The Bahamas is around 700 islands and cays of impossibly clear water, spread across the Atlantic south-east of Florida. Nassau and Paradise Island have the big resorts and waterparks; the Out Islands — the Exumas, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Andros — have sandbars, swimming pigs, pink sand and a much slower pace.
This guide helps you choose your islands and plan the hops between them. For our hand-picked trips, see our Bahamas holidays page.
The quick answer
- For big resorts and family fun, stay on Nassau and Paradise Island.
- For sandbars, boat days and the swimming pigs, add the Exumas.
- For pink sand and pastel cottages, choose Harbour Island and Eleuthera.
- Island-hop by small plane or fast ferry.
- Go between December and May.
Which islands?
| Island | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau & Paradise Island | Families, first-timers | Big resorts, waterparks, Cable Beach and the colonial old town |
| The Exumas | Boat days, snorkelling | 365 cays, sandbars and the swimming pigs |
| Eleuthera & Harbour Island | Couples, slow travel | Pink-sand beaches and pastel Dunmore Town |
| Andros, the Abacos & Grand Bahama | Diving, sailing, fishing | Blue holes, a barrier reef and quieter resorts |
A popular plan is two or three nights in Nassau, then a short flight to the Exumas or Harbour Island. The Out Islands are much quieter, with smaller hotels and boat trips instead of resort activities.
Things to do
- The swimming pigs — Big Major Cay in the Exumas, by boat from Great Exuma or Staniel Cay.
- Thunderball Grotto — a snorkelling cave made famous by James Bond.
- Harbour Island — pink sand and Dunmore Town’s pastel cottages.
- Blue holes of Andros — and one of the world’s largest barrier reefs for divers.
- Nassau — colonial Bay Street, the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte and Junkanoo culture.
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — protected reefs and wildlife across the cays.
When to go
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 hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October.
Getting there and entry
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Nassau take about 9–10 hours, and the Out Islands are reached by short domestic flights or fast ferries. UK passport holders don’t need a visa for a holiday. Check the FCDO travel advice for The Bahamas before you go.
Money and local costs
The Bahamian dollar is equal to the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere. Hotel bills include VAT and resort or service charges, which vary by property — we show them in your quote.
Food and drink
Conch is everywhere — cracked, in salads and fritters — alongside grouper, spiny lobster and johnnycake. Try a Goombay Smash or a Sky Juice (gin, coconut water and condensed milk) at a beach bar.
Ask us to plan your island-hopping →
Frequently asked questions
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.
Where can I swim with the pigs?
At Big Major Cay in the Exumas, on a boat trip from Great Exuma or Staniel Cay, or a day trip from Nassau.
When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
December to May, the dry season. June to November is hurricane season.
How long is the flight to the Bahamas?
About 9–10 hours direct from London Heathrow to Nassau.
Are there extra charges at hotels?
Yes, VAT and resort or service charges are added, and they vary by hotel. We show them before you book.
Planning a Bahamas holiday?
Tell us the islands you are curious about and the pace you want, and we will plan the flights, ferries and hotels.
