Bahamas
The Bahamas spreads across more than 700 islands of impossibly clear turquoise water, and a large part of its appeal is how accessible it is — direct flights from cities across the United States make it one of the easiest tropical destinations to reach. Yet many of the islands still feel wonderfully untouched. Some are known for luxury resorts and nightlife; others for quiet beaches, colonial towns, and small boutique hotels. Our coverage focuses on helping you pick the right island and the right place to stay, drawn from firsthand experience.
The best starting point is our Bahamas travel guide, which walks through each island and where to stay, and our roundup of the best boutique hotels in the Bahamas for travelers who want character over scale.
Where we cover in the Bahamas:
Harbour Island — Widely considered one of the most charming destinations in the Caribbean, Harbour Island is famous for the three-mile pink sand beach along its Atlantic coast and for Dunmore Town, full of pastel colonial cottages, excellent restaurants, and boutique hotels. Most visitors get around by golf cart, which sets the relaxed tone. Our full Harbour Island travel guide covers where to stay, eat, and what to do.
Eleuthera — Stretching more than 100 miles, Eleuthera has some of the most dramatic scenery in the Bahamas — pink sand, limestone cliffs, and quiet coastal settlements, plus the Glass Window Bridge where deep Atlantic blue meets calm Caribbean turquoise. It's ideal for travelers who want a quieter, more natural Bahamas.
Exuma — Famous for its extraordinary water, shallow luminous sandbars, secluded beaches, and the swimming pigs. Boat trips are the highlight, and much of Exuma still feels remote despite its growing popularity.
Nassau & Paradise Island — The capital is the most developed part of the country, mixing colonial architecture, lively dining, and large luxury resorts, with Paradise Island's famous resorts and beaches just across the bridge. Busier than the Out Islands, but an easy, exciting introduction with the most direct flights.
Abaco Islands — A paradise for boaters and sailors, with calm protected waters, charming colonial settlements like Hope Town and its red-and-white striped lighthouse, and a relaxed atmosphere distinct from the larger resort islands.
Which island should you choose? For boutique charm and a walkable town, Harbour Island. For quiet natural beauty, Eleuthera. For the clearest water and boating, Exuma. For resorts and easy flights, Nassau. For sailing, Abaco. Many travelers combine two or three in a single trip.
FAQ:
Which Bahamas island is best for a first trip? Nassau and Paradise Island are the easiest introduction thanks to direct flights and full-service resorts. For something quieter and more characterful, Harbour Island is the popular first Out Island.
Which island has the famous swimming pigs? Exuma. They're one of the highlights of the boat trips the island is known for.
What is the best time to visit the Bahamas? Roughly mid-December through April brings the driest, mildest weather. Late summer and early fall fall within hurricane season, though prices drop accordingly.
How do you get between Bahamas islands? Short domestic flights and ferries connect the major islands; Harbour Island is reached by a quick water taxi from Eleuthera. Many trips combine islands this way.
Are the Bahamas good for families? Yes — Nassau's large resorts are built for families, while the Out Islands suit families wanting beaches and boat days over programmed activity.
