Pig out - literally
If swimming with dolphins isn’t your thing, how about swimming with pigs? Big Major Cay in The Bahamas is the only place in the world where you can take a dip in the sea with friendly piglets - now there's something to tick off the bucket list!
Go scavenging
Making history fun might seem like a hard sell, but the Nassau Native Quest hits the sweet spot. You’ll compete on a downtown scavenger hunt, with friendly local hosts testing your skills. The quest ends with tasty island treats at a beachside celebration.
Lose yourself in nature
Take a calming break from the beach heat on your Bahamas holiday and visit the Garden of the Groves. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise where you’ll see native flora and wildlife living freely amongst the waterfalls. Tour guides can help you spot unusual birds and turtles, and if it really ticks your boxes, you can even get married there!
Shop it, pop it, lock it, polka dot it
Port Lucaya Marketplace combines two of the best holiday activities — shopping and dancing! By day this colourful Freeport market is full of artsy boutiques and food stalls, whilst by night it's all about live music and DJs bringing the party.
Admire the view
Even cheap holidays to the Bahamas can be full of natural wonders. Take awe-inspiring holiday snaps at Glass Window Bridge - a narrow break between the wild Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Extra, extra, rum all about it
No holiday to the Bahamas is complete without sampling some of the local rum. The John Watling's Distillery in Nassau is the best way to learn about the history and process of making that Bahamian rum you've been sipping poolside all week, and better yet, you get a cheeky lil' tasting of some signature room after your tour.
What events can I go to in The Bahamas?
Junkanoo isn’t just the name of a beach, it’s also a special type of Caribbean carnival. You’ll catch mini-junkanoos throughout the year, so keep an eye out when planning your 2024 holiday to The Bahamas.
New Year’s Day (January) - one of the year’s most extravagant junkanoos, showing off the event’s African heritage with costumes and music
RumBahamas Festival (February) - we aren't saying you can't drink rum to your hearts delight year-round, but this festival is a 3 day event with tastings, cooking demos, live music and a tonne of cultural celebrations.
Bacardi Billfish Tournament (March–June) - keen anglers and deep-sea fishers can join in four competitions at different locations around the island
Bahamas Family Island Regatta(April) - an impressive array of sailboats race around the Elizabeth Harbour
Eleuthera Pineapple Festival (June) - another junkanoo, this time celebrating the juicy yellow fruit! Take part in pineapple eating contests and farm tours across the islands
Independence Day (July) - a celebration of the Bahamas independence from the UK complete with fireworks and parades - join in the festivities under the summer sun.
Emancipation Day (August) - Bahamians celebrate this historical date with junkanoos beginning as early as 4am, cook-outs, and unusual customs - like climbing a greased pole!
Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival (October) - learn more about the islanders’ traditions with storytelling performances and fresh fish
Guy Fawkes Day (November) - the bonfire traditions we know and love, but kicked up a notch with Bahamian flavours
Boxing Day (December) - the last Junkanoo of the year, celebrated across the island with huge colourful parades
Where's the best nightlife in The Bahamas?
Music that makes your body move, friendly service and fresh fruit cocktails are all on the menu once the sun goes down. Check out the best nightlife hotspots across the islands to hit-up on your holidays to the Bahamas:
Bahama Boom Beach Club, Nassau - considered one of the nation’s best, this club has a large dancefloor and a different theme each night
Tiki Bikini Hut, Junkanoo Beach - the place to be as the beach goes from daytime paradise to party central, with local musicians bringing the beats
Rum Runners, Freeport - a totally stylish cocktail bar with live music. Top tip: Ask for a Bahama Mama cocktail before you get too tipsy to say it!
Atlantis Casino, Paradise Island - this flashy location welcomes spenders big and small, with drinks and the latest slots
Arawak Cay, Nassau - this lively beach area is most popular with locals, making it an ideal place to meet Bahamians over fish fry and dancing
Skybar at SLS Baha Mar, Nassau - this boujee rooftop bar is a must visit complete with stun views of Cable Beach and delish cocktails to sip on while the sunsets, this is a popular spot, so make sure you make a reservation!
What’s the food like in The Bahamas?
Holidays to The Bahamas are a real treat for foodies. In Caribbean cuisine, local ingredients are key, so you’ll find lots of seafood, tropical fruits, and of course - rum! Keep your eyes peeled for these specialities:
Cracked conch - a seafood dish made with the meat from the iconic swirly-shelled conch, coated in breadcrumbs and fried
Souse - a hearty stew that’s served at any time, combining root veg and various meats
Pigeon peas and rice - the Bahamian take on a Caribbean classic
Old Sour - a tangy lime and chilli sauce, often served alongside fish
Guava duff - the lush tropical fruit is folded into pastry, baked, and topped with rum custard
Beach holidays in the Bahamas come complete with the finest in-resort dining, but if you fancy looking further afield, try these local favourites:
Bahamian Cookin' Restaurant & Bar, Nassau - a fun and friendly place to try the best traditional dishes close to the shore
Crabs and Ting, Junkanoo Beach - home to the freshest coconuts and seafood right on the sands
Viola's Bar & Grill, Paradise Island - a welcoming spot for families, serving all your Caribbean favourites
Eat Right Delights, Nassau - if seafood’s not your thing, this takeaway counter has the best plant-based Bahamian cuisine
Graycliff Restaurant, Nassau - for all the fine-diners among you, this spot located in a downtown mansion is a treasure trove of goodies, we're talking a wine cellar with over 250,000 different bottles and renowned chocolate desserts - what an iconic combo!
