Nassau and Paradise Island
The lively capital of the archipelago, Nassau combines a historic harbor, colorful markets and direct access to Paradise Island, known for its large hotel resorts.
the Bahamas
With more than 700 islands and cays scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas offer a mosaic of turquoise waters, pristine beaches and coral reefs. From Nassau to the Exuma islands, every stop reveals a relaxed island mood, ideal for diving, sailing and discovering nature.
Why visit the Bahamas?
The Bahamas count more than 700 islands and cays spread across the Atlantic Ocean, offering a wide variety of marine landscapes. The archipelago is known for its turquoise waters, coral reefs and unique sites such as the shallow waters of Exuma, where wild pigs swim.
What to discover in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas form an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays stretching across the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba. Nassau, the capital, concentrates most of the tourist activity with its lively harbor, colorful markets and the neighboring Paradise Island, known for its large hotel resorts. Further south, the Exuma archipelago draws visitors for its intensely blue, shallow waters and the chance to see wild pigs swimming along the beaches.
Andros, a quieter island, is popular with divers for its coral reefs and blue holes, spectacular underwater formations well suited to exploration. Across the archipelago, fishing, sailing and diving hold a central place, as does local cuisine built around conch, the Bahamas's emblematic shellfish. The overall relaxed, island-hopping mood invites travelers to move from one island to the next at their own pace. Sailors will also find numerous marinas and sheltered waters throughout the archipelago, making it easy to plan multi-island itineraries at a relaxed pace.
Cities to visit in Bahamas
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Bahamas in pictures
Bahamas's highlights
A few must-sees to help plan your trip to the Bahamas.
Exuma
This archipelago is famous for its intensely blue, shallow waters and for the wild pigs that can be seen swimming near the beaches.
Andros
Quieter and less visited, this island is popular with divers for its coral reefs and blue holes, impressive underwater formations worth exploring.
Pink sand beaches
Some beaches in the archipelago, notably on Harbour Island, are known for their pink-tinted sand, formed by tiny fragments of coral.
Diving and coral reefs
The waters of the Bahamas shelter rich marine life and well-preserved coral reefs, particularly popular among divers and snorkelers exploring the archipelago.
Conch cuisine
Conch, the archipelago's emblematic shellfish, is served in various ways, raw in salads or fried, at countless local restaurants across the islands.
Practical information
- Capital
- Nassau
- Area
- About 13,940 km²
- Population
- About 400,000
- Language(s)
- English
- Currency
- Bahamian dollar (BSD), pegged to the US dollar
- Time zone
- UTC-5, with seasonal time change
- Climate
- Tropical, moderated by trade winds
- Best season
- December to April, dry season
Frequently asked questions about the Bahamas
When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
December to April, during the dry season, is generally the most favorable time to visit the Bahamas, with pleasant weather and a lower risk of tropical storms. This is also the busiest period for travelers, so booking flights and hotels well in advance is recommended.
What language is spoken in the Bahamas?
English is the official language of the Bahamas and the most commonly used in everyday life, in administration as well as in commerce and tourism. Visitors will generally have no difficulty communicating throughout their stay in the islands.
What currency should I use in the Bahamas?
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the local currency, pegged to and accepted at parity with the US dollar, which is also widely used across the archipelago. Credit cards are also commonly accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Do I need a visa to visit the Bahamas?
Entry requirements vary depending on the traveler's nationality. It is recommended to check visa requirements and passport validity before departure. Many nationalities benefit from simplified entry, but it remains wise to confirm the latest rules before traveling.
Can you really swim with pigs in the Bahamas?
Yes, the Exuma archipelago is known for its wild pigs, which can be observed, and sometimes approached, swimming near the beaches of certain cays. Numerous boat excursions make it possible to approach these animals safely and responsibly.
How do you get around between the islands of the Bahamas?
Domestic flights and ferries connect the main islands of the archipelago, while boat excursions allow travelers to discover more remote cays. Booking these trips in advance is advisable, especially during the busy winter travel season.
Plan your trip to Bahamas
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
