Just 50 miles from Florida, the Bahamas island chain is known for its incredible beaches, iconic swimming pigs, and colorful history of pirates and explorers.
It’s also known for the big massive resorts of Nassau – The Atlantis and Baha Mar. But with incredible beauty in the 700 islands beyond Nassau, we encourage families to escape the waterslides and explore the real Bahamas with kids – even if it means an extra hopper flight.
In place like the Exumas and Eleuthera, you’ll find serene stretches of pink-sand beaches, shallow turquoise waters, and quiet beach towns with a warm, local vibe. Indulge at a peaceful private island resort if you want a taste of luxury on your Bahamas family trip.
I splurged on a girls trip to a private island resort in Andros – a different kind of girls trip, with my friend and our 3 daughters ages 5-7. We took a local commuter flight to get there (an adventure!). We watched the sunrise from our beachfront cottage, and our girls spent hours creating a world out of sand for the hermit crabs to explore.
The Bahamas taught me that kids don’t need endless entertainment—they can truly appreciate a slower pace when given the chance.
– Lee, Founder of Mango Tree Travel
Turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and unique attractions like the Exumas’ swimming pigs and pink sand beaches on Harbour Island.
English is the official language, with a warm Bahamian dialect spoken widely; many locals also speak Haitian Creole.
The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is the official currency, pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, which is also widely accepted
The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is the official currency, pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, which is also widely accepted
With over 700 islands spanning 5,358 square miles, the Bahamas offers everything from busy resort areas in Nassau to serene beaches in the Out Islands.
While you might expect to be able to boat or ferry between islands in the Bahamas, the best way to get around is by hopper flight. There’s a website dedicated to the Out Islands that’s a great resource for finding flights to the various islands (which we can help with too, of course!).
Nassau and Paradise Island offer resort-style stays (plus one boutique hotel we adore) while the Out Islands provide boutique hotel and villa options for quieter stays. Resorts and hotels in Andros, Eleuthera & Harbour Island, the Exumas, Cat Island and Long Island are some of the most popular with families.
Peak Season: Peak season runs mid-December to mid-April in the Bahamas, but frankly it can be a little cold for our tastes early in the season.
Shoulder Season: The Bahamas stays popular well into June. Early summer is an ideal time for great weather and fewer crowds.
No Go: September through Thanksgiving, when resorts close for hurricane season and an already slow-paced destination slows even further.
Direct flights are available to Nassau from major U.S. cities, and island hopping flights make getting to the Out Islands straightforward. When you land in Nassau, there’s a separate customs line for travelers connecting to domestic flights, which speeds up the process. And there’s even a playground in the domestic terminal for kids to get their wiggles out while you wait for the final leg of your journey.
The Bahamas is a paradise for families who love a great beach, and who want to combine beach day with time out on the water.
Long Island, Bahamas
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Andros, Bahamas
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Harbour Island, Bahamas
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Nassau, Bahamas
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Pigs don't fly, but they swim in the Bahamas! It may feel a bit touristy, but your kids will love it and talk about the swimming pigs in Exuma for year to come. The pigs are big, so this tour is best for elementary school kids and older.
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Nassau is often the first stop in the Bahamas, but the Out Islands are where you'll find the true charm, white sandy beaches, and nearly transparent waters. We can help you find the right match.
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Drive a golf cart around the picturesque streets of Harbour Island and let your kids be delighted by the calm, pink sand beach. Check out our recommended hotels to find your home base.
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This is our go-to beach bag for island getaways: It comes in multiple cool patterns, is water resistant, folds down into a suitcase, and can fit tons of travel toys and snacks.
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If you want to get your kids comfortable snorkeling, getting them their own gear will get them excited, involved, and give them a practice in the pool.
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Give your kids extra confidence for ocean swimming, beach walks, and snorkeling with water shoes to keep them sure-footed. These low profiles shoes are easy to pack and come in lots of colors.
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We've tried a lot of face sunscreens, and these clear sunscreen sticks are really the best no-tears solution. Goes on wet or dry, and reef safe too!
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There’s a new gem in the market for mom swimsuits! Change of Scenery, an accessible but luxurious resort wear and swimwear line, designed by Jamie Banks, working mom of three, will make you feel fantastic on your next beach trip.
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Nothing will get your kids excited about the Bahamas more than learning about the swimming pigs. Go for an interactive coloring book that can double as a plane activity.
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Table of Contents Feeling like there must be more to the Bahamas for families than BahaMar and The Atlantis? You’re right, and we’re here to help you find it. If you’re planning a family trip to the Bahamas, please skip the cookie-cutter resorts that are basically mini versions of Disney. The boutique hotels in the […]
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Table of Contents If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Exuma, these 12 Exumas Bahamas resorts and villas are the best of the best. Exuma embodies the “untouched Caribbean.” In this collection of more than 350 islands and cays, endless white sand beaches flow seamlessly into flat, turqoise Caribbean waters. The Exuma Cays are brimming with hidden […]
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Grocery shopping in Nassau is a piece of cake! We’ve mapped out the best Nassau Bahamas grocery stores in every area of the island. Are traveling with your family to Nassau, Bahamas? If you want to stock your fridge, grocery shopping on New Providence Island is a piece of cake. Nassau Bahamas grocery stores are […]
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Blue holes, pirates, and pigs – oh my! There’s more to the Bahamas than meets the eye (or Instagram feed). We love the Bahamas as a family destination! These fun facts about the Bahamas will get your travel planning juices flowing. You’ve undoubtedly heard a lot about the soft white sands and turquoise waters of this Caribbean […]
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So you’re on the hunt for the perfect Caribbean destination. Just the word “Caribbean” – even if we’ve been pronouncing it wrong all this time! – evokes magical images of turquoise waters, warm sun shining down on golden sand, and pineapple drinks with tiny umbrellas. And people seem to keep raving about the Bahamas, which […]
Learn MoreI found [Small Hope Bay Lodge] while deep in an internet search hole, but nixed it in my mind since I thought it wouldn’t work with kids. I went into a bit of a spiral about how much it sucks to not be able to go to the places we really want to go with kids. THEN, I saw this hotel on your site and everything changed. Your write-up and framing of the place made it a realistic choice, and a trip that I am finally actually excited to go on. Y’all are the best and I so appreciate your hard work and service.
David, Family of 4, February 2024
We had such a great time! We loved Harbour Island and Coral Sands was amazing. We loved how quiet and not crowded it was, even over spring break. We will definitely be going back and plan to book with you all again for our next Caribbean vacation.
Kristen, Family of 3, Summer 2024
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