The Bahamas is a popular travel destination in the Caribbean.

🌴 Essential Information

Feature	Details
Capital	Nassau (on New Providence Island)
Currency	Bahamian Dollar (BSD), pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar (USD). USD is accepted everywhere.
Official Language	English
Time Zone	Eastern Standard Time (EST) / Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Getting There	Major gateway is Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, with direct flights from North America and some from Europe. Inter-island travel is via domestic flights (Bahamasair) or high-speed ferries.
Getting Around	Taxis are readily available (agree on the fare in advance). In Nassau, local minibuses called Jitneys are a cheap way to get around.

The Bahamas is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons:

Season	Timeframe	Weather & Crowds	Best For
High Season	Mid-December to Mid-April	Dry, sunny, comfortable temperatures ( $\approx 70-80^\circ\text{F}$ ). Highest prices and largest crowds (especially during holidays and Spring Break).	Classic winter escape, best overall weather.
Shoulder Season	Late April to June	Warm temperatures, lower crowds, moderate prices. Hurricane risk is low in May/June.	Budget travelers, diving/snorkeling (warmer water), and cultural festivals.
Low Season	August to November	Hot, humid, with more frequent rain showers. Height of hurricane season (especially Aug-Oct). Lowest prices and thinnest crowds.	Best deals, budget travel, and seclusion (some resorts on Out Islands may close).

Pro Tip: For the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices, aim for May or November/Early December.

The islands of The Bahamas are generally divided into the bustling hubs (New Providence/Grand Bahama) and the tranquil Out Islands (Family Islands).

The main tourist and commercial hub.

Atlantis Paradise Island: A massive resort complex featuring the Aquaventure water park, marine habitats, and a casino.
Cable Beach: A beautiful stretch of white sand lined with major resorts.
Downtown Nassau: Explore historic colonial architecture, visit Fort Charlotte and Fort Fincastle, and shop at the famous Straw Market.
Pirates of Nassau Museum: An interactive museum exploring the Golden Age of Piracy.
Blue Lagoon Island: A private island offering a tranquil escape, dolphin encounters, and water activities.

A chain of 365 cays known for their remote, stunning natural beauty.

Pig Beach (Big Major Cay): Home of the famous swimming pigs.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: A protected marine area, world-renowned for diving, snorkeling, and unspoiled seascapes.
Thunderball Grotto: An underwater cave system popular for snorkeling and diving (featured in James Bond films).

Known for their distinctive pink and white-sand beaches.

Pink Sands Beach (Harbour Island): Famous for its soft, pink sand created by microscopic coral insects.
Glass Window Bridge (Eleuthera): A narrow strip of rock where the dark blue Atlantic Ocean meets the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

The second most-visited island, offering a mix of relaxation and soft adventure.

Lucayan National Park: Home to one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems and beautiful secluded beaches.
Port Lucaya Marketplace: The main tourist hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Conch (pronounced “konk”): The national food. Try conch salad (fresh, raw, and marinated in citrus), cracked conch (fried), or conch fritters.
Fish Fry: A gathering of casual restaurants, most notably at Arawak Cay in Nassau, serving fresh seafood.
Bahamian Stew Fish: A savory dish of fried fish simmered in a rich brown gravy.
Guava Duff: A traditional steamed dessert made with guava and served with a buttery rum sauce.
Sip-Sip: A popular brand of local tea/fruit drinks.

Junkanoo: The national festival, a colorful street parade with music, dance, and elaborate costumes, held primarily on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) and New Year’s Day (Jan 1st).
People-to-People Experience: A free program where visitors can connect with local Bahamian ambassadors for a genuine cultural exchange.
Rake ‘n’ Scrape: A distinct Bahamian style of music created with traditional instruments like a saw, goatskin drum, and accordion.