Travelisto destinations
The Bahamas holidays
Seven hundred islands of impossibly clear water — Nassau’s resorts, the Exumas’ swimming pigs and Harbour Island’s pink sand.
Overview
Welcome to The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an archipelago of around 700 islands and cays spread across the Atlantic, south-east of Florida, with some of the clearest, most luminous turquoise water in the world. Most visitors start in Nassau on New Providence and neighbouring Paradise Island, with big resorts, casinos, waterparks, Cable Beach and the colonial old town, before heading out to the Out Islands.
The Exumas are a chain of 365 cays with sandbars, the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, the Thunderball Grotto and the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Eleuthera and Harbour Island are known for pink-sand beaches and pastel-painted Dunmore Town; Andros has one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and blue holes; and the Abacos and Grand Bahama are for sailing, fishing and quieter resorts. Island-hopping is by small plane, fast ferry or private boat.
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Best for: beach lovers, families (Paradise Island’s resorts and waterparks), honeymooners, divers and snorkellers, sailors, and travellers who want to combine a resort with remote islands. Nassau is also a classic call on Caribbean cruises from Florida.
From the team
Why we love The Bahamas
Do Nassau for two or three nights, then fly out to the Exumas or Harbour Island. The Out Islands are where the Bahamas becomes truly special.
Amanda Amanda, Americas & Caribbean Specialist Meet our Travel DesignersFind your trip
Holiday types in The Bahamas
Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.
Where to stay
Beach destinations grouped by resort area — pick the cluster that matches your pace.
Nassau & Paradise Island
Cable Beach · Paradise Island · Nassau old town
See hotels →
The Exumas
Great Exuma · Staniel Cay · Big Major Cay
See hotels →
Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Harbour Island · Governor’s Harbour · Glass Window Bridge
See hotels →
Andros, the Abacos & Grand Bahama
Andros · Abaco · Grand Bahama · Bimini
See hotels →City breaks
The Bahamas's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.
Cruises
Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and several cruise lines run their own private islands in The Bahamas. Many short cruises from Florida call here.
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Beach and boat days
A beach hotel plus catamaran, snorkelling and island-hopping days.
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Family Caribbean
Family suites, calm beaches and kids’ clubs.
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Two-island Caribbean
Pair The Bahamas with a neighbouring island or a Caribbean cruise.
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Honeymoon or celebration
A romantic resort or villa, with the special touches arranged.
EnquirePractical info
Knowing before you go
When to go
Jan
25°
Feb
26°
Mar
27°
Apr
28°
May
30°
Jun
31°
Jul
32°
Aug
32°
Sep
31°
Oct
30°
Nov
28°
Dec
26°
December to May is the best time, dry and sunny. January and February are the coolest months, around 25°C, and the sea can feel fresh. June to November is the hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October.
Flights & how to get there
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Nassau take about 9–10 hours. The Out Islands are reached by short domestic flights or fast ferries from Nassau.
Visa & passport
UK passport holders do not need a visa for a holiday. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for The Bahamas.
Currency & money
The Bahamian dollar (BSD), equal to the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere. Hotel bills include VAT and resort or service charges, which vary by property.
Language & tipping
English.
Health & safety
Drink bottled water where advised, use insect repellent (dengue is present in the Caribbean) and pack high-factor sun cream. Consult your GP about six weeks before you travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.
FAQs
The Bahamas — your questions
When is the best time to visit The Bahamas?
December to May, the dry season. January and February are the coolest months. June to November is hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October.
How long is the flight to The Bahamas?
About 9 to 10 hours direct from London Heathrow to Nassau.
Where can I swim with the pigs?
At Big Major Cay in the Exumas. Boat trips run from Great Exuma and Staniel Cay, and there are day trips by plane or fast boat from Nassau.
Which Bahamas islands should I visit?
Nassau and Paradise Island for big resorts and family fun, the Exumas for boat days and sandbars, and Eleuthera and Harbour Island for pink sand and a slower pace.
Make this trip yours
Plan your The Bahamas holiday with a Travel Designer
Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.
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