Best Places to Visit in Bahamas, Top Attractions

The Bahamas’ islands and islets gently shelve into the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea to the southwest, and are lapped by the deep blue Atlantic Ocean to the northeast. Each stretch of sand, pastel-cottage village and remote cay has its own distinct character, and our specialists will use their expert knowledge to help you pick the best places in The Bahamas to suit your interests. Famous for its swimming wild pigs, beautiful beaches, amazing reefs, colorful historic towns, and being home to some of the world’s clearest oceans, the country within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic is a truly wonderful gem. Its close proximity to the USA means that The Bahamas, as well as Bermuda, are popular choices for a paradise-like getaway, and there are 16 major islands but over 700 stunning subtropical islands to discover and explore. You can find powdery soft, white-sand beaches where you can sink your toes into the sand. You can explore crystal clear, turquoise water, diving through schools of fish, and even swimming with pigs. And you can also learn more about the unique culture and history of the islands. But while you can spend a lifetime exploring the many islands, there are some Bahamas tourist attractions that you won’t want to miss out on your first time visiting. 

#1- Arawak Cay
The evening fish fry is a much-loved tradition across many Caribbean islands, and Arawak Cay in Nassau, Bahamas, brings the custom to life. Find colorful huts selling fresh fish dishes, such as conch salad and lobster, along with vendors making tropical cocktails, and there’s often live music, too.

#2- Deadman's Reef 
Just off Paradise Cove on Grand Bahama’s southwest coast, Deadman’s Reef is one of the area’s top snorkeling spots. The shallow waters are teeming with coral, colorful reef fish, turtles, rays, and more, and are ideal for all levels.

#3- Port Lucaya Marketplace
A commercial hub spread across 9.5 acres (3.8 hectares), the Port Lucaya Marketplace is one of Freeport’s most popular attractions. After browsing dozens of handicraft vendors and specialty stores, unwind at one of the restaurants or bars, then head to Count Basie Square—the heart of the market—for live Bahamian music.

#4- Garden of the Groves
This 12-acre (5-hectare) park was dedicated in 1973 to the Groves who founded Freeport. Walk the idyllic botanical garden to take in the lush plant life, native animals (including macaws, alligators, and iguanas), and, of course, snap plenty of Edenic photos.

#5- Cable Beach
Famous for its golden sands, the Bahamas' Cable Beach is a popular water sports and lolling destination for visitors to New Providence Island. This 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of idyllic beach is home to several massive resorts—including the Atlantis on nearby Paradise Island—each with their own claim staked in the sand.

#6- Atlantis, Paradise Island
The Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas is the ultimate resort and water park. Accommodations range from standard hotel rooms to villas and condos to the Bridge Suite (once ranked the world’s most expensive hotel suite). And even if you’re not a hotel guest, you can still enjoy some of the resort’s amenities, such as Dolphin Cay.

#7- Rose Island
Rose Island is an idyllic private getaway off the coast of Nassau. Home to a coral reef and a lone beach bar, this tiny, tropical islet offers an exclusive setting for snorkeling and sunbathing on an 11-mile (18-kilometer) stretch of uninhabited, privately owned Bahamian beach.

#8- Queen's Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase, one of Nassau’s most visited attractions, holds an important place in Bahamian cultural history. Around 1793, slaves carved this 102-foot (31-meter) staircase, comprised of 65 steps, out of solid limestone. Later it was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s 65-year reign and her role in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas.

#9- Nassau
Despite the swarms of camera-toting tourists, Nassau, Bahamas, one of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise ship ports, manages to fascinate visitors. Enjoy the white sands of Cable Beach, the boutiques, restaurants, museums, candy-colored colonial buildings of downtown and Bay Street, and the Nassau Straw Market for souvenirs.

#10- The Glass Window Bridge
Located along Queen’s Highway, Glass Window Bridge Is one of the most beautiful sites in the Bahamas. The turbulent, deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean may be seen on its northern side, while you can see the tranquil, turquoise-green seas of the Bight of Eleuthera on its southern side. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the bridge of a rocky ocean and a calm sea from the spot. You can also venture down the bridge and take your time navigating the jagged rocks.