The Bahamas is one of the least tourist-trampled archipelagos. The secret of its unpopularity in the post-Soviet space is simple: it’s far, expensive, and for some – uninteresting. There isn’t much of a traditional excursion program here; entertainment includes yachting, diving, fishing, ecotourism, spending money in casinos or shops, and carefree lounging in a beach chair on pink-sand beaches.
The Bahamas – A True Paradise with Turquoise Waters
However, there are those who appreciate these simple pleasures: the Bahamas are beloved by Hollywood stars, with many celebrities having long purchased cozy mansions here. Anyone with a few spare tens of millions of dollars can follow their example. For others, there are rooms in luxurious hotels and charming villas standing amid the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where vacation feels like true paradise.
Best Season to Visit
The Bahamas has been dubbed the islands of eternal June due to its abundance of sunny days – between 300 and 340 annually. However, June itself is actually not the best time to visit: during this period, the resort experiences heat, rain, and hurricanes that “stay” until October.
The high tourist season in the archipelago runs from November to May. Water and air temperatures remain optimal for both adults and children, though nights can be cool.
Beach Vacation
The Bahamas consists of 700 large and small islands, each featuring an incomparable beach with white or slightly pink sand and scattered palms. For those wanting to remain alone with this beauty, the wonderful and sparsely populated Long Island is recommended. Those who want not only to lazily bask in the sun but also enjoy evening clubs or bars, try their luck at the casino, or go shopping should head to the archipelago’s capital – Nassau on New Providence Island.
The most beautiful beaches – with pink sand – can be found on Harbour Island, while the ‘greenest’ ones, surrounded by tropical vegetation, are on Grand Bahama Island.
Active Recreation
The Bahamas is one of the world’s favorite destinations for divers. Here, deep-water divers can feed sharks and explore the most beautiful coral reefs (for example, near Eleuthera and Abaco Islands). The more adventurous can visit Dean’s Blue Hole near Long Island, considered the second deepest on the planet. Freedivers especially praise Dean’s.
Golf courses and tennis courts abound on New Providence, Harbour Island, and Grand Bahama. Exotic fishing enthusiasts are welcome on Andros, Berry Islands, and Bimini.
Yachting is rightfully considered the key sport in the archipelago. Professional and amateur sailing excursions take place along the coasts of Long Island and Exuma. More experienced yachtsmen venture into the straits between smaller islands.
Ecotourism
Tourists come to Inagua, one of the largest islands in the archipelago, to observe amazing birds, mammals, and reptiles. It’s famous as home to the largest colony of pink flamingos, as well as numerous other bird species. Here you can also swim with dolphins and admire slow-moving iguanas.
Next to Grand Bahama Island lies the Peterson Cay underwater national park – a hub of beautiful coral reefs. On the island itself, you’ll find the green Lucayan National Park, home to pines, palms, orchids, and ferns, along with a unique system of ancient caves where traces of pre-Columbian aboriginal life were discovered.
Guests of the capital island won’t have to travel far for natural beauty: New Providence features the Harold and Wilson Ponds National Park, home to rare bird species.
Family Vacation
Travelers with small children should choose the quieter, more “family-friendly” islands – Abaco, Andros, or Cat Island. Their nightlife is less vibrant, the beaches are stunningly picturesque, the sea entrance is gradual, and waves are almost non-existent during high season.
If active and educational recreation is an essential part of your program, consider staying in Nassau. Here, or more precisely – on Paradise Island, you’ll find the archipelago’s largest water park and oceanarium.
Finding family-friendly accommodation isn’t a problem. Some complexes offer free lodging for children up to 17 years old without providing a separate bed.
Weddings, Shopping, and Casinos
The archipelago is perhaps more suitable for these activities than any other Atlantic Ocean resort. The most beautiful weddings, expensive restaurants, top nightclubs and entertainment centers, multi-story shops, and colorful markets – this is all the Bahamas. Vacationing here should be done in style and on a grand scale, with appropriate expenses planned.
You might save a bit on shopping: the archipelago is a well-known duty-free zone. The main shops are located on Paradise Island near the lake of the same name. You can find unique local goods at the “straw market” on W Bay Street in Nassau.
For those looking to try their luck at gambling, the capital is recommended: the best casinos are – guess where? Of course, on Paradise Island. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, welcome to North Bimini and Freeport city on Grand Bahama.
Weddings for all interested parties can be organized on practically any of the islands, but the almost wild and very beautiful Long Island is particularly popular in this regard.
