Destinations / Caribbean / The Bahamas
The Bahamas Travel Guide
Three hours from New York, with everything from big resorts on Nassau to sandbars and swimming pigs in the Exumas. Stay at Baha Mar or on Paradise Island for an easy trip, or fly on to the out islands for the quiet version.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Where I'm sending people now
Baha Mar for three resorts and a waterpark on one beach, Paradise Island for Atlantis or the Ocean Club, the Exumas or Harbour Island for small, quiet stays.
December to April for dry weather. Late spring is good value. June to November is hurricane season.
Rosewood Baha Mar runs about $560 to $1,400 a night; the Ocean Club about $1,200 to $3,000+. Expect about 21% in taxes and levies on Nassau and Paradise Island rooms.
Passports must be valid for six months on entry. Ammunition is illegal in any amount. Use licensed water-sports operators; the US warns against independent jet-ski rentals on Nassau.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Nassau (NAS) has the most flights, with nonstops from many US cities, Toronto and London. Out islands like Exuma (GGT), Eleuthera (ELH) and Harbour Island (via North Eleuthera plus a quick water taxi) are short hops from Nassau or nonstops from Florida.
Getting around
There's no Uber, so taxis are the norm; fares are set by the government but confirm the price before you go, or use the Bahamas Ride app in Nassau. They drive on the left, and on the out islands you'll rent a car or golf cart, or take water taxis.
Money and tipping
The Bahamian dollar is pegged one to one with the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere. A 15% gratuity is often already added at restaurants and resorts, so check before you tip.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Arrive in Nassau, quick hop to Exuma or Eleuthera
Day 2 Exuma: swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, sandbars by boat
Day 3 Beach day on Pink Sands or Tropic of Cancer Beach
Day 4 Snorkel or fishing charter, beachside dinner
Day 5 Back to Nassau for one night if your flight connects there
Hotels I'd book in the Bahamas
Things to do in the Bahamas
Where to eat in the Bahamas
Dune
Graycliff
Café Matisse
Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House
Nobu
Arawak Cay Fish Fry
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
The Bahamas FAQ
How long must my passport be valid?
At least six months when you enter.
Do I need Bahamian dollars?
No. The Bahamian dollar is tied to the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Why is my hotel bill about 21% higher?
VAT plus tourism levies on Nassau and Paradise Island rooms. Atlantis adds a daily resort fee on top.
Is Nassau safe?
The US rates the Bahamas Level 2. Stick to resort and tourist areas, avoid the Over-the-Hill neighborhoods at night, and use licensed water-sports operators.
Can I visit Atlantis or Baha Mar's waterpark without staying there?
Yes, with a day pass. Baha Bay is $160 for anyone 48 inches or taller. Both sell a limited number each day.
Can I day-trip to Harbour Island?
Yes, by fast ferry on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It's about three hours each way, so an overnight is better.
Are the swimming pigs near Nassau?
The famous ones are in the Exumas. Day trips from Nassau are a full day by boat; some closer tours visit different, domesticated pigs.
Is there a Rosewood in the Exumas?
Not yet. It's under construction and slated to open in late 2028.