The Bahamas is a stunning Caribbean archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, renowned for pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. From the bustling capital of Nassau to the secluded Out Islands, this tropical paradise offers world-class diving, luxurious resorts, and authentic Bahamian culture.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay)
A small private island east of Nassau harbour that Nassau cruise passengers use as a beach day: calm, shallow water on the north side and a dolphin and sea lion program run by an animal-encounter operator on the same island. It works well as a half-day add-on because the boat ride is short and the island itself is compact enough to see everything without a car or long walks.
Highlights: Dolphin encounters and swim programs · Clear lagoon swimming beaches · Snorkeling with tropical fish · Beach barbecue lunches · Stingray touch pool
Rose Island
A quieter, less developed cay east of Paradise Island reached mainly by small boat charters and a couple of beach-club operations, without the organised activity program of Blue Lagoon Island. It suits travellers who want a Bahamian sandbar-and-snorkel day without a cruise-excursion crowd, since access is by smaller, independently booked boats rather than one mass shuttle.
Highlights: Pristine uninhabited beaches · Crystal-clear snorkeling waters · Deserted island atmosphere · Excellent fishing grounds nearby
Exuma Cays (Swimming Pigs)
The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay are the best-known reason to fly or boat out to the Exumas for the day, but the wider cays also offer some of the clearest water in the Bahamas for snorkelling around Thunderball Grotto and the surrounding sandbars. Because it is a genuine flight or long boat ride from Nassau, this is a full-day commitment rather than a quick add-on.
Highlights: Swimming pigs at Big Major Cay · Thunderball Grotto snorkeling · Nurse sharks at Compass Cay · Iguanas at Allans Cay · Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Eleuthera and Harbour Island
Eleuthera is a long, thin island known for its pink-sand beaches, and Harbour Island just off its northern tip is the more visited of the two, with a small colonial-era settlement and the famous pink beach along its Atlantic side. It's a full-day trip from Nassau by small plane or a considerably longer one by ferry, so most visitors treat it as a beach-and-town day rather than trying to cover both islands thoroughly.
Highlights: Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island · Glass Window Bridge between Atlantic and Caribbean · Surfer's Beach at Eleuthera · Dunmore Town colonial architecture · Fresh seafood restaurants
Andros Island
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas but among the least developed for tourism, valued mainly for bonefishing flats, blue holes, and diving along the Andros Barrier Reef rather than for beach resorts or towns to wander. A day trip here suits visitors with a specific activity in mind - fishing or diving - more than general sightseeing, since the island's attractions are spread out and infrastructure between them is limited.
Highlights: Third-largest barrier reef in the world · Inland blue holes and cenotes · World-class bonefishing · Androsia Batik Factory tour · Dense pine forests and mangroves
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Nassau run $65-450 per person covering Blue Lagoon Island ($65-95), Exuma Swimming Pigs ($350-450), and Thunderball Grotto packages
- Private
- Private boat charters from Nassau Yacht Haven from $600/half day for Rose Island and private Exuma exploration
- Public
- Bahamas Fast Ferry from Potter's Cay Dock serves Eleuthera ($85 one-way) and Andros ($75 one-way) with weekly mailboat services at $30-60
- Rental
- Rental cars available from Nassau airport from $60/day for self-drive exploration of New Providence island beyond Nassau
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book Exuma Swimming Pigs tours at least 2-3 weeks ahead in peak season (December-April) - they sell out frequently
The Exuma day tour from Nassau by boat is long (2-3 hours each way) - consider flying if prone to seasickness; Watermakers Air to Staniel Cay costs $150-200 each way
Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay) is the most accessible day trip from Nassau by ferry from Prince George Wharf - book dolphin encounters well in advance
For Harbour Island, the journey involves a domestic flight or ferry to North Eleuthera plus a 3-minute water taxi - allow a full day
Bring cash for tips, snacks, and small purchases on all day trips - card machines are often unavailable on boats and remote islands