Things to Do in the Bahamas

Beaches and Resorts

Beaches are the Bahamas' main tourist attraction. Visitors come to swim in turquoise waters and enjoy the white, blonde, or pink sand beaches. You can explore them in lively resorts around Nassau, Paradise Island, or Grand Bahama Island, or discover many deserted spots (only 10% of beaches are developed for tourism), or even private ones.

Diving

With its crystal-clear waters, 700 islands, and 2,400 cays (small low islands made of sand and coral), the Bahamas offers wonderful diving and snorkeling opportunities in the heart of the world's third-largest coral barrier. There’s something for all levels, with experienced divers able to explore spectacular underwater walls, impressive coral reefs, numerous caves, and several wrecks, as well as diving with sharks. Many dive centers and clubs operate on the main islands, some also organizing "dive cruises."

Sailing

Thanks to its proximity to the Florida, the Bahamas is a prime destination for sailors. Over 100,000 boats cruise Bahamian waters each year, taking advantage of the archipelago's sixty marinas. You can rent sailboats on the main tourist islands or use local services for sea outings. Various regattas are also held year-round across different islands.

Water Activities

Swimming with dolphins: If you can dive with sharks, you can also swim with dolphins around several islands, including Bimini and Andros.

Deep-sea fishing: With great catches on offer, the archipelago is renowned for deep-sea fishing, particularly around Bimini (where Ernest Hemingway lived), Exuma, Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama.

Watersports: Surfing, kite-surfing, and windsurfing are practiced in various parts of the archipelago. The Exumas, San Salvador, and Cat Island are the best-known spots.

Thalassotherapy and Wellness

As is common in tourist destinations with high-end or all-inclusive hotels, many of these establishments offer wellness services open to both guests and external visitors. There are also "spa-focused" stays available.

Outdoor and Sports Activities

Golf

Several courses are available on the main islands: two in Nassau and Grand Bahama, one in Paradise Island, Exuma, and Abaco. Each year, the Bahamas hosts various tournaments, some with international recognition.

Hiking

The Bahamas is not a destination for hikers; you can only take short walks along the beaches if you wish.

Cycling

Bikes can be rented in many tourist spots or hotels. Since the islands are often completely flat, cycling is easy. Bicycles are also a great way to get around most of the smaller islands.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding and trail riding are available on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Eleuthera.

Cultural Life and Activities

Nightlife and Going Out

In Freeport, Nassau, and other tourist spots in the Bahamas, there’s some nightlife around casinos (especially in Nassau and Paradise Island), bars, clubs, and karaoke venues.

For events, the Bahamas is a top destination during "spring breaks" (Easter holidays) for American youth, who come to let loose (it can get quite rowdy!) and take full advantage of the legal drinking age of 18 (compared to 21 in the U.S.). This mostly happens in Nassau and Grand Bahama, and it’s best to avoid this period if you’re not into that kind of atmosphere (and the prices that come with it).