10 Things to Do in the Bahamas

You can swim with wild pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkel through the famous Thunderball Grotto from James Bond films, and explore Nassau’s historic Queen’s Staircase built by enslaved workers. Visit Atlantis Paradise Island‘s marine habitats, island-hop to Rose Island’s pristine beaches, or encounter sharks at Blue Lagoon Island. Don’t miss Clifton Heritage National Park’s archaeological sites and Nassau harbour cruises past celebrity homes. These experiences blend adventure, history, and marine encounters for an unforgettable Caribbean getaway that offers something beyond ordinary beach vacations.

Swim With the Famous Pigs at Big Major Cay

One of the Bahamas’ most unique attractions awaits you at Big Major Cay, where a colony of 50-60 feral pigs has made swimming in crystal-clear waters their daily routine. Located 89 miles from Nassau, you’ll need to book a boat tour or charter since the uninhabited island is only accessible by water.

The friendly pigs will swim out to greet your boat, expecting food and attention. You can swim alongside these docile animals and snap incredible photos. Bring fresh fruit for feeding, but avoid commercial food that’s harmful to them.

Visit in the morning when pigs are most active, and you’ll have a better experience. Tour operators run trips from Great Exuma and Staniel Cay, making this bucket-list adventure surprisingly accessible. The island’s natural water springs and protection from strong waves create an ideal peaceful environment for both the pigs and visitors.

Explore Nassau’s Historic Queen’s Staircase and Colonial Forts

While Nassau’s beaches draw most visitors, you’ll discover the island’s fascinating colonial history by climbing the hand-carved Queen’s Staircase and exploring the historic forts above.

Enslaved workers carved these 65 limestone steps between 1793-1794, creating a direct route to Fort Fincastle. You’ll see original chisel marks on the walls as you ascend through the cool, shaded gorge.

The staircase connects to Fort Fincastle, built in 1793 with its unique paddle-wheel shape to defend Nassau Harbor. Both sites are walkable from Bay Street and the cruise port, making them perfect for budget-friendly exploration.

Visit early morning to beat crowds and heat. Recent restoration efforts have added solar lighting and improved landscaping, enhancing this powerful symbol of resilience and colonial heritage. The staircase was later renamed to honor Queen Victoria, who signed the abolition of slavery in 1837.

Snorkel Through Thunderball Grotto in the Exumas

Beyond Nassau’s historic treasures, the Exuma Cays offer an entirely different adventure that’s captured imaginations since James Bond first explored these waters in “Thunderball.” You’ll find this famous underwater cave system just west of Staniel Cay, where crystal-clear aquamarine water and dramatic shafts of sunlight create one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting snorkeling experiences.

Time your visit for low or slack tide when currents are weakest and entrances are easier to navigate. You’ll need basic snorkel gear and decent swimming skills, as some entrances require brief underwater dives. Inside, tropical fish like angelfish and yellowtail snappers dart through sun-streaked caverns.

Most visitors combine this with nearby Pig Beach, making it a perfect multi-stop adventure that’s accessible only by boat from tour operators or yacht charters. The grotto’s location approximately 80 miles south of Nassau makes it an ideal day trip destination for those staying in the capital.

Experience Marine Life at Atlantis Paradise Island

Where else can you swim through a shark tunnel, feed stingrays by hand, and explore underwater ruins all in one place? Atlantis Paradise Island houses the world’s largest open-air marine habitat with 14 lagoons, 8 million gallons of seawater, and 50,000+ marine animals across 250 species.

You’ll walk through free exhibits showcasing reef sharks, hammerheads, and critically endangered sawfish. The Mayan Temple slides send you racing through clear tubes surrounded by sharks, while The Dig recreates lost Atlantis with themed ruins and exotic fish.

For hands-on experiences, join stingray feeding sessions or snorkel above ancient artifacts in Ruins Lagoon. The resort’s Aqua Blue Project Foundation works to protect critically endangered sawfish through conservation efforts. Day visitors can access many exhibits without staying at the resort, making this marine wonderland surprisingly budget-friendly for such an extraordinary experience.

Island-Hop to Rose Island for Pristine Beaches and Snorkeling

Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Nassau lies Rose Island, an 11-kilometer stretch of untouched paradise that’ll make you forget the crowded resort beaches. This uninhabited gem offers pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

You’ll find vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish like parrotfish and blue tangs right off the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles and dolphins in the surrounding waters.

The island’s protected coves provide calm conditions ideal for beginners. With multiple locations worldwide sharing the Rose Island name, this Bahamian version stands out as one of the Caribbean’s most accessible day-trip destinations.

Day trips from Nassau typically include boat transport, snorkel gear, and beach time for around $60-80 per person. Since there’s no infrastructure, most tours provide food and drinks. Book through local operators for the best deals on this budget-friendly escape.

Dive Into Bahamian Culture at Arawak Cay Fish Fry

After soaking up the sun and sea, you’ll want to experience authentic Bahamian culture at Arawak Cay Fish Fry, Nassau’s beloved culinary heart. This man-made cay features 40 colorful stalls serving fresh conch prepared cracked, grilled, or in fritters alongside fried snapper and lobster tails. Don’t miss the conch salad stands like Drifter’s for chopped-to-order preparations.

You’ll find budget-friendly sides including peas and rice, fried plantains, and cornbread. Wash it down with local Kalik beer or try Sky Juice cocktails. The come-as-you-are atmosphere encourages mingling with locals over outdoor waterfront dining.

Evening visits offer live music and occasional Junkanoo group practices. Located on West Bay Street, it’s easily accessible and delivers the most authentic taste of Bahamian life. The cay was established in 1969 when harbor sand from Nassau Harbour dredging was used to create this cultural destination.

Discover the Pink Sands of Harbour Island

Three miles of naturally pink sand await you on Harbour Island’s Atlantic coast, where tiny coral organisms called Foraminifera create one of the world’s most photographed beaches. You’ll see the pink color strongest in wet sand near the water’s edge, and the sand stays cool underfoot year-round.

Reach Harbour Island by flying into North Eleuthera International Airport, then take a taxi and water taxi transfer. Once there, you can explore by golf cart or on foot since the island’s only 3.5 miles long.

The calm Atlantic waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the 50-100 foot wide beach offers plenty of space for long walks and beachcombing. Experience the unique thrill of horseback riding through the turquoise waters and over the pink sand dunes for an unforgettable perspective of this stunning coastline. Combine your visit with boat excursions to nearby Meek’s Patch for additional adventures.

Adventure Through Clifton Heritage National Park

You’ll find 208 acres of layered history at Clifton Heritage National Park on western New Providence, where Lucayan archaeological sites, plantation ruins, and contemporary art installations tell the complex story of the Bahamas. Explore the ruined Great House and slave village remains from the Whylly Plantation while learning about Loyalist-era cotton farming. Don’t miss the Sacred Space memorial featuring wooden sculptures honoring enslaved Africans who arrived here.

The park’s beaches include famous Jaws Beach and Flipper Beach from past film productions. You can snorkel the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden offshore, home to Ocean Atlas, one of the world’s largest underwater statue. The park officially opened in April 2009 after being established to preserve the country’s cultural legacy. Hiking trails connect all sites through diverse ecosystems supporting local wildlife and birds.

Take a Nassau Harbour Cruise to See Celebrity Homes and Forts

From the water, Nassau reveals its most spectacular side during a harbor cruise that combines stunning views with fascinating stories about celebrity estates and historic fortifications. You’ll cruise between Nassau and Paradise Island on comfortable catamarans with shaded seating and complimentary rum punch.

The 1-1.5 hour journey showcases Atlantis Resort’s iconic pink towers, mega-yacht marinas, and the colonial waterfront’s pastel buildings.

Your guide will point out multi-million-dollar homes reportedly owned by celebrities like Oprah, Beyoncé, and Michael Jordan along Paradise Island’s ultra-wealthy enclave.

You’ll also see Fort Montagu, the oldest surviving fort from 1741, which once defended against pirates. Some tours feature live cannons demonstrating how the fort historically protected Nassau’s harbor from pirate attacks.

These harbor cruises offer excellent photo opportunities of the bridges, coastline, and Nassau’s skyline from unique water-level perspectives.

Encounter Sharks and Stingrays at Blue Lagoon Island

Just 25 minutes from Nassau by ferry, Blue Lagoon Island offers one of the Caribbean’s most thrilling marine encounters where you can safely interact with docile nurse sharks and southern stingrays in shallow, controlled environments.

You’ll start with a trainer-led safety briefing before stepping onto submerged platforms in waist-deep water. Under supervision, you can gently cradle nurse sharks and hand-feed southern stingrays with provided food.

The experience includes snorkeling time in designated habitats where you’ll swim alongside these magnificent creatures.

Programs run year-round with departures at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. Minimum age is 10 for shark encounters and 6 for stingray programs. Your visit also includes access to the island’s pristine beaches and lagoons, plus a buffet lunch featuring both Bahamian and international cuisine.

Your ferry ticket includes beach access, life vests, and basic amenities. Professional photographers capture your adventure with digital packages available for purchase.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible adventures waiting in the Bahamas, from swimming with pigs to exploring pink sand beaches. Don’t feel pressured to hit every spot – pick what excites you most and fits your budget. Book activities in advance for better deals, and consider island-hopping packages to save money. Pack snorkel gear to avoid rental fees, and remember that some of the best experiences, like gorgeous beaches, won’t cost you anything extra.