How can you not dream at the mere mention of the name? TheBahamas archipelago is the stuff of dreams, and for good reason: vast stretches of fine sand, coconut palms, paradise islands, breathtaking seabeds: the place is full of charm! Ideal for all seasons, this tropical destination promises enchanting landscapes, golden sands and a great escape. Are you ready to experience one of the most beautiful journeys of your life? Discover 13 must-do activities in the Bahamas.
1. The Exumas, between dreamy landscapes and swimming pigs..
Celebrities may love the Exumas, but the biggest stars of this unspoilt Bahamian resort are... pigs, yes yes! You can swim with them, as well as with the harmless nurse sharks. This must-see Bahamian group comprises over 300 islands and islets - some of which are owned by celebrities - including Great Exuma and its capital, Gorge Town.
In addition to the incredible beauty of the turquoise waters and beaches, the area invites contemplation and unusual discoveries. In addition to pigs and sharks, many other animal species await you: dolphins, rays and turtles. A magical place, not to be missed.
Discover the best of the Exumas by booking this 7-stop tour : from swimming pigs to sharks, caves to sunken planes, you'll see it all.
2. Nassau, the must-see capital of the Bahamas
Ah, Nassau! How can we not mention the famous capital of the Bahamas? Its magnificently well-preserved colonial quarter makes for an unusual and cultural visit( book your guided tourhere !). Thepirate heritage is everywhere in this incredible city, whose history is told through and through. Discover the history of this pirate base camp at the Pirates of Nassau Museum, the place dedicated to this inseparable part of the city, not to say the Caribbean. Other museums complete Nassau's history, such as the Bahamas Historical Museum and the Pompey Museum. The latter echoes the Queen's Staircase, a monumental staircase built by slaves to provide an escape route to the fort above.
Finally, young and old alike can have fun at the Baha Bay Water Park, with its vertigo-inducing slides. Generally speaking, Nassau is a city not to be overlooked when traveling to the Bahamas with children. Between the pirate stories and the water park, they'll have an incredible time!
3. Paradise Island, the island of excess
From Nassau, an oversized steel bridge leads you to an equally oversized place: Paradise Island, a must-see in the Bahamas. It's best known for Atlantis, a crazy leisure complex that delights young and old alike. It's not just a hotel, but also a whole host of leisure activities:
- an amusement park
- an aquarium
- an amusement park,
- encounters with rays and hammerhead sharks,
- neighborhoods worthy of Disneyland..
In fact, at Aquaventure, the famous amusement park, you'll find one of the craziest pools in the world: a glass tunnel-slide leads straight into the shark tank!
4. Blue Lagoon Island, a little paradise near Nassau
You don't have to visit the whole of Paradise Island, but one of its special places is accessible by boat for the day: Blue Lagoon. Imagine the Bahamas with translucent turquoise water, palm trees, dreamy beaches and wooden pontoons jutting boldly into the ocean? Head to Blue Lagoon Island to see all this, and more! Located just outside Nassau, this island paradise is full of surprises, including sea lions and dolphins. Equip yourself with a mask and snorkel, and set off to discover underwater species and colorful corals.
An inflatable water park is also available for families, offering a full-day excursion of pure fun. Don't feel like diving to see all these wonders? The glass-bottomed kayaks allow you to combine aquatic activity with contemplation of the clear Caribbean waters.
5. Long Island, the island of 1001 sights
Long Island has many interesting geological sights in store for you. Among them, it's impossible to miss the spectacular Dean's Blue Hole, an intensely blue underwater chasm over 200 metres deep. Blue holes, rare in the archipelago, make Long Island a unique destination. Explore the Hamilton Caves, once inhabited by the Arawak Indians. As you explore, a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus has a little bit of history in store for you. Finally, head for Sandy Cay, a reserve home to iguanas and birds: a day as complete as it is magical!
6. Cat Island, the Bahamas' exotic beach
Cat Island is proud of its pirate history, enriched by the legend of Arthur Catt's hidden treasures. It's an idyllic, unspoilt island dotted with fishing hamlets and 19thᵉ century ruins. To these are added the vestiges of Indian cultures, adding a mystical touch to the place. A true little haven of peace, Cat Island offers generous nature with green hills, dense pine forests and deserted beaches as far as the eye can see. Famous for Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas, the island is alive with the rhythm of the Cat Island Rake and Scrape Musical Festival in June: not to be missed!
7. Go green on the island of Eleuthera
The natural spectacle on the island of Eleuthera is nothing short of spectacular. The water splits into two distinct colors on either side of the long rock formation that separates the Atlantic from the coral lagoon. Seen from the sky, this distinction is striking: dark blue on one side, crystal blue on the other. Incredibly beautiful! Nearby, take advantage of nature's bounty in the Queen's Baths, superb natural pools, to plunge into a veritable daydream. During your day, we also invite you to discover Harbour Island, a small piece of colonial land preserved from pollution: a real nugget!
8. Inagua, flamingos in the spotlight
The Bahamas have an air of the Camargue about them. Yes, it does! Between pink flamingos and salt marshes, the atmosphere is just right! More than 80,000 deep-pink flamingos have made their home in this natural paradise. Theisland of Inagua includes nature reserves and parks, creating an environment that will delightbirdwatchers. Bird species abound, as do other animals such as iguanas and turtles. Enjoy!
9. Andros, the archipelago of blue holes
Welcome to a postcard landscape! TheAndros archipelago, peaceful and natural as can be, is made up of 3 islands:
- North Andros,
- South Andros,
- Mangrove Cay.
A veritable underwater paradise, this natural treasure trove is home to a high concentration of blue holes, offering breathtaking scenery. The area is best known for its scuba diving. With the third largest coral reef in the world, it goes without saying that diving here is a spectacular experience.
10. San Salvador, privatized vacations
The island is mainly home to Club Med residents, who enjoy virtually exclusive access to the beach. A little bonus: flights from France can take you directly to San Salvador, a big advantage for holidaymakers who want to limit their travel. In addition to its beach paradise, the island also has some great places to visit. The Centre de Protection des Iguanes (Iguana Protection Centre ) is just one of the interesting places to visit. A stroll around the island, particularly towards the Dixon Hill lighthouse, will give you the chance to admire some enchanting scenery.
11. Goodman's Bay, the family beach
Located near Nassau, Goodman's Bay beach is ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts. More accessible than Cable Beach, which is mainly reserved for hotel residents, this family-friendly beach is one of the most popular in the area, including with locals. You'll find parking nearby, as well as a children's playground.
Good to know: hoping to party during your trip to the Bahamas? This beach comes alive at night, attracting party-goers from all over the area.
12. Bimini, in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway
Bimini is an ideal place for a day getaway. The island reveals its historic charm in the preserved neighborhood, honoring the passage of Ernest Hemingway, who inspired him for his masterpiece, "The Old Man and the Sea". Bimini's waters, home to protected sharks, attract deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. The island also offers the only opportunity in the Bahamas to dive with the impressive hammerhead sharks. Ready for a memorable and sensational experience?
13. Garden of the Groves, Freeport's tropical nugget
Let's end on a high note with the Garden of the Groves, a tropical paradise in the Bahamas, home to over 10,000 species of flowers, plants and trees. Ideal for a romantic stroll, it leads you to discover a lush garden with waterfalls, fountains and ponds. Interpretive panels guide you through habitats for turtles, iguanas, butterflies and injured birds, including the famous red-tailed hawk, Cliven. Then lose yourself in the Chartres-inspired meditative labyrinth, before visiting the charming perched chapel. Children will love the family zoo and cedar play module.
Where to stay in the Bahamas?
If we had our way, we'd say: on a boat! A Caribbean cruise includes a stopover in the Bahamas, as well as being one of the 10 most beautiful cruises in the world: the experience of a lifetime! However, if you want to get the most out of your visit, it's best to put your bags down in one of the archipelago's beautiful hotels. Nassau, Exuma, Long Island and Eleuthera are the ideal places to spend your Bahamas vacation.
- The most economical
The Island Seas Resort is one of the least expensive hotels in the Bahamas, in the Freeport area . On the menu: restaurant, pool, bar, beach and all the comforts you could wish for. It really is the ideal value-for-money address for a low-cost getaway in the Bahamas. Click here to to book your stay!
- The most pleasant
While there are many fine hotels in the archipelago, A Stone's Throw Away is the nicest in Nassau, and you can book it here. This charming establishment welcomes you in a gentle setting, where wood, Asian influences and island ambience invite you into your stay. We'd love to stay longer!
- The most luxurious
Luxurious, yet suitable for families with children! The Cove Atlantis is ideally located on the Paradise Island leisure complex. The ambiance is resolutely exotic, offering a dreamlike interlude for your stay in the Bahamas. If you're going to make the most of it, make the most of it! Click here to book your stay!
When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
There isn't really a season to avoid, apart from September/October, when hurricanes can strike. The rest of the time, rainfall is relatively light in the archipelago. The Bahamas is an ideal destination in May, when the weather is warm and sunny. Outside the vacation season, the crowds will be smaller - another good point for this period!
Are you planning a trip in winter? This is the ideal place to spend the winter while waiting for the return of the much-loved sun. Best of all, the Bahamas is a top destination at Christmas time, for 3 days of enchantment. The Junkanoo carnival invites itself to Nassau, offering magical festivities.
As you can see, the archipelago is a destination of choice, whatever the season. If you're traveling in April, during the Easter vacations, for example, this is the place to be: fine sandy beaches, mild temperatures, paradise islands: a pure delight!
There's a reason why the Bahamas is a favorite destination for celebrities like our famous pirate Johnny Depp (of course!). Combining idleness with more festive visits, the archipelago offers a wide range of entertainment for travelers. Want to add a touch of the unusual to your trip? Discover Pink Sand Beach, one of the most unusual beaches on the archipelago, where the sand takes on pink hues: absolutely superb!
Tempted by a vacation in the Bahamas? Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurance here, and leave with peace of mind!
