The Bahamas has always been a popular destination, and its tourism numbers have only been increasing. In November 2020 alone, It saw 383,700 visitors, an increase of over 1,000% from the previous year.
There are too many outstanding attractions in the area for visitors to stay away. It has gorgeous beaches and islands and spots to try the local cuisine and learn about the culture of the Bahamas.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more on why this coastal hamlet continues to be so popular. Watch our video to learn about the best things to do in the Bahamas.
Paradise Beach
This beach is one of the most popular in the Bahamas because it’s relaxing and a great place to enjoy a cocktail on the sand. It’s also home to flocks of flamingos that light it up with their beautiful pink feathers.
Pink Sand Beach
This beautiful beach sits on the east coast of Harbour Island. Coral gardens and sandbanks keep the water calm, and palm-topped umbrellas are perfect for relaxing under. You can also stay in one of its many boutique hotels.
Cable Beach
This beach is one of the most heavily developed in the Caribbean. It’s full of golf resorts, luxury hotels, casino halls, country pubs, and sushi restaurants. If you’re not interested in these fancy buildings, the beach itself has ivory sand and calm waters.
Blue Lagoon Island
This island is officially known as Salty Cay. It went from being a hideaway for pirates to a WWII diver training ground to one of the top attracitons in the Bahamas.
The sand is a beautiful white color. Relax on a lounge chair, picnic table, or hammock and take it all in.
McCutcheon’s Tower offers beautiful views of the sea. The inland lagoon offers plenty of watersport and wildlife watching opportunities but is also calm enough for children and new swimmers.
There are plenty of interactive programs here if you want to take things up a notch. One of the best is Dolphin Encounters. Segway tracks and walking paths are the best way to explore all the island has to offer.
Eleuthera Island
This is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas if you’re ready to explore and have an adventure. It’s full of hidden caves and crevices and is also a great place to surf or ride a horse.
You should also visit the beautiful but narrow Glass Widow Bridge that connects both sides of the island. It’s one of the narrowest places on earth at only 30 feet wide. You’ll see the dark blue waters of the Atlantic and the turquoise waters of the Bight of Eleuthera at the same time
Stocking Island
This isn’t the island to go to for a relaxing day on the beach. It’s made up of large cliffs and boulders that are perfect for hiking and walking. You’ll get beautiful views, and when you’re done, you can stop off at the Chat and Chill eatery.
Abaco Islands
This is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas if you want to see a natural area nearly untouched by human hands. It’s protected by a huge barrier reef and full of uninhabited islands.
There are 6 national parks within these islands, A few of the best are Fowl Cays National Reserve, Pelican Cays Land & Sea Park, and Abaco National Park.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more travel guides to the best island destinations in the world. Keep watching to learn about more of the best things to do in the Bahamas, including exciting waterparks, gorgeous national parks, unforgettable snorkel spots, local eateries and shops, and more.
Paradise Island Waterpark
This park is one of the best parts of the Atlantis Bahamas Resort. It’s accessible and family-friendly with plenty of slides and splash pools. It also has more intense rides such as the Leap of Faith and the Abyss and adult-only pools and bars.
AquaVenture Water Park
You’ll never run out of things to do in this 141-acre waterpark. It’s full of swimming areas, lazy rivers, waterslides, and more. You can even try its coasters, including the 50-foot drop at The Abyss, or challenge your siblings on The Challenger. Visitors who aren’t staying at The Atlantis will have to visit the desk to get a day pass.
Lucayan National Park
This 40-acre park has a variety of biomes, including mangrove swamps, beaches, and pine forests. It’s a haven for anyone who wants to watch all of the birds and wildlife the areas attract. One of its best features is its subterrane underwater cave system.
The park is also home to Gold Rock Beach. As its name suggests, it has golden sands, and the waters are turquoise. You can also fix up a meal at one of its many BBQ pits and picnic tables.
Primeval Forest National Park
This 7.5-acre national park was established in 2002. It has a high level of biological diversity and unique features like sinkholes and limestone caverns. It’s also full of nearly extinct plant species such as Blackland coppice. Make sure to go see Mighty Mahogany, the oldest tree in New Providence.
NAGB
NAGB, or the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, is one of the best places to get a glimpse into the local art scene. It’s part of the Villa Doyle building and is open Tuesday-Sunday. There are 4 galleries, a sculpture garden, and an ampitheater.
Andros
This is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas if you came to snorkel or go SCUBA diving. It has a 190-mile barrier reef, the 3rd largest in the world.
There are plenty of dive spots, and you never know what you might see. You might go down to a sunken ship or the 6,000-foot-deep ocean trench known as the Tounge of the Ocean. You’ll also spot plenty of tropical fish swimming by, including parrotfish, trumpetfish, speckled scorpionfish, blue tangs, and more.
Andros is also home to Blue Holes National Park. The 33,000-acre stretch of land has been protected since 2002. It’s covered in limestone and another snorkeling and SCUBA diving spot if you want to explore its underwater caves. You can also take a hike to see the local bird species.
Stingray Adventure
This spot is found in the shallow water of Half Moon Cay and is full of stingrays. You can take a boat tour that starts with an introductory lesson and then lets you get close to them in their natural habitat.
Thunderball Grotto
This spot is more than the set of the 1965 James Bond movie that bears its name. It’s also a natural wonder that’s perfect for snorkeling.
Queen’s Staircase
Also known as the 66 Steps, this staircase was built in the 18th century. It’s an important historical area for locals. It won’t take much time out of your day and also provides easy access to Andros The Fish Fry, a great place to try local dishes.
Doongalik Farmer’s Market
There are plenty of local vendors here who are friendly and willing to educate you about their products. You can even visit an actual store, Craft Cottage, from 9 am-1 pm.
Port Lucaya Marketplace
This unique shopping center is painted in traditional Carribeancolors of bright pink, turquoise, yellow, and green. There are over 40 boutique outlets full of local crafts and art as well as cafes, bars, and food vendors. Stay until dark to enjoy nightlife and DJ shows.
Tiki Bikini Hut
A local named Byron created this place that stretches from Junkanoo Beach to northern Nassau. It has a chill atmosphere punctuated by the sound of South American samba and Caribbean steel drums.
The menu features drinks such as passion fruit cocktails, mango infusions, pina coladas, and lime sodas. You can even get them all for $30.
Food offerings include conch fritters and hot dogs. Try waterfront dining on timber tables right next to the shore.
Arawak Cay
This is an essential item on any list of the best things to do in the Bahamas because you’ll get an authentic dining experience. It’s made up of several barbeque joints and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Stay at one or go on a self-guided tour to see them all.
They offer seafood such as conch or shrimp, but don’t miss out on a Bahamian Fish Fry. Go to Twin Brothers for a daiquiri or Sky Juice King for sky juice made from coconut water, condensed milk, and gin. Visit on Sunday to listen to a band or a poetry reading.
Sun and Ice
This is definitely one of the best things to do in the Bahamas if you need a sweet treat to beat the heat. Wayne Moncur makes all of the ice cream himself from milk, cream, egg yolk, cane sugar, and local fruit, tea, and spices.
Each flavor has a unique name and story behind it. Taking the time to learn about them provides an educational glimpse into the culture of the Bahamas.
John Watling’s Distillery
Locals have been brewing spirits here for centuries. It used to be known as the Buena Vista Estate but is now affectionally referred to as the Spirit of the Bahamas. You can tour its lawns and palm beds then go into its brewing hall. There’s also a tasting room, and you can buy your own drinks from the Red Turtle Tavern next door.
Dean’s Blue Hole
Listening to locals and tourists lets you know why this is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas; it’s all anyone can talk about. It’s the 2nd-deepest blue hole in the world at 663 feet deep. You’ll have to fly to Long Island to reach it, but you’ll never forget the white sand beaches, cliffs, and inlets you’ll see.
Bahamas Hand Prints
This is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas if you want a unique souvenir before you leave. It’s full of unique fabrics, wallets, tote bags, aprons, maxi dresses, shirts, and more.
Are the Bahamas your ultimate island travel destination? Let us know in the comments below. Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more on how to get the most out of your next island vacation.