Should you’ve by no means been island hopping earlier than, then The Bahamas is a great spot to start out. This tropical vacation spot is made up of 700 inhabited and uninhabited islands, rocks and cays that you simply’re positive to fall in love with at first look.
The area gives tons of thrilling alternatives – lots of which middle across the huge and delightful ocean the Bahamas is known for. It’s comprehensible that you simply would possibly wish to take pleasure in as many experiences as attainable throughout your go to. To do that, you’ll positively have to go to a couple of island! This doesn’t need to be a sophisticated enterprise both. With slightly planning, you possibly can match a number of islands into your Bahamian journey.
On this put up, we’ll assist steer you in the appropriate route in relation to one of the best 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 possibly can go to greater than one of many islands by airplane or by boat at an inexpensive price. You possibly can even think about splitting your journey between resorts on the varied 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 areas close to Florida
Florida is without doubt one of the closest U.S. locations to The Bahamas. It gained’t take lengthy to get to areas like New Windfall, Grand Bahama, and lots of different wonderful islands of The Bahamas from there.
Nassau
New Windfall is prone to be the primary suggestion you obtain should you 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 may be the excellent begin to an island-hopping journey as you possibly can 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 price much less to get to a few of the different islands from Nassau as nicely.
There are a lot of superior things to do in Nassau, resembling seaside hopping, purchasing, testing the artwork and historical past of the islands at native museums and galleries, and even taking within 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 have the ability to take a day journey to Paradise Island, which is related to New Windfall by two bridges. Should you’re staying for the (lengthy) weekend, select to remain at this all-inclusive resort in Nassau, the place you’ll have the ability to order limitless cocktails and eat as a lot as you need at 10 eating places and three meals vehicles. It’s all included!
Image: An aerial view of Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas.
Grand Bahama
On Grand Bahama, you’ll have the ability to 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 plenty extra. It really 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 residing. Grand Bahama is most identified for its lovely seashores, and the thrilling adventures you possibly can 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 primary airport on Grand Bahama Island is the Grand Bahama Worldwide Airport. It could possibly take round 45 minutes to fly to Freeport, Grand Bahama from Miami. This journey is sort 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 slightly 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 means.
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 straightforward to get to a few of the different standard islands of the Bahamas, resembling New Windfall, from there. It takes half-hour to get to Bimini from Nassau by airplane, and from Nassau, it’s straightforward to hook up with many of the different islands of The Bahamas. The primary airport in Bimini is the South Bimini Airport, however there’s one other airport in North Bimini as nicely.
Whereas in Bimini, some fascinating locations you possibly can try embrace the Limestone Properly (Fountain of Youth), Nice Issac Cay Lighthouse, Honeymoon Harbor Seaside, Bimini Sands Seaside, Radio Seaside, Bimini Warfare Memorial & Heroes Park, Bimini Craft Heart, Alive City Seaside, and the Bimini Museum.
Good to know: The inhabitants of Bimini is about 1,988 individuals.
Island-hopping areas close to Nassau
Nassau is the capital metropolis of The Bahamas, and it’s situated 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 here 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 certainly one of few islands in The Bahamas the place you possibly can swim with pigs, a signature Bahamian journey. There’s a wildlife sanctuary there that the pigs name dwelling.
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Good to know: One of the best ways 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 called the Exuma Cays. It’s attainable 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 within the Exumas. Right here, you’ll discover a couple of upscale resort manufacturers like Sandals Emerald Bay. Nice Exuma is beloved for its lovely white sand seashores and its sustainable improvement outlook. On Nice Exuma, you can see minimal infrastructure, permitting you to understand a few of the lovely 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 situated towards the southern tip of Nice Exuma. In Georgetown, you possibly can 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 have the ability to get a water taxi to a few of the close by islands from Georgetown as nicely.
Good to know: Should 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. You’ll want to strive as most of the thrilling things to do in Exuma as you possibly can earlier than it’s time to fly again!
Large Main Cay
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Large Main Cay is the place it’s at if you wish to strive 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 have the ability to stroll round and discover.
Staniel Cay
North of Nice Exuma, you could find Staniel Cay, which is standard for its lovely seashores, offshore coral reefs, and swimming pigs. Staniel Cay is close to Large 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. Actually, it was the backdrop of two James Bond Movies. Thunderball in 1965 and By no means Say By no means Once more in 1983 have been each shot on the island. Staniel Cay solely has a inhabitants of round 120 individuals, so you possibly can 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 may get to this island by a 10-minute water taxi or ferry from Georgetown. Should you select certainly one of these choices, it’ll price about $15 USD per particular person. Stocking Island is nice for a day journey and when you get to this island, you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in wonderful diving and genuine Bahamian delicacies.
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Whereas snorkeling on this island, you’re prone 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, strive 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 large. This island is the fourth most populated island in The Bahamas, and it’s one other territory the place you could find pink sand seashores. Eleuthera appeals to individuals who simply wish 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 individuals, so this island positively offers 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.
Should 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 companies 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 price it as you’ll have the ability to expertise a few of the famed pink sand seashores of The Bahamas. Many of those pink-hued strands may be discovered alongside the japanese shore of Harbour Island, they usually’re sure so as to add some intrigue to your explorations.
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On Harbour Island, you possibly can 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 residing in a dream. This can be a peaceable island, and right here you’ll possible spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, biking, scuba diving, or simply lounging on the seaside having fun with the sunshine.
Good to know: There are not any automobiles on Harbour Island, so it’s possible you’ll have to 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 prime to backside and 4 miles large. Lengthy Island is to the southeast of Nassau, and to the south of Nice Exuma.
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Should you select to trip in Nassau, you’ll simply have the ability to organize a day journey to Lengthy Island. Whereas there you possibly can try a few of the standard sights, which embrace Lucayan Indian Cave, Dean’s Blue Gap (the second deepest blue gap on the planet), Max’s Conch Bar, and Tiny’s Hurricane Gap.
It’s attainable to get to Lengthy Island from Nassau by airplane. This may take round 45 minutes and value round $150 USD a method. Should 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 attainable to take a ferry to Lengthy Island that’ll arrive in about 4 hours.
Good to know: Many of the attractive white sand seashores of Lengthy Island are situated alongside the island’s western coast.
Andros
Andros is a type of islands that’ll make it straightforward to disconnect from the seemingly urgent problems with life. That is the largest island of The Bahamas, and it’s attainable 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 sort of giant, a lot of it stays untouched. There are a lot of pure sights on this island that you simply’ll have the ability to see throughout an island-hopping journey in The Bahamas, together with the Andros Barrier Reef (the second-largest coral reef within 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 could be very standard for snorkeling and scuba diving, and it gives one of the best bonefishing in The Bahamas.
Good to know: There are 5 nationwide parks on Andros that guests can discover whereas on this island.
Island hopping throughout the Abacos
The Abaco Islands
The Abacos are thought of ‘Out Islands’ of The Bahamas they usually enchantment to lovers of crusing and easy residing. 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-Warfare Cay, Nice Guana Cay, Inexperienced Turtle Cay, and Spanish Cay.
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Most 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. Should you select to go to Nice Abaco (the biggest island within the Abacos) and discover from there by boat, you’ll encounter many small, lovely islands, thriving coral reefs, and underwater caves. A few of the primary sights within 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 slightly 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 couple 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 lovely seashores in The Bahamas. There are even seashores with mild pink sand, which is a rarity even for the Caribbean. The attractive sand mixed with crystal clear water and a peaceable ambiance may be simply what you want to discover excellent leisure.
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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 couple of eating places on this island, a liquor retailer, and a grocery store. Like a couple of of the opposite islands in The Bahamas, you gained’t be renting a automotive right here (as there are none!), however you possibly can simply hire a golf cart to get round.
It’s fairly straightforward to get to Nice Guana Cay from Nice Abaco, as there are ferries from Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay. You can even 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 large. Inexperienced Turtle Cay is without doubt one of the ‘Out-Islands’ of the Abacos, and it’s best suited to vacationers who wish to discover and spend time on lovely seashores. There are fairly a couple of villas and cottages you possibly can 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 may 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 need a non-public island expertise.
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Elbow Cay is nice for browsing because of the numerous reef breaks on this space that generate wonderful waves. There are a number of seashores on this island, and also you’ll have the ability to hire golf carts for the day to discover since there are only a few automobiles.
The primary settlement on this island is known as Hope City, which has a couple of eating places the place you possibly can strive genuine Bahamian meals. There’s additionally a lighthouse on Elbow Cay that dates again to 1894. It’s one of many final kerosene lighthouses on the planet. You may get to Elbow Cay by way of a 20-minute ferry journey from Marsh Harbour.
Man-O-Warfare Cay
Man-O-Warfare Cay in The Bahamas is thought by many as the nation’s boat-building capital. It’s situated within the Abacos between Nice Guana Cay and Elbow Cay and gives a real back-to-nature expertise.
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There are not any bars, golf equipment, or any facilities of that nature in Man-O-Warfare-Cay, however the island is dwelling to lovely seashores, nice snorkeling, scuba diving, and alternatives to swim within the tranquil, clear seas. It’s unlikely once 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 leisure and bliss.
Hottest one-week itineraries for island hopping in The Bahamas
One week can really feel like loads for a trip, however once you’re island hopping the time can slip by – quick. Should you’re planning a one-week journey to The Bahamas, it’s best to e-book one place to remain for all the week and do one-day excursions from that island to a few others which can be close by.
In case your keep can be shorter than one week, it’s best to simply choose the island that the majority appeals to you and discover it as a lot as attainable. Island hopping could also be an excessive amount of to tackle throughout your quick keep.
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Widespread routes for a one week keep in The Bahamas:
- Nassau + Rose Island (day journey), Exuma (day journey)
- Exuma: Nice Exuma, Large Main Cay, Staniel Cay, Stocking Island
- Eleuthera + Harbour Island (day journey)
- The Abacos: Nice Guana Cay, Inexperienced Turtle Cay, Elbow Cay, Man-O-Warfare Cay
Insider tip: Undecided where to stay in The Bahamas? Decide 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 provides you with extra time to discover extra islands. Should you’ll be in The Bahamas for 2 weeks, you would possibly wish to think about splitting your keep between two totally completely different islands.
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Widespread routes for a two week keep in The Bahamas:
- Nassau (keep 1) + Rose Island (day journey), Exuma (keep 2): Nice Exuma, Large 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-Warfare Cay, then again to Nassau.
- Nassau (keep 1) + Rose Island (day journey), Eleuthera (keep 2) + Harbour Island, Exuma (keep 3): Nice Exuma, Large Main Cay, Staniel Cay, Stocking Island, then again to Nassau.
Be aware: this final journey would possibly really feel a bit rushed should you’re staying 14 days. Take into account staying a few days longer.
So many islands to hop, so little time!
Island hopping may be an thrilling option to spend your days in The Bahamas. This nation’s many islands have their very own distinct personalities and provide a novel expertise. You might be enjoyable on the white sand of Cable Beach in Nassau sooner or later, interacting with the world-famous swimming pigs of Pig Island the following 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 would like!
Should you’re planning an island-hopping journey in The Bahamas, staying in Nassau provides you with easy accessibility to most of the different islands. Plus, you’ll have the ability to 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 wonderful islands to discover on this territory, you’ll possible remorse it should you don’t expertise as many as you possibly can.
Comfortable travels!
