The Bahamas is an archipelago of 16 huge islands, each offering unique settings, vibes, and stories. From stunning landscapes, pristine and untouched beaches, historic landmarks, mysterious blue holes, rich wildlife, and endless water adventures, the islands of the Bahamas promise an extraordinary escape full of island vibes and are certainly some of the best places to visit in the Bahamas for a diverse set of experiences.
An amalgamation of 700 islands provides excellent exploration opportunities, thus often leaving tourists needing clarification about the best Bahamas tourist attractions. To ensure you make the most of your Bahamas trip, we’ve brought you a well-researched blog on places to go in the Bahamas.
We have picked the best experiences and top Bahamas vacation spots that shouldn’t be missed at any cost.
Table of Content
- Exumas
- Inagua
- Cat Island
- Long Island
- San Salvador
The list of the best islands to visit in Bahamas has been prepared for you, covering all the popular attractions and must-try experiences. So, without wasting much of our time, let’s get started.
1. Exumas
Want to visit the iconic James Bond movie sites? Or do you wish to swim with the world-famous swimming pigs? How about exploring islands that have barely witnessed any footprints on their beaches? Well, welcome to Exumas. A compilation of stunning 365-island with sapphire-blue crystal-clear water, unexplored beaches, and deserted cays. If you’re a nature enthusiast and the mystery of hidden gems excites you, Exumas must be on your list of top Bahamas tourist attractions.
Where is Exumas?
Exumas, a 365-cays-and-islands combination, is situated in the Bahamas, West Indies, and is surrounded by the clearest ocean in the world, the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Exumas?
Exumas is filled with deserted cays, unexplored islands, a rich marine ecosystem, and authentic local island life. The best places to experience these unique nature wonders are:
- Big Major Cay: It is also known as Pig Beach. It hosts the swimming pigs that are pretty lovable and sociable and hold a special place in Bahamas attractions.
- Little Exuma: Home to a vast number of gorgeous beaches, including Tropic of Cancer beach, the prettiest beach on the islands
- Thunderball Grotto: An exotic underwater cave filled with rich marine life, coral reef, and hidden entrances perfect for divers
- Stocking Island: Pristine white sandy beaches with exquisite beach bars and restaurants. Ideal placed for snorkeling in the Bahamas.
- Compass Cay: Famous for providing an unreal experience of swimming with nurse sharks
Events in Exumas
The Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival is one such event in Exumas that you shouldn’t miss. It’s a family-friendly annual event celebrating Bahamian music, arts, culture, and food.
2. Inagua
The third largest island in the Bahamas, Inagua, has three national parks. It’s an eco-friendly island ideal for birdwatching and spotting endemic species. With 80,000 Flamingos and 140 species of native and migratory birds, it’s known as the birdwatching capital of the Bahamas. From flamingos, Bahamian parrots, and pelicans to rare heron species, Inagua’s pristine and untouched islands are for wildlife lovers.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Inagua?
Inagua has national parks, wildlife spotting, and raw beaches. Here’s what you must cover when in Inagua.
- Inagua National Park: Home to 80,000 flamingos that are often spotted at Lake Windsor or Rosa
- Little Inagua National Park: Ideal place for bird watching with over 140 species of endemic and migratory birds, including the Bahama Parrot, West Indian whistling duck, Kirtland’s warbler, and more
- The Great Inagua Lighthouse: It is the best place to learn about the history of the Bahamas. A climb to the top offers scenic views of the islands of Inagua and Cuba.
- Union Creek Reserve: Come here to watch the endangered green and hawksbill turtles
Events in Inagua
The Inagua Heritage & Salty Festival is family-friendly and features live entertainment, a gospel concert, and a tour of the Inagua National Park and Inagua Lighthouse.
3. Cat Island
Cat islands are home to the world’s most beautiful cats roaming around the beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear ocean water. Naahhhhh!! Cat Island of the Bahamas doesn’t have any cats. But it does have the laidback vibe of its pristine sandy beaches, nature trails, historic ruins, and exclusive watersports like diving and kiteboarding. From having its roots in the iconic Rake & Scrape (Bahamas indigenous music) to hosting the country’s highest point, Mt. Alvernia, Cat Island is full of tradition, history, and warmth in its people.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Cat Island
Discover 8 miles of pink sandy beach, traditions, towns, and ruins, sharing the rich Bahamian history. Here’s where you should go to know Cat Island inside and out.
- Mount Alvernia aka Como Hills: It is the highest point of the Bahamas, rising 206 feet above sea level.
- Arthur’s Town: Home to Academy award-winner Sidney Poitier’s childhood house where he grew up in the Bahamas. Stroll through his home to learn about his early life, childhood, and learnings.
- Old Bight Beach: Five miles of white sandy beach and crystal-clear water offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the Old Bight Settlement and learn about the Bahamas culture.
- Port Howe: It is said to be Cat Island’s oldest settlement, and it has much history to unfold. Explore the ruins of Deveaux Mansion.
Events in Cat Island
The Rake & Scrape Festival is an iconic event in the Cat Islands that celebrates the music heritage of the Bahamas. Held annually in June, it is a must-attend if you’re planning your trip around that time.
4. Long Island
Welcome to the islands whose long coasts are as diverse as the natural wonders in the Bahamas. From tranquil white-sand beaches on the western shore, pink-sandy beaches placed against the wild Atlantic waters, and natural pools that dot the coast, Long Island has it all! Ideal for swimming, deep-sea fishing, and breathtaking diving experiences, the island is a haven for jaw-dropping wildlife encounters, beautiful coral reefs, and world-class bonefishing.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Long Island?
From untamed beaches and blue holes to historic landmarks, here are the places to visit in Long Island for out-of-the-box experiences.
- St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church: This is the oldest church in the country, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultures of the Bahamas.
- Dean’s Blue Hole: It is the world’s third most bottomless blue hole, perfect for freedivers. The International Free Diving Competition takes place at this spot.
- Columbus Point: Famous as the point where Christopher Columbus made his landfall on the island. Visit the monument and climb up for the breathtaking views.
- Twin-towered churches: Located in Clarence town, two twin-towered St Peters & St Paul’s churches are historic attractions of the Bahamas.
- Stella Maris: Pink sand beach with wild Atlantic waves and natural pools. Get some picturesque views of the pink sands as they contrast with the crystal-clear blue waters.
Events in Long Island
Long Island boasts an International Free Diving Competition every year, attracting diving enthusiasts from all across the globe to showcase their skills and set impressive records.
5. San Salvador
Discover landscapes unlike any other in San Salvador. The unique inland saltwater lakes and rolling hills are the highlights of this tiny island. Boasting historic monuments, 50+ dive sites, and the endangered Rock Iguana, San Salvador is the place to be for the ultimate island experience. Nature, adventure, history, and culture—this island simply has it all.
What are the Best Places to Visit in San Salvador?
Cutting the long list of places to visit in San Salvador, here are our top recommendations that must be a part of your San Salvador itinerary.
- Long Bay stone cross: This is the most photographed place on the island and holds rich historical significance. The cross stone marks the spot where Christopher Columbus made his first landfall.
- Great Lake National Park is a mangrove forest surrounded by the Great Lake. It boasts endangered species, including the San Salvador Rock Iguana.
- Watling’s Blue Hole: An inland blue hole that’s entirely saltwater. Ideal for diving and swimming.
- Bonefish Bay Beach/Snow Beach/Grotto Beach: Visit the traveler’s favorite white-sand beaches on the islands, touched by crystal-clear blue waters on the shore.
- Dim Bay, Long Bay, Snow Bay: Perfect place for boating in the Bahamas. Island hopping in the azure waters of the Bahamas makes it an irresistible destination.
Events in San Salvador
Island Boyz Grill Out is a weekly Friday event for family fun. Island Boyz catering offers ‘Taste of the Island’ and fun activities for the entire family.
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Conclusion
The list of best islands to visit in Bahamas is truly endless. The top Bahamas tourist attractions cover everything from playing with the swimming pigs and relaxing at pink-sand beaches to experiencing breathtaking wildlife encounters! With untamed beaches, gorgeous blue holes, and world-class water activities, the Bahamas has got you covered for the ultimate island vacation. All that’s left is you! So, pack your bags and take the most unique trip of your life.
Best Places to Visit in Bahamas FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
The best time to visit the Bahamas is between November and April, when temperatures are more relaxed and there is no rainfall. These months suit island hopping, water adventures, and enjoying the beaches.
What do you need to know before traveling to The Bahamas?
Here are a few things you need to know before traveling to the Bahamas:
• Driving is on the left side of the road
• Minibuses known as jitneys or taxis are used for public transport
• The climate is hot and humid. Hence, wearing light and comfortable clothes is advisable
• English is the official language of the Bahamas and, hence, is widely spoken
• US currency is widely accepted in the Bahamas
What is unique about The Bahamas?
The Bahamas is a stunning archipelago of over 7000 islands offering the best island life, exciting water activities, wildlife, beaches, and vibrant culture. The combination of all these at a single destination makes the Bahamas unique.
What food are The Bahamas known for?
Conch is the most popular food in the Bahamas. It also has a vast variety of seafood and tropical fruits to savor.
What are the best islands to visit in the Bahamas?
he Bahamas is filled with gorgeous islands that are worth exploring. However, some of our best picks are:
• Long Island
• Harbour Island
• The Exumas
• The Abacos
• Grand Bahama Island
