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Bahamas
Discover The Bahamas
With more than 700 islands and cays stretching across crystal clear turquoise waters, The Bahamas is one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking destinations. While famous for world class diving and pristine beaches, there’s much more to discover, from charming colonial towns and secluded pink sand beaches to swimming pigs, blue holes and untouched national parks. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable resort getaway, an island hopping adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime liveaboard (dive or charter) experience, The Bahamas offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and authentic island culture.
Top Islands & Places to Explore
Nassau & Paradise Island
The vibrant capital of The Bahamas is the gateway to the islands and home to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). Explore colorful Bay Street, enjoy waterfront dining at Arawak Cay or spend the day at Atlantis Resort with its famous waterpark, aquarium, casino and marina.
A former British Colony, historic sites are evidence of its former ruler. During the 18th century, three forts were built to protect the islands against Spanish and French military. Overlooking Nassau Harbour from west to east, Fort Charlotte was built in 1788 and is the largest. Fort Fincastle, temporarily closed, was built atop Bennet’s Hill in 1793. Fort Montagu, built in 1744, is the oldest. Fort Charlotte – guided tours are offered for tips. Fort Montagu offers daily tours. Directly south of Fort Montagu is the Queen’s Staircase. Nearby, discover the Pirates of Nassau Museum.
Exuma Cays
Stretching across more than 100 islands and cays, the Exuma Cays are famous for impossibly clear water, secluded anchorages, swimming pigs, nurse sharks residing on the ocean floor, hidden sandbars, Thunderball Grotto and the protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, one of the world’s oldest marine parks. Whether by boat, dive liveaboard or private charter, the Exuma Cays showcase the postcard-perfect beauty The Bahamas is known for.
South Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Located in the east central Bahamas, South Eleuthera stretches 100 miles (160 km) long from north to south. It is known for its quiet settlements with architecture dating back to the late 1700s, secluded white sand beaches, dramatic coastal scenery and easy access to some of the best reefs and walls for diving in The Bahamas. Its crystal clear waters, healthy coral reefs and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite destination for divers and island explorers alike. Just to its north, Harbour Island offers a charming colonial village, boutique hotel, and the world famous Pink Sand Beach, making it an exceptional day trip or overnight escape.
Andros Island
While the largest island in The Bahamas, it remains one of its least developed. Located in west central Bahamas, it is adjacent to a trough on the ocean floor that is more than a mile deep – 6,000 ft (1,828 m).
Andros is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Bahamian experience. The Andros Park System with has the largest protected area makes this possible within its five parks: Blue Holes National Park, Crab Replenishment Reserve, North and South Marine Parks and the West Side National Park. Pristine West Side National Park occupies the west side of the island and draws visitors from around the globe for kayaking, diving, snorkeling, hiking, birdwatching and fishing (license required) on shallow water sand flats.
Andros is home to the world’s third largest barrier reef at 190 miles (306 km), hundreds of nearby blue holes, vast mangrove forests and outstanding bonefishing. Those interested in a souvenir may seek out handmade fabrics in tropical hues by Androsia Batik.
Cat Island
Quiet and authentic, Cat Island features rolling hills, untouched beaches and the historic, medieval-style Hermitage on Mount Alvernia (Como Hill), the highest point in The Bahamas. It was built by hand in 1939 by Father Jerome. The actor Sir Sidney Poitier was born here.
Situated in southeast Bahamas, this quiet unspoiled gem is great for fishing. Divers, the north shore has exceptional reefs, white the south shore has massive coral heads, vertical walls, caves and coral canyons.
Long Island
Just like its name implies, the island extends for over 80 miles (128 km) in the southern Bahamas. The eastern side is popular for fishing, boating and diving, while the western shore is known for its stunning secluded white sand beaches. It is reputed for its rocky cliffs, panoramic vistas, picturesque settlements that showcase traditional Bahamian life and Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the deepest known blue holes in the world. Divers can discover plentiful shallow reefs, some a bit deeper and a wreck.
San Salvador
One of the southeasternmost islands, at 12 miles (19 km) long by 5 miles (8 km) wide, it is relatively small. It is known for its amazing wall diving, friendly people coastal scenery, snorkeling and spectacular beaches. Believed by many historians to be point of Christopher Columbus’ first landing site, marked by a white cross, in the Americas during his discovery of the New World.
Wildlife, Nature & Landscapes
The Bahamas is a natural wonder defined by limestone islands, sand beaches, brilliant turquoise seas. The surrounding waters, some with shallow banks, support vibrant coral ecosystems that are home to sea turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, eagle rays, nurse sharks, groupers and hundreds of tropical fish species.
Above the water, visitors may encounter Bahamian rock iguanas, flamingoes, ospreys, herons and migratory birds across the island archipelago. While diving and snorkeling, sea turtles are commonly seen. Mangrove forests, popular for kayaking, and protected marine parks provide important habitat and nursery grounds for countless marine species.
From underwater blue holes and thriving coral reefs to untouched cays and protected national parks, The Bahamas offers extraordinary biodiversity both above and below the surface.
History, Culture & Heritage
The Bahamas has a rich history shaped by the Lucayan people, European exploration, loyalist settlers, piracy and African heritage. Nassau was once known as the pirate capital of the Caribbean, with legendary figures like Blackbeard calling its harbor home.
Today, Bahamian culture reflects a vibrant blend of African, British and Caribbean influences. Visitors will experience colorful Junkanoo festivals, warm island hospitality, handcrafted straw work, local music and a laid back lifestyle centered around the sea.
Historic forts, colonial architecture, charming settlements and family islands each tell a unique story of The Bahamas’ rich cultural heritage.
Know Before You Go
Official Language: English along with Queen’s English, Bahamian Creole and Haitian Creole.
Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD), equal in value to the U.S. Dollar. U.S. dollars are accepted throughout the islands. Credit cards are accepted on major islands and ATMs can be found at most banks on the smaller islands.
Capital: Nassau on the island of New Providence
Time Zone: Eastern Time (GMT -5 / GMT -4 during Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity: 120V, 60Hz using the same outlets found in the United States
Driving: Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.
Tipping: A gratuity of 15 to 20 percent is customary unless already included.
Entry Requirements: Most visitors from the United States and Canada only require a valid passport. Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality. Customs and immigration offices are at major airports and docks:
Grand Bahamas, Andros, Berry Island (Great Harbour Cay), Bimini, Cat Island, Chubb Cay (Berry Island), Eleuthera (Governor’s Harbour), Exuma, Inagua, Long Island, San Salvador
Food & Local Flavors
Fresh seafood is at the heart of Bahamian cuisine. Conch is considered the national delicacy and is enjoyed in many forms including fresh conch salad, cracked conch, conch chowder, steamed conch and conch fritters.
Other local favorites include grilled lobster during season, grouper, snapper, baked macaroni and cheese, peas and rice, johnnycakes, Bahamian stew fish, and for dessert guava duff (fruit in dough) and coconut tarts. Tropical fruits such as mangoes, coconuts, pineapples and guavas are abundant throughout the islands.
For an authentic taste of The Bahamas, visit Nassau’s famous Fish Fry at Arawak Cay where locally owned restaurants serve traditional dishes in a lively waterfront setting.
How to Get There
Most international travelers arrive through Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, which offers nonstop service from dozens of cities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.
Additional international airports can be found on Great Exuma, North Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Abaco and San Salvador, making it easy to explore multiple islands during a single vacation.
Andros Town Airport (ASD) and San Andros Airport (SAQ) are the main airports with flights and ferry service (3 hours) from Nassau.
Cat Island is served by – Arthur’s Town Airport (ATC) and New Bight Airport (TBI) with flights from Nassau.
North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) and Governor’s Harbour (GHB) offer international and domestic service, while Rock Sound Airport (RSD) has domestic flights. Eleuthera has daily ferry service from Nassau to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, two neighboring islands. The ferry ride is approximately 2-3 hours depending on itinerary.
On Eleuthra, taxis or rental cars are modes of transportation unless you have bicycle or golf cart.
Exuma Cay’s Georgetown International Airport (GTT) has international and domestic flights plus approximately 10 landing strips that cater to private planes or charters.
Locally, get around can by rental car, scooter, bicycle or taxi.
Long Island is served by domestic service from Nassau at Stella Maris Airport (SML) and Deadman’s Cay (LGI). Taxis or rental cards allow visitors to travel the island.
San Salvador International airport (ZSA) has air international, and domestic air service via Nassau. Island transportation is scooters and rental cars
Whether you’re staying at a luxury resort, embarking on an island hopping adventure, or boarding an All Star Adventures week-long charter or dive liveaboard, Nassau serves as the ideal gateway to The Bahamas.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The Bahamas enjoys warm tropical weather throughout the year.
Winter (December to February)
Pleasant temperatures between 70 and 78°F (21 to 26°C), low humidity, excellent diving visibility, and peak travel season make winter one of the most popular times to visit.
Spring (March to May)
Warm sunny days, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing and exploring the islands.
Summer (June to August)
Hotter temperatures BUT WITH AN OCEAN BREEZE? between 80 and 90°F (27 to 32°C) combine with warm ocean water and occasional afternoon showers, making summer perfect for enjoying life on and in the water.
Fall (September to November)
Often considered one of the best times to visit, fall offers fewer crowds, comfortable air temperatures, and warm ocean water that remains ideal for diving and snorkeling. Visitors should keep in mind that this period also falls within the Atlantic hurricane season, bringing the possibility of tropical weather systems.
Water temperatures typically range from approximately 74°F (23°C) during the winter to 86°F (30°C) in late summer, making The Bahamas a year-round destination for water lovers.
Experience The Bahamas with All Star Adventures
Whether you’re relaxing on a white sand beach, exploring Nassau’s rich history, discovering secluded islands, like the Exuma Cays, or diving among vibrant coral reefs, The Bahamas offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
From luxury resorts and private island escapes to world-class liveaboard adventures, All Star Adventures can help you experience the very best of The Bahamas, above and below the water line.
Adventures
All Star Aqua Cat
From $2,895 per person
- A 7-night luxury diving liveaboard
- 26 dives with 4 night dives
- An optional full boat charter in the Exuma Cays for a week for up to 30 people with captain and crew
- Shore excursions and eco adventures
All Star Blackbeard’s
From $1,195 per person
- Camping-on-water – bunks with AC and privacy curtains
- 19 dives with night dives and shark dives
- Eco adventures: snorkel, fish, feed iguanas