The islands composing the Commonwealth of the Bahamas might be all included under the same government, but each island of this massive archipelago has its own individual personality. As a result, traveling the Islands of the Bahamas can yield a completely different experience depending on which island(s) you visit. Being the main cruise ship port and capital island, Nassau gets a lot of attention and so we have devoted a series of articles to it alone. But here I have compiled this guide to assist in picking the best Bahamas Islands other than Nassau, depending on what you hope to take away from your visit to this underrated Caribbean wonderland. Just take your pick among the best hotels and luxury villas for your accommodation needs first, and you’re all set. The only thing left to do is check out this list of the best islands in The Bahamas.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 04, 2024.
1. Best for swimming and diving: The Exumas (from USD 591)
The Exumas, a chain of 365 emerald-green islands and cays, beckon with their breathtaking sapphire-blue waters, so stunning that their brilliance can be seen from outer space. This remote paradise is a haven of untouched beaches, hidden cays, and exclusive resorts, where nature thrives, and coastlines remain pristine. Divided into three major areas, Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and the Exuma Cays, each holds its unique charm.
Little Exuma boasts the idyllic Tropic of Cancer beach, while the Exuma Cays invite you to snorkel in pristine waters and swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina. Staniel Cay, with its famed Thunderball Grotto, is accessible by boat or air and offers a surreal underwater adventure. Yet, the true stars of the Exumas are the swimming pigs on Pig Beach, a place of playful enchantment accessible only by boat.
Hideaways Exuma
Address: Jolly Hall Bay at Queens Highway
2.31 km (1.5 mi) from Straw Market
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved this house it was very comfortable with all the amenities you needthe house is very comfortable and includes all the amenities to make you feel at homethe beds were comfortable and the linens were nicethe outdoor kitchen is top notch and one of the best featuresthe house is absolutely amazing - plenty of beds/baths granite/marble countertops and beautifully appointedCleanliness:
it’s very clean organized and overall an easy place to settle in toa fully stocked kitchen made preparing meals a breeze and there's a dishwasher for clean upHost:
the host has put thought into everything at this wonderful housenice place on the beach v responsive and helpfuljack and cay are super hosts highly recommendedmeet khriston the chef and owner and be sure to get him to sing for youRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was so prettygreat location… once you get therejack's place is beautiful located right on the water and not to far from grocery stores restaurants etcthis place is a great vacation spot the location has beautiful scenery and activitiesperfect place to hideaways from it all
Superhost
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beach chairs were comfortablewe were so grateful for the air conditioning and the house stayed perfectly coolthe beds were wonderfully comfortable and there were plenty of extra blankets and pillowsthe kitchen is very well stocked plenty of condiments and cooking utensilsthe beds are very comfortable (and i admit we are mattress snobs )Cleanliness:
clean and easy to be inthe place is clean spacious and has everything you needa beautiful clean and cozy homewish i could give more than 5 stars for every single category: communication location cleanliness beauty etcthe cottage is well equipped clean and comfortableHost:
all the tips provided by the hosts were super usefulthe host answers promptly all doubts and needs really kind and even help with excursionsthe house manager was very responsive to any of our local questions as wellthe owner is extremely responsive to any needslots of pros- excellent host will always available for questions sand the easiest check in/check out processRead more reviewsLocation:
great house and great locationperfectly stocked kitchen; beds were comfortable too the location is everythinggreat place to get away from it allsunset cove is truly spectacular the location is not far from georgetown where there are restaurants grocery stores etcsituated close the to the main highway it is easy to get to and fro
2. Best for history and exploration: San Salvador (from USD 140)
San Salvador, a hidden gem, may be small in size, but it boasts an immense history and natural beauty that captivates visitors. The island’s dramatic landscape of saltwater lakes and rolling hills sets it apart from its Bahamian counterparts. History buffs will revel in the stone cross marking Christopher Columbus’ first landfall, while nature enthusiasts can marvel at the entirely saltwater Watling’s Blue Hole. Protected by Great Lake National Park, the island’s ecological diversity is a haven for endangered species such as the San Salvador Rock Iguana.
For those seeking underwater exploration, San Salvador boasts over 50 captivating dive sites, each teeming with marine life and underwater wonders. And when it’s time to unwind, the island’s secluded, powdery white sand beaches, including Grotto Beach, and Bonefish Bay Beach, beckon with their azure waters, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
accomodations are very comfortable with an air conditioner in each room and lots of space with comfortable seatingCleanliness:
the place is great - clean cozy and right at the beachwe stayed at arnaud's place in april and we had a wonderful stay clean peaceful and beautiful locationHost:
arnaud was a great host and is taking good care of the residencearnaud was a very responsive host and provided us anything we neededarnaud was a great host and there if you needed anythingas for the hosts’ hospitality it was simply amazing; it made the stay even betterhe is knowledgable about the island and has been very helpful with our questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
we walked for miles and enjoyed swimming every daywe continued to enjoy our stay here it was perfect great locationquiet and on a beautiful spot right on the beachperfect get away for anyone wanting some peace and quietwe would recommend this place to anyone
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the apartment was immaculately clean and well equipped and beautifully appointedHost:
both shanique and everette were extremely helpful friendly accommodating and all around great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
we would definitely be back and recommend this place to our family and friends
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the internet appliances and smart-tv worked perfectlythe bed downstairs was super comfortableRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the house is as it shows in the listing - modern well appointed cleanthe small quiet island of san salvador has pristine beaches fascinating grottos and cliffs to climb
3. Best for families: Grand Bahama Island
As one of the best islands for families in the Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island is home to the major city of Freeport, which has great activities for families such as Ready to Go Powerboat Tours, Calabash Eco Adventures, and shopping at Port Lucaya Marketplace. Grand Bahama Island is also a great destination for families because of its ease of access. Visitors are able to fly directly onto the island into Grand Bahama International Airport instead of having to catch a boat to a more secluded island. In addition, Grand Bahama Island has plenty of family resorts when compared to the more private islands, such as the Pelican Bay Hotel and the Grand Lucayan Resort, both luxury resorts just a 10-minute walk to the Lucaya Marketplace.
Lucaya Marketplace
Address: Sea Horse Road on Bell Channel Bay, P.O. Box F-43233, Freeport, Bahamas
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday & Saturday-Sunday 9am-12am, Thursday & Friday 9am-3am. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 2423738446
Website: Port Lucaya Marketplace
Ready to go Powerboat Tours
Address: 1 Royal Palm Way Freeport, Grand Bahama
Price: from 60 USD
Duration: at least 1 and a half hours
Contact: +1 2424433400
Website: Ready to go Powerboat Adventures
Calabash Eco Adventures
Address: Freeport F40365, Grand Bahama Island
Price: varies based on activities, from 69 USD for adults
Opening Hours: Sunday-Saturday 7:30am-5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: depends on activities
Contact: +1 2427271974
Website: Calabash Eco Adventures
Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort
Address: 1 Royal Palm Way, 78062 Freeport, Bahamas
Price: from 249 USD
Contact: +1 8557086671
Pelican Bay Hotel
Address: Seahorse Road
442.23 km (274.8 mi) from Straw Market
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Best for couples: Acklins and Crooked Island
The best islands for couples in the Bahamas are Acklins and Crooked Island, two of the more secluded islands the Bahamas have to offer. If you and your partner are looking for privacy, this is where you’ll find it. Being lesser known than the other islands of the Bahamas, Acklins and Crooked Island are not thought of as tourist destinations, therefore there is more natural beauty than tourist attractions. To get here, travelers will need to take a chartered flight from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or another Bahama Island. There are no marinas or dock facilities on the island, but boaters can drop anchor in Major Cay’s Harbor off Crooked Island. Once here, sights such as the Bird Rock and Castle Island lighthouses await you. As well as more natural wonders like Turtle Sound, a mangrove lined creek that makes a great kayaking or fly fishing location. Contacting the Administrator’s Office of Crooked Island is a great idea for those looking to plan a visit here (number below).
Bird Rock Lighthouse
Price: from 100 USD for boat rental
Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm. Closed on public holidays. By appointment only
Access: Boat rental
Contact: +1 2423442197
Website: Bird Rock Lighthouse
5. Best for adventure: Bimini Island (from USD 308)
If you are wondering which island in the Bahamas is the best, especially for adventure seekers, Bimini Island is a fantastic island for water sports, and water related activities. Bimini Island is the home base for many scuba diving sites, including the mysterious Bimini Road that is believed by some to be the remains of the Lost City of Atlantis. Bimini Undersea in particular offers kayak rentals, snorkeling on a shipwreck site, snorkeling with sharks, a wild dolphin expedition, and a hammerhead shark encounter. The Bimini Sands Recreation and Activity Center located at the Bimini Sands Resort & Marina in South Bimini, provides activities such as boat tours, a kid’s club, and a nature trail in addition to other water activities. And when you are done exploring the sights of the sea, Bimini is host to some great accommodations including the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, and Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina. Both lodgings are near Alice Town, where you can check out some showrooms and stores for great buys.
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Address: North Bimini, Alice Town, Bahamas
Price: from 220-312 USD
Contact: +1 2423473391
Bimini Undersea
Address: Bimini Bay Hotel Alice Town, Bimini, Bahamas
Price: from 69 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 7862806861
Website: Bimini Undersea
Bimini Sands
Price: from 286-431 USD
Contact: +1 8885882464
Website: Bimini Sands
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini
Address: Hilton at Resorts World Bimini
433.73 km (269.6 mi) from Straw Market
6. Best for relaxing: Long Island (from USD 265)
As one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas, nothing is more relaxing than eating good food in front of a beautiful view. You can always try something new and delicious to eat at one of Long Island’s one-of-a-kind restaurants.
The first being, the Beach House at the Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort and Villas on the northern end of Long Island. Guests can add a complete, partial, and kids meal plan to their stay while at the resort, which makes getting meals extra easy and convenient. Making a reservation for dinner is recommended, as well as letting the staff know of any guests dietary restrictions, as the chefs can and will accommodate such requests. Gems at Paradise Resort is a fantastic small resort in Clarence Town, which is more towards the south of Long Island. At this secluded resort you can simply lay back in a hammock and take in the sun’s rays. And when you have had your fill, you can enjoy the fruit of your customized meal plan (rates start at 35 USD). Other great restaurants on Long Island include Chez Pierre, a beachside retreat that serves both continental and Caribbean foods, featuring foods grown on Long Island and freshly caught seafood.
I can’t end this article without mentioning this charming restaurant that has numerous great reviews. Max’s Conch Bar & Grill seems to be a local favorite for its great food, and friendly humble atmosphere. Pull up a bar stool and relax under the roof of this hut while you get a taste of authentic local Bahamian cuisine.
Chez Pierre
Address: Millers Bay, The Bahamas
Contact: +1 2423388809
Website: Chez Pierre
Gems At Paradise Resort
Address: Clarence Town, Long Island Bahamas
Price: from 154-233 USD
Contact: +1 2423373016
Website: Gems at Paradise Resort
Max's Conch Bar & Grill
Address: Queen’s Highway, Deadman’s Cay, Long Island
Price: from 10-16 USD
Contact: +1 2423370056
Website: Max’s Conch Bar & Gril
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas
Address: Po Box L.I 30-117
47.6 km (29.6 mi) from Straw Market
Finding the perfect fit
Each island of the Bahamas has something unique to offer its visitors. By knowing what you are looking for, and knowing what the different islands have to offer, you can make the best informed decision on how to plan your vacation. Experience the effortless beauty of the caribbean on these lovely islands that seem like they were made just for you.
Frequently asked questions about best islands in the Bahamas
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to