The Bahamas: Over 700 Islands of Azure Perfection
Pink Sand, Sunken Caves, and the Home of the World’s Happiest Hogs
Dive into the World's Clearest Ocean!
Welcome to The Bahamas, an incredible archipelago made up of over 700 islands and cays scattered across 100,000 square miles of the world's clearest water. This isn't one holiday destination; it's a hundred! From the bustling energy of Nassau and Paradise Island to the secluded charm of the Out Islands (like the Exumas, Eleuthera, and Harbour Island), The Bahamas offers everything from mega-resort thrills to total castaway tranquillity.
This is a place where you'll find beaches with sand the colour of crushed raspberries, water that is an impossible shade of blue, and a rich history involving pirates, loyalists, and an incredible African-Caribbean culture. Whether you're here to dive deep into blue holes, sip a rum punch on a quiet dock, or simply bask in that famous Bahamian sunshine, the slogan is true: It's Better in The Bahamas!
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Swim with the Famous Pigs of Exuma
If you do absolutely nothing else in The Bahamas, you simply must take a trip to the Exumas to swim with the famous, adorable pigs of Big Major Cay. Yes, you read that right: a beach populated by friendly, swimming hogs! This bizarre and wonderful experience has become a global bucket-list moment. You'll take a boat trip out to this uninhabited cay, and the pigs will swim out to greet you, expecting treats.
What makes this a must-do is the pure joy and surreal nature of the interaction. It perfectly captures the quirky, fun, and utterly unique spirit of the Out Islands. The pigs are adorable, but the journey through the Exuma Cays itself is equally stunning, taking you over impossibly vibrant turquoise water, past tiny private islands, and often including stops to snorkel or see other amazing marine life. It’s an authentic, joyous, and wonderfully odd day out!
The Travel Intel Scoop
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Flying High from the UK
Crossing the Atlantic: Direct flights from London to Nassau (on New Providence Island) take around 9 to 10 hours. Once in Nassau, you can jump on a domestic flight or a ferry to get to the quieter Out Islands.
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Stay for a Month: Good news! UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date.
Passport Power Play
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Dollars are Dual Purpose: The official currency is the Bahamian Dollar (B$D), which is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar (USD). Visitors can use US Dollars everywhere, so you don't really need to exchange money. Just don't expect to use Bahamian coins in the UK!
Cash, Currency, and Coins
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Queen's English with a Creole Flavour: The official language is English, so communication is a breeze. However, many locals also speak Bahamian Creole, an infectious and rhythmic dialect that often blends English with African influences.
Chatting with the Locals
4 Things to Do While on Holiday
Take the Plunge at Aquaventure
Head to the massive Atlantis resort on Paradise Island (day passes are available) and spend a day at their incredible 141-acre water park, Aquaventure. Highlights include the famous Leap of Faith slide, which drops you through a clear tunnel in a shark-filled lagoon!
Sip a Sundowner at the Fish Fry
Dive into the local food scene at Arawak Cay (known as 'Fish Fry') in Nassau. This collection of colourful shacks is famous for fresh, authentic Bahamian food like Conch Salad (made fresh to order) and Conch Fritters, often with live music and a lively crowd.
Walk the Pink Sands Beach
Take a ferry or domestic flight to Harbour Island to see the unique three-mile-long Pink Sands Beach. The rosy hue comes from the tiny pink-shelled marine creatures (foraminifera) that mix with the white sand — it's unbelievably beautiful and quiet.
Walk the Queen's Staircase
Visit the famous Queen's Staircase in Nassau. Built by slaves in the late 18th century, this staircase features 66 steps carved out of solid limestone. It’s a peaceful, shady spot that's surrounded by greenery and leads up to Fort Fincastle for great views.
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Location Survival Guide
Tipping: Check for the Automatic 15%
Service is Gratuity-Included: In The Bahamas, most hotels and restaurants automatically add a 15% service charge to the bill (this is standard). Always check your receipt (check in Bahamian terms) to see if it’s already included before adding an extra tip.
The Jitney Bus System
Cheap and Cheerful Transport: In Nassau and Freeport, the local minibuses (called Jitneys) are a fantastic, cheap way to get around the main islands. They are quick and frequent but don't have set stops — just hail them on the street, and tell the driver where you want to go!
Island Hop or Base Yourself?
Choose Your Vibe: Decide early if you want a resort-based holiday (Nassau/Paradise Island) or a true island-hopping adventure (Exumas, Eleuthera, Abacos). The Out Islands are less developed and require a lot more planning, but offer more seclusion and unique charm.
The Ultimate Island Sampler
Turquoise Water, Timeless History, and Total Relaxation
The Bahamas is a dazzling, multi-faceted Caribbean destination that truly has an island to fit every mood, from the high-octane fun of its mega-resorts to the genuine seclusion of its tiny cays. Its incredible natural beauty, historic atmosphere, and unique attractions (like the swimming pigs!) make it far more than just a fly-and-flop holiday. If you're looking for a getaway defined by impossibly blue waters, warm, friendly people, and endless exploration, the Bahamas is the sun-drenched, seven-hundred-island choice for you.