Beaches and Beyond: 7 Things to Do in the Bahamas
Seeing the hidden gems when you travel is always lots of fun, but the classics are popular for a reason! The Bahamas is a staple vacation destination in the beautiful Caribbean, and even though it can get touristy, it still belongs on your travel bucket list. There are so many things to do in the Bahamas to make your tropical vacation truly unforgettable. Be sure to slot these top Bahamas attractions into your itinerary.
1. Learn to Snorkel or Scuba Dive
The Bahamas is an absolutely incredible place to try your hand at snorkeling or scuba diving. Just imagine swimming among some amazing animals and getting a glimpse of gorgeous reefs. In fact, the Bahamas is home to some of the most diverse dive sites in the world! Choose from exploring shallow shipwrecks or diving with tiger sharks.
2. Sail Off to Blue Lagoon Island
Blue Lagoon Island is certainly a slice of paradise. Just a few miles from Nassau, this stunning island makes a perfect day trip from the capital. Here, you can swim with dolphins, watch for native birds, and rent a variety of water sports equipment (water biking, anyone?).
Some packages also include round-trip boat transfers, so be sure to check inclusions when you purchase!
3. Swim with the Pigs
You've heard of swimming with dolphins, but what about swimming with the pigs? This is one of the most unique activities in the Bahamas! Out on the island of Big Major Cay, you can hang out with some adorable piglets. There are about 20 living on the island currently, and you can even bring fresh fruit to feed them!
4. Trek Up the Queen's Staircase
This limestone staircase is a truly remarkable photo op. The Queen's Staircase takes you up to the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex and is over 200 years old. Pictures of the landmark make it look like it's out in the forest, but the staircase is actually quite accessible on the north end of Nassau! Once you get to the top, be sure to spend some time exploring the old fort.
5. Say Ahoy to the Pirate Museum
King and George St.Downtown, Nassau, Bahamas
You can find a museum or two in nearly any vacation destination, but what about one dedicated to pirates? The Pirates of Nassau museum features interactive exhibits that take you through the history of piracy in the Bahamas, going all the way back to the 1600s. A self-guided tour only takes about 30 minutes, unless you want to swing by the gift shop--then you might need to pencil in some extra time!
6. Sample Delicious Bahamian Cuisine
While in the Bahamas, why not try some of the local cuisine? Sampling new foods is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas, especially if you love seafood. Here are a few can't-miss dishes:
- Conch Fritters- We're used to fried chicken, fish, and shrimp in the States, but what about fried conch? Bahamian folks cook up conch meat with onion, peppers, garlic, and a host of other spices and serve when golden brown.
- Baked Crab- Baked crab is another staple of Bahamian cuisine. It's often baked right in the shell with seasonings and breadcrumbs. Watch out for spice here--it might be hotter than you expect!
- Guava Duff- Finish your meal off with this delicious dessert. It's a spongy cake with diced guava and coated in rum sauce. Make sure to eat up while it's still hot!
7. Head to the Beach
Obviously, we can't end this list without talking about the marvelous Bahamian beaches! There's no shortage of sand on this string of islands, but here are some A+ beaches to consider for your next trip:
Exuma Beach
If you're planning a beach day (or beach week!), you can't skip the Exumas island chain. The Exumas are chock-full of beaches, one of which is home to the famous swimming pigs! The Tropic of Cancer Beach, or Pelican Beach, is always a top choice, too. It's the longest beach on Little Exuma and is usually free from crowds.
Pink Sand Beach
If you're willing to trade a quiet Exuma beach for something more touristy, be sure to visit the iconic Pink Sand Beach. This stretch of sand has been featured extensively on the Travel Channel and has been heralded as one of the best beaches in the world. And it's no wonder why--the gorgeous pale pink sand (colored by coral insects) is truly something to behold. Plus, the sand here is always cool to the touch, so you won't have to worry about hurting your toes.
Cable Beach
Hoping to stay close to all the activities in the Bahamas during your beach day? Cable Beach is perfect for you. This stunning beach features crystal-clear waters and immaculate vibes, but is still close to all kinds of amenities and attractions. Spend the day at the beach, then head over to the golf course, luxury resort, or the Bahamas' largest casino.
Junkanoo Beach
Last but not least, we have Junkanoo Beach. This beach is just north of Downtown Nassau and is covered in beachfront shacks where you can grab a bite to eat after a long day of swimming, snorkeling, or simply working on your tan. The beach gets busy during the day, but it's a small price to pay for both beautiful views and a convenient location.
While spending the days at the beach is certainly a great way to spend your time on the islands, there's much more to do than just soak up the sun. But no matter your itinerary, one thing is for certain--you need a home base from which you can explore these incredible islands. The Good Life Bahamas Vacation Rentals offers a curated selection of luxury accommodations that will take your vacation from good to extraordinary. See what they have to offer today.
