The 10 Best Things to Do in The Bahamas

With its stretch of white sands fringed by coconut palm trees and a lush rain forest, Blue Lagoon Island—or Salt Cay—provides an idyllic escape from the crowds of Nassau, offering everything you'd expect from a tropical island. Bring the whole family along for some fun in the sun, or take it easy for a day of pure beachy bliss on Blue Lagoon Island Beach.

This steep staircase was built to serve as a direct-access shortcut to Fort Fincastle (New Providence Island’s highest point, on Bennet’s Hill) in case of attacks by the Caribbean’s marauding pirates in the 1700s. When visiting the stone staircase, take in the remarkable construction done centuries ago—all by hand. To carve the steps, slaves had to cut through rocks with axes and other sharp hand tools.

The Queen’s Staircase is included on most Nassau highlights tours that visit the island’s most historic sights. With a tour guide, visit other Nassau attractions such as Fort Charlotte, Rawson Square, and Cable Beach via traditional ground transportation or an all-terrain vehicle. Tours and shore excursions leave regularly from Nassau city or the cruise ship terminal.

Lucayan National Park is the clear favorite of the three national parks on Grand Bahama Island and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Half-day tours of the island’s East End almost always include time in the park, typically a trek along the elevated boardwalk to Gold Rock Beach and a visit to one of the limestone caverns open to visitors. The national park charges a small admission fee per person, which can be paid at the Rand Nature Center (and is included in most guided tours).

Opened in 2007, the Atlantis’ 141-acre (57-hectare) Aquaventure combines slides, lazy rivers, and rapids into one large waterscape, whose centerpiece is the Power Tower with its four waterslides. The casino is open 24 hours a day and offers tables, slots, tournaments, and other events. Day passes to certain resort attractions are available for non-Atlantis guests on a limited basis—check the Atlantis website for details. Some guided tours of Nassau feature a visit to the Atlantis.

Downtown Nassau is a colorful mix of historic architecture and tropical gardens. Tour the city by horse-drawn carriage, catch a boat to Paradise Island, or opt for a guided excursion which showcases Nassau’s colonial highlights and typically includes stops at Ardastra Gardens, the Queen's Staircase, and Fort Charlotte.

However, aquatic adventures remain the most popular shore activity in Nassau. Snorkel or scuba dive to the surrounding coral reefs, head out in search of the island's resident dolphins, or leave on shore excursions to the beach—popular destinations include Blue Lagoon Island, Cable Beach, Junkanoo Beach, and Rose Island.