Bahamas: Islands, Nature and Culture

The Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays, comprising 16 distinct island destinations. The archipelago spans 100,000 square miles. For planning your trip, this means deciding first whether nature, water sports or culture should be the main focus. Examples range from national parks and reefs to art and history in Nassau.

National Parks and Wildlife

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has been the first marine protected area in the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean since 1958. The park includes several hiking trails. The national parks of the Bahamas were established to protect the country's natural beauty and natural wealth for future generations.

Inagua National Park is home to the world's largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos. The Bahama parrot and the endemic Inagua woodstar also occur there. On Abaco, Abaco National Park protects the Bahama parrot and its breeding grounds. The examples therefore differ: Inagua is known for its flamingo colony and several named bird species, while protecting the Bahama parrot is also a focus on Abaco.

Reefs and Water Activities

Andros offers opportunities for diving and snorkeling along the Andros Barrier Reef at the North and South Marine Parks. The reef is more than 124 miles long and is considered the world's third-largest barrier reef. At Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, snorkeling and diving opportunities lead to reef systems with a great variety of tropical reef species. There are also beaches for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.

Those who prefer calmer waters can explore coves, coral reefs and mangrove creeks in the Bahamas by kayak—independently or on guided tours. Fishing opportunities also vary, from pier fishing to deep-sea fishing; marlin and bonefish are highlighted species. Reef activities, kayak tours and fishing are therefore available as distinct areas of focus.

Art and History in Nassau

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is located in historic Villa Doyle, a landmark dating from the 1860s in downtown Nassau. The gallery is within walking distance of the city center. The Art Park is an outdoor sculpture garden that combines native plants with elements of a community farm. Historically, it is connected to the first African hospital, founded on New Providence in 1780.

Other Nassau landmarks include the Queen’s Staircase in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex. At Fort Charlotte, a lively historical portrayal of everyday life in 18th-century Nassau is offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m.; check the schedule before your visit. The Historic Nassau Tour offers a narrated history of the Bahamas and its buildings and landmarks during a drive through historic Nassau. If Nassau is central to your cultural stay, art, landmarks and history can be considered different aspects of your trip planning.

Bahamian Culture and Cuisine

Junkanoo is a Bahamian tradition expressed through color, music and dance. The annual Goombay Summer Festival takes place every Thursday in July. The program includes Junkanoo rush-outs, bush tea tastings, quadrille dancing, rake-and-scrape music, arts and crafts, live entertainment and Bahamian cuisine. Check event dates before planning your trip around them.

The People-to-People program also offers a cultural connection: it brings travelers together with local volunteers for a shared experience. The program includes more than 800 vetted Bahamian ambassadors certified by the Ministry of Tourism. Culinary traditions include lobster and conch fritters, Sugarloaf pineapple grown on Eleuthera, and rum produced on the islands.

Planning Island Destinations and Travel

For a hotel trip, you can first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay, then choose the island destinations that suit your plans. Visitors travel to the Bahamas by scheduled or charter flights, ferries, cruise ships, private aircraft and private watercraft, among other means. The airport network includes 20 international airports with scheduled commercial air services. Between the islands, scheduled or charter flights, private boats and Bahamas Ferries are possible ways to travel. As schedules may change, check flight and ferry connections before your trip.

Discover more destinations: San Salvador, North Palmetto Point, Central Abaco, Mangrove Cay, South Andros, Bahamas, Marsh Harbour, Marsh Harbour, City Of Freeport, Long Island, West Grand Bahama, South Eleuthera, Acklins, Bimini Island, Exuma, Hope Town, North Eleuthera, Cat Island, Central Eleuthera, Central Andros, Harbour Island, North Andros, South Abaco, North Abaco, Crooked Island And Long Cay, Fowl Cay.

For the regional travel overview: North America.