Looking to chill underneath blue skies and scorching sun? This diamond of the Caribbean offers year round sun and a beach paradise for you relax in.
Just a note from us: the main jollies we sell to The Bahamas are on the island of Nassau, where you will find some amazing hotels and tons of things to do.
Destination highlights
Sunshine in winter
The bluest sea you'll ever see
Laidback, beachy lifestyle
Diverse islands
What are the best beaches in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas isn’t just one island - it’s 700! And let's be real - when it comes to beach breaks, nowhere can compete with holidays to the Caribbean. So, it’s safe to say that you’ll be spoilt for choice where beaches are concerned. Plus, there are quite a few giggle-worthy names in there. Here are our favourites:
Love Beach – a fittingly named beach for romantic strolls and lazing in hammocks.
Junkanoo Beach – or as the locals call it - Spring Break Beach - which is enough to tell you what the party vibe is like here.
Cable Beach – with soft white sands and vivid blue waters, this one's plucked straight from a postcard.
Arawak Beach – clear and shallow waters make this an ideal spot for families and snorkellers.
Cabbage Beach – nope, there's no leafy veg in sight, but there are plenty of watersports - all within easy reach of the capital.
Jaws Beach – a piece of movie history, but it's totally safe to swim - promise!
What are the top hotels in The Bahamas?
Holidays to The Bahamas are as much about luxury as they are about fun in the sun, with loads of resorts located right on the beachfront, and a ton of great all-inclusives. There are plenty of options for more relaxing breaks by the sea, too. Here are our top picks of both:
Margaritaville Resort - the perfect five-star choice for family holidays to The Bahamas, complete with a waterpark and beachside access
Riu Paradise Island - experience the high-life at this luxury adults-only resort, just steps away from the Caribbean Sea
The Cove At Atlantis - like to have everything on your doorstep? That's exactly what you'll find at Atlantis, with four pools, two beaches, a variety of restaurants and fab evening entertainment
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort - an adults-only resort with everything you need for a romantic, relaxing getaway - also equipped with accessible rooms and beach wheelchair use
The Island House - ideal for those who like things off the beaten track, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and its own arthouse cinema
From December through April, the Bahamas isn’t just setting the bar – it IS the bar! Bahamas weather plays it uber-cool, with temperatures not just walking but swaggering between 21°C and 26°C. This is when the sun is shining, the beaches are beckoning, and your flip-flops become your best mates. Perfect for sipping on that piña colada on your Bahamas holidays, wouldn’t you say?
But wait, there's more! May through November? The Bahamas goes, "Let’s stir the pot!" We're talking a bit of rain and tropical vibes, with temperatures smoothly gliding between 24°C and 31°C. Yeah, there might be a shower here or there, but it's like the Bahamas’ way of saying, "Chill out in a cabana for a bit!" And between us? That’s not a bad deal.
In a nutshell, the vibe of the weather in the Bahamas is like that chart-topping summer hit that's always on repeat, it is that me espresso. Whether you're diving into those blue holes or just lazing on the powdery sands of Harbour Island, the Bahamas knows how to set the rhythm. So, sunnies on, worries off, m'kay?
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to The Bahamas?
It takes about nine and a half hours to fly to The Bahamas from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and The Bahamas?
The Bahamas are five hours behind the time in the UK.
What currency do they use in The Bahamas?
The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar.
If swimming with dolphins isn’t your thing, how about swimming with pigs? Big Major Cay in The Bahamas is the only place in the world where you can take a dip in the sea with friendly piglets - now there's something to tick off the bucket list!
Go scavenging
Making history fun might seem like a hard sell, but the Nassau Native Quest hits the sweet spot. You’ll compete on a downtown scavenger hunt, with friendly local hosts testing your skills. The quest ends with tasty island treats at a beachside celebration.
Lose yourself in nature
Take a calming break from the beach heat on your Bahamas holiday and visit the Garden of the Groves. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise where you’ll see native flora and wildlife living freely amongst the waterfalls. Tour guides can help you spot unusual birds and turtles, and if it really ticks your boxes, you can even get married there!
Shop it, pop it, lock it, polka dot it
Port Lucaya Marketplace combines two of the best holiday activities — shopping and dancing! By day this colourful Freeport market is full of artsy boutiques and food stalls, whilst by night it's all about live music and DJs bringing the party.
Admire the view
Even cheap holidays to the Bahamas can be full of natural wonders. Take awe-inspiring holiday snaps at Glass Window Bridge - a narrow break between the wild Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Extra, extra, rum all about it
No holiday to the Bahamas is complete without sampling some of the local rum. The John Watling's Distillery in Nassau is the best way to learn about the history and process of making that Bahamian rum you've been sipping poolside all week, and better yet, you get a cheeky lil' tasting of some signature room after your tour.
What events can I go to in The Bahamas?
Junkanoo isn’t just the name of a beach, it’s also a special type of Caribbean carnival. You’ll catch mini-junkanoos throughout the year, so keep an eye out when planning your 2024 holiday to The Bahamas.
New Year’s Day (January) - one of the year’s most extravagant junkanoos, showing off the event’s African heritage with costumes and music
RumBahamas Festival (February) - we aren't saying you can't drink rum to your hearts delight year-round, but this festival is a 3 day event with tastings, cooking demos, live music and a tonne of cultural celebrations.
Bacardi Billfish Tournament (March–June) - keen anglers and deep-sea fishers can join in four competitions at different locations around the island
Bahamas Family Island Regatta(April) - an impressive array of sailboats race around the Elizabeth Harbour
Eleuthera Pineapple Festival (June) - another junkanoo, this time celebrating the juicy yellow fruit! Take part in pineapple eating contests and farm tours across the islands
Independence Day (July) - a celebration of the Bahamas independence from the UK complete with fireworks and parades - join in the festivities under the summer sun.
Emancipation Day (August) - Bahamians celebrate this historical date with junkanoos beginning as early as 4am, cook-outs, and unusual customs - like climbing a greased pole!
Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival (October) - learn more about the islanders’ traditions with storytelling performances and fresh fish
Guy Fawkes Day (November) - the bonfire traditions we know and love, but kicked up a notch with Bahamian flavours
Boxing Day (December) - the last Junkanoo of the year, celebrated across the island with huge colourful parades
Where's the best nightlife in The Bahamas?
Music that makes your body move, friendly service and fresh fruit cocktails are all on the menu once the sun goes down. Check out the best nightlife hotspots across the islands to hit-up on your holidays to the Bahamas:
Bahama Boom Beach Club, Nassau - considered one of the nation’s best, this club has a large dancefloor and a different theme each night
Tiki Bikini Hut, Junkanoo Beach - the place to be as the beach goes from daytime paradise to party central, with local musicians bringing the beats
Rum Runners, Freeport - a totally stylish cocktail bar with live music. Top tip: Ask for a Bahama Mama cocktail before you get too tipsy to say it!
Atlantis Casino, Paradise Island - this flashy location welcomes spenders big and small, with drinks and the latest slots
Arawak Cay, Nassau - this lively beach area is most popular with locals, making it an ideal place to meet Bahamians over fish fry and dancing
Skybar at SLS Baha Mar, Nassau - this boujee rooftop bar is a must visit complete with stun views of Cable Beach and delish cocktails to sip on while the sunsets, this is a popular spot, so make sure you make a reservation!
What’s the food like in The Bahamas?
Holidays to The Bahamas are a real treat for foodies. In Caribbean cuisine, local ingredients are key, so you’ll find lots of seafood, tropical fruits, and of course - rum! Keep your eyes peeled for these specialities:
Cracked conch - a seafood dish made with the meat from the iconic swirly-shelled conch, coated in breadcrumbs and fried
Souse - a hearty stew that’s served at any time, combining root veg and various meats
Pigeon peas and rice - the Bahamian take on a Caribbean classic
Old Sour - a tangy lime and chilli sauce, often served alongside fish
Guava duff - the lush tropical fruit is folded into pastry, baked, and topped with rum custard
Beach holidays in the Bahamas come complete with the finest in-resort dining, but if you fancy looking further afield, try these local favourites:
Bahamian Cookin' Restaurant & Bar, Nassau - a fun and friendly place to try the best traditional dishes close to the shore
Crabs and Ting, Junkanoo Beach - home to the freshest coconuts and seafood right on the sands
Viola's Bar & Grill, Paradise Island - a welcoming spot for families, serving all your Caribbean favourites
Eat Right Delights, Nassau - if seafood’s not your thing, this takeaway counter has the best plant-based Bahamian cuisine
Graycliff Restaurant, Nassau - for all the fine-diners among you, this spot located in a downtown mansion is a treasure trove of goodies, we're talking a wine cellar with over 250,000 different bottles and renowned chocolate desserts - what an iconic combo!
Places to visit
Thunderball Grotto
If you're all about swimming, snorkelling, diving, all that jazz, then deffo make sure you've got this hot-spot on your radar, the director of James Bond film, Thunderball certainly did. A network of underwater caves with light glistening through the opening above, you can explore the marine life of these stunning caves. Don't worry you'll have a guide taking you through the narrow paths and if you're lucky you might even find some of the secret entrances which send even the most avid divers feral with excitement. If you've got your sea legs firmly strapped on then make sure you get this one on your to do list.
Lucayan National Park
If you're more about keeping your feet firmly on the ground, then you might wanna make the trip to the Lucayan National Park during your holiday to the Bahamas. Filled with boardwalks and lush hiking trails across the whole 40-acres, this ecosystem of gorgeousness is yours to peruse. Don't worry though swimmers, there are two caves to explore and you can even get a permit to dive if you're feeling adventurous. Rather just kick back on the beach with some snacks? Well you can do that here too, there really is something for everyone, we reckon you should make a day of it.
Stuart's Cove
Let's take you back to the waves at this hot spot where all swimmers from beginners to vets can enjoy scuba diving. We're talking lessons to get the basics, snorkelling to see things from near the surface and even Snuba diving... not a typo, this is a perfect activity for the whole fam with surface supplied air for an easy adventure under the sea. But what Stuart's Cove is probs most well known for is it's shark diving experience, more for the thrill seekers among you, you can take a trip down below and watch the Caribbean Reef Sharks be fed. A true sight to behold and we're sure you'll tell us all about it when you get back, we'll stick to our tipples and tan time.
Key facts about The Bahamas
Flight time
9.5 hrs
Time Difference
-5 hrs
Currency
Bahamian Dollar
Language
Bahamian English
Do I need any vaccinations to visit the Bahamas?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to the Bahamas?
