Picture perfect beaches make the Bahamas a popular destination for millions of tourists every year, especially Americans and cruise ship visitors. There are a huge range of historical, cultural, and natural attractions in this country, but like most islands in the Caribbean, the Bahamas are an expensive destination. Smart planning can help you get more bang for your buck as you indulge in everything the Bahamas has to offer and, while this travel guide can help, be prepared to spend money on your trip here.
Top Things To See And Do In Bahamas
1. Go Diving:
The Tongue of the Ocean is an oceanic trench that runs along the entire length of the Andros Island coast. The wall of the trench leads to an almost 6,000 feet drop to the seabed where divers can get up close and personal with reef sharks as they swarm in to feed.
2. Indulge at Atlantis
This is one of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the world. The Aquaventure Waterpark has 11 pools, huge water slides (including a Mayan temple themed one which tunnels through a shark pool), river rapids, and rock climbing. A day-pass to the waterpark is 135 BSD if you’re not a guest at the hotel.
3. Celebrate Junkaroo
Every Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Bahamians celebrate their national festival, Junkanoo. Brass bands, drums, cow bells, and whistles provide the soundtrack for thousands of people dancing in the streets. If you can’t be there for the main festival, there is a mini-festival held in June.
4. Learn About Pirates
Pirates of Nassau is a museum dedicated to the history of piracy. The building is huge and in it you’ll walk around a pirate ship, visit the dungeon, and experience all the folklore surrounding the pirates’ legacy. Admission is 12 BSD and it’s open daily 9am-6pm with abbreviated hours on Saturday.
5. Visit Harbor Iceland
Harbor Island is a tiny spot filled with some nice resorts and pristine beaches. The island is so small, people drive around in golf carts, and while more expensive than other parts of the Bahamas, if you want an upscale place for a holiday, this is it. To save a bit of cash, consider staying on Eleuthera, and coming to visit for a day.
Other Things To Do:
1. Kayak the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
2. See the Garden of the Groves
3. Go to Lucayan National Park
4. Eat at the Fish Fry
5. Hang out at Port Lucaya Marketplace
6. Explore Fort Charlotte
Money Saving Tips:
- Couchsurf – Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches, get free accommodation, and find yourself a local tour guide (and new friend). The community here is really small, with only about 50 active hosts, so be sure to inquire far in advance.
- Bike – For around 20 BSD a day, renting a bike offers a good alternative to using taxis to get around. Roads in Freeport and Nassau are generally in good condition though there is more traffic. Roads in the Out Islands may not be as well cared for, but you’ll rarely come across a stop light or more than a handful of cars.
- Camp – Some islands allow visitors to camp on the beach for around 10 BSD. This can be a good way to save money on accommodation on some of the safer, less inhabited islands or on those where typical hotel prices are astronomical.
- Nightclub passes – Many hotels and even taxi drivers will sell you a 5 BSD pass to get into the clubs around town at a discount. This is a particularly good value if you are visiting on a weekend when cover charges may be 50 BSD at a swanky spot.
- Drink rum – Alcohol is expensive in the Bahamas—a case of imported beer can cost around 50 BSD! The exception to this rule is rum or a local beer (Kalik or Sands).
- Get food at the supermarkets – Buy food in the supermarkets, and cook your own meals. Restaurants are expensive here as they cater mostly towards travelers with a large budget.
- Get free stuff – Many hotels offer free use of snorkeling equipment, included breakfasts, and organized excursions that can reduce costs.
- Travel off-season – Prices for vacations plummet the third week in April. You can save 30% or more are possible during the “summer” season (April–December 21st).