170 Best Sights in Bahamas

Two crescents scoop Great Harbour Cay's east coast with 5 miles of almost unbroken powder. Travel north to discover Sugar Beach with its bluff-surrounding romantic private coves. Progressing south, the beach becomes Lover's Beach, thinning out until Hotel Point Beach, where the strand widens and you can see waves clash from two directions. Farther south still is famous Great Harbour Beach itself, where you'll encounter the fabulous boutique hotel Carriearl and its fine pool, restaurant, and bar. On the south end of Great Harbour Beach near the airport, you'll find The Beach Club, a popular daytime bar and grill with a gift shop. Play beach volleyball, or take a yoga class. (They may ask for a small donation.) At the extreme south are the shallow, simmering sandbars of Shelling Beach that let you wade out for yards. At low tide, you can cross the tidal Shark Beach Creek to the pristine Haines Cay, which, hidden from the north by a hill, offers an even more splendid, long beach. Along Great Harbour Cay's powdery 5-mile stretch, nearby reefs beckon snorkelers, and gin-clear waters invite kayakers and paddleboarders. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: shelling; swimming; walking; snorkeling.

From Southwest Point, a mile or so south of Matthew Town, you can see Cuba's coast—slightly more than 50 miles west—on a clear day from atop Great Inagua Lighthouse, built in 1870 in response to the number of shipwrecks on offshore reefs. It's a grueling climb—the last 10 feet are on a ladder—but the view of the rugged coastline and Matthew Town is worth the effort. Look to the west to see the hazy mountains of Cuba. Be sure to sign the guest book just inside the door to the lighthouse.

An 8-mile stretch of pink sand on the Atlantic Ocean makes this one of the most spectacular beaches on Cat Island. Hypnotized by the beauty, most visitors walk the entire beach, some going even farther to an adjoining sandy cove accessible only by foot. After such a long walk, a dip in the shallows of the turquoise ocean is pure bliss. The beach is on the remote southeastern end of the island and is home to just one hotel, Greenwood Beach Resort, which is a good place for a bite and a drink. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Named for John Gregory (royal governor, 1849–54), this arch, at the intersection of Market and Duke streets, separates downtown from the "over-the-hill" neighborhood of Grant's Town, where much of Nassau's population lives. Grant's Town was laid out in the 1820s by Governor Lewis Grant as a settlement for freed slaves. Visitors once enjoyed late-night mingling with the locals in the small, dimly lit bars; nowadays you should exhibit the same caution you would if you were visiting the commercial areas of a large city.

The beaches on Guana Cay stretch along much of the island's ocean side and are often only separated by rocky outcroppings. The sand here is slightly coarse and more of a cream color, with speckles of pink from wave-ground corals. Surfing is popular here, especially on the northern beaches. The North Side Beach, as it is known by locals, offers long, quiet walks. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing; walking; swimming.

At low tide, walk across from Shelling Beach estuary, round the point, and walk south a half mile, and you'll discover one of The Bahamas's most unspoiled, beautiful beaches. It's 2 miles long, with excellent snorkeling on its north end and swimming all along. Wear some sturdy footwear for the land walk. It's also reachable by kayak. There are no trees for shade, so an umbrella, lots of fluids, and sunscreen are advisable. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; walking; snorkeling; solitude.

The largest cave system in The Bahamas, Hamilton's Cave features stalactites and stalagmites, with passages over 45 feet wide and 9 feet high. The Lucayans were thought to have lived here about AD 500, and many Lucayan artifacts were discovered in 1936. For added excitement, plan to go closer to dusk when the resident bats are most active!

North of Hatchet Bay lies a subterranean, bat-populated tunnel complete with stalagmites and stalactites. Pirates supposedly once used it to hide their loot. An underground path leads for more than a mile to the sea, ending in a lofty, cathedral-like cavern. Within its depths, fish swim in total darkness. The adventurous may wish to explore this area with a flashlight (follow the length of guide string along the cavern's floor), but it's best to inquire first at one of the local stores or The Rainbow Inn for a guide.

According to local tales, this huge mansion was built by newlyweds in 1945. After an argument one night, both the wife and husband left the house and were never seen again. The table was set for dinner; the food on the stove and all of their clothing and wedding gifts were left behind. The property has been damaged over the years but is still open for visitors. It's a great place to let your imagination run wild.

The heart of the community, this 19th-century building has a local book club and offers art classes and Tuesday-morning coffee hours for visitors and residents. The library has a wide selection of books and computers, with gorgeous views of the harbor.

Hidden in the west coast mangroves of East Bimini is the Healing Hole—a cold spring of freshwater amid the hot sea saltwater with, some say, real, and others, mythical, healing powers. Hard to get to and find, it’s best to hire a guide in a shallow boat, or, if you want exercise, in a kayak. You can only get there in mid-to-high tide, and make sure to take insect repellent. You’ll see much life above and below water. For ecolovers and adventure-seekers only.

So many artifacts are on display in this small but interesting museum nestled in historic Mountbatten House that you can easily spend an hour wandering. There is a 40-minute guided tour that covers Bahamian history from the days of pirates through the slavery era to the present. One of the best exhibits is the life-size replica of the old Bay Street General Store. By a series of coincidences, the collection box from the country's oldest church ended up in this museum—right across the street from the remains of the very same church.

The Hermitage estate ruins are testaments to the cotton-plantation days. The small settlement was built by the Ferguson family from the Carolinas, who settled here after the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can see the foundations of the main house and tombs that date back to the 1700s. The tombs hold George Butler (1759–1822), Henderson Ferguson (1772–1825), and Constance McDonald (1755–59). An unnamed grave is believed to be that of an enslaved person.

This memorial wall is adorned with plaques honoring residents who have helped to develop the community over the years. Notice that most of them share the same last name, as is often the case in small island communities. In this case, Albury and Sweeting are the most common names.

About 45 miles east of Lucaya and 8 miles from Lucayan National Park, it's worth the extra drive to visit an authentic, old-time island settlement affected only lightly by tourism. Its beach spreads a lovely white blanket of plump sand, with stunning views in either direction. Time spent at the bar at Bishop's Beach Club on the waterfront with Bishop himself (aka Ruban "Bishop" Roberts) and his dog will make you feel like a local. Take a walk along the beach and its parallel road (rock outcroppings interrupt the sand in places) past the cemetery to the remains of a concrete lighthouse that shows the intensity of Hurricane Dorian, which completely changed the landscape of this and other settlements in 2019.

Off Great Abaco Highway at the turn in the road that takes you to Sandy Point, a rugged, single-lane dirt track leads you to this navigational lighthouse that stands on Great Abaco's southern tip. The lighthouse was constructed in 1838 against local opposition from islanders who depended on salvaging shipwrecks for their livelihood. Over the years the lighthouse has survived sabotage and hurricanes and was automated in 1995 to continue serving maritime interests. The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation has leased the site to monitor whale movements and conduct other ocean studies.

A beautiful reef just 30 feet offshore makes this a perfect spot to go snorkeling. Just be careful as the seas can get rough that side of the island. The wide, sandy beach is also a great spot to go for an early morning or late afternoon stroll. Be sure to look out for sea glass. Public access is behind St. John's Methodist Church or through the graveyard behind Taylor Park. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling, swimming, walking.

This beach got its name after scenes of one of the Jaws movies was filmed on-site. Usually quiet and calm, Jaws Beach is a favorite with local families. On holiday weekends expect larger crowds, who set up grills and loudspeakers. Look out to the right for a glimpse of the glitzy homes that line Clifton Bay within the exclusive Lyford Cay neighborhood. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; sunbathing.

The former Buena Vista Estate, which featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale, has been painstakingly transformed and returned to its glory days, emerging as the new home of John Watling's Distillery. Parts of the estate date back to 1789, and the line of John Watling's artisanal rums, gins, vodkas, and liquors are handmade, hand bottled, and hand labeled just as they would have been in that era. Take a free guided tour through the grounds and working estate to learn the fascinating history of the home, and then walk out back to watch the rum production line from an overhead mezzanine. Although the free tour is quite extensive, the experiences such as the rum tasting or bottling your own personal rum are worth booking in advance. Sit in The Red Tavern with an internationally acclaimed Rum Dum or just a great mojito, and pick up a unique Bahamian souvenir in the on-site retail store. 

A curve of sparkling white sand shaded by casuarina trees, this long beach is located just north of Hideaways at Palm Bay. It's quiet, and the shallow azure water makes it a great spot for families or romantics. When it's time for lunch, walk over to Hideways or Augusta Bay, two nearby boutique hotels. Watch your bags when high tide comes in; much of the beach is swallowed by the sea. That's the signal for a cold Kalik and a grouper sandwich. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; sunrise; swimming; snorkeling.

East of Staniard Creek lies a series of serene cays, idyllic for beach drops or consummating the ultimate Robinson Crusoe fantasies. The first is Kamalame Cay, home to the luxurious resort of the same name. Just past Kamalame, uninhabited Big and Little Saddleback Cays boast sparkling, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. You'll need a small, private boat to reach either (note that these cays are a regular drop-point for guests of Kamalame Cay). Little Saddleback is tiny with no shade, so bring plenty of sunblock. Big Saddleback has a wider crescent beach, with plenty of shade from the pine trees. Also nearby is Rat Cay, which offers excellent snorkeling, especially around the adjacent blue hole. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Walk miles of scenic trails in this 25-acre nature preserve located on Banks Road. Funded by the Leon Levy Foundation and operated by the Bahamas National Trust, the preserve serves as an environmental education center with a focus on traditional bush medicine. Follow the boardwalk over a small waterfall and take the path to the Observation Tower to see hundreds of indigenous trees, plants, and wildlife, such as mangroves, five-finger plants, and bullfinches. Group tours are available, or if you'd prefer to tour the preserve on your own, the welcome center will provide you with a map and a plant identification guide.

If you're looking for a little civilization, stop off at Little Farmer's Cay, the first inhabited cay in the chain, about 40 minutes (18 miles) from Great Exuma. The island has two restaurants and a small grocery store where locals gather to play dominoes. But don't expect too big of a party; just around 70 people live on the island. A walk up the hill will reward you with fantastic island views.

The Long Island Public Library and Museum is housed in a beautiful little pink cottage with island trees in front. Learn the history of Long Island and see artifacts collected by local Long Islanders in hopes of preserving their cultural heritage. It's a fascinating collection and exhibit, professionally designed by The Bahamas Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation. Island wares, homemade jellies, and other island goods are for sale, in addition to books on Long Island and a popular Bahamian calendar painted in watercolors by local artist Nick Maillis.

If you're looking for great snorkeling and some privacy, drive about 20 minutes west of Cable Beach. White sand shimmers in the sun, and the azure waves gently roll ashore. About a mile offshore are 40 acres of coral reef known as the Sea Gardens. Access is not marked; just look for a vacant lot. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; sunset.

This beach on the island's west side is relatively unknown and rarely visited by tourists, with sand that's far less fine and powdery than what's found along the southern shores. However, it's the only spot on Grand Bahama to find sea glass. Adding to its uniqueness are its view of the large tanker and container ships anchored at sea for the island's industrial businesses and the pastel-painted heavy-equipment tires planted in the sand for seating. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: walking.

The past is present in this garden across the street from The New Plymouth Inn (note that it's laid out in the pattern of the British flag). Immortalized in busts perched on pedestals are local residents who have made important contributions to The Bahamas. Plaques detail the accomplishments of British Loyalists, their descendants, and the descendants of those brought as enslaved people, such as Jeanne I. Thompson, a contemporary playwright and the country's second woman to practice law. This is an open garden, free to the public.

This stretch of sand divides into separately named beaches at the intersection of Sea Horse Road and Royal Palm Way. The eastern end is Lucayan Beach, monopolized by the broad spread of Lighthouse Pointe at the Grand Lucayan resort, where nonguests can purchase day passes from the hotel, which include the use of pools and nonmotorized water equipment, as well as access to restaurants. Feed jackfish, snorkel at Rainbow Reef, parasail, or take a WaveRunner tour. Near the long-standing Ocean Motion water-sports operation, there is no admission fee for the beach. Go west from here along Coral Beach, where the shore widens for easier strolling and the crowds thin considerably on the way to the Coral Reef Beach Bar. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; sunrise; swimming; walking.

On Resorts World’s long Paradise Beach, Luna Beach brings chic luxury to fun-in-the-sun and beach parties at night. Upscale food, exquisite cocktails, mod music, and beach toys are all part of the mix, centered on the open-air clubhouse. The solar-powered private cabanas even have phone-charging ports. For more action, jump on a Jet Ski, paddleboard, or kayak, or simply sun bake on a float. You can even book stingray and snorkeling tours here. During Sunset Sessions Happy Hour, DJ Arlette reverbs the beach with danceable tunes. On special full-moon weekends, Luna Beach imports live bands for its moonlight beach parties, also featuring Bahamian bands and mini-Junkanoo breakouts. Cocktails are half price from 8 to 9 pm. Open Sunday to Wednesday noon–7 pm; Friday and Saturday, noon–11 pm. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming

Historic artifacts from the boatbuilding industry and local experience over the ages on this tiny island are on display in this small museum, offering a true look back into life as it was way back. The museum is housed in the century-old Sweeting homem and parts of the original island clinic have also been salvaged and are on-site. A portion of the ground floor houses the island's only coffee shop—a great spot for a cup and a delicious pastry and a chance to fund the museum. It's also a great spot to check in with the world as they offer free Wi-Fi.