8 Things to Do in the Bahamas
The Best Activities & Excursions in Nassau, the Exumas & More!
Pink-sand beaches, luxurious resorts, and a sun-kissed lifestyle warmed by good vibes and a tropical climate—The Bahamas often feels like a Caribbean secret in-the-know travellers don’t want to share. Well, we’re ready to let you in on why it should be your next tropical destination of choice with this starter guide on the 8 best things to do in The Bahamas.
1. Hop From Island to Island
Sure, you might know about New Providence, home to the capital of Nassau, or its heavenly neighbour, Paradise Island, but have you heard of Cat Island and its summits? What about Bimini and its abundant marine life? Eleuthera and its pineapple fields? The Abacos and its secret artists’ hideaway? Boasting hundreds of islands and cays, this glorious archipelago beckons discovering each one. In The Bahamas, you’re always just a nautical day trip from a new adventure.
Pro-tip: Many beach resorts in Nassau, Paradise Island or The Exumas organize their own boat tours or private charter boats to nearby must-see islands, or you can look into the ferries and small flights that connect islands!
2. Island Life for All
Something about secluded shores and endless turquoise waters attracts lovers, newlyweds, and general romantics to The Bahamas. Look up “weddings in The Bahamas,” and you’ll see just what we mean (is it OK for scenery to outshine you on your big day?). Beyond its reputation for romance, this is also a prime spot for a family getaway. Tons of all-inclusive family resorts now offer supervised kids’ clubs and organized activities for all ages to keep everyone busy and basking in Bahamian bliss.
3. Join a Junkanoo (Or Two!)
Ain’t no party like a Bahamian party… especially with a name like Junkanoo. Part street festival, part parade, and all-around unforgettable good time, Junkanoo is a traditional celebration that takes place every year on Boxing Day and New Year’s morning, but smaller festivities also happen on Bahamian Independence Day, during the summer, and on random Saturdays throughout the year. Hey, they like celebrating here, what can we say! What to expect? A flamboyant display of Bahamian culture and cuisine through colourful costumes, live music, crafts and more!
Fun fact: Lenny Kravitz, a proud descendant of Bahamians, was inspired by Junkanoo music for his hit song “Fly Away”.
4. Taste the Islands
If you miss a Junkanoo, worry not, there’s another way to experience the Bahamian way of life at its best: a fish fry. Found on every island, a fish fry is a social gathering of sorts, around beach shacks serving up barbequed seafood and meats, mix drinks, and friendly banter from locals. Don’t miss trying a deliciously fresh conch salad—different shacks deliver their own twist on this classic island dish, so sample away till you find your fave! Find the biggest fish fry of the whole archipelago in Arawak Cay near Nassau. Don’t be surprised if vibrant live music or a lively parade interrupts your meal!
5. Veer off the Beaten Path
We know it’s hard, but head beyond the beach to unearth natural wonders and historical must-sees. Where to start? The island of Andros, nicknamed the Big Yard for being the biggest and greenest of The Bahamas, is home to about 150 blue holes—geological marvels usually tucked away in tropical forests like beautiful, secret swimming pools. The flora and fauna found here also inspired the patterns adorning the beloved local fabric: Androsia (don’t leave without apparel crafted from it!). History and art enthusiasts can also get their off-shore fix by visiting famous landmarks like Nassau’s pastel-hued Government House, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, and frozen-in-time colonial towns like Dunmore on Harbour Island or Freeport on Grand Bahama.
6. Reel One In
Surrounded by sea, it’s no surprise that The Bahamas is a major year-round destination for fishing. The waters around The Abacos draw deep-sea fishermen looking for the mighty blue marlin, while Andros is a fly-fishing paradise with tarpon and permit all potentially on the menu. More to try and catch near the sultry shores of Ragged Island or Bimini: grouper, snapper, barracuda, kingfish, and amberjack. If you’re up for the challenge, check off catching the elusive bonefish from your bucket list—they’re also called the Silver Ghosts, because of how invisible they can be. Good luck!
7. Live Under the Sea
Rather swim with the fish than catch and release? Dive into a nautical wonderland rich in marine life, coral reef, and time-forgotten shipwrecks. Home to the world’s third largest barrier reef (the Andros Barrief Reef), welcome to a deep-sea diver’s dream. Can’t miss dive sites for reef-spotting: The Exumas’ Amberjack Reef, Eleuthera’s Devils’ Backbone, or San Salvador’s Vicky’s Reef. To explore the remnants of sunken ships, pencil in these spots: HMS Conqueror near Rum Cay and Nassau’s James Bond wrecks (named as such, because they can be seen in Never Say Never Again and Thunderball). Of course, real deep-sea adventurers will want to explore the so-called Tongue of the Ocean, the 60,000 ft canyon dividing the islands of Andros and New Providence, offering the most dramatic wall dives around.
8. Meet Famous Locals
Gorgeous and friendly people blessed by sun and sea might be who you picture when we talk about famous Bahamians, but we’re thinking a little bit more pink, furry, and four-legged. The Exumas is one of the most sublime slices of The Bahamas, yet its most famous attraction is an uninhabited cay home to over 20 wild swimming pigs and piglets. Head to Big Major Cay to meet these adorable seaside swine and, if you bring their favourite tropical fruit, they might swim over to say hi! If you’re not too star-struck, continue on to Nassau’s Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre, where marching pink flamingos are the main stars.
What’s Next
Whether you’ll be seeking sea-set adventures or just sticking to beach reads and tropical drinks, make sure you read up on The Bahamas’ current entry requirements for everything you need to know before you go. Find out more about The Bahamas here and discover our selection of vacation packages to bundle up and SAVE!