Top 16 Best Things to do in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is a dreamy chain of over 700 islands and cays, once a favorite place for pirates to hide their treasures. Now one of the world’s favorite tropical escapes, the country is famous for its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, and as a top vacation destination.
Here are 16 of the best things to do in the Bahamas—starting with my personal favorite, the Exuma tour.
Island Hopping in the Exumas
Taking an Exuma tour was easily the highlight of my trip. The Exumas are one of the most stunning and unique parts of the Bahamas, a chain of 365 cays and islands scattered across turquoise waters.
The journey took me through a series of stunning cays, each offering its own unique charm:
- Allen Cay: Home to the friendly Bahamian rock iguanas, a rare species found only here, they are accustomed to visitors and super friendly, especially if you got lettuce. It’s a unique opportunity to see a species that exists only in this region.
- 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. They paddle out to greet incoming boats and are comfortable being hand-fed by visitors.
- Compass Cay: Swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay is a must if you’re up for a bit of adrenaline. These sharks are harmless and used to humans, often swimming close and brushing past your legs.
- Norman’s Cay: 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. The waters are crystal clear, and the aircraft is still mostly intact.
Relaxing on Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island
Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach is famous for its pink-colored sands. Stretching for about 3 miles (5 km), the beach is named after its light pink color, which comes from tiny marine organisms called foraminifera that have reddish-pink shells. When these shells break down and mix with the white sand, they create the beach’s unique blush color.
While the pink color is more subtle in person, the beach’s soft sand, gentle waves, and quiet surroundings make it one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
Exploring Dean's Blue Hole, Long Island
Dean’s Blue Hole is the world’s third-deepest blue hole, plunging 202 meters into the earth. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and a white sand beach, it’s a popular spot for free divers.
Its near-perfect circular shape at the surface, measuring about 25 to 35 meters (80 to 115 feet) in diameter, expands into an underwater cavern. Wind does not reach the area, creating a lagoon of crystal clear waters with no waves, enclosed by a natural rock amphitheater on one side and by cliffs and white sand beaches on the other.
Diving at Andros Barrier Reef
The Andros Barrier Reef is the third-largest of its kind, extending over 190 miles (305 kilometers). The reef has an abundance of marine life, with over 160 species of fish, a variety of coral formations, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great place for divers and snorkelers. One of the top features of this area is that it remains unexplored and untouched, thanks to the land-ownership laws that kept the island free of big resorts.
Visiting Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama
Lucayan National Park is a protected area located on the island of Grand Bahama in The Bahamas. Covering over 40 acres (16 hectares) of diverse ecosystems, the park is home to pine forests, mangroves, and coastal zones.
Established in 1982 and managed by the Bahamas National Trust, the park is home to one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems, with over six miles of mapped tunnels. It also home to the Gold Rock Beach, which is often completely empty at low tide.
Seeing the Columbus Monument
Situated on San Salvador Island, in Long Bay, the Columbus Monument is a historical landmark that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the New World on October 12th, 1492.
The monument is placed on the floor of the ocean in the exac same spot where Columbus dropped anchor. This site marks the beginning of European exploration in the Americas.
Sampling Bahamian Conch Dishes
Conch (pronounced “konk”) is the most famous ingredient in Bahamian cuisine and holds the status of the national dish. It is prepared in many different ways across the islands, from raw salads to hearty stews. Trying conch dishes can help you understand the local culinary traditions of the country and is a must if you are visiting the Bahamas.
Exploring Nassau
Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, has an interesting mix of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and historical sites. It is most likely the place you would arrive first if you are flying, and provides insight into the Bahamian culture. You’ll find pastel buildings, bustling markets, and historic forts.
Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto
Located near Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto is a marine cave filled with colorful fish and coral. It’s famous for appearing in James Bond films, but even without the Hollywood connection, it’s one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in the country.
Relaxing on Cable Beach, Nassau
Cable Beach is known for its soft sands and clear waters, with a laid-back beach experience close enough to the amenities of Nassau’s hotels and resorts.
Visit the Queen’s Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase is a 66-step staircase carved out of limestone by slaves in the 18th, that connects Fort Fincastle to the city. Today, although it’s shaded and overgrown with vines, it still holds a historic value and its worth stopping by.
Shop at the Straw Market in Nassau
If you’re walking around downtown Nassau, it won’t be long before you find the Straw Market, as it is just a few steps from the cruise port. This iconic market offers rows of stalls that are packed with handcrafted goods, colorful fabrics, wood carvings, and island keepsakes.
Learn at the Pirates of Nassau Museum
Located in downtown Nassau, the Pirates of Nassau is an immersive museum that brings to life the days when the Bahamas was a pirate stronghold, with famous names like Blackbeard and Calico Jack.
It is a very interesting place to visit if you’re a history buff or even just curious about the swashbuckling legends of the Caribbean.
Feed the Sharks at Pier One
Located at the edge of Freeport’s harbor, Pier One is a waterfront restaurant famous for its shark feeding. You can see groups of Caribbean reef sharks rushing to the area and circling just below the surface, especially at sunset when feeding starts.
While the feeding event is hosted by the restaurant, the focus for many visitors is less about the menu and more about the chance to watch thes sharks up close in a calm, controlled environment.
Get adventurous at Atlantis Aquarium & Aquaventure
Located on Paradise Island, Atlantis is a resort complex known for its massive water park and marine exhibits. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, day passes are available.
Visit John Watling’s Distillery
Just a short walk from downtown Nassau’s, John Watling’s Distillery is a colonial-era property that dates back more than 230 years, home to a small-batch rum operation rooted in traditional methods, oferring tastings and high quality products.
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.
