A First-Time Visitor's Guide to the Bahamas

With more than 700 islands and cays, miles of white and pink sand beaches, and crystal clear water, a Bahamas vacation for 2 is the perfect getaway. If you’ve never been to this tropical paradise before, you’re in for a treat. This guide will help you make the most of your trip so you can relax and enjoy yourself when you get there. 

Best Activities to Do in the Bahamas

There’s so much to do in the Bahamas that you won’t be able to fit it all in during one trip. That’s okay — it’s a good reason to start planning another one. However, there are some can’t-miss items you should plan on doing: 

Swim With the Pigs

Big Major Cay, part of the Exuma Cays, is known as Pig Island. You can book a tour and frolic with the famous swimming pigs here. This iconic activity tops almost every list of favorite activities in the Bahamas. 

Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto

While you’re exploring the Exuma Cays, take time to go snorkeling in the stunning underwater cave system at Thunderball Grotto. You’ll see amazing, bright-colored coral and exotic marine life. 

The Queen’s Staircase

Located in Nassau, the Queen’s Staircase, also known as the 66 steps, was carved from solid limestone in the late 1700s. It’s part of the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex and was built to provide direct access from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. The staircase is surrounded by jungle vegetation, giving it an otherworldly feel.  

Pink Sands Beach

Widely hailed as the world’s most beautiful beach, the sand here has a pink tint due to the high percentage of crushed coral. At sunrise and sunset, the effect is even more eye-catching. It’s the perfect place for frolicking in the water, snorkeling, and kayaking.  

When is the best time to visit the Bahamas? 

Weather-wise, the best time to visit the Bahamas is between mid-December and mid-April. You can avoid the hurricane season, which falls between June and November, and the rainy season, which occurs between May and October. 

However, this is the time when an all-inclusive Bahamas vacation with airfare will likely be the most expensive. It’s also the busiest time on the islands, so pack your patience. The upside is that everything is open, and you’ll have lots of sun-drenched days to enjoy it. 

Preparing for a Trip to the Bahamas

In addition to the clothes and toiletries you’ll need when you snag a last-minute vacation deal to the Bahamas, there are some other essentials you should plan to take with you. Make sure you have a valid passport and a paper copy of your boarding pass in case something goes wrong with your phone. 

The Bahamian Dollar is equivalent to the USD, and most major cities accept both. It’s a good idea to travel with some Bahamian money in case you want to get something from a smaller vendor or in a more remote area. Make sure to have some smaller bills on hand for tipping. 

If you take prescription medication, pack enough to last for your entire trip, because you may have trouble finding U.S.-based brands in the Bahamas.