There are over 700 islands making up the beautiful Bahamas, which are one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. Millions of visitors from all around the world flock to this little location off the coast of Florida. Breathtaking beaches, luxurious resorts, warm waters, coral reefs, and more are spread out across these islands, offering countless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and adventure.
1. Overview
But which are the best Bahamas islands for you? The answer to this question depends on your own personal preferences and desires. If your idea of a perfect holiday involves lots of physical activities like diving, hiking, and exploration, you might be better off on a different island compared to someone who wants to simply sit back at a 5-star hotel and enjoy a couple of weeks of rest.
You can't really go wrong in the Bahamas, as every island boasts stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and gorgeous weather, but some are definitely better-suited for certain purposes than others. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best Bahamas islands for different types of traveler.
2. Best Bahamas Island for Food-Lovers
Paradise Island is one of the top spots for food and nightlife in the Bahamas. This island is connected to the city of Nassau by two bridges, providing easy access the Bahamas' capital city. While some of the islands around the Bahamas are relatively untouched, Paradise Island is home to the enormous Atlantis resort. With dozens of restaurants and bars to enjoy, along with casinos and water rides, there's a lot to do on Paradise Island. All kinds of tasty seafood can be gobbled down at Paradise, with a whole range of unique cocktails available as well. There’s a lot of great food to be found all around the Bahamas, including tasty fish fry stands on many beaches, but Paradise offers more variety than most other islands.
3. Best Bahamas Island for Couples
If you're a loving couple looking for a romantic getaway, or maybe even searching for the ideal honeymoon destination, the Bahamas are a great place to be, and Exumas Island is one of the top locations to visit. Offering breathtaking views and near-total intimacy, this island isn't one of the top tourist spots, so the only way to get there is by private charter or hitching a ride on a yacht. Exumas is uninhabited, letting you and your partner enjoy total freedom and feel like you have your own private island all to yourselves. All sorts of reefs, caves, wrecks, and more can be found at Exumas too.
4. Best Bahamas Island for Beaches
Picking the best Bahamas island in terms of its beaches is an almost impossible decision, as nearly every single island has stunning stretches of coastline for all to admire. However, Long Island is often regarded as having some of the best beaches of all. This island features a surprisingly wide array of landscapes, including cliffs, ruins, caves, and more, and that variety extends to the beaches of Long Island too. Some parts of the coast offer long, uninterrupted banks of sand, while others will feature little coves and caves to explore and even warm pools of water to soak in.
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5. Best Bahamas Island for Adventure
If you’re looking to explore, Grand Bahama Island is the place to be. The northernmost island of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama is a paradise for wildlife lovers. An enormous amount of birds can be found living on this island, which also has three different national parks to discover, with Lucayan National Park offering some particularly beautiful hiking trails. Not only that, but there are plenty of old wrecks and coral reefs for divers to take a look at, along with dozens of underwater caves. Many of the caves are closed off, but some, like Burial Mound Cave, are open for exploration, making Grand Bahama the place to be for people with a sense of adventure.
6. Best Bahamas Island for Fishing
For fishing at the Bahamas, there's one clear option that stands out above the rest: Andros Island. Any keen angler in the area can be found at this location, with Andros being regarded as the bonefishing capital of the world. A huge network of streams and waterways can be found all around the island, offering countless opportunities to reel in a big one. The island itself also provides a beautiful backdrop for fishing trips, with hundreds of bird species and beautiful mangroves to explore.
- Overview
- Best Bahamas Island for Food-Lovers
- Best Bahamas Island for Couples
- Best Bahamas Island for Beaches
- Best Bahamas Island for Adventure
- Best Bahamas Island for Fishing
Best Time to Visit Bahamas - Nassau, Weather Year Round:
The Bahamas lie to the east of Florida and are a popular tourist destination for visitors from the United States and from other countries. Nassau is the largest city and the capital of the Bahamas. One of the appeals of visiting Nassau is its year round warm and pleasant climate. Even during the winter, the temperatures do not dip significantly. The peak season is between December and May and many consider this the best time to visit Nassau, Bahamas. This is the time when the temperatures are warm, it can be crowded, and room rates are at their highest. Between May and October, the temperatures are still pleasant, and although it’s the rainy season, Nassau sees 300 days of sunshine per year.
Nassau Weather & Temperature by Month
In January, Nassau receives its coldest temperatures in the year with the average low and average high temperature measuring in at 63°F (17°C) and 77°F (25°C) respectively. Additionally, January receives the lowest precipitation rate annually with just 70 mm of expected rainfall.
February sees both the average low and average high temperatures remaining exactly the same at 63°F (17°C) and 77°F (25°C).
In March, the high temperature average sees a small increase to 79°F (26°C). Similarly, the low temperature average also sees a small increase to 64°F (18°C).
April sees the precipitation average increase slightly as Johannesburg receives about 80 mm of rainfall. Meanwhile, the average high temperature rises to 81°F (27°C) just as the average low temperature increases to 66°F (19°C).
Nassau Weather in May: The climate continues to warm in May, which also brings the start of Nassau’s lean season. The average high temperature increases to 84°F (29°C). Low temperatures increase significantly to 72°F (22°C).
June marks the beginning of summer and brings with it high temperatures nearing the 90s at 88°F (31°C). The low temperature averages creep up to 73°F (23°C).
In July, Nassau receives its warmest temperatures of the year. The average low and average high temperatures measure in at 75°F (24°C) and 90°F (32°C). July also receives the highest precipitation averages of the year with 220 of rainfall to be expected. Additionally, it’s the best month of the year to hit the beaches with the average sea temperature at a pleasant 84°F (29°C).
August is a beautiful and sunny month in Nassau with 10 hours of daily average sunshine. The high and low temperatures remain the same this month at 90°F (32°C) and 75°F (24°C) respectively.
Nassau Weather in September: Nassau’s climate in September is warm and rainy with precipitation averages quite high at 200 mm. The average high temperature decreases by a few degrees to 88°F (31°C) while the average low temperature remains the same at 75°F (24°C).
In October, Nassau receives long sunny days with an 8-hour average of daily sunshine. The low temperature average and high temperature average range between 72°F (22°C) and 86°F (30°C).
November sees temperatures cooling to 82°F (28°C) for the average high temperature and 70°F (21°C) for the average low temperature.
In December, Nassau receives the lowest daily average of sunshine of 7 hours. The average high temperature drops to 79°F (26°C) while the average low temperature sinks to 64°F (18°C).
There is, without a doubt, no bad time to head to the Bahamas for a fabulous vacation. Overall, the weather in Nassau stays consistent, however for travelers who are headed to the Bahamas to enjoy the best of its beach parties and festivities, the best time to visit is in March or April. To enjoy the best hotel deals in Nassau, however, the best time to come is between May and October when accommodations around the area slash prices by up to 60%. The best all-around experience – great prices, beautiful weather and little crowds – can be enjoyed in June.
Getting to Nassau
Many people arrive by plane at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. There are many shops, restaurants, outdoor patios, play areas, and other services and facilities at this airport. There are more than fifteen international and domestic airlines that fly in and out of this airport. Another way to visit Nassau is by cruise ship. Cruise ships arrive at the Prince George Dock: there are four cruise lines that come and go from Nassau’s port. There are chartered air services that will bring you from the outer islands into Nassau, and the Bahamas Ferry services offer transportation from several islands to Nassau.
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Getting From the Airport
There are several ways to get from the Lynden Pindling International Airport into the city of Nassau. There are several car rental agencies that offer sedans, SUVs, and other types of vehicles. They also offer limousine services. Using the services of a taxi is another choice when arriving at the airport. There are many taxis waiting outside of both the international and the domestic terminals. You can either ask the driver to use the meter, or you can negotiate a fare from the airport to your destination. Another way to get into the city is to pre-arrange a ride with one of the many tour companies.
Getting Around Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is a fun place to visit and there are several ways to get around and see all of its attractions. If you have rented a car at the airport, you can use this to see the city: remember to drive on the left. Taxis are another option within the city. You can call for a pickup or you can hail a taxi on the street. Ask the driver to use the meter: this is the best option when using a taxi within the city. There are public buses which are often referred to as “jitneys.” These vehicles generally have 32 seats and travel around the city and the island.
Restaurants
Nassau gives visitors many choices when it comes to dining out. There are fine dining restaurants where celebrity chefs offer their latest creations. Many people enjoy more casual dining like beachfront al fresco cafes in order to both enjoy the food and the pleasant balmy weather. In Nassau you can find classic French cuisine, simple Italian fare, Asian-fusion cuisine, and local Bahamian dishes. Bahamian cuisine is a tasty blend of British, Spanish, and West African influences. There are also many ethnic cuisines that are represented by the restaurants in Nassau such as Brazilian, Chinese, Greek, Jamaican, Japanese, and many more.
Shopping
Many visitors enjoy shopping during their visit to Nassau. People who arrive by cruise ships head straight for shopping venues to find souvenirs and other items. Most of Nassau’s shops are located on Bay Street between the British Colonial Hotel and Rawson Square: there are also many shops on the side streets off Bay Street. The Marina Village on Paradise Island is a good place to find souvenirs as well as luxury items at shops such as Bulgari, Cartier, and others. Many visitors enjoy exploring the Nassau Straw Market. Here you can find handmade Bahamian crafts such as straw bags, dolls, and hats as well as conch shell jewelry.
Getting Married in Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is a beautiful location for a wedding. It is relatively easy to get married in the Bahamas. You need a marriage license and you must be in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours before you can get married. You can apply for a marriage license at the Registrar General on Frederic Street. Nassau offers a variety of wedding venues such as boutique hotels, resorts, or weddings held right on a sandy beach. Atlantis Resort is the premier wedding location in the Bahamas: this hotel is one of the most amazing destinations in the world. Other choices include the British Colonial Hilton Nassau, Graycliff Hotel, Sandy Toes, and more.
Where to Stay
Fortunately for visitors, Nassau offers a variety of choices for accommodations. The most famous property is the Atlantis Paradise Island resort with its 19 bars and lounges, 21 restaurants, 11 swimming pools, 20 million gallon water park, 18 hole golf course, and the largest casino in the Caribbean. The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is a historic hotel opened in 1923: it is a grand colonial building that has been renovated and is now a five star luxury property. If you are looking for less expensive accommodations, there are some very quaint and affordable bed and breakfasts like Dillet’s Guest House and A Stone’s Throw Away.
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