • A woman in a blue and white swimsuit feeding a pig in shallow ocean water on a beach with rocks and trees in the background.

    Go swimming with pigs (or don't)

    This is an iconic experience and I am sure you have seen it all over social media. Cute little piggies swimming in the ocean and you get to pet and feed them. What they don’t tell you is that along with the little piggies swimming is their little piggy poo poo. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

  • A man and woman sitting at a wooden outdoor picnic table during nighttime, holding glasses of red wine, with a bottle of wine and candles on the table, smiling at the camera.

    Enjoy Fine Dining at Dune

    In the Four Seasons Ocean Club lies Dune, a masterclass culinary experience that will leave you breathless. We celebrated Valentine’s Day here in 2021 and it was the most special memory of our trip.

TRAVEL GUIDES

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