Living in Florida has its perks—and one of them is being just a short flight away from a tropical escape. With a few days to spare, I booked a spontaneous weekend getaway to the Bahamas. This time, I wanted a mix of exploration and relaxation, so I checked into the Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas, an all-inclusive resort perfect for a quick retreat. Over the next three days, I explored local culture, met incredible travelers, and went on an adventure to the famous Exumas. Here’s exactly how it all went down—and what I’d recommend if you’re planning your own Bahamian escape.
Day 1
Touchdown in Nassau + Paradise Island Explorations
My flight from Florida landed in Nassau around 11 am on a Friday. From the airport, I hopped in a taxi and made my way to Paradise Island—about a 30-minute ride. While still part of Nassau, Paradise Island feels like a different world. It’s polished, picturesque, and clearly tailored for tourists.
I checked into the Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas, a comfortable all-inclusive spot. While it’s not the flashiest resort on the island, it had everything I needed for a cozy and relaxing stay.
After settling in, I rented a razor scooter (one of those that are just chilling on the side of the road) and crossed the bridge into downtown Nassau. Since it was the off-season (I went in October), the city was quieter than usual—no cruise ships, fewer tourists. Downtown Nassau was vibrant and colorful but noticeably calm. I explored the Straw Market, Queen’s Staircase, Queen Victoria monument, and Fort Fincastle.
One thing I love about traveling is seeing beyond the tourist zones. The deeper I ventured into Nassau, the more I noticed the contrast between the luxurious Paradise Island and the everyday reality many locals face. It’s a sobering but important part of travel—to witness both the beauty and the complexity of a destination.
That evening, I scootered back to Paradise Island to unwind, take a dip in the pool, and catch up on a little work with a view.
Day 2:
Exuma Excursion – Swimming Pigs, Sharks & Sunken Planes
This day was all about adventure. I booked a full-day tour to the Exumas—one of the most iconic experiences in the Bahamas (and yes, I 100% recommend it, you will find the link at the end of the post). The boat left from a dock just 10 minutes from my hotel.
Here’s what the tour covered:
Allen Cay
This uninhabited cay is home to the endangered Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana. They only live on a few islands in the Exumas, and the iguanas are large, calm, and surprisingly friendly — especially when there’s lettuce involved. Feeding the iguanas is usually part of a guided tour, and while it’s a short stop, it’s a unique opportunity to see a species that exists only in this region.
Compass Cay
Next up: Swimming with nurse sharks. These sharks are harmless and used to human interaction, often swimming close and brushing past your legs, and the clear waters here made for epic Instagram moments.
Big Major Cay (Pig Beach)
Probably the most famous attraction in the Exumas, Big Major Cay is where you’ll find the Bahamas’ celebrity residents: the swimming pigs. It’s touristy, but also hilarious and worth every minute. You can feed them, swim with them, and snap some unforgettable pictures.
Norman’s Cay
he last stop was at Norman’s Cay is infamous for its role in the 1980s drug trade, and one of the most unusual sights here is the submerged wreckage of a drug-running plane from Pablo Escobar. It crashed in the late ’70s and is now home to colorful marine life. I brought a waterproof pouch for my phone—don’t forget one, or a waterproof camera, it’s worth it!
Pro Tip: The ride to and from the Exumas can get rough—open ocean, high speeds—so if you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared.
During the tour, I met Juan—another solo traveler with a chill vibe and travel style similar to mine. We hit it off and ended up hanging out later that evening. We explored Atlantis, the mega-resort known for its casino, water park, marine exhibits, and shops. (Note: You can’t access many of its amenities without a day pass, we just went to the Casino.)
Later that night, we played ping pong at my hotel and grabbed a bite to eat. It’s not every day you meet someone cool and genuine while traveling solo, so this was a nice, unexpected bonus.
Day 3:
Soaking It In Before Goodbye
Sunday was my final day. I had a late checkout, so I took the morning to relax by the water, sip a coffee on the balcony, and reflect on life, like I usually do when I’m traveling.
It was a quick trip, yes—but a fun one: swimming with pigs, snorkeling a plane wreck, exploring colorful streets, and making new friends. It was the kind of spontaneous adventure that leaves you smiling long after you’re back home.
*Picture of me with a sunburn to remind you to please bring sun protection*
Final Thoughts
If you’re based in Florida and craving a tropical escape, the Bahamas are an easy and unforgettable option. Stay tuned for future posts about the friends I met along the way (like Juan!) and other destinations we explored together.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
