TravPa

The Bahamas

Nassau's colonial streets and Paradise Island beaches, Grand Bahama's Lucayan caves and Port Lucaya, and the turquoise Exuma cays with their swimming pigs, linked by flights between islands.

Best timeNov to Dec, Mar to AprMoneyBahamian dollar (BSD), equal in value to the US dollarPlugs120 V, 60 Hz; North American plugsMain airportNassau (NAS)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips start in Nassau on New Providence, where downtown streets, forts and the Straw Market sit a short taxi ride from Cable Beach and, across the bridge, Paradise Island. Grand Bahama (Freeport and Lucaya) and the Exumas are separate islands with their own airports, so each is a flight from Nassau or from the mainland. The Exuma cays, home of the swimming pigs, are reached only by boat, usually on a day tour from George Town or Staniel Cay.

Winter days are mild, with highs in the low 70s F (about 22 C) and a breeze that can feel cool in the early morning and evening. From June through September highs reach the high 80s F with short afternoon thunderstorms, and September and October are hot and humid. November brings lower humidity, smaller crowds and highs in the high 70s F.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janMildfebMildmarBestaprBestmayMildjunHotjulHotaugHotsepHotoctHotnovBestdecBest

Junkanoo parades of costumes, cowbells and drums fill downtown Nassau on Boxing Day (26 Dec) and New Year's Day, when some attractions close.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Freeport]
Freeport in 2 daysRand Nature Centre, Tony Macaroni's, Taino Beach, Fortune Beach, Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach, Port Lucaya MarketplaceBalanced pace
[Photo: Nassau]
Nassau in 3 daysParliament Square, Pompey Museum, Straw Market, John Watling's Distillery, Cable Beach, Atlantis, Cabbage Beach, Ardastra Gardens, Fort CharlotteBalanced pace

Where to stay

ExumaGeorge Town on Great Exuma for the airport and the water taxi to Stocking Island; Little Exuma for a quieter stay; the Exuma Cays only by boat.Best areas to stay in ExumaHotels in Exuma
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FreeportPort Lucaya and Lucaya Beach for the marketplace and marina; Taino Beach for a beach-resort stay; central Freeport for the Rand Nature Centre and shops.Best areas to stay in FreeportHotels in Freeport
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NassauDowntown Nassau for history and walking; Cable Beach for beach resorts west of town; Paradise Island for Atlantis and Cabbage Beach across the bridge.Best areas to stay in NassauHotels in Nassau
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Getting around

  • Airport and taxis: Taxis wait outside Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, fares are fixed by zone, and traffic drives on the left.
  • In Nassau: Jitney buses run in downtown Nassau and Cable Beach several times a day, and water taxis cross to Paradise Island in about 10 min.
  • Between islands: Grand Bahama and the Exumas have their own airports at Freeport and George Town, so plan each island as a separate flight.
  • Grand Bahama: Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park is about 25 miles from Freeport and is reached by tour bus or rental car.
  • Exuma cays: The cays beyond George Town, including Big Major Cay with the swimming pigs, are reached only by boat, usually on a day tour.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates, including boat trips and snorkeling.
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Phone dataMobile data helps you check the weather, tide-dependent boat tours and island flights as you move between Nassau, Grand Bahama and the Exumas.How a travel eSIM works
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