Known as one of the most popular Caribbean destinations with over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, the Bahamas is the perfect tropical vacation spot. They are so beautiful that American Astronaut Scott Kelly tweeted that the islands are the “most beautiful place from space” before sharing a photo of the Bahamas from the earth’s stratosphere. There are so many things to do in the Bahamas. The variety of nature in the islands, especially the sea life and coral cays, is a big attraction for nature lovers. Combine that with the idyllic beaches and stunning coastal towns, and the Bahamas is a heavenly escape for those tired of the hustle and bustle of city life.
The capital city of The Bahamas is Nassau, which has a high-energy type of vibe. The town itself was originally called Charles Town before being burned to the ground and rebuilt in 1684 by the Spanish. Once it was rebuilt, it was called Nassau, and today it is home to 70% of the population of the Bahamas. Although Nassau is magical, the Bahamas is incredibly unique because each of its islands has its own personality and attractions. The islands have some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, dining and shopping experiences. One of those unique experiences includes the Exumas, which are a chain of 365 cays spread over 100 miles. Known as paradise, these cays are home to sapphire waters, white-sand beaches, deserted cays, and the famous Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach. It is probably one of the only places in the world where you can go swimming with wild pigs. The islands are a true heaven on earth location for any avid boater, sailor, snorkeler, diver, or fisherman.
The Bahamas are a set of islands, each offering different options for tourists, so it is helpful to understand their separate offerings to decide what type of vacation you’d like to take. Before we talk about things to do in the Bahamas, let’s look at a couple of tips:
Reaching the Bahamas from the US is easy. Many flights depart from major cities and arrive in Nassau. There are also flights to other airports on the islands to fly direct to George Town, North Eleuthera, Marsh Harbour, and Freeport. You can also sail with a ferry or boat from Miami to Nassau or take a plane in Miami.
However, if you want to experience everything that the Bahamas offers, we’d recommend chartering a yacht. With over 700 islands that span more than 100,000 square miles of ocean, there is no other way to experience The Bahamas. Once on board, visitors can choose their own itinerary depending on where they want to go. One possibility is to head south to the Exumas, an archipelago of 365 gorgeous islands and cays stretching across a cerulean sea. The Exumas is home to the world-famous swimming pigs, but the islands are also known for their sapphire-blue waters that are so beautifully stunning that they can be visible from outer space. If you are looking to relax, connect with nature, and lounge by crystal blue waters, then Exumas is the perfect place for you. It is also home to one of the most famous sandbars in the Bahamas, the Mile-Long Sandbar. Another option is to head north to the Abacos archipelago. The Abacos are known as the boating and sailing capital of the Bahamas; they are, in fact, a yachtsman's paradise. The islands have gorgeous colonial towns, stunning beaches, golf courses galore, and many restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy.
Chartering a yacht in the Bahamas is the best way to explore everything these islands offer. Yachting allows you to move freely among the islands, avoiding crowds and the rigid schedules of tourist boats and ferries. Have you ever thought about chartering a yacht in the Bahamas? A charter vacation in the Bahamas perfectly combines the exclusive quality and service and the unforgettable atmosphere of a Caribbean cruise. In short, it can be an experience that lasts a lifetime. Imagine this, a romantic honeymoon where you wake up to breathtaking sunrises, explore untouched beaches that are tucked away in hidden bays, jump headfirst into turquoise blue waters, and wind down with a delicious chef-prepared meal paired with a refreshing glass of champagne, all the while watching the sunset in the distance. Is there anything more perfect? Learn more about chartering a yacht in the Bahamas here [include a link to your services]
The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country's peak season. These months are outside of the wet season, so you can expect good weather and lots of sunshine. During this time, temperatures are cooler, varying from about 62°F to about 82°F. The months of January to March are perfect if you are looking for some fun but want to avoid the extreme heat and humidity. Nonetheless, remember that evenings can get ‘Caribbean’ chilly, so make sure to pack a sweater or two—just in case.
Although April to June is considered the shoulder season, the Bahamas is also a popular spring break destination. The shoulder season can be the ideal time to explore the Bahamas for several reasons, including the fact that there are fewer crowds, more affordable flight prices, and the temperature is just as pleasant, varying between 66°F to 88°F. If you love scuba diving or snorkeling, this is also an ideal time to visit as the waters are warmer than usual, attracting a large variety of sea life. On the flip side, if you are looking for some peace and quiet, spring break might not be the opportune time to visit.
July to November is the low season and the start of the wet season, which ends in December. Although these months have an increase in rainfall, you can still expect plenty of beach days if you plan on visiting the Bahamas. During the low season, the islands are less crowded, so you can enjoy a quieter experience. You will also find the lowest prices, but fewer things are happening, and some hotels close or offer fewer services. Hurricane season starts in June and goes all through to November.
In the Bahamas, you will spend most of your time outdoors, under hot weather. Casual and light clothes are the best options to bring with you. It’s a good idea to have something to wear when partying—just keep in mind it will be a Caribbean party. You can also pack something more formal for those romantic evenings.
We recommend packing:
The Bahamas are best known as a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, so the main attractions are its beaches, sunny weather, and natural landscapes. The islands are a favorite destination among yachters, boaters, surfers, scuba divers, and kayakers. Many celebrities consider the island a peaceful landscape, and some even have their own homes there. Although beautiful nature is a common theme, each island in the chain has its particular charm. There are many things to do in the Bahamas, so let’s take a look at its hotspots.
New Providence is the main island in the Bahamas. Nassau, the capital and principal city of the Bahamas, is where about 70% of the country’s population lives. The city is named in honor of King William III of England, whose original name was William of Orange-Nassau. Being the central city in the Bahamas, Nassau is itself a tourist destination. The city has a unique historical background, being the center of the political dispute between England and Spain. It was even considered a pirate republic for a few years in the early 18th-century when pirates took control of the island. Some things to do in Nassau are:
Nevertheless, we can’t talk about Nassau without mentioning the beaches. Here are some of the best beaches around the island.
Nassau also offers plenty of culinary experiences. You can taste some of the city's famous seafood specialties and learn how to make chocolate at Graycliff or sample wine at The Bahamas Barrels. The Bahamas Barrels not only has one of the largest wine collections in the world but is also located in the oldest church in the Bahamas.
Last but certainly not least, there are many ways to enjoy the sea in New Providence, from lying on the beautiful beaches to kayaking and yachting. If you want to experience the sea life and see stunning coral reefs, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving. There is even a mix of snorkeling and scuba diving, called snuba diving. Nature lovers can also explore the Primeval Forest, where you will find a variety of fauna and flora, as well as large caves. You can meet the flamingos, the national bird of the Bahamas, at Great Inagua and Ardastra Gardens. Finally, the Happy Trails Stables offers an unforgettable horseback riding experience on the beach.
Grand Bahama is another tourist hotspot in the Bahamas. The island is best known for its central city Freeport, the second biggest city in the Bahamas. Port Lucaya, another city in Grand Bahama, is also a favorite tourist destination. The marina in Port Lucaya is a favorite spot for tourists and yachters. Some things to do in Grand Bahama include:
Exumas Cays consists of 365 islands and cays that span 176-miles through a land and sea nature reserve. Some popular places include Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and Staniel Cay. The cays have stunning beaches, which are perfect for kayaking and yachting.
The Exuma Cays are famous for a couple of key attractions. One of the most famous things to do in the Bahamas is swimming with wild pigs at Pig Beach in Major Cay. Left from colonial days, these groups of pigs now run wild in the woods and are often seen swimming around. Exumas is also known for the Thunderball Cave, a beautiful cave that has been featured in two James Bond movies. Last but certainly not least, Exumas is home to some stunning secluded islands and beaches, which include:
These are just some of the beautiful islands waiting to be explored in the Exumas. Staying in the Exumas is like staying in paradise. It is the perfect place to lose yourself for a couple of days and relax. If you plan to visit the Exumas, the best way to explore this stunning archipelago is by chartering a yacht in the Bahamas.
New Providence and Grand Bahama are the most populated islands in the Bahamas, but there are plenty of attractions on the other islands, including Long island and Paradise island.
If you want to experience everything that the Bahamas has to offer, then make sure to charter a yacht. As mentioned previously, with over 700 islands that span more than 100,000 square miles of ocean, there is no other way to experience The Bahamas.
The area consists of three different islands chains, all of which offer beautiful cerulean blue waters, world-class fishing, gorgeous beaches, and spectacular sea life waiting to be explored. Although Grand Bahama, Paradise island, and New Providence attract the most tourists year-round, the Exumas and Abacos island arcipleagos are stunning locations to visit. Where you end up sailing depends on the types of vacation youd like to experience—for example, sailing to the Exumas or Abacos is perfect for anyone looking for the ultimate relaxing getaway. Chartering a yacht in the Bahamas will give you the ability to try several different activities, including diving, snorkeling, fishing, and one of the most famous activities in the area, swimming with wild pigs. Most of the cruising leaves from Nassau and sails to the Exumas, with attractions like iguana island or swimming with the pigs. If you leave from the Abacos, you can see the Hopetown lighthouse.
A private yacht charter is one of the most social distance vacations you can go on. The best part? You can unpack your bags once and wake up somewhere new every day. How exciting is that? The yacht will bring you to secluded coves and anchorages to snorkel, swim, and even get up close and personal with some sea life.
Many people think that chartering a yacht is out of their price range. However, this is not necessarily true. It all depends on your needs and wants. We have a personal chef that can customize a menu based on your preferences and any food allergies or dietary restrictions that you may have. Many of our yachts are stocked with water toys like stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and a dinghy that can be used for tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. We also can include the option to scuba dive from the yacht. Other less common amenities still available on some yachts include an e-foil board, seabob, sea scooters, snuba, and kiteboarding. If you’d like, there is even an option to have a hot tub or jet ski on one of our bigger yachts.
If you are interested in learning more about chartering a yacht in the Bahamas, let us know your dates, budget, and the number of guests, and we would be happy to walk you through the process. A catamaran that sleeps six people and has a captain can be as low as $10,000 per week. When you add a captain and all meals and drinks to make it all-inclusive, the rates start around 15k then go up to 50k or more depending on the degree of luxury you want.
Are you ready to visit the Bahamas? There are so many things to do in the Bahamas, so what are you waiting for? Come and visit these gorgeous islands and see them at their best while on your own private yacht.
