Bahamas

Nassau & Paradise Island

Beaches, resorts & city stops

Skip the cruise-port strip. Stay on Paradise Island or further west toward Cable Beach for cleaner water and quieter mornings.

Exuma

Sandbars & swimming pigs

The most photographed water in the country — plan a boat day out of Staniel Cay and bring a waterproof phone case.

Harbour Island & Eleuthera

Pink sand & cliffside views

Harbour Island is small, walkable, and golf-cart only — perfect for a long weekend of pink sand mornings and slow dinners.

Diving, Snorkeling & Water Activities

What to book on the water

Some of the best diving in the Caribbean, plus easy snorkel and shark experiences for non-divers.

Nature, Views & Unique Experiences

The slower-paced stops that round out the trip.

Going by Boat from Florida

The Florida → Nassau route

If you'd rather sail in, you have two solid options. From Fort Lauderdale or Miami, the Balearia Caribbean fast ferry runs Nassau crossings in roughly 4 to 5 hours — book a window seat, pack motion-sickness pills, and arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes early for customs.

If you're going on a private boat, the standard crossing is Fort Lauderdale or Miami to Bimini (about 50 miles, 2 to 3 hours in good seas), overnight in Bimini, then on to Nassau the next day. Always check the Gulf Stream forecast — wind against current makes it miserable, no matter how nice the boat is.