This article is part of a directory: Visit The Bahamas: The Bahamas Travel Guide, Things To Do & All-Inclusive Hotels
Table of contents

Quick Links

Every single island of the Bahamas is unique, intriguing, and vibrant in its own way. Anyone visiting this amazing Caribbean region will never run out of things to experience, delicious food to indulge in, and sights to fall in love with. From powdery pink and white sands to the stunning turquoise waters, the Bahamas islands are worth a long trip. People will also be stunned by the historical landmarks, fascinating architecture, natural wonders, award-winning beaches, and wildlife adventures. This quiet tropical oasis is like no other, and anyone must consider a trip to this marvelous region of planet Earth. People will mostly enjoy island hopping in the Bahamas, where they can experience much of the beauty of the archipelago. Here's what to know about this experience, how to do it, and where to go.

Related: Short On Time? Take A Day Tour Of The Bahamas

How To Island Hop In The Bahamas

There are many ways to experience island hopping in the Bahamas. People can do that either by plane, boat, ferry, or water taxi, depending on where they want to visit and their budget.

This Is The Best Place To Start Island Hopping In The Bahamas

Visitors to the Bahamas who want to try island hopping are encouraged to start their trip in the capital, Nassau, where they can join the boat at Palm Cay Marina. Next, they can head to the 18-hole par 72 championship golf course, Ocean Club, found on the oceanside peninsula of Paradise Island, Atlantis. Paradise Beach and Cabbage Beach can be found there.

On Grand Bahama, people can visit the Lucayan National Park during the afternoon. This place has one of the world's largest underwater caves network. People expect to pay a small entrance fee to access Lucayan National Park. They should also carry a permit to enter the caves.

Warderick Wells Cay

The next day, people can set sail for Warderick Wells Cay. The latter is home to Sea Park and the Exuma Cays Land, a nature sanctuary made up of beaches, cays, and islets. Additionally, it's 56 kilometers long. On the north side of the island, people can see designated moorings.

When entering the 40-acre National Park, people will also witness the 15-meter skeleton of a sperm whale. The latter died due to plastic consumption. It is displayed there for visitors to be reminded to act responsibly at sea. Stromatolites are a must-see when spending the day at Warderick Wells Cay since these rock-like living organisms aren't easy to find on any island.

Staniel Cay

Next on the Bahamas island hopping trip, people can cruise across to Staniel Cay, where they can enjoy corned beef and grits Bahamian breakfast. On Staniel Cay, people can enjoy some unique fishing and kayaking opportunities. The island's waters are suitable for larger boats. Visitors to the island are also advised to dive into Thunderball Grotto, where James Bond was filmed.

It's free to dive and swim in this underwater cave system. People will also have the chance to see various marine life in there, including stingrays, angelfish, and yellow-tail snappers. Pig Beach is a must next at the uninhabited Big Major Cay. This is where people can swim with wild pigs.

  • What to eat: People are advised to visit the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for dinner, where they can eat delicious steamed lobster with drawn butter. Reservation is a must.

Compass Cay

Next is a 20-minute cruise to Bitter Guana Cay, or Iguana Island, famous for rock iguanas. Here, people can spend around an hour and then head north to Little Bells Cay or Cambridge Cay. The latter can be found in the Exumas Land & Sea Park center. Access to various beaches and hiking opportunities are available there. After that, people can take a short hop across Conch Cut to Compass Cay. This marina is one of the Exumas' few protected harbors.

  • Cost: People expect to pay an overnight dockage fee at Compass Cay. There's also a per-person landing fee.

At Compass Cay, people can swim with nurse sharks that are 13 feet long. Rachel's Bubble Bath is also an excellent lagoon to soak in, located on the island's north side.

Related: This Is What You'll Pay To Rent A Private Island In The Bahamas

Shroud Cay

This island is known for its natural beauty, beautiful mangrove carpets, sea turtles, native birds, and conch. People can stop for a swim in the crystal clear Hawksbill Cay and then move to Shroud Cay.

At the peak of the cay, there is the scenic lookout, Camp Driftwood, which is worth climbing. Paddleboarding through the mangroves, swimming in the Washing Machine, and diving into the 1980s plane wreck are some of the other activities worth enjoying on Shroud Cay.

Highbourne Cay

Passing by Norman's Cay, which is full of activities to enjoy, the next stop will be Highbourne Cay, which is home to a diving hot spot.

People are recommended to head to Xuma Beach Bar to spend the night. The next day, they will sail back to Palm Cay Marina.