Bahamas attractions

With its pink exterior and unusual octagonal shape, the Nassau Public Library is a well-loved local landmark. Although you might not think to visit a public library while on vacation, a detour to see this building is well worth the effort. The library once served as the town’s jail, and the books are housed inside the former jail cells.

The largest seaport in the Bahamas, Nassau Cruise Port is the gateway to the Bahamas' capital city, Nassau, and its most populous island, New Providence. Located just 180 miles (290 kilometers) off Florida’s southern coast, Nassau Cruise Port is a jumping-off point for water sports experiences, island tours, and more.

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.

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.

The 40-acre (16-hectare) Lucayan National Park is home to some of the most spectacular secluded beaches in all of The Bahamas, as well as one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Nature trails and boardwalks lead through mangrove, pine, and palm forests, home to a wealth of animals and vegetation.

With tropical birds, lemurs, jaguars, iguanas, and more, the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre in Nassau is educational fun for the entire family. The zoo is also home to a marching flamingo show, where the salmon-colored birds show off their marching skills, and popular lory and other animal feedings.

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.

The Marine Habitat at Atlantis is the largest open-air marine habitat on earth, with over 50,000 animals and 250 different species, from rays to alligator gar. The aquarium features 14 lagoons, which contain roughly eight million gallons of ocean water and are filled with picturesque caves and underwater ruins.

Learn the history of one of the most storied set of Caribbean islands at the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas. See relics of the plantation era, when many slaves were brought to the islands; artifacts from the days when pirates patrolled nearby waters, and memorabilia from days of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson.

Bahamian Brewery in Freeport, on the island of Grand Bahama, is quickly becoming home to the Bahamas’ most beloved beer scene. Known for its flagship Sands beer, this modest spot offers brewery tours and a tasting room, but its claim to fame is the opportunity to enjoy an ice-cold beverage on a sunny Caribbean day surrounded by beer-appreciating locals and visitors.

Located off the south shore of Grand Bahama, Peterson Cay island is home to the smallest national park in the Bahamas, which covers only 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares). Though compact, the cay is home to one of the most beautiful reefs in the Bahamas, offer abundant snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Half Moon Cay, also historically known as Little San Salvador Island, is a tiny private island in the Bahamas. Accessible by cruise ship, it's known for its long, crescent-shaped beach and cerulean blue waters with plenty of amenities like cabana rentals and umbrellas and activities including snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Much of the island has been left as a nature preserve with native vegetation for nesting birds and wildlife.

The sprawling Aquaventure water park is spread out over 141 acres (57 hectares) of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Head there for a day trip to enjoy a huge variety of water slides, which range from kid-friendly options to exhilaratingly fast drops, as well as lazy rivers and dozens of pools and play areas.

Grand Bahama Island’s Freeport Cruise Port at Lucayan Harbour is a popular and convenient jumping-off point for cruisers to experience the Bahamas’ famous white-sand beaches and water sports. In contrast with the other Bahamian cruise port in the capital city of Nassau on New Providence Island, this laid-back launch pad for Caribbean fun is less about the bustle and more about the beach break.

For one of the Bahamas’ best-smelling—souvenirs, nowhere compares to the Freeport Perfume Factory. Housed in a bubblegum-pink Bahamian mansion, you can blend and bottle your own island fragrances here. Of course, you can also choose from the factory’s most successful scents, such as Pink Pearl and Bahama Blue.

The Rand Nature Centre sits on 100 acres (40 hectares) of beautifully preserved land—home to hundreds of bird species, including a large number of wintering northern songbirds. In addition to the plentiful birds, the center has an extensive network of trails winding past pine barrens, coppices, wildlife ponds, and a native plant arboretum.

Lucaya Harbor serves as the official point of entry for Grand Bahama Island. This modern coastal suburb of Freeport appeals with its walkable collection of shops and restaurants, many centered on the open-air Port Lucaya Marketplace, which regularly features live music in Count Basie Square.

Located on the narrowest part of Eleuthera, the Glass Window Bridge is a concrete bridge that forms the top of a window-like gap between cliffs that separate Gregory Town and Upper Bogue. On one side, you can see the dark blue waters of the Atlantic, and on the other, the calm turquoise waters of the Eleuthera Blight.

From December 26 through New Year’s Day, the streets of Nassau erupt with live music, festive floats, and costumes for Junkanoo—a festival akin to Mardi Gras and Carnival. Located in an old customs warehouse on the wharf, the fun Junkanoo Expo Museum, offers visitors who can’t make the trip during the holiday season a chance to experience the wonderful event.

Lighthouse Beach is situated at the southernmost point of Eleuthera island in The Bahamas, offering access to both the Exuma Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. As the new home of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the beach is accessible by cruise ship with public access limited. At the port of call, cruise passengers can enjoy cabanas, kid-friendly attractions, and adults-only areas.

On the island of Great Exuma, Coco Plum Beach boasts the powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters that the Bahamas are known for. One unique characteristic of this beach, though, is that the water is super shallow, especially during low tide, making it the perfect spot to see sand dollars and sea creatures like starfish.