Travel Guide
2026 Edit
Bahamas
The Bahamas is the easiest international trip from the East Coast - turquoise water, pink sand, and a whole chain of islands worth hopping between. Here's how I'd split it across the highlights.
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
Plan a boat day out of Staniel Cay and bring your camera charged.
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.