Bahamas holidays

The Bahamas’ colourful capital is the perfect base for island hopping. Unwind on powder-sand beaches, explore pristine coral reefs and feast on seafood straight from the ocean.

Freeport’s crystal-blue waters and white-sand shorelines dazzle visitors. And with lush gardens, charming markets and rich maritime history, there’s plenty to do besides relaxing.

Set your watch to island time on a trip to Marsh Harbour. This dreamy northern Bahamian town offers tranquil beaches, untouched reefs and epic fishing.

Whether you’re soaking up the energy of bustling New Providence or wandering the sparsely populated beaches of Eleuthera, island hopping is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas. Visit Big Major Cay to watch a famous pack of wild pigs swim offshore, or explore the caves on picturesque Long Island. Daily flights, ferries and private boats facilitate excursions.

Surrounded by crystal-clear water, the Bahamas are a prime spot for aquatic fun. Snorkel among coral reefs and tropical fish in the Exuma islands. Go wreck diving in Stuart’s Cove, or head to tiny Bimini for legendary game fishing. For a more leisurely activity, try renting a kayak and paddling at your own pace — there are even some with clear bottoms.

The Bahamas loves a good party. In June, the Eleuthera Pineapple Festival honours the sweet fruit with a variety of dishes and eating contests. In December, Nassau comes alive with Junkanoo, a celebration marked by rollicking costume parades, dancing and traditional ‘rake-n-scrape’ music. In May, the streets fill with music and parades as the country rings in Carnival.

You don’t come here to not spend time in the surf and sand. And with so many beaches in the Bahamas, you’re bound to find one that suits you. Dip your toes in pink sand — which takes its colour from coral — on Harbour Island. Catch a wave at Surfer’s Beach on Eleuthera. Or wade into the crowds of partygoers on Junkanoo Beach. The options are endless.

Pry yourself from your beach chair long enough to explore the country’s turtle and bird habitats, coral reefs and lush mangrove forests. The Bahamas also boasts a stunning network of ‘blue holes’, or marine caverns. Plan a trip to Blue Holes National Park, home to more than 50 of them. Or check out the incredible biodiversity of Lucayan National Park and stroll elevated walkways through wetlands and forest.

Just about every good restaurant in the Bahamas will offer you fresh seafood. Conch is a local favourite, often served diced up in a fresh salad dressed in lime or battered and fried. Head to the Arawak Cay fish fry, a colourful cluster of restaurants, food trucks and stands just outside Nassau. Here, you can try conch, snapper and grouper fresh off the boat and prepared to perfection.

The best museums in the Bahamas are located in Nassau. Explore prehistoric artefacts, pirate relics and items related to the nation’s British occupation at the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas. See works by Bahamian artists at the National Gallery of the Bahamas, housed in a regal mansion. And tour a restored 18th-century home with period furniture at the Balcony House Museum.

The best time to visit the Bahamas is December through April, when you can escape chilly climates for balmy weather and beaches. Of course, you’ll also find bigger crowds and higher prices then. Consider the spring and autumn for more bargains. Just be sure to check the weather during hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

With a little planning, you can enjoy a relatively cheap holiday to the Bahamas. An inexpensive meal costs about 26 Bahamian dollars ($), while a local beer or coffee is less than $5. Short taxi rides are about $2, though if you aren’t on a tight schedule, Jitney buses are even cheaper.