18 Things to Do in the Bahamas

Looking for some fun things to do in the Bahamas? You’re in luck! The Bahamas has gorgeous beaches, lively culture, and many entertaining activities. But with about 30 inhabited islands, deciding where to go can be tricky. Do you stick to the popular spots like Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, and Bimini, or do you venture off to the Out Islands like Eleuthera and the Exumas? Either way, you’re in for a treat! Here are 18 must-see attractions and activities that’ll make your Bahamian getaway unforgettable.

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Wander around Nassau: The Heartbeat of the Bahamas

Nassau, the bustling capital, is your gateway to Bahamian culture and history. This vibrant city offers many things to see. To save time and explore as many places as possible, book a walking tour. 

Here, you can wander through the colorful streets, admire the colonial architecture, and immerse yourself in the island’s past at the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Nassau’s vibrant local markets are brimming with fresh produce and handmade crafts. After soaking up the culture, stroll down Bay Street for duty-free shopping and visit the historic Government House to glimpse the island’s political heritage.

Swim with Pigs at Pig Beach

Swimming with pigs? This must be one of the most unique things to do in the Bahamas. At Pig Beach or Big Major Cay in the Exumas, you’ll find these famous, friendly pigs paddling in the turquoise waters, eager for a snack and a swim with visitors. You can take a boat tour to this unique spot, where the pigs will swim out to greet you and enjoy the fun with those adorable pigs.

Besides swimming with the pigs, snorkeling and kayaking are fun activities that you should try. The waters are teeming with vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations. This is a quirky experience that you can’t miss!

Relax on Cable Beach

If you stay in Nassau, Cable Beach is probably the nearest beach you can approach. This beach is one of the most beautiful in the Bahamas and for good reasons. It has soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect to unwind, catch some rays, and take a refreshing dip in the sea. 

Moreover, the beach is lined with luxury resorts and offers a variety of water sports for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their relaxation. You can stroll along the beach and discover a range of beachfront restaurants and bars, where you can savor fresh seafood and tropical cocktails while enjoying the stunning ocean views. 

Explore Atlantis Paradise Island

• Address: Paradise Island, Bahamas
• Contact: +1 888-877-7525
• Website: www.atlantisbahamas.com 

This might be the most famous all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas. It offers everything to satisfy all your desires, from a sprawling water park to an extensive marine habitat, a world-class spa and restaurant, and luxurious accommodations. 

The resort’s Aquaventure water park is a highlight, featuring thrilling water slides, a lazy river ride, and multiple swimming pools. The marine habitat is home to over 50,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish, offering educational and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. This is the ideal choice for a fun place for your family trip.

Dive at Andros Barrier Reef

To all divers and snorkelers, you must visit the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world. This underwater paradise is teeming with vibrant marine life and fascinating underwater caves. The Andros Barrier Reef is also home to 164 marine species, including colorful coral, sponges, and various fish, making it a diver’s dream destination.

Tour the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

• Address: Warderick Wells, Bahamas
• Open hours: 9:00 – 16:00 daily | break time from 12:00 – 13:00
• Contact: +1 242-601-7438
• Website: bnt.bs

If you can’t choose between wildlife and marine life, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park have both for you. Created in 1958, the park spans over 176 square miles and is one of the first marine protected areas in the world. 

Within the park, you can paddle through mangroves, snorkel among colorful coral reefs, and encounter a variety of marine creatures in this pristine natural setting. It offers a unique opportunity to explore untouched natural beauty, with guided tours available for those looking to learn more about the park’s ecosystems. 

Visit Harbour Island

Not many places worldwide have pink beaches, but you’ll find one at Harbour Island. Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas is one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with about 3 miles of perfectly pink sand and gentle waters. 

Harbour Island is known for its friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely getaway. You can rent a golf cart to explore the island at your own pace, stopping at local boutiques and art galleries. To recharge your battery, stop at some local restaurants to enjoy the true taste of island life, from fresh seafood to traditional Bahamian dishes.

Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto

• Address: 5HH3+F5P, Unnamed Road, Bahamas

Thunderball Grotto is an underwater cave system made famous by James Bond movies. Swim through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral and exotic fish, and explore the grotto’s hidden chambers and tunnels. It’s an adventure that feels straight out of a movie.

The grotto is accessible by boat and is best visited during low tide when the entrance is more easily navigated. Once inside, you’ll be mesmerized by the sunlight filtering through the water, creating a magical underwater landscape. You should also go on a tour to make the most of your time, as the place is not easy to navigate when traveling solo.

Explore Lucayan National Park

• Address: High Rock, Bahamas
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily
• Contact: +1 242-393-1317
• Website: bnt.bs

Lucayan National Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located on Grand Bahama Island, it is home to Ben Cave and Burial Mound Cave, both part of one of the longest underwater limestone cave systems in the world. The park covers over 40 acres and is a haven for wildlife, including various bird species and marine animals.

There are so many fun things to do within the park. You can discover the park’s diverse ecosystems, from lush mangroves to pristine beaches like Gold Rock Beach. Hike through the park’s trails, kayak through the mangroves, and snorkel in the park’s clear waters to explore the hidden caves and vibrant marine life.

Swim with Sharks at Compass Cay

For the brave-hearted, try swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay in the Exumas. Compass Cay offers a unique opportunity to interact with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The nurse sharks are harmless, friendly, and used by visitors, making them a safe and exciting experience for all ages. 

Check in at the Queen’s Staircase

• Address: Greenwich St, Nassau, Bahamas
• Website: queensstaircase.com

The Queen’s Staircase stands out as a must-check-in spot among many places in Nassau.  This is a historic limestone staircase carved by slaves in the late 18th century. The 66 Steps were named in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years.

The Queen’s Staircase is surrounded by lush gardens and a peaceful atmosphere. The stairs leading to Fort Fincastle, built in 1793, provide a fascinating view of the island. They are a sobering reminder of the island’s history and a great spot for stunning photographs.

Go Fishing on Bimini Island

Bimini, known as the “Big Game Fishing Capital of the Bahamas,” is perfect for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. The waters around Bimini teem with marlin, tuna, and other big game fish. Charter a boat and head out for a day of fishing, where you can test your skills and maybe even reel in a trophy catch. After a day on the water, relax at one of the island’s waterfront bars and swap fishing tales with fellow anglers.

Explore Eleuthera Island

Eleuthera is the place to be if you’re after a quieter getaway. Here, you can explore the island’s quaint villages, lush pineapple plantations, and stunning beaches for a taste of laid-back island life.

While Harbour Island is famous for its pink sandy beaches, few realize Eleuthera also boasts stretches of this unique shoreline. Some must-see attractions include the Glass Window Bridge, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and the Queen’s Bath, a natural pool nestled among rocky formations. This island is just a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered.

Visit the Blue Holes National Park

• Address: Q2CX+9HQ, Twin Lakes, Bahamas
• Open hours: 6:00 – 21:00
• Contact: +1 242-393-1317

Andros Island has over 200 blue holes, each offering a unique and thrilling experience. The most famous, the Blue Hole National Park, features stunning underwater caverns and vibrant marine ecosystems. The blue holes, formed during the ice ages, offer a unique diving experience with their vertical walls and diverse marine life. These geological wonders are a must-see for divers and nature lovers. 

Visit the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre

• Address: Chippingham Rd, Nassau, Bahamas
• Open hours: 10:00 – 15:00 daily
• Contact:  +1 242-323-5806
• Website: ardastra.com

Home to the famous marching flamingos, the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre in Nassau is a heaven for animal lovers. This is also the only wildlife conservation center in the Bahamas. The gardens are a lush oasis, with winding paths and exotic plants creating a serene and picturesque setting. 

During your visit, don’t miss the daily flamingo shows; you’ll spot these elegant birds strut their stuff. The show happens every day at 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM. Besides flamingos, the center also features a variety of other animals, including parrots, iguanas, and lemurs.

Relax on Treasure Cay Beach

Considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Treasure Cay Beach on Great Abaco Island offers soft white sands and tranquil waters. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

The beach is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of turquoise waters. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of amenities, including beach bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals. Treasure Cay Beach provides an idyllic setting for a perfect beach day, whether you’re looking to relax with a good book or a leisurely swim.

Experience Bahamian Cuisine

Bahamian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of African, European, and Caribbean influences, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try traditional dishes like cracked conch, served with a tangy dipping sauce, or Bahamian stew fish, a hearty and flavorful dish made with fresh fish and vegetables. For a sweet treat, try a slice of Bahamian rum cake. 

You can visit any local restaurant or beach shack; they offer a true taste of the islands with fresh seafood and traditional dishes. Joining a tasting tour is also a great idea, as the professional guides will give you more insight into the local cuisine.

Shop at the Straw Market

• Address: 3MH4+8J9, Bay St, Nassau, Bahamas
• Open hours: 7:00 – 17:00 daily

No visit to Nassau is complete without a trip to the Straw Market. This bustling market is the perfect place to buy handmade Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, and local art. Browse the stalls for unique gifts, from straw hats and bags to intricate wood carvings and colorful paintings. It’s a great way to support local artisans and take home a piece of the Bahamas.

In conclusion, the Bahamas is a treasure trove of adventures, offering everything from serene relaxation to thrilling escapades. The highlights we’ve shared are just the beginning of the endless list of things to do in the Bahamas. There’s still so much more fun and many attractions to explore. So, put the Bahamas into your wishlist and plan for a trip now!