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The Islands Travel Guide

Print our full travel guide to Bahamas

The Islands

Sunrise, Emerald Palms, Andros © Bahamas Tourism
With a subtropical climate, pristine beaches and top-class tourism infrastructure, it is no surprise that the islands and cays of the Bahamas archipelago are some of the world's top tourist destinations. Each island has its own charm and beauty, attracting thousands of visitors each year and offering something for everyone. Andros Island is not only the biggest of the islands, but also boasts the third biggest reef in the world, and is thus a haven for snorkellers and divers. New Providence Island is a bustling hub of activity, with plenty of sights, sounds and activities for the visitor to enjoy. New Providence also provides easy ferry and car access to the resorts at neighbouring Paradise Island, as well as the fun and festivity of the nation's capital, Nassau. North and South Bimini are the closest islands to the US and draw serious fishermen seeking the catch of a lifetime. Named after the Greek word for freedom by English pilgrims seeking religious autonomy, Eleuthera Island, east of Andros, has long been a popular escape, with plenty to explore and enjoy. The rest of the islands all have something to reel in the visitor and sunseekers, fishermen, sailors and watersports enthusiasts flock to these islands time and again to experience the magic of the Bahamas.




Attractions

Ocean Beach, Treasure Cay © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Abacos Islands

The chain of tiny Abacos islands stretch for 200 miles (322km) and form the most northerly part of the Bahamas nation. Located only 200 miles (322km) from Miami they are a popular holiday destination, and therefore fairly well developed for tourism. The two main...  see full details



Andros Blue Hole © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Andros Island

Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and is a favourite for scuba divers and fishermen. The island is undeveloped, the atmosphere is very casual and hotels tend to be small and unpretentious. Much of the island is covered with palm savannas, primeval...  see full details



Bimini Bay © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Bimini Islands

The Bimini group is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and spans an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island, North Bimini (or simply 'Bimini') is barely seven miles long (11km) and no more than 1,200ft (366m)...  see full details



Bottlenose dolphin © Mark Interrante

Dolphin Encounters

For all animal lovers this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Visitors will get the chance to swim with the bottlenose dolphins, get a kiss, or just watch from the side. ...  see full details



Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Eleuthera Island

You are never far from the beach on the most popular of the Bahama's Out Islands, Eleuthera, which stretches for almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide. Eleuthera, and especially its satellite island, Harbour Island, just a short water-taxi...  see full details



The Exumas

Exumas Islands

The Exumas encompass a myriad of islands and cays that stretch for hundreds of miles. The largest, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, are home to the small community of several hundred island inhabitants, who farm the land and welcome tourists. Visitors usually arrive by...  see full details



Grand Bahama © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

Fifty miles (80km) east of Miami, Grand Bahama is an idyllic island of white beaches and aquamarine seas beneath which the coral reefs teem with life. Most visitors stay in Freeport, a few miles inland, or at the seaside suburb of Lucaya on...  see full details



Half Moon Cay Bahamas © Holland America Line

Half Moon Cay

The resort is a private paradise, reserved for passengers who are tendered ashore to the pier from Holland America Line's cruise ships, and those who have paid for the pleasure will not be disappointed. Half Moon Cay (pronounced 'Key') is an island about 100...  see full details



Deans Blue Hole Long Island © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Long Island

One of the main events on the Bahamas yachting calendar is the Long Island Regatta, which takes place in the town of Salt Pond each May, drawing visitors from all around the world to one of the most beautiful and unspoilt islands of...  see full details



Bay Street, Nassau © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Nassau

Nassau, the nation's capital on New Providence Island, is a colonial Caribbean city with a distinctly modern American flavour. It is a mixture of first-world facilities and romantic old-world charm. In downtown Nassau many buildings date back to the 18th century, including the ancient...  see full details



Atlantis, Paradise Island © adobemac

Paradise Island

Connected to New Providence Island by a bridge, Paradise Island is one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas. It offers a variety of beaches to suit a range of tastes. Most of the island's hotels and resorts are along Cable Beach,...  see full details



Horse riding © Wildcat Dunny

Pinetree Stables

This fantastic activity is a must for the whole family. Pinetree Stables takes people on a 2-hour outride from Freeport on the top of the island, through an endangered Pine Tree forest, past a castle, and eventually over the dunes and onto the...  see full details



Events

Fish and chips © f10n4

Fish Fry Fridays

Grand Bahama Island is home to the B.T.V.I. Eatery, which indulges visitors' taste buds with its weekly Fish Fry Fridays. Local culinary delights include the obvious fried fish, as well as conch fritters, potato bread and guava duff. Combined with the ambient Caribbean atmosphere,...  see full details



Bahamas full moon © Ben Alford

Croon to the Moon

Croon to the Moon is a celebration held on each Sunday nearest the full moon (hence the name) and features bonfires, live music, karaoke, cocktails and some fine local cuisine. Crab races are arranged to keep kids entertained; Croon at the Moon is...  see full details