5 Reasons to Make The Bahamas Your Next Destination
There’s more to The Bahamas than just swimming pigs
Filled with unspoilt beauty, fascinating culture and heritage, and clear blue waters as far as the eye can see, the Caribbean nation of the Bahamas is truly a paradise on earth. The archipelago is actually comprised of 700 different islands, from the truly remote to the most lively. If you haven’t visited the Bahamas yet, here are five reasons why you should make this your next destination for 2019.
Pink sands and crystalline waters
When you think of the Bahamas, what is the first thing that springs to mind? No doubt those famous pink sandy beaches of Harbour Island. A perfect example of the natural beauty you’ll find throughout the islands, these light pink sands actually get their colour from the coral and inhabitants of the nearby coral reefs.
Whilst the beaches of Harbour Island are the most eye-catching, you’ll find plenty of other relaxing and unspoiled beaches across many of the islands.
If whiling away the days lounging in the sun isn’t your idea of a perfect vacation then don’t worry, the Bahamas has still got you covered. This is one of the top destinations in the world for snorkelling and scuba diving; the crystalline waters are home to all manner of marine life and mysterious shipwrecks, so there’s plenty to see and discover under the sea.
Accommodation for everyone
The ultimate way to enjoy a vacation in the Bahamas would be to stay in a luxurious villa on your very own private island. Sadly, this level of decadence comes with a sky-high price tag that is out of reach for most travellers, but a trip to the Bahamas isn’t just for the wealthy elite.
The wide range of accommodation options available here mean that there’s something for every type of travel budget.
Off-season in the Bahamas runs from around mid-April to mid-December, and it’s usually the best time to visit if you want to dramatically save costs on both travel and accommodation – Some of the main hotels on Grand Bahama and Nassau drop their prices by as much as 60%.
Although they’re not as widespread here as they are on other Caribbean destinations, all-inclusive resorts like Club Med can be a particularly cost-effective option for families. Of course, the advent of Air BnB means that an array of short-term rentals are now available across many of the islands in the archipelago, from single rooms to private beachside apartments.
Junkanoo Carnival
Beginning at the end of April and running until the end of May, the annual Junkanoo Carnival in the Bahamas is one of the most hotly-anticipated festivals every year. Bringing together the very best of Bahamian culture, including entertainers, musicians, food and drink, the Junkanoo carnival is a non-stop celebration for locals and tourists alike.
Within the carnival plenty of events take place across Grand Bahama and Nassau, culminating in the Road Fever event in Nassau, which has been known to attract over 50,000 visitors.
Island Adventure
The more populated islands like the capital of Nassau, entertainment central Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama certainly have their appeal, but nothing beats an island adventure on one of the idyllic Out Islands (aka the Family Islands).
One of our favourites is Cat Island, as true “off the beaten path” discovery that’s only a short flight away from Nassau. Cat Island is home to Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the region that even has its own medieval-style monastery –
The Hermitage. It’s also a great place to taste some delicious fried fish – a speciality in the Bahamas – and you can even check out some traditional rake-and-scrape Bahamian music.
Coral Reefs
The Bahamas is home to meters and meters of beautiful coral reefs. In fact, it has the third largest coral reef system in the world (around 50 in total), the most famous of which is the Andros Barrier Reef. Inhabited by plenty of Red Snappers, deep water sponges and a 2000m trench called the ‘Tongue of the Ocean’, this protected area is a favourite with tourists and explorers alike.
