The Bahamas, a beautiful country in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. However, tourists can easily become overwhelmed because of the sheer number of islands in this holiday retreat.
Unfortunately, jumping between islands in The Bahamas can get costly. For this reason, you’ll want to pick an accessible one with various activities.
So, out of 700, which are the best islands in The Bahamas?
Today, we’ll guide you through the top seven islands to visit. Plus, we’ll also recommend activities and jaw-dropping properties for you to stay in!
1. Man-O-War-Cay
Man-O-War Cay is one of the best islands in The Bahamas because of its pristine beaches. It’s a small island; a hidden gem with a close-knit community.
What’s great about Man-O-War Cay is its no-alcohol policy. Visitors can’t consume alcoholic beverages, resulting in a peaceful and well-kept environment.
Moreover, Man-O-War Cay has crystal-clear waters and a naturally protected harbor. The ocean here is calm, making it a good place for snorkeling.
Man-O-War Cay is close to other islands in the Abacos region. You can definitely use it as a base for visiting nearby islands!
Top Activities in Man-O-War Cay
Below are activities you can do at Man-O-War Cay!
- Attend Boat Building Workshops: Man-O-War Cay is the boat-building capital of The Bahamas. It has plenty of family-run businesses selling local artisan crafts and wood carvings.
- Explore via Golf Cart: Man-O-War Cay is a small island at 2 1⁄2 miles long and ½ mile wide. You can easily tour the island and see its flora and fauna by renting a golf cart.
- Go Fishing: You can go fishing at Man-O-Cay without much disturbance. It’s private and you can hire a local guide to take you to the best spots.
Where to Stay in Man-O-War Cay
Sea Glass Found is a luxury vacation rental with 360° views of the Bahamas. It has four cottages, a large dining cabana, and a heated infinity pool. The whole place can comfortably house groups of 8 to 22.
At Sea Glass Found, you can experience a holiday tailored to your desires. Just say the word and Sea Glass Found can arrange a chef, organize special tours, and even plan beachfront massages for you.
Sea Glass Found has access to three private beaches, two golf carts, and numerous boats. We highly recommend it as the best rental for exploring the Abacos region!
2. Green Turtle Cay
Just a stone’s throw away from Man-O-War Cay is Green Turtle Cay – the most popular wedding destination in the Abacos region.
Unlike Man-O-War, Green Turtle Cay is a populated island.
There are tons of restaurants and clubs to explore. You may want to take a day trip to Green Turtle Cay to experience its vibrant beach scene!
Top Activities in Green Turtle Cay
These are activities you can do at Green Turtle Cay.
- Visit the Dive Center: Green Turtle Cay is home to Brendal’s Dive Center, a co-founder of the first LionFish Derby. Learn about sustainability efforts and jump into the Caribbean’s best diving destination.
- Indulge in the Local Cuisine: Plenty of restaurants litter the island. You can come here to sample The Bahamas’ delectable cuisine.
- Stop By the Museum: Learn about the island’s rich history at the Albert Lowe Museum. Find everything from contemporary art to artifacts and model ships!
Where to Stay in Green Turtle Cay
For those needing affordable accommodations, the Green Turtle Club and Marina is one of the best on the island. It has wonderfully spacious rooms and best of all, it’s located right on the waterfront!
3. New Providence
If you want to experience beach life without leaving the comforts of a city, then New Providence is a good choice.
New Providence is where Nassau, The Bahamas’ capital, is located.
It’s the commercial hub where over half of the country’s population lives. Moreover, it houses more luxury resorts and establishments than other islands.
Because of its central location, New Providence makes the perfect jump-off point to other islands!
Top Activities in New Providence
Here are the top activities you can try at New Providence.
- Go to a Water Park: The Aquaventure Water Park and the Baha Bay Water Park are top attractions in New Providence. This is where you can experience sliding through a one-of-a-kind shark tank.
- See the Queen’s Staircase: The Queen’s Staircase in New Providence is a historical landmark worth seeing. Built by slaves in 1793, this staircase became a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City.
- Join a Pirate Tour: New Providence was once a haven for pirates like Blackbeard and Benjamin Hornigold. You can see traces of their rule around exhibition places on the island.
Where to Stay in New Providence
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a towering hotel on Cable Beach in Nassau. It boasts magnificent balconies, six pools, and a world-class spa.
4. The Great Exuma
The Great Exuma is the largest island in the Exumas and is home to numerous resorts and hotels. It also has the Exuma International Airport, making it the most accessible island in The Bahamas.
Top Activities in The Great Exuma
Activities at The Great Exuma include the following:
- Swim With Pigs: Even pigs can’t resist swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Exumas. Experience diving with wild pigs when you visit this island.
- Spot a Sea Turtle: The Great Exuma is where you can find the most sea turtles in the Bahamas.
- Shop in Georgetown: Georgetown is a charming city bordering Lake Victoria. You can find souvenirs, local produce, and handicrafts here.
Where to Stay in The Great Exuma
The Great Exuma accommodations range from affordable to luxurious. The top choice among travelers is the waterfront Paradise Bay.
5. Harbour Island
Harbour Island is a top destination in the Bahamas because of the world-famous Pink Sands Beach.
This beach, popular for its pinkish hue, is often featured in travel magazines. However, one downside to its popularity is the crowd.
For the best hassle-free experience, we recommend coming to Harbour Island at sunrise!
Top Activities in Harbour Island
Experience these activities on the picturesque Harbour Island.
- Ride a Horse: The best way to take in the fresh ocean breeze is horseback riding on Pink Sands Beach.
- Go Island Hopping: Charter a boat and sail to the surrounding sandbars and reefs!
- Have a Picnic: Rent a beach umbrella and go to Pink Sands. Some restaurants on Harbour Island offer picnic sets you can take to the beach.
Where to Stay in Harbour Island
Boutique hotels are abundant in Harbour Island, and many have a beautiful boho-chic vibe. One example is The Ocean View Club.
This charming hotel has stunning interiors and comfortable suites. It also gets plus points for being right on Pink Sands Beach!
6. Eleuthera
Eleuthera is a tranquil island with white sand beaches and mystical caves. It has the best rock formations in The Bahamas and you can’t miss out on seeing its natural attractions.
Now, there’s a saying that Eleuthera isn’t for everyone. It’s a remote island with authentic locals and few establishments.
Still, if you enjoy seclusion and adventure, Eleuthera should be on your list!
Top Activities in Eleuthera
Visit Eleuthera for these famous attractions.
- Walk Across the Glass Window Bridge: The Glass Window Bridge is a natural formation and the narrowest point on Earth. From here, you can see the striking contrast between the dark blue Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
- See the Queen’s Bath: The Queen’s Bath is a gorgeous natural pool. You can take a dip during the low tide, but be careful as the waves get dangerously strong in the high tide!
- Stargaze: Being a remote island means Eleuthera is a great spot for stargazing!
Where to Stay in Eleuthera
La Bougainvillea is a four-star hotel on an untouched pink sand beach in Eleuthera. The place offers gourmet dining experiences, a spa, and fully equipped cottages!
7. Long Island
Long Island is a place where you can experience everything The Bahamas offers.
This scenic island boasts lush greenery and a beautiful bougainvillea-covered village. Yet, it’s also an island most suitable for adventure buffs.
Top Activities in Long Island
Here are the top activities of Long Island.
- Visit Dean’s Blue Hole: Dean’s Blue Hole near Long Island is the third deepest blue hole in the world. Swimming over it feels surreal and cliff-diving into it can give you an adrenaline rush!
- Feed the Sharks: Divers at Long Island can experience feeding sharks at the bottom of the ocean.
- Explore the Hamilton Cave: Long Island’s Hamilton Cave is the largest cave system in the country. Much of it has yet to be explored!
Where to Stay in Long Island
Harbor Breeze Villas is a four-star hotel in the heart of Clarence Town, Long Island. It offers incredible views of blue holes from its elevated cottages!
In Conclusion: The Overall Best Island In the Bahamas
There are countless great islands in The Bahamas, but our overall best is Man-O-War Cay. It has the perfect blend of accessibility and privacy. Plus, you can easily get to other islands in the Abacos region from it.Not only that, Man-O-War Cay has the stunning Sea Glass Found, a rental property that curates custom vacations. We highly recommend coming here for a truly memorable trip to the Bahamas!
