Best Things To Do In The Bahamas | Dream Island Escapes

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Swim with Pigs at Big Major Cay (Exuma Cays)
A true Bahamian icon, the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay splash happily in turquoise waters, greeting visitors with playful snorts and photo-perfect charm. Surrounded by coral islets and clear shallows, this once-secret stop has become a symbol of carefree island adventure.

Insider Tip: Bring veggies instead of bread - it’s healthier for the pigs.
Timing / Best Time: Visit mid-morning before tour crowds arrive.

Explore Nassau’s Old Town & Queen’s Staircase
Step back in time through Nassau’s pastel-hued streets, where colonial architecture meets rhythmic island life. The Queen’s Staircase, carved by enslaved hands in the 18th century, now leads to Fort Fincastle with panoramic harbor views - a moving blend of history and beauty.

Best Way: Join a guided walking tour for historical insights.
Good to Know: Early mornings are cooler and ideal for photography.

Dive the Andros Barrier Reef
Stretching more than 140 miles, the Andros Barrier Reef is the third largest in the world - a kaleidoscope of coral gardens, sea fans, and reef sharks. Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, it’s an underwater wonderland of color and calm.

Insider Tip: Stay in a local eco-lodge for easy reef access.
Timing / Best Time: March to June for peak visibility and calm seas.

Relax at Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island
Three miles of soft, rose-tinted sand kissed by turquoise waves - Pink Sands Beach is as photogenic as it is peaceful. Stroll barefoot, watch pastel sunsets, and savor barefoot luxury at boutique resorts.

Best Way: Rent a golf cart to explore the island at your own pace.
Good to Know: The unique pink hue comes from crushed coral shells.

Thunderball Grotto (Staniel Cay)
This hidden sea cave dazzles with beams of sunlight filtering through turquoise pools, famously featured in the James Bond film Thunderball. Snorkel through its chambers among vibrant fish and coral.

Insider Tip: Visit at low tide for easier entry.
Timing / Best Time: Late morning for the best underwater light.

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
More than a resort, Atlantis is an aquatic playground with world-class marine exhibits, thrilling water slides, and the Caribbean’s largest casino. Its striking design blends modern luxury with ocean-inspired architecture.

Best Way: Book a day pass to access Aquaventure and The Dig aquarium.
Good to Know: Weekdays are less crowded, especially in shoulder season.

Dean’s Blue Hole (Long Island)
Plunging 663 feet deep, this natural marvel is one of the world’s deepest blue holes - a serene mix of mystery and wonder. Divers descend into sapphire stillness, while swimmers admire the gradient from shallow turquoise to dark indigo.

Insider Tip: Visit in the morning when waters are calm.
Timing / Best Time: December to April for clear skies and visibility.

Unique Experiences

Junkanoo Festival in Nassau
A riot of rhythm, feathers, and color, Junkanoo fills Nassau’s streets every Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Locals parade to pulsating goat-skin drums and cowbells, celebrating Bahamian identity with unmatched energy.

How to Do It: Arrive early to secure roadside spots or book balcony viewing passes.

Conch Shell Cracking in Arawak Cay (“Fish Fry”)
Watch local chefs prepare conch salad with lime, onions, and peppers fresh from the shell. The ritual of cracking, cleaning, and mixing it by hand embodies Bahamian pride in simplicity and flavor.

Good to Know: Best enjoyed at sunset with a cold Kalik beer.

Swimming with Sharks at Compass Cay
Face your fears in shallow turquoise water as docile nurse sharks glide by, brushing gently against your legs. It’s both thrilling and peaceful - an unforgettable marine encounter.

Timing: Visit between 10am–2pm when sunlight brightens the water for photography.

Bahamian Cooking Class in Nassau
Learn to prepare authentic dishes like cracked conch, peas n’ rice, and guava duff in a friendly, family-style kitchen setting. You’ll gain local cooking tips and a true taste of island warmth.

How to Do It: Book through small group culinary tours or local guesthouses.

Traditional Rake ’n’ Scrape Music Night (Cat Island)
Hear the sound of saws, drums, and accordions played in joyous harmony - the Bahamian folk style known as Rake ’n’ Scrape. Locals gather to dance barefoot under the stars.

Good to Know: Friday nights are best, especially at community bars or festivals.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Stocking Island (near Exuma)
Just a short boat ride from George Town, this quiet island offers deserted beaches, blue holes, and local bars like the Chat ’n’ Chill, where stingrays glide to your feet. Perfect for those craving slow island days.

Getting There: Take a water taxi from George Town dock.
Timing: Late morning to afternoon for swimming and lunch.

Glass Window Bridge (Eleuthera)
Where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean in a breathtaking contrast of deep blue and aquamarine. This natural bridge offers dramatic photo ops and powerful ocean views.

Good to Know: Watch for strong waves during rough seas.
Timing: Visit mid-morning for clear light and safety.

The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia (Cat Island)
Perched atop the Bahamas’ highest point (206 feet), this hand-built stone monastery exudes quiet spirituality and panoramic island views.

Getting There: A short but steep hike from the base trail.
Good to Know: Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for the climb.

Green Turtle Cay (Abaco Islands)
A quaint colonial village with cobblestone lanes, pastel cottages, and a warm community spirit. Perfect for travelers seeking charm over crowds.

Timing: Visit during spring for local regattas and calm seas.

Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden (Green Turtle Cay)
Hidden among lush gardens, this touching tribute honors the settlers who shaped Bahamian heritage. It’s peaceful, educational, and deeply local.

Good to Know: Great pairing with a heritage walking tour.

Inagua National Park
Home to the Caribbean’s largest flamingo colony, this southern island sanctuary offers pristine wetlands, salt ponds, and surreal wildlife encounters far from tourist routes.

Getting There: Daily flights from Nassau to Matthew Town.
Timing: December–April for dry weather and active birdlife.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

Visit the Pirate Museum in Nassau
Step into the 18th-century world of swashbuckling buccaneers through life-size exhibits, ship replicas, and sound effects. It’s theatrical fun with a slice of real history.

Why Go: Great for families and history buffs alike.
Good to Know: Perfect rainy-day activity.

Plane Wreck Diving off Norman’s Cay
Explore the submerged remains of a smuggler’s plane, now a coral-encrusted reef teeming with marine life. Once tied to the 1980s drug trade, it’s now a hauntingly beautiful dive site.

Why Go: Combines history, adventure, and marine photography in one.

See the Pink Flamingos at Lake Rosa (Inagua)
Thousands of flamingos create a surreal pink haze over the shallow salt flats, a scene of rare natural beauty.

Good to Know: Mornings are best for calm reflections and photos.

Sip Sip Sundays on Harbour Island
A local institution where visitors and residents gather for laid-back music, beach cocktails, and laughter as the sun dips below the horizon.

Why Go: It’s pure Bahamian joy - social, spontaneous, and unfiltered.

Suggested Activities by Region / City

Nassau

• Visit the Straw Market for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Insider Tip: Bargain politely - it’s part of the fun.

• Tour Fort Charlotte’s dungeons and tunnels.
Best Way: Join a combo cultural tour to include the forts and heritage sites.

• Sample Bahamian rum at John Watling’s Distillery.
Good to Know: Free tastings and a great history lesson.

Exuma Cays

• Snorkel in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Insider Tip: Bring your own gear for flexibility.

• Kayak through mangrove channels around Moriah Harbour.
Best Way: Early mornings offer calm conditions and wildlife sightings.

• Visit the sandbars at Pipe Creek.
Good to Know: Only visible at low tide - check with locals beforehand.

Harbour Island

• Lounge at Pink Sands Beach.
Insider Tip: Sunrise walks are especially peaceful.

• Stroll through Dunmore Town’s pastel streets.
Best Way: Rent a golf cart to explore easily.

• Enjoy a beachside lunch at Sip Sip.
Good to Know: Reservations are essential during high season.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Do’s / Recommended Activities:

• Scuba diving the blue holes and coral walls of Andros.
Tip: Go with certified dive operators for safe descents.

• Kayaking through Lucayan National Park’s mangroves.
Good to Know: Tides affect accessibility - check schedules.

• Kiteboarding off Eleuthera’s windy coast.
Tip: Best winds between December and April.

• Deep-sea fishing for marlin and tuna.
Good to Know: Licenses are required; charters usually include them.

Cultural & Food Experiences

Do’s / Recommended Experiences:

• Attend a local Rake ’n’ Scrape dance night.
Tip: Ask locals - these gatherings are often spontaneous.

• Join a conch salad-making demo at Fish Fry.
Good to Know: Use fresh lime and orange juice for authentic flavor.

• Taste Bahamian rum cake at a local bakery.
Tip: Pair with Bahama Mama cocktails for a true island treat.

• Visit a straw-weaving workshop in Nassau.
Good to Know: Crafts make perfect sustainable souvenirs.