The best travel recommendations come from locals. Check out these Wonderguides from Bahamas by locals sharing their travel tips and hidden gems.
The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands, located southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba. Only 30 of the islands are inhabited, and the majority of the population live in the capital of Nassau.
The Lucayan people inhabited what is now known as The Bahamas, up until 1500 AD. After Christopher Columbus arrived to the New World, the Lucayan population abolished due to disease and slavery. British settlers searching for religious freedom would arrive in the 1640s. Due to its prime location and shallow waters, The Bahamas was a haven for piracy during the 1600s. The British would rule from 1718 until 1973 when The Bahamas became a free and sovereign nation. The country remains in the Commonwealth.
The Bahamas is an obvious choice for a beach vacation. Its proximity to Miami makes it a popular cruise stop and vacation destination for both North Americans and other international travelers. The white sand beaches, clear water and island vibes can make even the most stressed workaholic feel at ease. The islands are surrounded by coral, so it's truly the ultimate oasis for scuba divers and snorkelers. Foodies will enjoy the delicious fresh seafood and conch fritters, a local favorite.
Besides the obvious water activities, like scuba diving and snorkeling, tourists can enjoy swimming with pigs at Big Major Cay. If swimming with pigs isn't your cup of tea, you can always try swimming with sharks at Compass Cay. Head to Harbour Island where you'll find pink sand beaches and stingrays and turtles at the nearby Devil's Backbone Reef. Visit John Watling's Distillery for a history lesson with a rum tasting.
It can be risky to visit The Bahamas between the months of June and November due to hurricane season. If you do decide to go during this time, monitor the weather and consider purchasing trip insurance. The summer months tend to be rainy and extremely hot, but this also means you’ll get a better deal on both airfare and resort rates. The high season runs from December to April and rates most definitely reflect this.