Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Key facts

• Region: The Caribbean
• Capital: Nassau
• Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD), pegged to the US dollar at 1:1
• Languages: English
• Main airport: NAS — Lynden Pindling International Airport, serving Nassau
• Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season; the hurricane season runs June to November, peaking in September

Overview

An archipelago of about 700 islands and cays spread across a large area of the western Atlantic, with tourism concentrated on New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Out Islands. It is known for clear shallow water, reefs and easy boating. Distances between islands are significant, so most trips focus on one or two islands rather than moving around.

Airports

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) serves Nassau on New Providence and is the country's busiest gateway. Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) serves Freeport. Exuma International Airport (GGT) serves George Town, and Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) serves the Abaco islands. North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) and Governor's Harbour Airport (GHB) serve Eleuthera.

Main cities

Nassau is the capital and largest city, on New Providence, combining a cruise port, resorts and colonial-era government buildings. Freeport on Grand Bahama is a planned resort and industrial city. George Town on Great Exuma is the main settlement of the Exumas, and Marsh Harbour is the hub of the Abacos. Dunmore Town on Harbour Island and Alice Town on Bimini are small, walkable settlements popular with boaters.

Places to go

Cable Beach and Paradise Island, with the Atlantis resort, are the resort centres near Nassau. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park protects reefs and cays, and Thunderball Grotto near Staniel Cay is a well-known snorkelling site. Harbour Island's Pink Sands Beach is a long stretch of pale pink sand. On Grand Bahama, Lucayan National Park contains one of the longest known underwater cave systems. Andros has a large barrier reef and an extensive network of blue holes. Pig Beach on Big Major Cay is an established excursion from the Exumas.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Commonwealth of The Bahamas, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked