The Bahamas stretches across more than 700 islands and cays, but only about 30 are inhabited, which means most visitors experience just a fraction of what the archipelago offers. Nassau and Paradise Island get the bulk of attention, and for good reason, but the real character of the Bahamas shows up in its water clarity, its music, and small details like conch shacks that have been run by the same family for three generations. Here are seven experiences that capture what makes this destination worth the trip.
Swim With Pigs at Big Major Cay
The swimming pigs of Exuma have become one of the most photographed animal encounters in the Caribbean, and they live up to the hype. A colony of feral pigs, believed to have been left by sailors decades ago, now paddles out to greet boats arriving at Big Major Cay, also called Pig Beach. Most visitors book a day trip from Georgetown or Staniel Cay, and tours typically run three to five hours including stops at nearby sandbars. Bring waterproof shoes, since the sand can get uncomfortably hot by midday, and skip feeding the pigs anything processed, as vendors sell approved feed nearby.
Explore the Thunderball Grotto
Named after the James Bond film partially shot there, this underwater cave system near Staniel Cay draws snorkelers for its shafts of natural light and schools of sergeant majors and yellowtail snapper. The grotto is only accessible by boat and best visited at low tide, when the entrance opens wide enough to swim through without ducking underwater. Morning visits tend to have calmer water and fewer crowds. Bring an underwater camera, since the interior chamber, lit from above by a natural skylight, is genuinely one of the more striking sights in the region.
Walk Through Nassau’s Straw Market
The Straw Market in downtown Nassau has operated for more than a century, and it remains a working showcase of Bahamian craft rather than a tourist recreation. Vendors sell woven baskets, hats, and bags made from palm fronds, alongside wood carvings and locally made rum cakes. Bargaining is expected and generally good-natured, so don’t accept the first price offered. Arrive early in the day if visiting on a cruise ship schedule, since the market gets crowded once multiple ships dock at once.
Snorkel or Dive the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Established in 1958, this 176-square-mile protected area was one of the first marine parks in the world and remains a no-take zone, meaning fishing and collecting are prohibited. The result is a visibly healthier reef system than in many surrounding areas, with dense coral formations and larger fish populations. Access requires a boat, and several outfitters run day trips from Staniel Cay or Georgetown. Visibility often exceeds 100 feet on calm days, which makes it a strong choice for underwater photography.
Visit the Queen’s Staircase
Carved by enslaved laborers between 1793 and 1794, the Queen’s Staircase consists of 65 limestone steps leading up to Fort Fincastle in Nassau. The steps were cut by hand from a single limestone ridge to provide a route between the fort and the town below, and the surrounding cliff walls are cool and shaded even at midday. It’s a short walk from downtown, making it easy to combine with a visit to Fort Fincastle itself, which offers views over Nassau’s harbor. The site is free to visit, though a small donation is customary and helps with upkeep.
Sample Conch at a Local Fish Fry
Conch shows up in nearly every form of Bahamian cooking, and the best way to try it is at a fish fry, an informal string of food shacks found in spots like Arawak Cay in Nassau or Potter’s Cay under the Paradise Island Bridge. Cracked conch, conch salad, and conch fritters are the standards, with the salad version often prepared fresh in front of customers using lime juice, peppers, and onion. Prices run far lower than resort restaurants, and the setting, usually plastic tables under string lights near the water, tends to be more memorable than anything upscale. Many visitors arriving on a Bahamas cruise make a point of stopping at Arawak Cay during a Nassau port day specifically for this reason.
Kayak Through the Mangroves of Andros
Andros, the largest but least developed of the Bahamian islands, has extensive mangrove creeks that serve as nurseries for bonefish, lemon sharks, and a wide range of birdlife. Guided kayak tours through these creeks move slowly enough to spot juvenile fish darting through the roots and, depending on the season, migratory birds like herons and osprey. The island is also known for bonefishing, drawing anglers from well beyond the Caribbean. Because Andros sees far fewer visitors than Nassau or Exuma, the mangrove tours feel quieter and less scripted than similar excursions elsewhere.
Choosing among these seven depends largely on how much time is available and whether transportation between islands is part of the plan. Nassau alone can fill two or three days with the Straw Market, Queen’s Staircase, and a fish fry dinner, while Exuma and Andros require boat charters or short flights but reward the extra effort with clearer water and fewer crowds. Building a loose itinerary around two or three of these stops, rather than trying to cover all seven in one trip, tends to produce a better experience and leaves room for the unplanned discoveries that usually end up being the most memorable part of the visit.