With so many things to do and places to go, we have done our best to highlight
the top ten attractions in and around our beautiful archipelago of Islands.
Whether you are soaking in the activities in our cities—Nassau (New Providence)
or Freeport (Grand Bahama)—or exploring adventures on any of our Out Islands,
this list will prove helpful in assisting you in making the best choices.
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Historical Sites There is nothing like History, and there is lots of it to learn about in The Bahamas. Forts, lighthouses, Government House, the Queen’s Staircase, the Sapona shipwreck (Bimini), towers, churches, etc. have all told stories of our Islands and culture from the discovery of the Islands until today. In more recent years, heritage parks, museums and monuments have been added and celebrate our most memorable moments as a nation. These places are linked to the Bahamas’ journey through pirating, rum-running, colonialism and tourism. They play a strong role in educating the public on the indigenous people of The Bahamas and iconic moments we all love to reflect on. Take a walk through history with any of these sites. 9 Eco-Tours Another treasure of The Bahamas is the various pockets of beauty you will find on these Islands – from cave explorations, to nature centres and numerous natural wonders. Inagua is known for its birds, flamingos especially, Abaco its parrots, Exuma its pigs, there is an amazing plant reserve in Eleuthera, and so much more. Each island has its own flavour and special attractions. For one of the most iconic views in the Bahamas, check out The Glass Window Bridge. On Exuma, visit the beach that crosses the Tropic of Cancer for this unique experience. You would also be amazed at the many caves found on most islands, as well as world renown sealife and blue holes. 8 Fish Fry Fish Fry. Many know this name. Interestingly enough, it is not just about fish. This is “the spot” for natives to gather, typically on Friday nights, on almost any island you visit in The Bahamas. Here you will find popular treats like conch salad, sky juice, Kalik or Sands beer, cracked lobster (if you’re lucky), and all the native dishes you could ever ask for. The real bonus however is the people-watching you get to do on the weekend once everyone has concluded their work week. And the music. Most times you get to hear something new and see how to groove to it. So if you’re visiting and want to rub shoulders with the locals, this is the place to do it. 7 Shopping Ahhhhh, shopping! Who knew that visiting the Bahamas will enable you to indulge in amazing shopping experiences? Yes…most islands have a spot for finding native handicraft and artwork—mainly straw markets, where souvenirs and local straw work can be found. What some may not know also is that The Bahamas imports duty-free products from various international destinations which offer great prices when compared to same products found regionally. These include Swiss watches, French beauty products, quality camera equipment, etc. Whats even better is that you can find Bahamian brands that offer products which can only be found here—Androsia, a Bahamian handprint line, Bahari, Harl Taylor bags, Rum Cake factory, John Watlings beverages, and many others. Visit Downtown on any island to get access to these great buys. 6 Fishing One aerial view of The Bahamas reminds us of how much water these islands are surrounded by. That means, there is lots of fish to be caught! This reality offers fishing opportunities at any stage. It’s not unusual to see beachgoers throw a line out for a good catch—or bring along their gear to venture underneath. The greater experience is when we get on a vessel and really take it in. Fishing is therapeutic. Being out in the ocean and sharing in the existence of the creatures is a great experience. The bonus is when our catch can be prepared, cooked and plated. The Bahamas are arguably the home of big game fishing with the waters around the islands holding some large species — including marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. Records are set in The Bahamas nearly every year as some of the world’s best fisherman try and cast their reels for the ultimate catch. The Abacos islands are particularly good for big game, with a host of tournaments throughout the summer. Trying to catch the “big one” can easily be incorporated as part of a private superyacht vacation or luxury yacht charter in the Bahamas. 5 Diving and Snorkelling Imagine this chain of Islands well known for blue holes, amazing reefs, and a sea-life unmatched. That is The Bahamas. Now imagine what it would be like to venture below sea level to explore this enormous beauty. The underwater experiences in The Bahamas expose you to beautiful corals, the wide range of fish and sea creatures, hidden treasures, and these days sea sculpture(s). These can be seen at various diving or snorkelling levels. Take a diving or snorkelling tour, or select a boat tour which includes either. You will not regret it. 4 Boating The Islands of The Bahamas extend hundreds of miles from the coast of Florida to the tip of Turks & Caicos Islands, inclusive of over seven hundred islands and cays within over five thousand square miles. When it comes to boating, this is the area that becomes your backdrop, and the ideal atmosphere to begin adventures you will cherish forever. The archipelago stretch allows you to enjoy quick trips from islands or cays close to each other, or to venture on long journeys in an island-hopping expedition. The beautiful, clear waters of The Bahamas are warm and irresistible. The Bahamas also entices boaters from nearby visitors on the Florida coast, the Turks & Caicos Islands, as well as other sailors from around the world. Boat tours are therefore always a good option and range from small vessels to super yachts. If you’re not up for the adventure of diving or snorkelling, just take the route of leisure and try boating around the beautiful Islands of The Bahamas. This is a fun and relaxing way to see and experience these incredible Islands. 3 The Beautiful Beaches What can we say? The beaches come in at number three. We know this seems terribly vague but for good reason. The beaches of The Bahamas are so numerous and so incredibly extreme in their beauty it would not do this list justice if we named just one or two. Over decades, the beaches of The Bahamas continue to be featured on “World’s Best lists" across the globe. In 2017 an article featured by Forbes identified the fifty best beaches in the world and its list included--Harbour Island’s Pink Sands Beach, taking the second spot, and Pig Beach in Exuma taking the fourth. (The article was released by FlightNetwork which consulted with over six hundred travel professionals to provide rankings.) PlanetWare also shared its perspective and ranked Pink Sands Beach eighth. Insider weighed in and ranked Pig Beach twelfth, and Pink Sands Beach fourth. Other reputable rankings came from Brides magazine as well as Reader’s Digest who also listed Bahamas beaches in their “World’s Best” lists, and US News lumped all the beaches in The Bahamas in one pot to rank them seventh collectively in the world. Since we know some of our readers are hoping we would point them to specific beaches to try, here is a short list of other beaches which cannot go unmentioned:
We say it’s a short list because truly almost anywhere you are in The Bahamas you can be sure to find a beautiful beach nearby. Second only to the weather, The Bahamas’ beaches are one of its most valuable treasures. 2 Resort Water Parks AQUAVENTURE (ATLANTIS) Let’s face it, if you know The Bahamas, you know Atlantis. This amazing resort complex birthed on Paradise Island (Nassau) in 1998 with a huge splash - of official openings, parties and top-notch celebrity appearances. It boasted beauty, luxury, attractions, architecture and ultimate delight. In 2007, Atlantis in Phase 3 added what is arguably the best thing that has ever happened to Atlantis and today is its top attraction, Aquaventure. Aquaventure is 141 acres of exciting water rides and pools and features over twenty million gallons of water, making it the largest water park in the Caribbean…and one of the largest in the Eastern hemisphere. This beautiful playground is renowned for its high-speed water slides, mile-long rapid river ride, and numerous swimming areas for vacationers of all ages and provides for an exciting experience to talk about for years. A reason this activity ranks so high on our list is also because it is a part of Atlantis, one of the most popular resorts which also offers The Dig and Dolphin Cay, two other great activity options for those visiting Nassau. BAHA BAY (BAHAMAR) Sorry Atlantis but when Baha Mar came for you, they were razor focused. In 2021 Baha Mar launched Baha Bay, which has created as much excitement in these times as Aquaventure did over twenty years prior. This luxury waterpark is incredible! It is also said to have areas more geared toward adults and others more favourable for families with children. The newness of the Baha Mar property is still a huge attraction to visitors and locals alike and this 15-acre beachfront playground will satisfy any adventurous soul. This resort is also centrally located on the island, short distances from the airport, local stores and attractions, and a few minutes from downtown. Baha Bay is a must-do! 1 The Swimming Pigs of Exuma Yes! There is no one who hasn’t heard about these superstars. If you last visited The Bahamas a decade or two ago, the stars of your experience may have been the laid back, friendly people. The people of The Bahamas are still friendly, but the famous Pigs of Exuma have certainly come to share in the spotlight. The Swimming Pigs live alone on a remote island cay of Exuma called Big Major Cay, often now also referred to as Pig Beach. Though some think the pigs were left eons ago by pirates and explorers; native Bahamian(s) claim to have left the pigs there with the intention of returning but never did. Soon these friendly creatures became a preferred attraction to Tour operators, residents, and visitors. The pigs gained even more popularity when contestants from the 2009 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant (held that year in Nassau) visited the pigs and aired their encounters with them on television for the world to see. Numerous boat tours throughout Exuma can take you to this now very popular island. If you are vacationing in Nassau, you can book a tour which will transport you directly to these lovely animals. If you are vacationing on other islands, you may take a private boat or a flight to Exuma to begin your adventure. Today, pig visits are regulated to ensure their best well-being; government officials have taken the initiative to put in place feeding and interacting restrictions which are currently in effect. (Be sure to listen carefully to your tour guide for these details.) Current providers for this activity include: Powerboat Adventures and Exuma Water Tours (from Nassau). NOTE: Since the outpouring of interest in the Swimming Pigs of Exuma, many other islands have added this experience. Pig encounters may now be found in Nassau, Freeport, and Abaco. Ask your travel agent or concierge for details or for other islands this experience is available. |