Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Bahamas Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Bahamas – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Samoan Tala (WST) £1 ≈ WST 3.68 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in the Bahamas, especially in tourist areas. Cash is still commonly used for smaller transactions.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%). Taxi drivers usually expect a 10-15% tip. Tipping hotel staff is also appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed on most beaches and in designated areas, but may be restricted in certain locations. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars. |
| Junkanoo (December/January) |
Expect lively celebrations and street festivals, with some businesses closed. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect national pride celebrations. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Taxi Bahamas |
| Other: | The Bahamas is famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Bahamas, Bahamas
Hurricane season June to November, highest risk August to October
Many Out Island resorts and restaurants close in September and October
Junkanoo parades (music, costumes, dancing) take place on 26 December and 1 January in Nassau
Climate varies by island: northern islands (Abaco, Grand Bahama) are cooler in winter, southern islands warmer and drier
Don't miss
- 🐖 Swim with wild pigs at Big Major Cay
- 🤿 Snorkel through the crystal-clear waters of Thunderball Grotto
- 🌸 Relax on the pink sands of Harbour Island
- ⛵ Sail across the Exumas and explore hidden cays
- 🏰 Walk Nassau’s colonial streets and visit Fort Fincastle
- 🍤 Enjoy fresh conch salad at a seaside shack
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Bahamas?
What makes the Bahamas truly special is its remarkable diversity of experiences across its many islands. From the bustling markets and colonial architecture of Nassau to the secluded beaches of the Out Islands, each destination has its own distinct character. The underwater world is equally impressive, with the Bahamas boasting some of the clearest waters on the planet, perfect for diving, snorkeling and spotting vibrant marine life among coral gardens and dramatic blue holes. Beyond the natural beauty, the warm Bahamian culture creates an atmosphere that's both welcoming and authentic. However, it's worth noting that the Bahamas can be quite expensive, especially in tourist hotspots and the hurricane season from June to November can disrupt travel plans. While March is currently offering beautiful sunny weather with temperatures around 27°C (80°F), travelers should be aware that brief but intense thundershowers can occur year-round, particularly during the wet season from May to October.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Nassau
Capital of the Bahamas, Nassau offers a mix of historic colonial architecture and modern amenities. The waterfront features vibrant markets, art galleries and easy access to nearby beaches and marine parks for snorkeling and sailing. -
2
Paradise Island
This tropical paradise features white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. The island offers vibrant culture, historic sites and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a perfect getaway destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure in the Bahamas. -
3
Eleuthera
This island nation in the Atlantic features turquoise waters and white sands. The landscape is lush green, dotted with coral reefs and mangrove forests. It's quieter than larger resorts, offering peaceful beaches and charming villages along the coastline. -
4
Great Exuma Island
This tropical paradise features crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and stunning beaches perfect for snorkeling. The landscape is lush green with dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean, offering a serene escape from the mainland.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Junkanoo (December-January)
-
Bahamas International Film Festival
-
Bahamas Sailing Regatta
-
Bahamas Carnival
-
Pineapple Festival
-
Goombay Summer Festival
-
Long Island Regatta
-
Bahamas Independence Day
-
Cat Island Rake and Scrape Festival
-
Eleuthera All That Jazz Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Stick to resort areas; avoid walking alone at night.
- Swim only at lifeguarded beaches; heed flags for rip currents and jellyfish.
- Secure valuables in hotel safes; petty theft common in tourist hotspots like Nassau.
- Book swimming pigs tour from Big Major Cay early; go mid-week to avoid cruise crowds.
How to travel to Bahamas
Most international visitors arrive in the Bahamas through Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau or Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport. Direct flights are available from major cities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and some European destinations. Flight times from the US East Coast are typically under 3 hours. Cruise ships are another popular way to visit the Bahamas, with regular departures from Florida ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. Nassau and Freeport are major cruise ports, though some cruise lines also visit private islands in the Bahamas. For those with private vessels, entering by sea is also possible through designated ports of entry.
Access summary
- Nassau/Paradise Island: Fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) from US.
- Out Islands (Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco): Connect via NAS to GGT, ELH, MHH, etc.
- From farther abroad: connect via US hubs; no large global alliance home carrier.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Bahamas
Accommodation in the Bahamas ranges from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and vacation rentals, with options varying significantly by island. Nassau and Paradise Island offer the widest selection, including international chains and all-inclusive resorts. The Out Islands provide more intimate, boutique experiences with smaller hotels and guest houses. Prices tend to be higher than many Caribbean destinations, especially during the high season (December-April). Budget options are limited, particularly on smaller islands and advance booking is essential during peak periods.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
The Royal at Atlantis
The Coral at Atlantis
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas - All Inclusive - Adults Only
British Colonial Nassau
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
The Reef at Atlantis
BREEZES RESORT & SPA ALL INCLUSIVE, BAHAMAS - ADULTS ONLY
Bay View Suites Paradise Island
The Cove at Atlantis
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
How to get around Bahamas
Getting around the Bahamas varies depending on whether you're exploring a single island or island-hopping. On larger islands like New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama, taxis are readily available but can be expensive. Rental cars offer more flexibility, though driving is on the left side of the road. Local buses, called 'jitneys' in Nassau, provide an affordable option for getting around the capital. For island-hopping, domestic flights through Bahamasair, Southern Air and other carriers connect major islands. Water taxis and ferries are popular for shorter inter-island journeys, particularly between Nassau and Paradise Island or to nearby day-trip destinations. For more remote Out Islands, charter boats or flights may be necessary.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Bahamas are around 10% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to WST) is 7% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
The Bahamas is generally safe for tourists, though Nassau has areas with higher crime rates that should be avoided, especially at night. Exercise normal precautions, secure valuables and be aware of your surroundings. Water safety is important when engaging in marine activities.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are good in Nassau and Freeport but limited on smaller islands. Private clinics offer better care than public facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. No special vaccinations are required, but protection against mosquito bites is advised to prevent insect-borne illnesses.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies widely across the Bahamas. Major resorts and newer facilities offer good accessibility features, but historical sites, smaller islands and many natural attractions present challenges for those with mobility issues. Advance planning is essential for travelers requiring accessibility accommodations.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major tourist areas and hotels, though it may have a slightly different taste. On smaller islands, bottled water is recommended. Most resorts provide complimentary bottled water in rooms.
Packing recommendations for Bahamas
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👛
Cash in small denominations
few cash machines on smaller islands
👟
Water shoes
for rocky beaches
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📷
Waterproof camera
📃
Travel insurance
👔
Smart-casual outfit
for restaurants
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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