Why Go to Bahamas
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
The Bahamas spread across roughly 700 islands and cays, and that means there's a version of paradise for everyone. Millions of visitors come each year for white sand, clear water, duty-free shopping, fishing, diving and luxurious places to stay.
Families love mega-resorts like Atlantis on Paradise Island, with water parks and endless activities. But there's so much more beyond the resort zone. Nature lovers can explore protected places like the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve on Eleuthera and Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama, or simply relax on a quiet beach or private island. History buffs can discover colonial-era sites and learn about the Lucayan people who lived here first.
The Bahamas are also one of the easiest cruise destinations from Florida, with private-island stops on many itineraries and good deals all year. Whether you want a resort stay, an out-island hideaway or a cruise, I'll help you pick the right island and make the trip simple.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, families, snorkelers, cruisers and island hoppers
BEST MONTHS
Mid-December to April
EXPLORE
Nassau and Paradise Island are major visitor hubs on New Providence; Grand Bahama has Freeport and Lucaya, while the Exumas and other Out Islands offer more secluded experiences.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Bahamas
North America › Northern Caribbean › Bahamas
Impossibly blue water, island-hopping adventures and the rhythm of Junkanoo.
Beach & Resort
Caribbean
Diving
Cruise
Tropical
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Skip the crowded beaches near the cruise port and take a short water taxi or ferry to a nearby island. The water is clearer and the beaches are calmer.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Haggling is expected; start lower than the asking price and keep it friendly.
Nassau Straw Market
Nassau's famous market is packed with stalls selling handwoven straw goods, souvenirs and local crafts, just steps from the cruise port.
Visit early in the morning, when it's quiet and cool.
Queen’s Staircase
A historic staircase carved by hand out of solid limestone in the late 1700s, shaded by greenery and waterfalls.
Pair it with the Queen's Staircase, which leads right up to the fort.
Fort Fincastle
Built in 1793, this hilltop fort offers sweeping views over Nassau and the harbor from the highest point on the island.
Buy a day pass to enjoy the water park and aquarium without staying overnight.
Atlantis Paradise Island
This massive resort on Paradise Island is famous for its water park, marine habitats, casino, restaurants and beaches.
Head west along the beach for quieter, less crowded sections.
Cable Beach
A long stretch of soft sand west of downtown Nassau, lined with major resorts and calm water.
An iconic luxury resort on Paradise Island with lush gardens, a beautiful beach and elegant rooms.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
Paradise Island
Beach
An upscale, adults-oriented section of Atlantis with sleek suites, a private pool and access to the full resort.
The Cove at Atlantis
Paradise Island
Beach
A large, modern resort at Baha Mar with a casino, pools and a beachfront location on Cable Beach.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Cable Beach / Nassau
Beach · Family
A luxurious, residential-style resort at Baha Mar with spacious rooms, a spa and an elegant beachfront.
Rosewood Baha Mar
Cable Beach / Nassau
Beach
An adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Cable Beach with its own private offshore island.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Cable Beach / Nassau
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
The iconic Atlantis tower puts families steps from Aquaventure's waterslides, the marine habitat and a long stretch of Paradise Island beach.
The Royal at Atlantis
Paradise Island
Family · Beach
A stylish, social pick at Baha Mar with a lively pool scene and easy access to the resort's casino, dining and beach.
SLS Baha Mar
Cable Beach / Nassau
Beach
A fun, easygoing base near the cruise port with a water park, Junkanoo Beach and downtown Nassau within walking distance.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
Junkanoo Beach / Downtown Nassau
Family · Value · Beach
A good-value all-inclusive on Cable Beach with water sports, nightly entertainment and plenty of pool space.
Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas
Cable Beach / Nassau
All-Inclusive · Value · Beach
A private-island hideaway with beachfront cottages and an overwater spa, for travelers who want the quiet side of the Bahamas.
Kamalame Cay
Andros
Boutique · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Bahamas
High 82°F · Low 75°F · Rain 1.2 in
Cooler, drier weather returns as the islands prepare for the busy holiday season.
The best time to visit the Bahamas is mid-December through April, when the weather is warm, dry and sunny. Summer brings heat, humidity and lower rates, while hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in August through October. Late spring offers a sweet spot of warm weather and fewer crowds.
Best Times to Visit Bahamas
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Bahamian cuisine is all about fresh seafood, especially conch, served cracked (fried), in fritters or as a zesty salad. Pair it with peas 'n' rice and a cold Kalik, the local beer.
- Local favorite: The Arawak Cay Fish Fry is the best place to try authentic Bahamian food.
- Resort dining: Paradise Island and Baha Mar are home to celebrity-chef restaurants and fine dining.
- Must-try: Conch salad, cracked conch, guava duff for dessert and a Bahama Mama cocktail.
06
Inter-Island Flights
Small airlines and charters make it easy to hop between islands for day trips or longer stays.
05
Water Taxis & Ferries
Water taxis connect downtown Nassau with Paradise Island, and ferries and boat tours reach nearby islands and the Exumas.
04
Taxis
Taxis are widely available and use set rates. Agree on the fare before you go.
03
Jitneys
Local jitney buses run on set routes around New Providence at low fares, a fun and affordable way to get around.
02
Cruise Port
Ships dock at Nassau's Prince George Wharf, right in downtown and within walking distance of shops and attractions.
01
Flying In
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau is the main gateway, with nonstop flights from many U.S. cities. Smaller airports serve Grand Bahama, the Exumas and other Out Islands.
Most visitors fly into Nassau or arrive by cruise ship at Prince George Wharf. Jitneys, taxis and water taxis make it easy to explore Nassau and Paradise Island, while ferries and small planes connect to the Out Islands. Remember that driving is on the left.
Getting Around the Bahamas