Caribbean, Bahamas · Trip plan
5 days in The Bahamas
Swimming pigs, sandbars and Nassau's colourful harbour.
- Best time
- Dec – Apr
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $400 per person
- Trip for two
- about $4,000
Planning a 5-day trip to The Bahamas? Here's a day-by-day The Bahamas itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
December to April is dry and sunny, and the Junkanoo street parade fills Nassau on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands just off Florida, with some of the world's clearest water, sandbars and laid-back island life.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to April: 22–28°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in The Bahamas
- 01
Exuma swimming pigs
Pigs paddling out to boats at Big Major Cay.
- 02
Junkanoo
Costumed parades on 26 December and 1 January.
- 03
Nassau
Pastel colonial buildings and the Queen's Staircase.
- 04
Thunderball Grotto
Snorkel inside a James Bond cave.
Day by day
The Bahamas itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Nassau
- Morning
- Walk Nassau's pastel downtown, the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle.
- Afternoon
- Beach afternoon on Cable Beach.
- Evening
- Conch salad and rum at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry.
Cruise ships crowd downtown midday; go early.
- D2
Day 2: Exumas day trip
- Morning
- Speedboat or short flight to the Exumas.
- Afternoon
- Swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay and snorkel Thunderball Grotto.
- Evening
- Back to Nassau.
Only feed the pigs what your guide gives you.
- D3
Day 3: Paradise Island
- Morning
- Explore Paradise Island's beaches.
- Afternoon
- Day pass to Atlantis's water park and aquarium.
- Evening
- Dinner on the harbour.
Day passes are pricey but great for families.
- D4
Day 4: Junkanoo or snorkelling
- Morning
- Junkanoo parade at dawn on 26 December or 1 January, or a reef snorkel trip.
- Afternoon
- Rest and swim.
- Evening
- Sunset dinner.
Junkanoo starts in the early hours.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- A last swim.
- Afternoon
- Lunch.
- Evening
- Fly home.
US preclearance at Nassau saves time on arrival.
Shorter or longer
The Bahamas in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in The Bahamas
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in The Bahamas
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in St Lucia.
What it costs
The Bahamas trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $200 | $2,000 |
| Mid-range | $400 | $4,000 |
| Luxury | $1,000+ | $10,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to The Bahamas is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in The Bahamas for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in The Bahamas
Conch fritters
Fried conch bites.
Guava duff
A rolled dessert with rum sauce.
Bahama Mama
A rum cocktail.
Getting there
How to reach The Bahamas
- Travel
- Nassau airport has direct flights from across the US, Canada and London.
- Getting around
- Jitney buses and taxis in Nassau; boats and small planes to the Exumas.
- Book Exuma day trips with reputable operators.
- Fish Fry at Arawak Cay is the local food hub.
Before you go
What to pack for The Bahamas
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
The Bahamas trip FAQs
How many days are enough for The Bahamas?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Exuma swimming pigs, Junkanoo, Nassau. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day The Bahamas trip cost?
Roughly $200 a day per person on a budget, $400 mid-range and $1,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $4,000 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit The Bahamas?
Dec – Apr. December to April is dry and sunny, and the Junkanoo street parade fills Nassau on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Where should I stay in The Bahamas?
Budget: Guesthouses in downtown Nassau (Nassau), from about $150 a night. Mid-range: Hotels on Cable Beach (Cable Beach), from about $350 a night. Luxury: The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort (Paradise Island), from about $1,500 a night.
How do I reach The Bahamas?
Nassau airport has direct flights from across the US, Canada and London.
Is 4 days enough for The Bahamas?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in The Bahamas?
December to April: 22–28°C.
What food should I try in The Bahamas?
Conch fritters: Fried conch bites. Guava duff: A rolled dessert with rum sauce. Bahama Mama: A rum cocktail.
How do I get around The Bahamas?
Jitney buses and taxis in Nassau; boats and small planes to the Exumas.
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