The Bahamas Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Bahamas travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

The Bahamas has long been known as one of the best places to soak up some sun and get away from it all. With over 2,000 beaches to enjoy throughout the islands, there’s no shortage of opportunities to relax here. It’s truly a must-visit when booking a trip to the Caribbean.

But there’s so much more to this Caribbean nation than just beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts!

Made up of 700 islands just a few miles southeast of Florida, The Bahamas is a nation rich in culture and natural splendor. From swimming with sharks to swimming with pigs to the lively Junkanoo festivals, there’s something for everyone visiting the country.

And don’t think that beachside resorts are the only way to stay in The Bahamas; whether you’re interested in eco-tourism, home rentals, backpacking, or something else, there are many different ways to experience the islands.

If you originally planned a trip to The Bahamas with the intention of just chilling on the beach, don’t be surprised if you add a few more activities to your itinerary after reading this guide. There’s just so much to do and see!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to the Bahamas.

Note: This guide to travel in the Bahamas contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Bahamas Map

Use this Bahamas travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Bahamas Travel Guides

Learn about the destination through these Bahamas vacation guides.

Bahamas Travel Tips

This Bahamas travel advice can help you explore these Caribbean islands smarter.

Caribbean Travel Tips

Make your Caribbean vacation even more memorable with the help of the following travel guides!

Top Tours In The Bahamas Islands

Hire a local Bahamas tour guide through one of these fun group excursions:

• Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour
• ATV Tour Of Nassau
• Snorkel Adventure & Beach Escape with Lunch at Pearl Island from Nassau (Bahamas Day Trips)
• Famous Swimming Pigs Tour Bahamas – Full Day Powerboat to Exuma from Nassau (Bahamas Day Trips)
• Rum, Reggae & Rhythms Tour (With Cable Beach Visit!)

Renting A Car In The Bahamas

Need a rental car for your Bahamas trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Bahamas Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in the Bahamas!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Bahamas Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Bahamas tour. When visiting the Bahamas — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Bahamas itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Bahamas Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions and additional Bahamas travel information.

Q: Are the Bahamas part of the Caribbean Islands?

Yes! More specifically, the 700 islands and islets and 2,000 coral reefs that make up the Bahamas are located in the northwestern West Indies.

Q: How far is the Bahamas from Florida?

The Bahamas Islands are located about 50 miles from the coast of Florida.

Q: What international airports are in the Bahamas?

Lynden Pindling International Airport (formerly Nassau International Airport) is the largest international airport in the Bahamas and is located in Nassau, on the island of New Providence.

Q: What are the inhabited islands of the Bahamas?

Along with New Providence — which is home to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas — the other main inhabited islands include Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Rum Cay, Long Island, San Salvador Island, Ragged Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Exuma, Berry Islands, Mayaguana, the Bimini islands, Great Abaco and Great Inagua.

Q: Since this is a Bahamas vacation guide, can you share a Bahamas map?

Sure! Here is a Google Map of the Bahamas Islands.

Here is also a visual Bahamas Map giving you insight into the location of the islands within the Caribbean:

Q: About how much does a trip to the Bahamas cost?

The cost of a trip to the Bahamas certainly depends on your travel style as there are lots of different ways to experience the Bahamas, from backpacking to luxury beachside resort stays. That said, the average, mid-range traveler can expect to spend about $159 USD per day while in the Bahamas.

Airfare from the United States to the islands will depend on your departure location, but you’ll probably find the absolute cheapest airfare flying from bigger “hub” airports like Miami, Charlotte, and Chicago O’Hare.

Q: Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas?

Yes. All international visitors to the Bahamas must present a valid passport to enter the country regardless of their age.

Q: Is there anything I should know when it comes to Bahamas travel safety?

The Bahamas is considered fairly safe for tourists — making it a great option for solo female travel in the Caribbean — but crime is very much a reality in certain parts of the islands.

Nassau is the country’s most populous island and most travelers will pass through it at some point in their trips; this makes the downtown area a target of pickpockets and ATM scammers. Stay alert when visiting the downtown area and keep any valuables close — or just leave them in a safe location — to avoid pickpockets.

The “Over-The-Hill” section of the island also has a high rate of violent crime. If you do visit this area, avoid walking around at night and travel with a group if possible.

Exercise caution when booking boat tours, snorkeling excursions and other water activities on the islands. Make sure you are booking with a tour operator to avoid scams and rent jet skis from businesses recommended by the tourist office, as many operators are unregulated. If you have any doubts about a boat or water activity, trust your intuition.

Q: What are the top things to do while visiting the Bahamas?

The Bahamas’ top attractions are definitely its beaches. Paradise Beach on Paradise Island boasts white sand and beautiful turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling or just soaking up some sun. Nassau’s Cable Beach is a bit more lively and home to many popular all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, and shops.

Take a walk through Downtown Nassau to see sites like the city’s gorgeous pastel-colored buildings and the bustling Straw Market.

Get in touch with nature in Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island, where you can see all six of the island’s ecosystems in one place.

Of course, you can’t visit The Bahamas without a trip out to the tiny, deserted island of Big Major Cay in the Exumas, where you can swim with pigs!

And if you’re looking for a more unspoiled and truly relaxed experience in The Bahamas, head to Cat Island, where you can enjoy miles of beach away from the resort and cruise ship crowds on the more major islands.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit the Bahamas?

Visitors from the United States, Canada, and most European countries do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas if they are staying for less than three months. For a full list of visa and passport requirements by country, visit the Bahamian government’s website.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Bahamas International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of the Bahamas.

Q: When is hurricane season in the Bahamas?

Hurricane season in the Bahamas runs from June 1 to November 30, with early August through October being the prime time.

You may remember Hurricane Dorian, a devestating tropical storm that took place in August 2019.

Hurricanes are definitely something to consider when planning a Bahamas vacation, so check the latest weather updates and Bahamas travel information before booking.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in the Bahamas?

Credit cards are widely accepted around the Bahamas, particularly in tourist areas. That being said, it is wise to always carry some cash.

Additionally, check with your financial institution to confirm if they charge a foreign transaction fee. If they do, consider getting a credit card that doesn’t.

Q: What is the local currency in the Bahamas?

The local currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar.

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