Island hopping in the Bahamas

It is important to plan which of the many islands are right for you! With over 700 islands and cays, the Bahamas offers endless opportunities for island hopping. Each island has its own unique charm, from the bustling nightlife of Nassau to the serene beauty of the Out Islands. Explore different landscapes, cultures, and experiences without ever leaving this beautiful archipelago.

Nassau

We began our Bahamian adventure in Nassau, the capital, known for its colourful colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. We explored the historic streets of downtown Nassau, with pastel-coloured buildings, little shops, and the pink buildings of Parliament Square. This is a very compact walkable area.

You can visit the Queen's Staircase, carved out of limestone by slaves in the late 18th century, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. I would also recommending diving into Bahamian history at the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where interactive exhibits bring the swashbuckling tales of pirates to life.

We enjoyed a wide range of food, from an informal evening dining on conch salad & fritters under the bridge, to huge portions of food and cocktails at Senor Frogs and a more refined dinner experience at Graycliff, a 5 star fine dining restaurant and boutique hotel. We experienced local nightlife & danced the night away.

We stayed at the 4 star all-inclusive Melia Nassau Beach on stunning Cable Beach. This property is within easy reach of nearby shops, restaurants and buzzing nightlife, making it the perfect choice for visitors looking for fun and relaxation in equal measure. It is an ideal resort for families, with plenty of activities to suit all ages, a number of pools, restaurants plus daily entertainment.

We enjoyed afternoon tea at The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, where Daniel Craig filmed Casino Royale. This luxury resort features spacious rooms and expansive beachfront private villas plus an array of facilities including 3 restaurants (one with a Michelin-star chef), a spa and three swimming pools with the jewel in the crown being the adults-only Versailles pool situated within a multi-tiered landscaped garden. The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, sits on cabbage beach, a white sandy beach which stretches for 8 km/5 miles. Guests can be brought to the Atlantis Resort by golf buggy through a private entrance, with complimentary access.

Atlantis Paradise Island offers an incredible range of accommodations in five distinct hotels, plus over 40 restaurants featuring 3 Michelin starred chefs, plenty of bars, as well as a casino, an award-winning spa, shopping arcade and marina. And of course, Aquaventure waterpark, marine habitat, dolphin cay plus a number of pools and beaches. There is an extensive activities programme for all ages and even a nightclub for teens (no adults allowed!) with a gaming lounge, pool tables, air hockey, a DJ and a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Tip: Guests of the Comfort Suites have full access to the Atlantis Resort! This property offers the greatest value in the Caribbean with affordable rates, newly renovated junior suites (sleeping 4), complimentary breakfast daily and Wi-Fi, plus an outdoor pool with swim up bar.

We also visited Sandals Royal Bahamian, British Colonial Nassau, and Baha Mar.

Diving

The waters of the Bahamas are famous for their clarity and consistent conditions. It is the only destination in the world that can guarantee sharks, and because of this, has become known as the under-water film capital of the world. Some of the most intimate and up-close shark diving in the world can be found here. From tiger shark dives in Freeport, silky sharks in Nassau, or hammerheads in Bimini, come face to face with these impressive predators.

We enjoyed 2 dives with Stuart Coves Dive Bahamas. Dozens of 5-6 foot Caribbean Reef sharks swim amongst everyone and come within touching distance of all of the divers (although no touching is allowed!) The Bahamas is also home to the world’s third largest barrier reef (the Andros Barrier Reef). Beautiful shallow reefs teeming with marine life, contrast with a wall that plummets to a depth of 6,000 feet, known as the Tongue of the Ocean.

Grand Bahama

After a short 35 minute flight, we reached Grand Bahama, an island renowned for its beaches, reef-lined bays, mangrove swamps, all-inclusive resorts, and golf courses.

We visited the Port Lucaya Marketplace, which has lots of shops and restaurants to suit every taste plus a number of bars with late-night entertainment. It is the largest open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in the Bahamas and is definitely worth a visit.

We stayed at the Grand Lucayan all-inclusive resort, situated next door. A lovely property in a great location, with 4 restaurants and bars, a spa, gym, and entertainment programme, as well as unlimited golf.

We visited the nearby Lucayan National Park, where we took a guided walk to spot birdlife, lizards & lots of beautiful washed up conch shells. We kayaked through the mangroves and enjoyed a home cooked meal of rice, peas, and meat. On the way back, we stopped off at Pelican Point Beach. I wish we had more time there. It is a stunning, unspoiled piece of paradise!

5 nights just whet my appetite for this amazing destination. With so much more to explore, it is on my bucket list to return to someday.

So, pack your sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and set sail for the Bahamas—a paradise waiting to be explored and cherished. Whether you seek relaxation on the sands or excitement beneath the waves, the Bahamas invites you to discover its treasures and create memories that will last a lifetime.