Experience The Bahamas

May 9, 2023

Experience The Bahamas, Popular Destinations

The Bahamas

The Bahamas is comprised of 700 islands sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean starting just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The archipelago is an ecological oasis featuring 2,000 breathtaking islands and cays and boasts the clearest water on the planet—with a visibility of over 200 feet. You can see your toes as easily as you can the world’s third largest barrier reef.

We invite you to explore all of our islands. One step and you’ll realize our beauty extends far beyond our extraordinary natural wonders. It’s the smiles on the faces of the Bahamian people. The unique sounds of our rich culture. The warm hospitality of our heritage and our colorful history.

Quick Facts U.S. travelers

Is a Passport Needed?
Valid passport needed for entry.
Language Spoken?
English
What is the official currency?
Bahamian dollar (American dollars are widely accepted)
What is the Climate?
Average year-round temperatures range from 70-80° F

The Bahamas Is Home to Beautiful Blue Waters, Luxury Resorts, and Private Islands .

Paradise is closer than you think. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, better known simply as the Bahamas, is a chain of islands spread out over 500 miles in the Atlantic Ocean.

Tropical and laid-back, these Caribbean islands are a favorite for vacationers because they’re easy to reach yet provide an experience far removed from the ordinary, thanks to turquoise waters, warm, salty breezes, and plenty of opportunities to learn how to enjoy life to the fullest from the locals.

Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is located just 70 nautical miles off the east coast of Florida, and many Floridians boat there on a regular basis. For everyone else, however, it’s just a quick flight away.

Plan a trip to the Bahamas for your next getaway and you’ll see that you don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve landed in paradise.

Best Time to Visit the Bahamas
The best time to visit the Bahamas depends your goals. Peak season here lasts from mid-December to mid-April, when the weather is at its most glorious. However, this is also when crowds descend on the islands, so you’ll have to contend with higher prices and other tourists.

It never gets much colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the Bahamas, so there’s never a bad time to visit if you’re worried about winter, but keep in mind the Atlantic hurricane season stretches from June to November. Traveling during hurricane season doesn’t guarantee a storm will disrupt your trip, but it’s worth considering as you book.

The summer months are also rainy, so you may get wet, but there will be fewer crowds and more affordable rates. Tourist numbers dip lowest in September and October, so plan a trip during these months if you want to visit the Bahamas when crowds are at their thinnest.

Best Things to Do in the Bahamas
If you’re traveling to the Bahamas, you likely want to visit the beach. Luckily, all the islands in the Bahamas have beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Other popular pastimes include boating (you can book a day trip or charter a private boat with a captain), visiting private islands, and diving and snorkeling. If it’s an activity in or on the water, you can (and should) probably do it in the Bahamas. The water here is clear, warm, and beautiful — not to mention filled with sea life.

So much to see. So Much to do. Experience The Bahamas Today!

One of the most popular things to do in the Bahamas is visit the Atlantis, a resort located on Paradise Island in Nassau. Many flights stop in Nassau, and there’s a lot to do whether or not you stay on the property, making it a convenient destination.

Plus, you don’t have to be a guest to purchase a day pass to the thrilling 141-acre Aquaventure water park. There’s also a casino, golf course, and multiple restaurants to enjoy.

Other draws in Nassau are the Versailles Gardens, Bahama Barrels winery, tours of John Watling’s Distillery, and learning to make your own chocolates at Graycliff Chocolatier.

Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island is another favorite, though most people only visit this island if they’re stopping here on a cruise. You can kayak through mangroves or simply stroll around. If you’re in Nassau, Clifton Heritage National Park is great spot to snorkel because there are underwater statues.

How to Get to the Bahamas

Because the islands of The Bahamas are so spread out, it can be challenging to work out how to get to the Bahamas and also work out ways of getting around The Bahamas.

There are many direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to the various islands in The Bahamas, so our guide will also be a great help in working out how to get from Florida to the Bahamas.

It is also important to note that Nassau is the real hub for The Bahamas and most flights to the outer islands connect through Nassau and not with each other.

Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is also the main hub for welcoming international flights to the Bahamas. The main International Airlines operating into Nassau include:

GETTING TO NEW PROVIDENCE AND PARADISE ISLANDS (NASSAU)

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is the main gateway of the Bahamas for most international flights into the region. The main airport is located 10 miles from downtown Nassau and close to all the main attractions on New Providence and Paradise Island.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Chicago to Nassau (NAS) with United Airlines
London to Nassau (NAS) with British Airways
Cayman Islands to Nassau (NAS) with British Airways
Toronto to Nassau (NAS) with Westjet
Toronto to Nassau (NAS) with Air Canada
Toronto to Nassau (NAS) with Sunwing
Ottawa to Nassau (NAS) with Air Canada
Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (NAS) with Southwest airlines
Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (NAS) with Bahamasair
Fort Lauderdale to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
New York (JFK) to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
Boston to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
Orlando to Nassau (NAS) with Jet Blue
Orlando to Nassau (NAS) with Bahamasair
Miami to Nassau (NAS) with Bahamasair
Miami to Nassau (NAS) with American Airlines
Houston to Nassau (NAS) with United Airlines
Newark to Nassau (NAS) with United Airlines
Providenciales Turks and Caicos to Nassau (NAS) with Inter Caribbean Air
New York to Nassau (NAS) with Delta Airlines
Atlanta to Nassau (NAS) with Delta Airlines
Kingston Jamaica to Nassau (NAS) with Caribbean Airlines
Philadelphia to Nassau (NAS) with American Airlines
Charlotte to Nassau (NAS) with American Airlines
Tampa to Nassau (NAS) with Silver Airlines
Panama City to Nassau (NAS) with Copa Airlines

GETTING TO GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

Grand Bahama airport is one of the largest airports in The Bahamas. It is beside the town of Freeport. The airport is about 6 minutes from Freeport. It welcomes international flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale as well as domestic flights from Nassau. The main international carriers servicing Grand Bahama are:

American Airlines
Midwest Airlines
Silver Airways
Bahamasair

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Miami to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with American Airlines
Miami to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Midwest Airlines
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Silver Airways
Lauderdale (FLL) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Bahamasair

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Nassau (NAS) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Western Air
Nassau (NAS) to Freeport Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
Nassau (NAS) to Freeport (FPO) with Bahamasair
South Bimini (BIM) to Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
Governors Harbour Airport (GHB) to Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air
Marsh Harbour (MHH) to Grand Bahama Island (FPO) with Flamingo Air

GETTING TO GRAND BAHAMA BY BOAT

It is possible to take a ferry boat from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades to Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island with Ferry operator Balearia Bahamas Express. It is an express service and operates during the day. It is also possible to take an overnight ferry from West Palm Beach in Florida to Grand Bahama Island with Paradise Cruise Lines. They operate a more traditional cruise ship experience.

GETTING TO THE ABACOS

The Abacos have two main airports Marsh Island Airport and Treasure Cay Airport. Marsh island Airport has both international and domestic arrivals and departures. The airport is known as the Leonard M Thompson International Airport. It is the second largest airport in The Bahamas. The only airport that is larger is Lynde Pindling International Airport. A new airport terminal opened in 2014 and as a result, it is a lovely airport to fly in and out.

Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) is one of the smallest airports in The Bahamas welcoming international flights. There are services from Fort Lauderdale and Miami as well as a domestic service from Nassau. It is also possible to fly from Treasure Cay to Marsh Harbour. The terminal building is tiny with one arrival and one departures hall!

The main international carriers include:

Silver Airways
Jet Blue Airways
United Airlines
Gama Aviation
Delta Air Lines

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airlines
Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Gama Aviation
Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airways
Tampa to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
Atlanta to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Delta Air Lines
Atlanta to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Gama Aviation
West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Bahamasair
West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airlines
West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
Miami to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with American Airlines
Orlando to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with United Airlines
Orlando to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Silver Airways
Orlando to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Jet Blue Airways
St Maarten to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Executive Jet Management
Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with Bahamas Air
Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with Silver Airways
Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with Jet Blue
Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) with United Airlines

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Nassau (NAS) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Western Air
Nassau (NAS) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Bahamasair
Nassau (NAS) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Sky Bahamas
Nassau (NAS) to Treasure Cay (TCB) with Bahamas Air
Treasure Cay to Marsh Harbour (MHH) with Bahamasair
Grand Bahama Island (FPO) to Marsh Harbour (MHH) to with Flamingo Air

GETTING TO THE ABACOS BY BOAT

There are several ferry boats operating from Nassau to Marsh Harbour Port. The first is a boat called The Legacy which leaves Potter’s Cay in Nassau once per week on Tuesday evening. The journey takes about 10 hours and arrives the next day. The cost is approximately US$60.00.

A second ferry operated by Sealink Ferries leaves Nassau twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays from Nassau.

GETTING AROUND THE ABACOS

The best way of getting around Great Abaco is by renting a car. There are quite a few interesting settlements to visit. The closest settlement is called Little Harbour. It is also possible to take a boat from Marsh Harbour to Little Harbour and Cherokee Sound which is in the south. Also, you can go by boat to Treasure Cay which is in the North. When you get to both Treasure Cay and Cherokee Sound, the best way to get around is by golf cart.

There is a regular daily ferry service with Albury’s Ferry Service from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town on Elbow Cay.

If you are travelling to Man O War Cay in the Abacos, the best way is by water taxi. When you get to Man O War Cay, there are no cars, so the only way to get around is by foot or by golf cart.

Great Guana Cay is accessible from The Conch Inn Marina in Marsh Harbour by regular ferry boat.

If you are planning to travel to Green Turtle Cay, then the best way is by ferry boat from Treasure Cay. The boat leaves from the airport dock every two hours starting at 8.30 in the morning.

GETTING TO ANDROS, BIMINI AND THE BERRY ISLANDS

There are four airports in the Andros. They are the San Andros International airport (SAG), Andros Town Airport (ASD), Mangrove Cay (MAY) and Congo Town Airport (TZN).

The Main international airlines serving the Bimini, Andros and The Berry Islands are:

Silver Airlines
Elite Airlines
Tropic Ocean Airways
Watermakers Air

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini (BIM) with Silver Airlines
Orlando to Bimini (BIM) with Elite Airways
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Bimini Harbour (NSB) with Tropic Ocean Airways
Miami Watson Sea Plane Base to Bimini (NSB)) with Tropic Ocean Airways
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Chub Cay with Watermakers Air
Fort Lauderdale Sheltair to Great Harbour Cay (GHC) with Watermakers Air
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Great Harbour Cay (GHC) with Tropic Airways
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Congo Town (TZN) with Watermakers Air
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Andros Town (ASD) Fresh Creek with Watermakers Air
Fort Lauderdale Executive Sheltair to Andros Town (ASD) Fresh Creek Tropic Ocean Airways

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Nassau to San Andros (SAQ) (Nicholls Town North Andros) with Western Air
Nassau to San Andros (SAQ) (Nicholls Town North Andros) with Sky Bahamas
Nassau to South Bimini (BIM) with Western Air
Nassau to South Bimini (BIM) with Flamingo Air
Nassau to Congo Town (TZN) South Andros with Western Air
Nassau to Great Harbour Cay The Berry Islands with Leair
Nassau to Great Harbour Cay The Berry Islands with Tropic Ocean Airways
Nassau to Mangrove Cay (MAY) Andros Central Islands with Leair
Nassau to Mangrove Cay (MAY) Andros Central Islands with Flamingo Air
Nassau to Andros Town (ASD) North Andros with Leair
Nassau to Chub Cay with Bill Air
Nassau to Andros with Fly Charter Bahamas
Grand Bahama Island (FPO) to South Bimini (BIM) with Flamingo Air

GETTING TO ANDROS, BIMINI AND THE BERRY ISLANDS BY BOAT

ANDROS

There are three main ports in Andros. They are North and Central Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros. It is possible to travel by boat from Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau to each of them.

THE BERRY ISLANDS BY BOAT

There are two ports of entry on The Berry Islands. Both are mainly used for charter boats and private yachts. There is a mail boat which comes several times a month from Nassau Potter’s Cay to The Berry Islands.

BIMINI BY BOAT

There is a fast speed catamaran called San Gwann which leaves the Port of Miami to North Bimini. It is just 49 miles from Miami to Bimini, so the journey takes just 2 hours.

GETTING TO ELEUTHERA AND HARBOUR ISLAND

Eleuthera has three airports. They are North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor’s Harbour (GHB) and Rock Sound International ((RSD). Eleuthera and Harbour Island are very popular and this is where you will find some of the best beaches in the Bahamas.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Watermakers Air.
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) Rock Sound (RSD) with Watermakers Air.

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Nassau to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Bahamasair
Nassau to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Southern Air
Nassau to North Eleuthera (ELH) with Pineapple Air
Nassau to Gov Harbour (GHB) (Eleuthera island) with Bahamasair
Nassau to Gov Harbour (GHB) (Eleuthera island) with Pineapple Air
Nassau to Gov Harbour (GHB) (Eleuthera island) with Southern Air
Nassau to Rock Sound (RSD) International Airport with Bahamasair
Nassau to Rock Sound (RSD) International Airport with Pineapple Air
Nassau to Rock Sound (RSD) International Airport with Southern Air Charter

GETTING TO ELEUTHERA AND HARBOUR ISLANDS BY BOAT

ELEUTHERA BY BOAT

It is possible to take a mail boat from Nassau’s Potter’s Cay to Eleuthera. The journey takes 5 hours and costs approximately US$30.00. It is also possible to take a boat from Nassau with ferry boat Current Pride to Current Island, Hatchet Bay and The Bluff.

HARBOUR ISLAND BY BOAT

The MV Bahamas Day Break sails depart Nassau on Mondays and Wednesdays for Harbour Island, Rock Sand and Davis Harbour. It is also possible to take a short 10-minute ferry from North Eleuthera dock to Harbour Island.

GETTING TO THE EXUMAS

The Exumas in the Bahamas accepts international flights. Exuma Airport (GGT) has its location 15 miles North West of George Town. George Town is the largest settlement in Exuma, and it takes approximately 30 minutes by car. The actual airport has been upgraded several times and is now quite modern and pleasant to fly in and out.

The main international carriers to The Exumas include:

Air Canada
American Airlines
Bahamasair
Delta
Silver Airways

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Toronto to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with Air Canada
Ottawa to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with Air Canada
Charlotte to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with American Airlines
Miami to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with American Airlines
Atlanta to Exuma International Airport George Town (GGT) with Delta
Fort Lauderdale to Exuma International Airport (GGT) with Silver Airways
Fort Lauderdale to Exuma International Airport (GGT) with Delta
Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) TO Staniel Cay (TYM) with Watermakers Air

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Nassau to Georgetown Great Exuma Island with Western Air
Nassau to Georgetown Great Exuma Island with Bahamasair
Nassau to Georgetown Great Exuma Island with Sky Bahamas
Nassau to Black point with Flamingo Air
Nassau to Staniel Cay (TYM) with Flamingo Air
Nassau to Staniel Cay (TYM) with Fly Charter Bahamas

GETTING TO THE EXUMAS BY BOAT

Bahamas Ferries operate a ferry from Nassau to George Town every Monday and Wednesday. The trip takes 14 hours and costs around US$45.00 each way. It is also possible to take the Mail Boat called MV Grand Master from Nassau to Staniel Cay, Big Farmers Cay and Ragged Island.

GETTING TO THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS

Each of the Southern Out Islands has at least one airport. Cat Island has two airports called Arthur’s Town (ATC) in the North, and New Bight (TBI) located mid-island. The airport in San Salvador is called Cockburn Town (ZSA).

The main international carries to the South Islands are:

Air Canada Rouge
Watermakers Air

It is also possible to charter aircraft with Eastern Air Express, Monarch Air Group and Triton Air from Miami and other parts of Florida directly to the Southern Islands.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) TO The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Watermakers Air
Montreal to San Salvador Airport (ZSA) with Air Canada Rouge

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Nassau to The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Western Air
Nassau to The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Sky Bahamas
Nassau to The Bight (TBI) Cat Island with Southern Air
Nassau to Arthurs Town (ATC) Cat Island with Southern Air
Nassau to Mayaguana Island with Bahamasair
Nassau to Deadman’s Cay island (LGI) with Southern Air
Nassau to Deadman’s Cay island (LGI) with Bahamasair
Nassau to Stella Maris (SML) Long Island with Southern Air
Nassau to Cockburn Town (ZSA) San Salvador Island with Bahamasair
Nassau to Cockburn Town (ZSA) San Salvador Island with Southern Air

GETTING TO THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS BY BOAT

Each of the Southern Islands is linked to Nassau by Mailboat.