🇧🇸Bahamas
700 islands of famously clear water, swimming pigs, and the closest Caribbean escape from the US East Coast.
Sign in to mark this country.
Capital
Nassau
Best time
December–April
Language
English
Currency
Bahamian dollar (pegged to USD)
The Bahamas spans over 700 islands and cays, but most visitors stick to Nassau and the resort beaches of Paradise Island — the real draw for those who venture further is the Out Islands' famously clear water, including Exuma's swimming pigs and the Caribbean's deepest blue holes.
🐷 Swimming pigs, Exuma
🏖️ Nassau & Paradise Island
🕳️ Dean's Blue Hole
🐠 Andros reef diving
Trip essentials
Budget: Budget: €60–90/day · Mid-range: €130–220/day · Luxury: €350+/day — among the pricier Caribbean destinations
Visa: Not required for US, UK, EU, Canadian, and most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.
Suggested days: 7 — 7 days balances Nassau with at least one Out Island. 3–4 days suits a Nassau-only resort trip; 10+ allows exploring multiple Out Islands properly.
Getting there: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau is the main gateway, with frequent flights from the US East Coast
Getting around: Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands; Nassau and Paradise Island are easily walkable or short taxi rides apart
Safety: Nassau's tourist areas are generally safe with normal city caution; the Out Islands are very relaxed
Tipping: 15% is standard and often added automatically to bills
Power plug: Type A/B, 120V
Tastes of Bahamas
Conch salad
Raw conch marinated in citrus with peppers and onion, the Bahamas' signature dish.
Cracked conch
Conch pounded thin, battered, and fried, served widely as a casual meal.
Johnnycake
A dense, slightly sweet cornbread, a staple side across the islands.
Guava duff
A rolled, boiled dough dessert filled with guava and topped with a rum sauce.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–2
Nassau & Paradise Island
Colonial sights, beaches, and resort life.
Days 3–5
Exuma
Swimming pigs, iguana beach, and the cays by boat.
🚗 Short domestic flight from Nassau
Days 6–7
Andros or a quieter Out Island
Reef diving or bonefishing away from the main tourist areas.
🚗 Short domestic flight from Nassau
FAQ
Do I need a visa for the Bahamas?
Not for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.
Is the Bahamas just Nassau?
No — Nassau is the busiest entry point, but the quieter Out Islands (Exuma, Andros, the Abacos) hold much of what makes the country distinctive.
How do I actually see the swimming pigs?
Day tours from Georgetown, Exuma's main town, are the standard way, usually combined with snorkeling stops at nearby cays.
Is the Bahamas expensive?
Yes, relative to much of the rest of the Caribbean — most food and goods are imported, which pushes prices up noticeably.