In case you’ve by no means been island hopping earlier than, then The Bahamas is a excellent place to start out. This tropical vacation spot is made up of 700 inhabited and uninhabited islands, rocks and cays that you simply’re certain to fall in love with at first look.
The area gives tons of thrilling alternatives – a lot of which middle across the huge and delightful ocean the Bahamas is known for. It’s comprehensible that you simply would possibly need to indulge in as many experiences as potential throughout your go to. To do that, you’ll positively must go to a couple of island! This doesn’t must be a sophisticated enterprise both. With somewhat planning, you’ll be able to match a number of islands into your Bahamian journey.
On this put up, we’ll assist steer you in the suitable path relating to the perfect islands to go to whereas island hopping in The Bahamas!
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Good to know: Though the territory is unfold throughout 500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll be able to go to greater than one of many islands by airplane or by boat at an affordable value. You possibly can even take into account splitting your journey between resorts on the assorted islands (extra on that later!).
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
Island-hopping locations near Florida
Island-hopping locations near Nassau
Island-hopping within the Abacos
Most popular one-week itineraries
Most popular two-week itineraries
So many islands to hop, so little time
Bahamian island-hopping places close to Florida
Florida is without doubt one of the closest U.S. locations to The Bahamas. It received’t take lengthy to get to places like New Windfall, Grand Bahama, and plenty of different superb islands of The Bahamas from there.
Nassau
New Windfall is more likely to be the primary advice you obtain for those who point out planning a trip to The Bahamas. That is the nation’s hottest island, and it’s the place you’ll discover Nassau, the capital. Nassau is the biggest metropolis in The Bahamas, and it’s simply accessible from U.S. locations like Miami with only a 50-minute flight (right here’s how to get from Miami to Nassau).
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Nassau might be the good begin to an island-hopping journey as you’ll be able to simply entry different islands, together with the ‘Out Islands’ (the extra faraway islands) of The Bahamas from this location if you wish to discover. It’ll value much less to get to a few of the different islands from Nassau as nicely.
There are various superior things to do in Nassau, corresponding to seaside hopping, purchasing, testing the artwork and historical past of the islands at native museums and galleries, and even taking in the vibrant nightlife which incorporates many bars and nightclubs and a handful of casinos.
A few of the different fascinating sights in Nassau embrace Cable Beach and the opposite nice seashores in Nassau, the Pirates of Nassau Museum, Nassau’s historic metropolis middle, Colonial Forts (Fort Charlotte, Fort Montague, and Fort Fincastle), and the Queen’s Staircase.
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Good to know: Whereas in Nassau, you’ll be capable of take a day journey to Paradise Island, which is related to New Windfall by two bridges. In case you’re staying for the (lengthy) weekend, select to remain at this all-inclusive resort in Nassau, the place you’ll be capable of order limitless cocktails and eat as a lot as you need at 10 eating places and three meals vans. It’s all included!
Image: An aerial view of Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas.
Grand Bahama
On Grand Bahama, you’ll be capable of swim with dolphins, snorkel, and scuba dive to your coronary heart’s content material, golf on attractive greens, get together island-style whereas having fun with Fish Fry occasions, and much extra. It actually is a nature lover’s paradise.
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Grand Bahama is about 64 miles west of Palm Seaside, Florida, and gives an opportunity to expertise easy island dwelling. Grand Bahama is most identified for its stunning seashores, and the thrilling adventures you’ll be able to have there, together with shark diving and feeding. A few of the hottest locations to go to whereas in Grand Bahama embrace the Lucayan Nationwide Park, Port Lucaya Market, Taino Seaside, Lucaya Seaside, William’s City Seaside, and Xanadu Seaside.
The principal airport on Grand Bahama Island is the Grand Bahama Worldwide Airport. It could take round 45 minutes to fly to Freeport, Grand Bahama from Miami. This journey is kind of a bit longer by boat – round 2.5 hours. When you arrive in Grand Bahama, you can too discover close by islands like Bimini. It takes just below 3 hours to get to Bimini by airplane from Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Abacos are additionally a couple of 45-minute ferry journey from Grand Bahama. The ferry to Abaco prices round $50 USD every manner.
Bimini
Bimini is a cluster of islands in The Bahamas that has impressed many individuals, together with famed novelist Ernest Hemingway. This island is round 51 miles west of Miami and it takes round 2 hours to sail there, and 45 minutes to get there by airplane from Miami.
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Bimini is without doubt one of the finest islands to incorporate in an island-hopping journey as a result of it’s simple to get to a few of the different standard islands of the Bahamas, corresponding to New Windfall, from there. It takes half-hour to get to Bimini from Nassau by airplane, and from Nassau, it’s simple to connect with a lot of the different islands of The Bahamas. The principal airport in Bimini is the South Bimini Airport, however there may be one other airport in North Bimini as nicely.
Whereas in Bimini, some fascinating locations you’ll be able to take a look at embrace the Limestone Properly (Fountain of Youth), Nice Issac Cay Lighthouse, Honeymoon Harbor Seaside, Bimini Sands Seaside, Radio Seaside, Bimini Conflict Memorial & Heroes Park, Bimini Craft Heart, Alive City Seaside, and the Bimini Museum.
Good to know: The inhabitants of Bimini is about 1,988 folks.
Island-hopping places close to Nassau
Nassau is the capital metropolis of The Bahamas, and it’s positioned on the island of New Windfall. Whereas on an island-hopping journey in The Bahamas, Nassau can be a central level that can be utilized to entry all the opposite islands. Listed below are some standard islands close to Nassau:
Rose Island
Three miles off the coast of Paradise Island, you’ll discover Rose Island, a small island that may be a diver’s haven. There aren’t any roads or a lot infrastructure on Rose Island, however there are pink sand seashores and an offshore reef. Rose Island is considered one of few islands in The Bahamas the place you’ll be able to swim with pigs, a signature Bahamian journey. There’s a wildlife sanctuary there that the pigs name house.
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Good to know: The finest strategy to get to Rose Island from Nassau is by chartering a ship. It’ll take about quarter-hour by boat to get between these two islands.
The Exumas
The Exumas in The Bahamas is made up of over 365 islands and cays. This district of The Bahamas is also referred to as the Exuma Cays. It’s potential to journey from Nassau to the Exumas by boat in round 3 hours. Little Exuma is barely south of Nice Exuma and the 2 are related by a bridge.
Nice Exuma
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At 37 miles lengthy, Nice Exuma is the biggest island in the Exumas. Right here, you’ll discover a number of upscale resort manufacturers like Sandals Emerald Bay. Nice Exuma is beloved for its stunning white sand seashores and its sustainable growth outlook. On Nice Exuma, you can find minimal infrastructure, permitting you to understand a few of the stunning seashores on this island like Coco Plum Seaside, Tropic of Most cancers Seaside, and Three Sisters Seaside.
Georgetown is the capital of the Exumas, and it’s positioned towards the southern tip of Nice Exuma. In Georgetown, you’ll be able to see the charming pink and white authorities constructing, which is a central level of enterprise actions on the island. There’s additionally a grocery retailer, boat rental, a financial institution, a liquor retailer, and some eating places. You’ll be capable of get a water taxi to a few of the close by islands from Georgetown as nicely.
Good to know: In case you’re planning a visit to an all-inclusive resort in Great Exuma, Exuma Worldwide Airport (GGT) is the airport it would be best to fly into. Make sure to attempt as most of the thrilling things to do in Exuma as you’ll be able to earlier than it’s time to fly again!
Huge Main Cay
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Huge Main Cay is the place it’s at if you wish to attempt swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas. This island is to the north of Nice Exuma, and it takes round 2 hours to get there from Nassau or Georgetown by boat. Take into account having a day journey to this island and take the chance to work together with the pleasant pigs.
Apart from the pigs, this island is uninhabited, so that you’ll be capable of stroll round and discover.
Staniel Cay
North of Nice Exuma, you will discover Staniel Cay, which is standard for its stunning seashores, offshore coral reefs, and swimming pigs. Staniel Cay is close to Huge Main Cay and the island is about 5 sq miles.
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Don’t let the scale idiot you although, Staniel Cay is attractive and fairly well-known. The truth is, it was the backdrop of two James Bond Movies. Thunderball in 1965 and By no means Say By no means Once more in 1983 had been each shot on the island. Staniel Cay solely has a inhabitants of round 120 folks, so you’ll be able to positively benefit from the alternative for a quiet fishing journey, scenic dive among the many coral reefs, or kayaking.
Stocking Island
Stocking Island is off the japanese coast of Nice Exuma, and you will get to this island by a 10-minute water taxi or ferry from Georgetown. In case you select considered one of these choices, it’ll value about $15 USD per particular person. Stocking Island is nice for a day journey and when you get to this island, you’ll be capable of get pleasure from superb diving and genuine Bahamian delicacies.
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Whereas snorkeling on this island, you’re more likely to see creatures like stingrays that love hanging round close to the shore on a few of the seashores. Different sightings whereas diving right here can embrace octopus, starfish, sea snails, and extra. After an thrilling dive on this island, attempt the Conch Shack for one thing scrumptious to eat.
Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Eleuthera
About 50 miles from Nassau, you’ll discover Eleuthera, an island that’s round 110 miles lengthy and one mile broad. This island is the fourth most populated island in The Bahamas, and it’s one other territory the place you will discover pink sand seashores. Eleuthera appeals to individuals who simply need to trip in a serene place and get away from all of it.
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The inhabitants of Eleuthera is round 11,165 folks, so this island positively provides small city vibes. A few of the finest sights on this island embrace Pink Sand Seaside, Lighthouse Seaside, Glass Window Bridge, Vic Hums Evening Membership, Tarpum Bay, Bannerman City, and Hatchet Bay.
In case you plan on visiting Eleuthera as a part of an island-hopping journey, it’ll take round 2 hours and 40 minutes to get to this island from Nassau. Ferry providers can be found and chartering a ship to get to Eleuthera is a chance as nicely.
Good to know: Eleuthera is to the east of New Windfall and has a number of shipwrecks that may be explored throughout a dive. Pineapple is that this island’s signature crop, so anticipate a number of it whereas there!
Harbour Island
It’ll solely take about 5 minutes by ferry to get to Harbour Island from Eleuthera. A visit right here can be nicely value it as you’ll be capable of expertise a few of the famed pink sand seashores of The Bahamas. Many of those pink-hued strands might be discovered alongside the japanese shore of Harbour Island, and so they’re sure so as to add some intrigue to your explorations.
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On Harbour Island, you’ll be able to go to the primary settlement, Dunmore City. Right here you’ll discover pastel-colored homes that, mixed with the pink sand seashores, will actually have you ever feeling such as you’re dwelling in a dream. It is a peaceable island, and right here you’ll probably spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, biking, scuba diving, or simply lounging on the seaside having fun with the sunshine.
Good to know: There aren’t any automobiles on Harbour Island, so chances are you’ll must depend on a golf cart to get round!
Lengthy Island
Journey awaits in Lengthy Island in The Bahamas. This island is one of many smallest inhabited islands in The Bahamas, measuring 80 miles from high to backside and 4 miles broad. Lengthy Island is to the southeast of Nassau, and to the south of Nice Exuma.
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In case you select to trip in Nassau, you’ll simply be capable of organize a day journey to Lengthy Island. Whereas there you’ll be able to take a look at a few of the standard sights, which embrace Lucayan Indian Cave, Dean’s Blue Gap (the second deepest blue gap in the world), Max’s Conch Bar, and Tiny’s Hurricane Gap.
It’s potential to get to Lengthy Island from Nassau by airplane. This may take round 45 minutes and value round $150 USD a technique. In case you select to fly, you’ll both arrive at Deadman’s Cay Airport or Stella Maris Airport. A ship journey to Lengthy Island can take for much longer – as much as 18 hours. From Georgetown in Nice Exuma, it’s potential to take a ferry to Lengthy Island that’ll arrive in about 4 hours.
Good to know: A lot of the attractive white sand seashores of Lengthy Island are positioned alongside the island’s western coast.
Andros
Andros is a type of islands that’ll make it simple to disconnect from the seemingly urgent problems with life. That is the largest island of The Bahamas, and it’s potential to get there by airplane or boat from Nassau. It’ll take 2.5 hours to get to Andros by boat from Nassau, however solely about quarter-hour by airplane.
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Although Andros is kind of giant, a lot of it stays untouched. There are various pure sights on this island that you simply’ll be capable of see throughout an island-hopping journey in The Bahamas, together with the Andros Barrier Reef (the second-largest coral reef in the Western hemisphere), the Tongue of the Ocean, Blue Holes Nationwide Park, Andros Lighthouse, Henry Morgan’s Cave, Mariners Properly, the Native Colony Ruins, and the world’s oldest dive store.
Whereas in Andros, you’ll admire the chill and relaxed ambiance, and the flexibility to have some fairly unbelievable dive experiences as nicely. Andros may be very standard for snorkeling and scuba diving, and it gives the perfect bonefishing in The Bahamas.
Good to know: There are 5 nationwide parks on Andros that guests can discover whereas on this island.
Island hopping inside the Abacos
The Abaco Islands
The Abacos are thought-about ‘Out Islands’ of The Bahamas and so they enchantment to lovers of crusing and easy dwelling. This island chain is to the north of New Windfall and Paradise Island, and it’s made up of 120 cays together with Man-O-Conflict Cay, Nice Guana Cay, Inexperienced Turtle Cay, and Spanish Cay.
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Lots of the Abaco Islands are uninhabited, however they’ll nonetheless make for fascinating explorations, particularly if you wish to spend the day feeling such as you’re by yourself abandoned island. In case you select to go to Nice Abaco (the biggest island in the Abacos) and discover from there by boat, you’ll encounter many small, stunning islands, thriving coral reefs, and underwater caves. A few of the principal sights in the Abaco Islands are the Elbow Cay Lighthouse, Treasure Cay, the Nice Abaco Golf Course, and Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar.
It’ll take about an hour to fly on to Nice Abaco from Miami, Florida. From Nassau, it takes just below two hours to get to Nice Abaco by boat (this would possibly make for an fascinating day journey).
Good to know: The Abacos are standard for fishing and diving and the islands host fairly a number of regattas (a Bahamian cultural festival centered round crusing) all year long.
Nice Guana Cay
Visiting Nice Guana Cay is like one thing out of a dream. The island has a few of the most stunning seashores in The Bahamas. There are even seashores with gentle pink sand, which is a rarity even for the Caribbean. The attractive sand mixed with crystal clear water and a peaceable ambiance might be simply what you want to discover good rest.
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Nice Guana Cay is interesting as a result of it’s by no means crowded. You possibly can actually really feel such as you’ve gotten away from all of it. Nonetheless, there are a number of eating places on this island, a liquor retailer, and a grocery store. Like a number of of the opposite islands in The Bahamas, you received’t be renting a automotive right here (as there are none!), however you’ll be able to simply hire a golf cart to get round.
It’s fairly simple to get to Nice Guana Cay from Nice Abaco, as there are ferries from Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay. You can too discover different close by islands by way of water taxi from Nice Guana Cay.
Inexperienced Turtle Cay
Inexperienced Turtle Cay is one of many smaller and fewer populated islands of The Bahamas. Positioned north of Nice Guana Cay, this island is simply 3 miles lengthy, and half a mile broad. Inexperienced Turtle Cay is without doubt one of the ‘Out-Islands’ of the Abacos, and it’s best suited to vacationers who need to discover and spend time on stunning seashores. There are fairly a number of villas and cottages you’ll be able to hire in Inexperienced Turtle Cay, and boat leases can be found too. Golf carts are additionally obtainable for hire to discover this island.
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Whereas there isn’t an airport on Inexperienced Turtle Cay, you will get there by way of a 15-minute ferry journey from Treasure Cay in Nice Abaco for $15 USD.
Elbow Cay
Elbow Cay is a 6-mile-long islet off the coast of Nice Abaco. This island is to the northern finish of The Bahamas, and it’s standard with vacationers who desire a personal island expertise.
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Elbow Cay is nice for browsing because of the various reef breaks in this space that generate superb waves. There are a number of seashores on this island, and also you’ll be capable of hire golf carts for the day to discover since there are only a few automobiles.
The principal settlement on this island known as Hope City, which has a number of eating places the place you’ll be able to attempt genuine Bahamian meals. There’s additionally a lighthouse on Elbow Cay that dates again to 1894. It’s one of many final kerosene lighthouses in the world. You will get to Elbow Cay by way of a 20-minute ferry journey from Marsh Harbour.
Man-O-Conflict Cay
Man-O-Conflict Cay in The Bahamas is thought by many as the nation’s boat-building capital. It’s positioned in the Abacos between Nice Guana Cay and Elbow Cay and gives a real back-to-nature expertise.
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There aren’t any bars, golf equipment, or any facilities of that nature in Man-O-Conflict-Cay, however the island is house to stunning seashores, nice snorkeling, scuba diving, and alternatives to swim in the tranquil, clear seas. It’s unlikely if you see the great thing about this island that you simply’ll miss any of the traditional luxuries of life. You’ll be too busy sinking into true rest and bliss.
Hottest one-week itineraries for island hopping in The Bahamas
One week can really feel like loads for a trip, however if you’re island hopping the time can slip by – quick. In case you’re planning a one-week journey to The Bahamas, it’s best to e-book one place to remain for the complete week and do one-day excursions from that island to a few others which might be close by.
In case your keep can be shorter than one week, it’s best to only choose the island that almost all appeals to you and discover it as a lot as potential. Island hopping could also be an excessive amount of to tackle throughout your quick keep.
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Standard routes for a one week keep in The Bahamas:
- Nassau + Rose Island (day journey), Exuma (day journey)
- Exuma: Nice Exuma, Huge Main Cay, Staniel Cay, Stocking Island
- Eleuthera + Harbour Island (day journey)
- The Abacos: Nice Guana Cay, Inexperienced Turtle Cay, Elbow Cay, Man-O-Conflict Cay
Insider tip: Unsure where to stay in The Bahamas? Choose the islands that talk most to you and save the remainder for later. If it’s your first journey to The Bahamas, Nassau and Exuma are nice locations to start out.
Hottest two-week itineraries for island hopping in The Bahamas
A two-week trip in The Bahamas gives you extra time to discover extra islands. In case you’ll be in The Bahamas for 2 weeks, you would possibly need to take into account splitting your keep between two totally totally different islands.
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Standard routes for a two week keep in The Bahamas:
- Nassau (keep 1) + Rose Island (day journey), Exuma (keep 2): Nice Exuma, Huge Main Cay, Staniel Cay, Stocking Island, then again to Nassau.
- Nassau (keep 1) + Rose Island (day journey), Eleuthera (keep 2) + Harbour Island, then again to Nassau.
- Nassau (keep 1) + Rose Island (day journey), Abacos (keep 2): Nice Guana Cay, Inexperienced Turtle Cay, Elbow Cay, Man-O-Conflict Cay, then again to Nassau.
- Nassau (keep 1) + Rose Island (day journey), Eleuthera (keep 2) + Harbour Island, Exuma (keep 3): Nice Exuma, Huge Main Cay, Staniel Cay, Stocking Island, then again to Nassau.
Word: this final journey would possibly really feel a bit rushed for those who’re staying 14 days. Take into account staying a few days longer.
So many islands to hop, so little time!
Island hopping might be an thrilling strategy to spend your days in The Bahamas. This nation’s many islands have their very own distinct personalities and provide a novel expertise. You would be enjoyable on the white sand of Cable Beach in Nassau in the future, interacting with the world-famous swimming pigs of Pig Island the subsequent day, and shark diving at Tiger Seaside in Grand Bahama the day after that. You can also make your {couples}’ journey as low-key or thrilling as you want!
In case you’re planning an island-hopping journey in The Bahamas, staying in Nassau gives you quick access to most of the different islands. Plus, you’ll be capable of select from a few of the most unbelievable all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas.
Image: The West Bay Butler Swim-Up Suite at Sandals Royal Bahamian.
With so many superb islands to discover in this territory, you’ll probably remorse it for those who don’t expertise as many as you’ll be able to.
Comfortable travels!
