The 25 Best Things To Do In The Bahamas For An Unforgettable Vacation!

With over 700 islands and cays, hundreds of captivating beaches with white or pink sand, and an abundance of things to do, The Bahamas is one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Northeast of Cuba and southeast of Florida, a vacation in The Bahamas can bring your beach vacation aspirations to life in the best way possible!
If you're wondering when to plan your trip, the best time to visit The Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April—peak season—when the islands are bustling with activity, and the weather is at its finest. But truthfully, there’s hardly a bad time to travel here. With warm weather year-round, The Bahamas delivers gorgeous beach days, tropical breezes, and endless ways to unwind or explore no matter when you go.

Experience the beauty of Sandals Royal Bahamian where the beach is sure to be calling your name!

Whether you’ve already booked your trip or you’re nearly there, here are some of the best things to do during a vacation in The Bahamas!

1. Swim with Pigs at Big Major Cay

Located: Big Major Cay/ Pig Island (Exuma)

Cost: Rounds up to about $200 per person for full tour

It's always a fun time getting to interact with wildlife safely while exploring a new tropical destination. In The Bahamas, one of the most iconic experiences is a visit to see the swimming pigs. While you can find these charming animals on a few islands, Exuma is home to the original swimming pigs on Big Major Cay—also known as Pig Island. Many tours combine this must-see stop with other highlights like Big Guana Cay. For the best lighting and fewer crowds, book an early morning tour.

2. Go on a day trip to Rose Island

Located: Rose Island (day trip from Nassau)

Cost: About $130 USD

Escape to scenic Rose Island, a peaceful private isle not too far from Nassau. Ideal for couples or groups looking to unwind, this day trip offers snorkeling, beach lounging, and buffet-style feasts beneath bright blue skies. Some tours even include overnight stays in treetop rooms or beachfront bungalows—this can be just right if you want to spend one night off property during your all-inclusive vacation in The Bahamas.

3. Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto

Located: Near Staniel Cay, Exuma

Cost: Included in many tour packages

One of the most unique attractions in The Bahamas, Thunderball Grotto is an underwater cave system that gained worldwide fame in James Bond films like Thunderball and Never Say Never Again. Located near Staniel Cay, it’s a top snorkeling and scuba site featuring vibrant marine life including sergeant majors, yellowtail snapper, and angelfish. This is a magical spot for adventurers and movie buffs alike.

4. Go on a Day Trip to Blue Lagoon Island

Located: Blue Lagoon Island (day trip from Nassau)

Cost: Starts at $69 USD for adults, $45 USD for children

Blue Lagoon Island (also called Salt Cay) is a family-friendly and couple-approved destination that offers unforgettable marine encounters. Swim with dolphins, snorkel among tropical fish, and even meet stingrays and sea lions. There’s also a range of activities like Segway tours, sip-and-paint classes, and beachfront shopping. Only three miles from Nassau, this island is one of the easiest—and most exciting—day trips in The Bahamas.

5. Take in the Scenery at Coco Plum Beach

Located: Exuma

Cost: Free

Coco Plum Beach is a hidden gem in Exuma known for its soft, white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and tranquil atmosphere. Fairly secluded, this beach is not only Instagram-worthy—it’s a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to disconnect. Visit during low tide and you may even catch the whimsical sight of sandbars stretching across the sea. As far as the eye can see, this beach definitely belongs on your list of must-visit places in The Bahamas!

6. Meet the Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay

Located: Exuma

Cost: $197.95 USD

At Bitter Guana Cay, you’ll meet the native rock iguanas of The Bahamas. Up close and personal, these creatures look like something straight out of the dinosaur age! And if you stay long enough, you’ll be able to watch as the gentle reptiles sunbathe along the rocky coast as they’re quite used to visitors stopping by. Tours often combine this spot with visits to the swimming pigs or other Exuma Cays, making it a fun and educational wildlife experience.

Fun fact: Part of the movie Jurassic Park III: The Lost World was filmed on Bitter Guana Cay in The Bahamas.

7. Go on a hike at Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

Located: Eleuthera

Cost: Adults $10, Seniors $8, Children $6 (in USD)

Trade the beach for nature trails at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. This botanical sanctuary was created to protect Bahamian plant life and showcase its cultural and medicinal importance. With shaded hiking trails and informative signs, it’s a serene escape into the tropical ecosystem for nature-loving couples. While there, you’ll be able to explore the medicinal plant trail to discover the remedial benefits of the diverse species found in this beautiful setting.

8. Fall in Love With the Islands on Pink Sands Beach

Located: Harbour Island (near Eleuthera)

Cost: Free

No doubt about it, Pink Sands Beach belongs on the list of best beaches in The Bahamas. Not only is this beach an excellent spot for sunbathing and swimming in crystal clear waters, it’s also one of the only beaches in the Caribbean where you can find pink sand. Don’t expect striking pink though, the sand here is more of a light rose hue, and this is due to the presence of foraminifera – a marine animal that has a red shell. When the shell is crushed and mixed in with the white sand, it creates this charming pink sand effect which is wonderful to see in pictures, and even better in person.

Expert tip: While on Harbour Island, take some time to explore Dunmore Town!

9. Swim with Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay

Located: Exuma

Cost: $150 USD

Swimming with sharks definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted—and once you’re in the water, there’s no turning back! It’s one of those wild experiences that’s hard to resist in the moment. If you're gung-ho about swimming with sharks on your vacation, head to Compass Cay (Exuma island chain) in The Bahamas. Compass Cay is popular with divers looking for close up encounters with species like nurse sharks. These gentle bottom feeders are harmless to humans but still thrilling to see. This adventure is best for couples looking to add a little edge to their beach vacation.

10. Visit Glass Window Bridge

Located: Eleuthera

Cost: Free to visit

Eleuthera is a striking island with lots of amazing sights. The Glass Window Bridge is one of those. This is a natural bridge where the darker blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean meet the turquoise waters in the Bight of Eleuthera. As you can probably imagine, this results in quite a dramatic contrast. As the sighting is just so unique, many people love visiting this attraction while in The Bahamas. When visiting the Glass Window Bridge, keep an eye out for those wild waves that can splash onto the bridge. It’s best to steer clear of the area during bad weather, just to be safe.

11. Enjoy a Beach Day at Jaws Beach

Located: Nassau (New Providence)

Cost: Free

Most people expect phenomenal beaches when heading to the Caribbean. Or at least beaches with some decent scenery and plenty of sea breeze for a much-needed reset. Jaws Beach delivers in more ways than one. For starters, this beach is relatively shallow with crystal clear water and virtually no waves. It is just as beautiful in person as it is in photos. Plus, Jaws Beach is quite famous. It was featured in the film ‘Jaws: The Revenge’. On Jaws Beach, not only can you enjoy a peaceful beach experience, but you’ll also gain some pretty epic bragging rights!

12. Snorkel at Dean's Blue Hole

Located: Long Island

Cost: Free to visit

Dean’s Blue Hole, located near Clarence Town on Long Island in the Bahamas, is a breathtaking natural wonder and the second deepest blue hole in the world. Plunging to an incredible depth of 663 feet (202 meters), it’s surrounded by a stunning natural rock amphitheater on three sides and a turquoise lagoon and white sandy beach on the fourth. The site is famous for its crystal-clear waters and exceptional visibility, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling, diving, and freediving. Each year, the Vertical Blue Free Diving Competition draws daring athletes from around the globe to test their limits in this awe-inspiring sinkhole.

13. Relax on Cable Beach

Located: Nassau (New Providence)

Cost: Free

Made for relaxation, Cable Beach is one of the most popular beaches in The Bahamas. On these shores, you can grab a sun lounger and settle in for a few hours of pure bliss. You can choose to bring your own drinks and snacks along, or you can go to one of the nearby eateries. Not only is Cable Beach a great place to enjoy some beach time, but there is also lots to do in the area with plenty of resorts, restaurants, bars, and casinos not too far off.

14. Have a drink at Cabbage Beach

Located: New Providence Island
Cost: Free

Without question, Cabbage Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas. This for sure explains its popularity, and why you probably won’t be able to get enough of it while in The Bahamas. Cabbage Beach is easily accessible and great for relaxing and sunbathing. An experience here can include water sports like parasailing and jet skiing. There are bars near the beach where you can grab a drink and a quick bite as well. On windier days, the water on this beach can be a little choppy.

15. Spend the Day at Junkanoo Beach

Located: Nassau (New Providence)
Cost: Free to visit

It won't cost anything to stroll the sands of Junkanoo Beach while vacationing in Nassau. This beach is loved by locals, and it’s a convenient spot for visitors as well, particularly cruise ship passengers. Junkanoo Beach is about a 15-minute walk from Nassau Harbor. On the way to this beach from the harbor, you’ll pass through a busy shopping area and near the Nassau Straw Market as well. Once you get to Junkanoo Beach, you can simply relax near the ocean, enjoy a horse ride, or visit one of the bars like Tiki Bikini Hut for an icy cocktail.

Top Excursions in The Bahamas

Now that we’ve covered some of the best attractions in The Bahamas, let’s shift focus a bit to top excursions visitors can enjoy in this territory. Here’s a few of our favorites, starting with some catamaran action!

1. Nassau ATV, Culinary & Beach Experience

Price: Starts at US $269 per person.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours (Excludes transfer time).

An ATV adventure in the islands brings the real action, and the Island Routes version of this tour takes things to new heights. Not only will you ride around on an ATV taking in the captivating scenery and rich heritage of The Bahamas, but you’ll also get to enjoy authentic local cuisine and spend time relaxing beachside. This tour includes a scenic cruise along the picturesque Go-Slow Bend, offering mesmerizing ocean views. You’ll also get to savor the iconic Guava Duff at The New Duff, explore Fort Charlotte on a guided tour, unwind on the Western Esplanade Beach, and truly immerse yourself in island life at the vibrant Arawak Cay Fish Fry.

2. Nassau Evening Catamaran Cruise

Price: Starts from US $127 per person.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours (Excludes Transfer Time).

Take your catamaran cruise experience from day to night with the Nassau Evening Catamaran Cruise. This scenic adventure allows you to sail into the sunset while soaking up the beauty of Nassau’s captivating coastline. Sway to the rhythms of Caribbean grooves or simply sit back and relax as the horizon glows. An open bar and delicious appetizers are available onboard to enhance the experience.

3. Reggae Catamaran Cruise and Nassau Beach Break

Price: Starts at US $141 per person.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours (Excludes transfer time).

When in The Bahamas, embrace island living and spend as much time in and around the water as possible! The Island Routes Reggae Catamaran Cruise and Nassau Beach Break is the perfect way to do just that. Cruise along Nassau’s alluring coastline aboard the modern “Sol-Mate” catamaran, passing historical landmarks and celebrity homes in Nassau Harbor. Enjoy a snorkeling session at a vibrant reef teeming with marine life, followed by a beach break and swim at Rose Island. With music from an onboard DJ, an open bar, and flavorful appetizers, this tour delivers pure Caribbean bliss.

4. Nassau Spring Break Catamaran Cruise

Price: Starts from around US $136 per person.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

A catamaran cruise is a must for any island vacation, and even more so in the sun-drenched islands of The Bahamas. The Nassau Spring Break Catamaran Cruise is your ticket to fun, offering an unforgettable journey along the scenic Nassau coastline with a live DJ setting the mood. It’s a true Caribbean party at sea—featuring unlimited exotic cocktails, dancing, and even a chance to swim at a serene, local beach. This cruise is designed for those ready to let loose and celebrate island-style.

5. Eleuthera Pink Sands Experience and Swimming Pigs

Price: Starts from US $474 per person.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours (Excluding transfer time).

Eleuthera in The Bahamas is home to one of the Caribbean’s rare pink sand beaches, and this Island Routes tour gives you the chance to experience it firsthand. Spend time on the serene Pink Sands Beach while exploring charming Harbour Island. Whether you’re in the mood to swim, relax, or simply capture some awesome vacation photos, this beach delivers. For especially memorable snapshots, don’t miss the wooden swings at the sandbar. Before the day is through, you’ll swim with pigs on Meeks Patch Island, interact with wild green turtles, and enjoy a delicious island-style lunch at Sunset’s Restaurant.

6. Baha Bay Waterpark and Beach Break

Price: Starts from US $137 per person.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours (Excluding transfer time).

Step into high-energy island fun with the Baha Bay Waterpark and Beach Break excursion from Island Routes. This tour includes access to all rides and attractions at Baha Bay, along with time to relax by the beach. Whether you choose a standard lounger or upgrade to a private cabana (available at an additional cost), your day promises both thrill and leisure. For foodies, there are nine Bahamian dining options on-site (also at an additional cost), making this experience ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers.

7. Taste of Nassau Historical Experience

Price: Starts from US $141 per person.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours (Excluding transfer time).

Dive into the culture and history of the capital with the Taste of Nassau Historical Experience. This enriching tour blends sightseeing and local flavors, allowing you to visit top attractions while indulging in flavorful Bahamian treats. Highlights include a stop at The New Duff to try local favorites, a rum tasting session at the John Watling’s Distillery, a visit to Tasty Teas for flavorful herbal blends, and a cultural walk through Potter’s Cay Dock. It’s just the right mix of food, fun, and fascinating history.

8. Nassau Glass Bottom Boat Experience

Price: Starts from US $103 per person.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours (excluding transfer time).

The Bahamas offers a blend of tranquility and excitement, and the Nassau Glass Bottom Boat Experience lets you enjoy both. On this tour, you’ll cruise out of Nassau Harbor aboard a glass-bottom boat, offering an unparalleled view of the brilliant aquatic landscape—no snorkeling required. Spot colorful marine life and coral reefs right beneath your feet. Ideal for families with young kids or anyone who prefers to stay dry, this relaxing adventure is as scenic as it is serene.

9. Rose Island Half-Day Pig Interaction

Price: Starts at US $298 per person.
Duration: About 5 hours.

Uncover the natural beauty of Rose Island on a half-day tour that includes an unforgettable pig interaction experience. While these aren’t the famous pigs of Big Major Cay, they’re just as adorable and playful. Along the way, enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and spend some well-deserved downtime on one of the Bahamas’ most radiant beaches. All that activity is sure to work up an appetite, and the adventure wraps up with a satisfying local lunch that brings a taste of the islands to your plate.

10. Exuma Full Day Swimming Pigs Powerboat Adventure

Price Starts from US $436 per person.
Duration Approximately 8 hours (Excluding transfer time).

There’s no shortage of excitement on a powerboat adventure in The Bahamas, and this full-day Island Routes tour packs in all the highlights. Speed across the waves to explore some of Exuma’s best attractions, including the iconic swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Along the way, you’ll visit the Pablo Escobar Sunken Drug Plane, interact with rare Bahamian Rock Iguanas at Allen’s Cay, and swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Add in a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant and some leisure time on one of Exuma’s top beaches, and you’ve got an island experience you won’t soon forget.

Good Times Await – The Best Things to Do During Your Bahamas Vacation!

And there you have it… there are just so many incredible things to experience in The Bahamas. Whether you’re swimming with dolphins or sharks, diving into cultural tours, exploring museums, or dining at some of the islands’ top restaurants, checking off even a few of these activities will give you a true taste of The Bahamas.
Before locking in your excursions, it’s worth thinking about where to stay. The Bahamas is home to some exceptional all-inclusive resorts —ideal for travelers looking for serene accommodations, quality inclusions, and an effortless island escape!

Picture: Plan your escape today! Unwind at Sandals Royal Bahamian and soak up the best of The Bahamas.