Summary
Nassau serves as the principal city and capital of the Bahamas, representing the dynamic counterpart to the nation’s more tranquil nature. The city experiences a steady influx of cruise-ship visitors, offering miles of stunning, soft-sand beaches alongside vibrant coral reefs. This lively capital features an array of colorfully painted colonial structures exhibiting a unique charm. Tourists are drawn to the area’s well-preserved colonial mansions, fortifications, and churches. Additionally, the city holds a rich pirate legacy. Travelers from around the globe arrive to enjoy the sandy beaches and the warm, tropical climate.
In light of the numerous experiences available, this compilation of the 15 premier day trips from Nassau has been meticulously curated to highlight the most appealing destinations surrounding this charming Bahamian city.
1. Blue Lagoon Island
This exclusive island is situated five kilometers from Nassau. Originally, the lagoon on this island was a salt marsh and was designated as Salt Cay.
The three-acre marine mammal facility serves as a draw for both local and international tourists. Blue Lagoon Island represents the epitome of a private tropical island experience, featuring pristine white beaches, clear turquoise waters, abundant coconut trees, coral reefs, and lush natural flora.
In the 19th century, the island emerged as a favored stop for pirates, who utilized the lagoon’s salt to preserve their provisions.
Here lies some of the finest beaches in the Bahamas. Visitors flock to this enchanting island to swim in the lagoon and unwind in hammocks beneath palm trees.
2. Gambier Village
This is recognized as one of the oldest settlements in the New Providence region of the Bahamas. The village’s origins date back to the early 1800s and it is located approximately 10 miles west of Nassau.
Gambier Village was founded by emancipated Americans following the end of the slave trade in 1806. Individuals such as Elijah Morris significantly influenced the historical narrative of the village. In 1841, he led the largest slave uprising in the United States.
Key features of a day trip to Gambier include the Thatched Roof Huts, the Rock Oven, the Community Well, the descendants of Elijah Morris, and the St. Peter’s Baptist Church, established in 1856.
3. Paradise Island
This 685-acre island in the Bahamas was formerly recognized as Hog Island. Paradise Island is located to the north of New Providence and is linked to it by two substantial bridges that span Nassau Harbor. The first bridge was constructed in 1966, while the second was completed in the late 1990s.
Paradise Island is renowned for the vast Atlantis resort, which features extensive beaches, swimming pools, and exciting water rides. Tourists appreciate the powdery beaches and the clear waters that characterize the island.
The Marina Village here is an excellent venue for a scenic stroll. Other prominent attractions include the Aquaventure Water Park and the serene Versailles Gardens.
Located at the western end of Paradise Island is the Hog Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1817.
4. Cable Beach
This beach is favored for its sand, crystal-clear waters, and the numerous resorts situated along its shore. Cable Beach is positioned 5.6 kilometers to the west of Nassau.
The iconic coastal stretch features pristine sandy beaches, gentle breezes, clear waters, and vibrant beachfront venues.
Cable Beach serves as an ideal retreat from Nassau, appealing to visitors seeking relaxation by the sea while lounging on the white sands. The warm waters make Cable Beach suitable for swimming throughout the year.
5. Spanish Wells
This small community on St. George’s Cay is one of the districts within the Bahamas, located 48 miles from Nassau. Spanish Wells is so compact that most residents utilize golf carts for transportation rather than conventional vehicles.
The island suffered significant damage in 1992 and 1999 due to Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Floyd, respectively.
A 5.8-kilometer bridge connects Spanish Wells to the adjacent Russell Island.
Historically, the island served as the final stop for Spanish vessels returning from Europe, where they replenished their water supply from wells specifically constructed for this purpose, which is how the island acquired its name.
The shimmering waters surrounding the island are essential to its economy; their glimmering appearance under the sunlight attracts visitors.
6. Russell Island
This hidden gem in the Bahamas was once exclusively home to tropical fruit orchards. Currently, Russell Island is populated with numerous residential properties. It is regarded as one of the most pristine and secure communities in the Bahamas, offering the ideal ambiance for relaxation while enjoying the serene pace of island life.
During your excursion to Russell Island, you will encounter various mango, avocado, guava, coconut, banana, and numerous citrus trees throughout the landscape.
Visitors participate in activities such as diving, snorkeling, and reef fishing while enjoying their time on this island.
7. Eleuthera
This elongated, sparsely-inhabited island is located 60 miles from Nassau. The name Eleuthera is pronounced as “E-Loo-Thra.” The island is approximately one mile wide and stretches 110 miles long, providing ample coastline of breathtaking beaches just waiting to be explored.
The majority of settlements on this island consist of small, widely separated communities replete with vibrant buildings.
If tranquil beauty and simplicity are what you seek on a day trip from Nassau, Eleuthera offers an idyllic experience characterized by its lush tropical landscapes and stunning pink and white sand.
The island’s inhabitants are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and generosity.
8. Harbor Island
Harbor Island—known locally as Briland—is an administrative region within the Bahamas, celebrated for its pink sand beaches that line the eastern coast. The distinct pink hue results from the presence of foraminifera, a microscopic organism with reddish-pink shells.
Harbor Island features streets adorned with vibrant floral displays and English Colonial-style architecture. The island’s historical significance extends back to the 1700s.
The climate on this tropical island is moderate, never too hot or too cold. This day trip is ideal for those seeking a relaxed retreat that offers an escape from the pressures of everyday life.
9. Dunmore Town
Dunmore Town in the Bahamas boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches. The town is named after John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, who served as governor of the Bahamas from 1786 to 1798.
This picturesque coastal town is perfect for individuals seeking a break from bustling tourist hotspots. There are a limited number of shops in this quaint settlement characterized by brightly colored wooden cottages.
This charming Bahamian town is situated 87 kilometers northeast of Nassau and offers an enjoyable exploration experience.
10. Bimini
Bimini is the westernmost district of the Bahamas, located approximately 210 kilometers from Nassau and consisting of a chain of islands. The primary islands in this collection are North, South, and East Bimini.
Bimini lies at the western end of the Bahamas Bank and is surrounded by shallow reefs close to the shore. The area is home to a plethora of marine life, where the Gulf Stream converges with the Bahamas Bank. Fishermen frequent these waters, with tuna and snapper as common catches.
11. Marsh Harbor
Marsh Harbor is a town situated in The Abacos Islands, Bahamas. It is positioned on a peninsula just adjacent to the Great Abacos Highway. Known for its marinas and beaches, visitors can dock their vessels at several full-service marinas.
The Abacos Islands are witnessing a proliferation of shops, cafes, hotels, and resorts, making the lively downtown area maintain a small-town ambiance while offering urban conveniences such as a post office, bookstore, laundries, specialty shops, and grocery stores.
12. Andros Island
Andros is an archipelago within the Bahamas, known as the largest of all Bahamian islands, comprising hundreds of small islets and cays.
This island showcases an abundance of natural attractions. Andros is home to stunning natural features, including captivating blue holes reputed to house the Lusca (a mythical creature), the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef, along with diverse flora and fauna.
Andros serves as an excellent option for day trips for kayakers, bird watchers, eco-tourists, hikers, and scuba divers.
13. Grand Bahama
This is the northernmost island of the Bahamas and the fourth largest, stretching approximately 153 kilometers long and 24 kilometers wide at its widest point. The island is divided into two primary administrative districts—East Grand Bahama and West Grand Bahama.
Surrounded by sun-drenched beaches and miles of impeccably clear turquoise water, Grand Bahama is an exceptional location for a variety of water sports, including scuba diving, parasailing, and snorkeling.
14. Freeport
This city resides within the free trade zone and is part of the Bahamas.
Businesses in the Freeport area benefit from tax exemptions granted by the Bahamian government following the Hawksbill Creek Agreement made in August 1955, stipulating that businesses would pay no taxes until after 1980—a timeline which was later extended to 2054.
Freeport is accessible via the Grand Bahama International Airport and domestic ferry services within the Bahamas, welcoming both local and international flights from various Bahamian islands, Canada, and the United States.
15. The Lucayan National Park
This 40-acre national park was founded in 1977.
The Lucayan National Park encompasses one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, which extends for six miles. The park also features outstanding beaches.
Rich in diverse wildlife and exceptional ecosystems, the national park represents an ideal destination for a day trip from Nassau, offering numerous nature trails and boardwalks throughout its expanse.
