Top 16 Best Things to do in the Bahamas
The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays located in the Caribbean, were once a favorite place for pirates to hide their treasure. Nowadays, the country is famous for its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, and as a top vacation destination.
Below we are living you with the Top 10 best things to do in The Bahamas, with the Exuma tour standing out as a personal favorite.
Island Hopping in the Exumas
Embarking on an Exuma tour was the highlight of my Bahamian adventure. 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, these reptiles are accustomed to visitors and often approach for treats. They’re large, calm, and surprisingly friendly — especially when there’s lettuce involved. 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 human interaction, 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 renowned for its blush-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 signature blush tone.
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. Pink Sand Beach is ideal for low-key beachgoers looking for scenic beauty, calm waters, and a slower pace.
Exploring Dean's Blue Hole, Long Island
Dean’s Blue Hole is the world’s third-deepest blue hole, plunging to a depth of 202 meters. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and a white sand beach, it’s a popular spot for free divers and those seeking a unique swimming experience.
Its near-perfect circular shape at the surface, measuring about 25 to 35 meters (80 to 115 feet) in diameter, expands into a vast underwater cavern, offering a unique experience for divers. 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 fringing barrier reef globally, extending over 190 miles (305 kilometers). The reef offers an abundance of marine life, with over 160 species of fish, a variety of coral formations, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a haven for divers and snorkelers, boasting a rich diversity of marine life and vibrant coral formations.
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 beautiful and ecologically diverse protected area located on the island of Grand Bahama in The Bahamas. Spanning 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 notable for housing one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems, with over six miles of mapped tunnels. It also features Gold Rock Beach, recognized for its natural beauty and ecological significance.
Seeing the Columbus Monument
Situated on San Salvador Island, in Long Bay, the Columbus Monument is an iconic 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 holds significant historical value, marking the beginning of European exploration in the Americas.
Sampling Bahamian Conch Dishes
Conch (pronounced “konk”) is a staple of Bahamian cuisine and holds the status of the national dish. This marine mollusk is featured in various preparations across the islands, from raw salads to hearty stews. Experiencing conch dishes offers insight into the local culinary traditions and is considered an essential part of visiting the Bahamas.
Exploring Nassau's Cultural Sites
Nassau, the capital city, offers a blend of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and historical sites. Exploring the city provides insight into the Bahamas’ rich cultural tapestry.
Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto
Located near Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto is a marine cave teeming with colorful fish and coral. It’s a popular snorkeling spot, known for its appearance in James Bond films.
Relaxing on Cable Beach, Nassau
Cable Beach is known for its soft sands and clear waters, offering a more laid-back beach experience close to the amenities of Nassau.
Visit the Queen’s Staircase
Carved out of limestone in the 18th century by enslaved people, this 66-step staircase in Nassau connects Fort Fincastle to the city below. Today, it’s shaded and overgrown with vines—a quiet historical landmark hidden in plain sight.
Shop at the Straw Market in Nassau
If you’re wandering through downtown Nassau, it won’t be long before you stumble upon the vibrant energy of the Straw Market. Just steps from the cruise port and Bay Street, this iconic market has been a staple of Bahamian culture for generations. Its rows of stalls are packed with handcrafted goods, colorful fabrics, wood carvings, and island keepsakes.
Learn at the Pirates of Nassau Museum
Tucked in the heart of downtown Nassau, the Pirates of Nassau Museum offers a fun and educational escape into the island’s notorious past. This immersive museum brings to life the days when the Bahamas was a pirate stronghold, drawing names like Blackbeard and Calico Jack to its harbors. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the swashbuckling legends of the Caribbean, this experience is a must while exploring Nassau.
Feed the Sharks at Pier One
Located at the edge of Freeport’s harbor, Pier One is a waterfront restaurant known not just for its views but for its nightly shark feeding. As the sun sets, spotlights shine into the water, drawing in groups of Caribbean reef sharks that circle just below the surface. It’s a unique encounter—one that blurs the line between dining and wildlife observation.
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 these marine predators up close in a calm, controlled environment.
Get adventurous at Atlantis Aquarium & Aquaventure
Located on Paradise Island, Atlantis is a sprawling 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 sits quietly on the Buena Vista Estate—a colonial-era property that dates back more than 230 years. Today, it’s home to a small-batch rum operation rooted in traditional methods and local pride.
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.
