travel to bahamas in september

The Bahamas in September: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Taking a trip to The Bahamas in September and need to know what to expect and what to plan? We’ve got you covered!

In brief, September in the Bahamas is the best month of the year to save money on a vacation. This is because September is the most likely month to receive hurricanes, and it’s also a slower time of year for travel in general. Due to the changing weather and lower rates, September is the best month to plan a spontaneous trip. On clear days, you can still do all the best things the Bahamas has to offer.

We’ve done all the heavy lifting and put together the best information to help you plan your trip. This big guide will help you with everything from weather to things to do.

Bahamas Weather in September

September weather in the Bahamas is historically the rainiest, most humid, and one of the hottest months of the year. It also happens to be in the dead center of hurricane season when tropical storms and hurricanes are far more likely to crop up out of nowhere. This makes it a lot more likely that trips planned well in advance could get cancelled.

Despite potential hurricanes, September is one of the least windy months which makes diving really good this month. Water temperatures are pretty favorable in September, averaging 86 ° F.

Daily highs will hover around 89 ° F and lows will be about 77 ° F. Days can be fairly overcast even when rain isn’t predicted, but keep in mind that UV rays are still strong so sunscreen is a definite must throughout the day.

September has a 32% chance of rain all month long, making it the rainiest month of the year. This can manifest in afternoon rain showers, occasional thunder storms, tropical storms or threatening hurricanes. Pay close attention to the weather predictions before your trip to ensure your plans are not cancelled.

Bahamas September Weather Cheat Sheet

Bahamas affordability & crowds in september.

September is the slowest month of the year, so planning a vacation in September will be very affordable. When you plan a vacation during the Bahamas low season, you can expect that rates will be low, crowds will be low and some businesses might close early.

The weather is one of the biggest reasons why September is the islands’ slowest month. Not only are there potential hurricanes on the horizon, the sunny days bring lots of heat and humidity. In light of this, September can be a great month to plan spontaneous trip to the archipelago since it will be easier to find cheap accommodations, score last minute transportation or plan around poor weather.

If you’re up for a last minute getaway to the Bahamas, September could be your best month to plan a trip to the islands.

Traveling to the Bahamas in September

Traveling to the Bahamas in September poses a significant weather risk, but that isn’t always guaranteed. September is one of the most likely months a hurricane could hit, but that doesn’t mean it happens every year. However, getting there without cancellations can be a challenge.

In the event of a severe tropical storm or an incoming hurricane, all forms of transportation could be cancelled or rescheduled. The most likely form of transportation to stay on schedule is a flight to the Bahamas, but severe weather is known to ground planes. You’ll want to keep this in mind no matter what form of transportation you plan to book.

Flights, cruises and ferry rides to the Bahamas are significantly less expensive in September, so you’re highly likely to score a deal when booking transportation. Flights to busy airports like Nassau are usually cheaper, but even small jet and island-hoppers will be less costly this month.

Cruises are a great way to get to the Bahamas if you’re looking for an all-inclusive way to experience the sea and the islands. Cruise directors have full day activities on and off the ship, and if you get a great deal on cabins it’s definitely worth it. The ferry is the less exciting way to get to the islands, but it’s a great way to do a day trip from Florida .

Best Bahamas Islands in September

Bimini is one of the closest islands in the Bahamas to the United States by way of Florida. It’s proximity makes it the easiest island for planning a short or spontaneous trip. You can easily plan a trip here via boat, cruise ship or flight and there’s lots of fun things to do when you arrive.

Bimini Islands

The Bimini Islands are only 50 miles off the coast of Florida . Ferryboats often shuttle guests on a 3-4 hour long trek from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, so getting here is really easy especially for Florida residents. You can also take cruise ships here or fly in by way of North Bimini Airport or South Bimini Airport. This famous island has been the home of Ernest Hemingway, as well as a popular vacation spot for Jimmy Buffett.

This storied locale has made it’s way into the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, served as a rum runners’ base and is even recognized as the home of Juan Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth. Today the Limestone Well (the enchanted Fountain of Youth) draws thousands of visitors to its waters, though bathing is prohibited. In addition to this, Bimini has loads of fun places to see and things to do.

Bimini isn’t a huge chain of islands (as a matter of fact, there are fewer than 2,000 residents), but it holds all the key things you’re looking for in a Bahamian vacation. Think big game fishing, flats fishing for bonefish, scuba diving, wreck snorkeling and delicious food.

For those interesting in diving, check out several of the shipwrecks the dot the coastline. Tours are available to take divers, but you can also try it on your own. Tours can also take you diving with manta rays, sharks or dolphins, based on the season. Bimini Road is probably the most notable diving location, which has been featured in movies like “Cocoon”.

Take advantage of the sun when it’s shining and walk along the beautiful white sand beaches like Honeymoon Harbor Beach. Bimini Sands Beach, Radio Beach, Alice Town Beach and East Wells Beaches are all perfect places to relax in between adventures. For a little culture, be sure to see the Great Isaac Cay Lighthouse or walk through the Bimini Museum in the capital Alice Town.

Best Things to Do in the Bahamas in September

There are lots of great things to do in the Bahamas during the month of September. This month is great for short excursions and activities so you can plan around inclement weather and it’s best to stay flexible with your plans. While you won’t be able to get to them all, we’ll help you plan the best things to put on your schedule.

Snorkel the Coastline

The Bahamas has some incredible locations for snorkeling, including shallow reefs, ship wrecks, plane wrecks and more. One really cool spot that requires a private boat or speed boat tour is the Mermaid Piano off of Rudder Cay. You’ll want to go during low tide and bring an underwater camera to get an epic photo souvenir.

Snorkeling gear is also offered at coastal resorts and can be rented at different facilities around the island beaches. You can also rent really cool water crafts like jet skis, banana boats and Personal Underwater Submarines. The subs can be rented on Nassau and don’t require any previous experience, making it the perfect option for inexperienced divers to explore underwater.

There are lots of pretty thrilling experiences you can have while exploring the Bahamas coastal areas on the water. Glass bottom boats are a really fun way to get on the water while also seeing the creatures underneath it. These unique tours are designed to hold around 10-15 people and travel over busy reefs and fish schools so passengers can see marine life through the glass bottom.

Dive Movie Sets

Scuba diving is nice in September since the water is warm, though you’ll want to pay attention to weather each day. There are lots of great spots to dive, especially since the Bahamas is a haven for popular movie sets. One of the most popular is the Thunderball Grotto , off the Exumas, which is the iconic location for James Bond’s Thunderball movie of 1965.

Bimini Road , as mentioned above, was also featured in a movie called Cocoon released in 1985. It’s an other-worldly resemblance of a road on the bottom of the ocean floor off the coast of Bimini.

Not only is the Bahamas a great destination for movie sets, but it’s also home to many National Marine Parks, ship wrecks, Caribbean reefs, and large blue holes. The most notable are in Blue Holes National Parks and on Andros Island. In addition to this, Dean’s Blue Hole is a popular spot for thrill seekers. The hole is over 600 feet in depth and offers incredible cave diving once you reach 60 feet under the surface.

Spearfishing is also big when diving in September since there is a lot to catch this month. Lobster are in season, as well as Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish and Lionfish. Some of the best islands to go are Guana Cay, Nassau, the Spanish Wells on Eleuthera and Andros Islands’ long barrier reef. Be sure to read up on all the specifics of spearfishing laws in the Bahamas before setting out to make a catch.

Swim with the Stingrays

September’s warm waters also make it a great month for swimming with sea creatures, including stingrays. Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands or the coast of Bimini are the best places to wade in 3-4ft deep water with dozens of Southern stingrays. You can also have an incredible time at the The Atlantis Stingray Experience which is home to a host of cownose rays. Cownose rays are known for their rounded face and pointed wings and cute appearance.

September is also still part of turtle hatching season, which is a breathtaking phenomenon. If the island you’re staying on has turtle nests, it’s also possible you’ll get the chance to witness them hatching and heading to sea. You can find turtles all over the Bahamas, but some of the best places to go are Great Abaco Island, Rose Island, or Conception Island National Park.

While you won’t be able to swim with the babies or approach their nest, you can view them from afar. You can also swim with the adult turtles on a variety of different tours.

Lastly, you can take a dip in the ocean with the famous swimming pigs. Exuma is the top destination and is usually busy, but will be significantly less crowded in September. Other pig swimming destinations include Pig Island and Staniel Cay.

Many tours offer this on their list of outings, and some allow guests to feed the pigs. Tourists can book boats, catamarans, or even small planes to get to Exuma. Just keep in mind that the pigs take a lunch break and a nap during the heat of the day, so it’s best to go in the morning or late afternoon.

Go Fly Fishing

The Bahamas is a prime location for fishing both inshore and offshore. In September, offshore fishing is a little risky, so inshore fishing is one of the best investments of your time and money. You can still book a captain to get you to the best places this month, but residents often suggest you get a fly fishing pole and wade in the flats.

Bonefish are one of the top catches in the Bahamas and they’re available to fish year round. The flats and mangroves are filled with bonefish at certain points in the day, especially near the Abaco Islands, Andros and New Providence. If you plan to troll the flats by boat or head a little farther offshore, you can also catch Barracuda, Grouper, Shark, or Snapper which are also in season this month.

Once you’ve brought in your catch, consider having it cooked by a local chef at a Bahamian restaurant. Senor Frog’s in Nassau or Blue Marlin Cove on Grand Bahama are great choices for dinner after a day on the water, plus you can bring your catch for them to cook fresh for you.

Shop the Local Markets

Shopping is a great pastime in the Bahamas if you’re looking to get out of the sun or rain for a little while. There are lots of local markets on the islands, especially in the busy ports and cities. This time of year when there are fewer tourists, you’ll be able to go to these busy areas without the hassle of wading through seas of people.

One of the top recommended places to go is the Nassau Straw Market . It’s a popular market that’s been operating since the 1940’s and sells many locally carved and woven goods. Island residents make the goods you’ll find in these stalls and welcome visitors on a daily basis.

You’ll also find Bay Street shopping district in Nassau, which offers lots of different shops and experiences. Everything from locally made souvenirs to luxury jewelry is on Bay Street. You’ll also find Festival Place on New Providence Island which is known for artisanal creations , delicious edible treats and small keepsakes.

If you’re spending more time on Grand Bahama, check out Port Lucaya Marketplace when you have some free time. This huge marketplace has local souvenirs both handmade and mass produced alongside plenty of food and drink spots where you can wind down after shopping.

Take a Sunset Cruise

Nothing is better than ending the day with a beautiful Bahamian sunset cruise. Many of the cruises set sail from Nassau or Paradise Island and serve a dinner of local delicacies like barbecue ribs, lemon pepper chicken and Bahama Mama cocktails. While on board passengers are treated to music, dancing and more before making port. This is an incredible way to end a vacation or spend a romantic date night together.

During the day there is a lot to do on land from touring the historical sites to indulging in island delicacies. Bus tours are a great option in September to avoid the heat or the rain while also learning about the Bahamas’ history. Bus tours go to all the significant locations and usually last half a day. Some of the stops can even include food from popular local eateries, which really make the excursion worth it.

If you’d prefer the full foodie experience, book a Nassau Food Tour. You’ll get to taste some of the best restaurants on the island, and get a tour of the famous John Watling’s Distillery. Rum shots may also be served to end the tour at the distillery. Nassau Food Tours are usually walking tours, so try to plan these on days with a low chance of rain.

Lastly, beach buggy tours are tailor made for adventure seekers who want a more challenging experience. You can find them for rent on Nassau and they seat up to 6 people for however long you want them. Tour options range from going it completely alone to booking a guide to take you to the biggest sites including the Queen’s Staircase , Fort Fincastle , and Fort Charlotte among others.

September Events in Bahamas

All Abaco Sailing Regatta

This massive sailing event is held annually and is open to thousands of local sloops who gather to race. In addition to several races held between some of the small Abacos islands, there are lots of oceanfront and beach activities held for observers and one big party at the end of the event.

September in the Bahamas might be rainier than most months, but when the sun is shining the islands are just as gorgeous. The good things about visiting the Bahamas in September is that you can book a spontaneous trip and you also have a good chance of saving a lot of money on your vacation. Lots of visitors prefer to visit other months when the weather is guaranteed cool and clear, but you can still have just as much fun in a hot and wet month like September.

The key to visiting the Bahamas in September is to plan for the inclement weather and keep an eye on the daily forecast. It’s easy to have a great time when you keep these things in mind and plan your activities and outings around the rain.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway this month, nothing beats a short trip to Bimini. It’s got all the great things the Bahamas has to offer and it’s easy to get to via any form of transportation. The islands have lots of great diving sites and good fishing off the coast. The beaches are beautiful here and sunset cruises are a great way to end the day.

If you want to save money and don’t mind planning around possible thunderstorms or hurricanes, September is a month to consider. You’ll definitely score a great deal on travel expenses in September and you’ll get the islands nearly all to yourself.

This article is part of Roundtript’s series of expert Bahamas travel guides for every month of the year.

For a summary of each Switzerland month & season all in one place, check out our big guide to the Best Times of the Year to Visit The Bahamas.

The Bahamas in August: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

The Bahamas in October: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

© 2024 by Roundtript

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Best and Worst Times to Visit the Bahamas

The best time to visit the Bahamas is usually April to early May. But it depends on whether visitors want mostly land or water activities.

The Bahamas islands are part of the Caribbean in one way and not in another. They are the most popular place to visit on Caribbean cruises, but they are not actually in the Caribbean Sea.

Their location to the north of the Caribbean and east of Florida makes their weather cooler than most other Caribbean islands.

What they do share in common is the Caribbean hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30 every year. They also share the heavy rains, high winds and damaging weather that comes with hurricanes and tropical storms.

Best Times to Visit

Historically, May is the best month to visit the Bahamas for warmer temperatures and low risk of rain, according to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology.

That said, we took a cruise to the Bahamas in May of one year and had clouds and rain all week. The rainfall and temperature charts below show the levels of risk for each month. So sometimes luck is a factor.

April is a better month for low risk of rain, but temperatures are cool enough at night to make swimming in the ocean uncomfortable during the day. The same is true of November: temperatures are moderately warm and the risk of rain is lower.

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Bahamas Hurricane Season

The Bahamas hurricane season runs from June through October based on the total rainfall each month. Although June and August have the worst average rain at nine inches each, the other three months average six inches apiece. These totals are above average for the Caribbean.

Officially, the Caribbean hurricane season goes from June through November. But rainfall historically is modest in the Bahamas during November.

The Caribbean hurricane season brings with it about 12 to 20 tropical storms each year with an average of six becoming hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They rarely hit Caribbean islands directly; instead, they pass in the vicinity and bring heavy rains.

Worst Time to Go

The worst months for most Caribbean islands are usually September and October.

But not the Bahamas. They have the highest rainfall of the year in August with more than nine inches followed closely by June, according to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology.

Those months are more popular than September and October, which have slightly better weather.

Best Months to Go to the Bahamas

People who enjoy beaches and the ocean will find that the rainy season months have the best temperatures for swimming.

The average high temperature in Nassau reaches nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 Celsius from July through September.

Visitors who are daring enough to visit during those months will find that temperatures are comfortable enough for sunning and swimming. But they also risk higher than average rainfall.

The best month for a combination of higher temperatures and lower risk of rain is May. The average high temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 Celsius. Average rainfall is four inches.

People who prefer land activities such as golf and don’t want to spend as much time at the beach will find that November through April are the best months to visit. They have a low risk of rain with an average of two to three inches a month.

Average high temperatures hover in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit or mid 20s Celsius. Seawater is almost always too cool for swimming because of nighttime temperatures in the low 60s Fahrenheit or mid teens Celsius.

Monthly Weather Averages

The Bahamas monthly weather data comes from the country’s meteorological department and a 30-year history of Nassau.

January weather in the Caribbean gets credit for both the coolest and driest month of the year. Average high temperatures reach 78 Fahrenheit or about 26 Celsius. It rains less than two inches, and it rains on average eight days during the month.

Temperatures in February barely change. The total rainfall increases to nearly two inches, which is still low for the Caribbean region. The total days that it rains decreases to six days, the lowest total of the year.

March temperatures increase by two degrees. Average rainfall increases slightly, while the number of days that it rains during the month barely climbs to seven. Tourism reaches the highest point of the year in part because of spring break from U.S. schools.

Temperatures climb two more degrees to 82 Fahrenheit or 28 Celsius. Seawater is still too cool for swimming much of the time because of chilly nighttime temperatures. Rainfall increases to nearly three inches, and the number of days that it rains moves up to eight. Tourism declines slightly from March.

Bahamas weather in May is historically the best month for lower risk of rain and warmer temperatures. The average monthly rainfall of four inches is actually a bit high for the Caribbean during this month. Beaches are getting warm enough for sunning and swimming. Despite the better weather, tourism drops again from April.

June is the second ugliest month to visit the Bahamas based on weather history. The average rainfall reaches a total of eight inches. The number of days that it rains jumps up to 15. But at least it is warm with an average high of 88 Fahrenheit or 31 Celsius.

Bahamas weather in July barely takes a break from June with more than six inches of rain, 17 rain days and temperatures reaching 89 Fahrenheit. It is the second most popular month to visit Nassau.

The winner of the title of worst month to visit the Bahamas is August. Average rainfall exceeds nine inches, which is just as bad as the downpours that hit Cancun and Cozumel during their worst months. Average days of rain also reach a high point of 19. Temperatures stay hot. Brave vacationers should visit in August if they have a last-minute trip with a good forecast—or if they are just feeling lucky. August tourism is high despite the bad weather.

The Bahamas have the fewest number of tourists in September despite the fact that its weather historically is better than August. But it’s still bad enough. It rains more than six inches and averages 17 rain days.

Total rainfall in October is barely different from September, while rain days stay at 17. Average high temperatures drop three degrees to 86 Fahrenheit or 30 Celsius. Tourism has the second lowest total of the year.

Even though November is part of the Caribbean hurricane season, it historically isn’t part of the Bahamas hurricane season. Average rainfall drops to three inches and rain days to 10.

Bahamas weather in December is the second coolest of the year with an average high of 79 Fahrenheit or 26 Celsius. Rainfall takes another drop to only two inches and rain days to eight. Tourism returns to a normal level as northerners come to the islands for a break from winter. Temperatures are mild and similar to April.

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• Bahamas In September: A Complete Guide To Let You Have A Spellbinding Vacation

14 Jun 2023

A home to about 700 mesmerizing beaches, Bahamas makes up a perfect location where you can have a splendid beachy vacation. However, it has a lot more things which allures tourists in all months of the year. The fascinating museums, captivating shopping sites and the delicious cuisines, make it a glorious country in the Caribbean. Bahamas is something where you would want to spend the rest of your life. Visit this beautiful destination at any time of the year and it would not disappoint you with a single thing. But, if you are wishing to visit Bahamas in September , get ready for a chilling and reviving holiday time. Check out our guide below.

Weather Of Bahamas In September

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The weather of Bahamas in September is quite warm. It will want you to soak yourself under the sun. The average high temperature will be around 31 degree celsius and average low temperature will be around 21 degree celsius. The places mentioned below are ideal for you to have fun in Bahamas. Andos and Grand Bahamas Islands mentioned below will be slightly cooler than the rest of the places.

8 Best Places To Visit In Bahamas In September

Bahamas is one of the destinations in the world where many tourists await to go to. If you are also planning to visit the marvelous spot in September, check out our best picks for you.

1. Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas

If you visit the Bahamas, and don’t experience the underwater, your trip would surely be incomplete. This spot is ideal for trying snorkelling. No matter if you are a beginner or a trained person in this water sport, Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas will not leave you disappointed. A wide number of marine life along with reefs and shells, makes it a special destination. You can learn about the marine environment to the best here. No wonder, snorkelling is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas in September.

Phone No . : +1 800-879-9832

Must Read: 7 Hostels in Bahamas That Are A Perfect Blend Of Luxury And Comfort

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Are you someone who would want to travel in this land through water? If so, Nassau is the place you should head to next. It is a very posh location where you will find famous Bahamas cruises in September. This lavish place is a home to some great museums, monuments and beaches where you can easily escape for a relaxing time. One of the famous is catamaran ride which you must not forget to add in your list for sailing in the waters.

Suggested Read: Bahamas Islands: A Guide To The Most Sought-After Vacation On Earth

3. Bay Street

Especially famous for jewellery, liquor and beauty products, this place is a must visit for all the shopaholics. Surrounded by many small and big shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, makes it a very popular spot for Bahamians as well as tourists from all over the world. One of the best shops which you should look forward to buying some amazing stuff is Little Switzerland. There are also many shops, selling books which is especially appealing to the readers.

Location : Nassau

Suggested Read: An Absolute Guide For A Memorable And Romantic Bahamas Honeymoon!

4. Straw Market

A yet another famous market which is child friendly too. It is one of the favorite spots among many people. The market is related to an older tradition of straw weaving in Bahamas. It is a very unique market where you will observe women with exceptional skills like weaving a hat from straw or a basket from palm leaves. The particularity and the efforts put up by them for their profession is clearly seen.

Location : Bay Street, Nassau, New Province

Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Bahamas For Tasting Thrill And Soaking In Bliss Like Never Before!

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Andros marks as one of the top- rated places to visit in Bahamas in September. It is the biggest landmass in Bahamas where there you will find many attractive places that will steal your heart. It is an appealing destination for many divers as there is a popular barrier reef. You must also take a visit of the lighthouse in Andros, where you will see guns and cannons.

Opening Hours : 24 Hours Cost : Local packages start from INR 3000

Suggested Read: Top 5 Bahamas Cruise From Miami That Are Worth Every Penny That You Spend

6. Bimini Museum

If you want to learn a little more about the historical past of this monument, you must visit its museums. To preserve the historical past of this island, Bimini Museum was built. Historic arts and sculpture are easily seen, beautifying the walls of the museum. The museum also pays tribute to the people who helped in the development of this place with great dignity.

Location : Saunders Street, Queens Hwy, North Bimini Alice Town Bimini, Bahamas Phone No .: +1 242-347-3201

7. Ardastra Gardens, Zoo And Conservation Park

If you are a true wildlife lover, you cannot miss this place. A wide range of flora and fauna are found here. You can discover nature to its best. From the lavish green lawns to the zoo and conservation park, everything makes up a great tourist spot for this area. You will find flamingos, parrots and many other species. Among the fauna, there are many fruit bearing trees.

Location : P.O. Box N-4882, Nassau, Bahamas Opening Hours : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Cost : INR 1100

Suggested Read: 10 Best Restaurants In Bahamas To Taste The Exquisite Island Cuisines Of The Nation!

8. Grand Bahama

Your trip to Bahama would not be complete if you miss this place. It is a perfect destination where you can look out for having a rejuvenating time with your loved ones. This marvelous island has a number of serene beaches. You can soak yourself in the sun or party in the lounges present here. Not only this, but you can also treat yourself in the lavish restaurants and buy beach jewellery from the shops around.

Location : Bahamas Opening Hours : 24 Hours Cost : Free

Further Read: 10 Best Bahamas Nightlife Experiences That You Must Not Miss Out On

This is just not an end to the best places which you can visit in the Bahamas in September, but there are many more spots which you can add to your list. Tell your friends and family about this spectacular destinations, we are sure that they will completely love them. Pack your bags and head to Bahamas right away, for a wonderful Bahamian vacay .

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The Best Times to Visit The Bahamas for Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices, and More

These are the best times to go to The Bahamas for every type of traveler.

Is there really a bad time to jet off to paradise? As long as we’re talking about The Bahamas, the answer is no. While some seasons are busier or rainier than others, it's worth visiting this go-barefoot, let-your-hair-down group of islands in the Atlantic in any month of the year.

“It’s always a good time to visit the islands of The Bahamas," says influencer and Bahamas local Maradona Tinker ( @bahamamara ). "Just pack a raincoat for the occasional shower in November and January.”

Pola Damonte/Getty Images

The Bahamas’ clear waters, bright colors, and fun-loving spirit beckon visitors from all over the world year-round. Here are the most popular and least popular times to visit:

• High Season: Late November to mid-April
• Shoulder Seasons: Late April to July
• Low Season: August to mid-November

Keep reading for the best times to visit The Bahamas for the smallest crowds, the lowest prices, and the best weather for swimming, diving, and fishing.

Best Times to Visit The Bahamas for Smaller Crowds

The Bahamas is at its busiest during the high season from late November to April and sees particularly large crowds during the holidays and spring break. Tourists begin to disperse as temperatures rise in late April, although the Bahamas Carnival typically draws visitors for the four-day festival in April or May.

Come May, the weather warms up, making it a great time of year to enjoy being out on the water without having to jockey for position. The summer months (June through September) are hot, driving away the hordes of tourists and keeping the crowds light.

It might seem contradictory since most families travel during summer break, but if you want to visit The Bahamas when the crowds are thinnest, aim for June or July. While these months still fall within hurricane season, you'll likely experience fewer storms than in August, September, and October.

Levente Bodo/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit The Bahamas for Good Weather

One of the biggest draws of The Bahamas is that the islands are blessed with good weather year-round thanks to warm trade winds and mild temperatures. Winter lows linger around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit — hot, but not unbearable due to an ever-present sea breeze.

Of course, all that lush tropical vegetation is partially because of the long rainy season. You’ll encounter the heaviest rains in August during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which stretches from June 1 to November 30. However, showers are often light and quick, so they shouldn’t dampen your plans.

During these months, there’s always the potential of a hurricane popping up, and The Bahamas has been hard-hit in past years. Still, you’ll get at least a few days’ notice if there’s an imminent threat. You don’t need to avoid the area during hurricane season; just be aware that there’s always the possibility of a storm forming at this time of year. Many hotels even have hurricane cancellation policies, so you can have peace of mind when you book.

Related : 15 Best Places to Travel in February

Best Times to Visit The Bahamas for Lower Prices

Like most places, The Bahamas sees the lowest prices during its slower season, which typically lasts from August to mid-November. During this stretch, the weather is hot and rainy, hurricane season is in full swing, and families are focused on their back-to-school routines. 

Thanks to the slight dip in demand during these wet, muggy months, fall is your best chance at scoring good deals on flights, hotels, and tours —splurge on a stay at one of the best resorts in The Bahamas . If your schedule is flexible, check for last-minute deals and resort packages, which frequently pop up during October. Many hotels and restaurants use these months to renovate, so you might encounter construction and reduced services. But with so many beautiful beaches to explore, you likely won't even notice (or care).

Best Times to Visit The Bahamas for Swimming and Diving

The water is warm all year round in The Bahamas, so it’s never a bad time to jump in. For divers, the conditions are clear most of the time, with visibility often exceeding 150 feet. While dive sites are at their least crowded from June to October, November to May is considered the best time for shark diving. Keep in mind that the water temperature can dip to around 72 to 75 degrees in January and February, so wearing a wetsuit is recommended in the winter.

Sherry Galey/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit The Bahamas for Fishing

You can go fishing during any season in The Bahamas, but dedicated anglers may want to plan their trip around a specific catch. For example, if you want to reel in blackfin tuna, the prime months are June and July, whereas your chances are low between October and February. To hook a sailfish or a dolphin fish (aka mahi mahi), April is your best bet, and wahoo peaks from November to March. Consult The Bahamas fishing chart to find the best months for your catch of choice.

Worst Times to Visit The Bahamas

As with the best times to visit The Bahamas, the worst times depend on your goals. 

If you're trying to stick to a budget or avoid crowds, the worst time to travel to The Bahamas is during the high season, from late November to mid-April. However, for many, this is the best time to visit due to the milder, less humid weather.

For others, hurricane season is the worst time to visit. There’s always a chance that a storm can delay or cancel your travel plans. And even if you do make it to the islands, you may encounter multiple rainy days that can squash your dreams of lounging on the beach. If this is a concern and you can only go during the hurricane season, do your best to avoid August, September, and October — the months that historically experience the most hurricane activity.

Related Articles

Things to do in the Bahamas in September

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Looking for a different month?

September is a less popular time to visit the Bahamas .

The Bahamas has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your September trip to the Bahamas. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in the Bahamas in September

Top experiences in september, holidays in the bahamas in september.

There are no holidays in the Bahamas in September

Best attractions for the Bahamas in September

Top searches in the Bahamas

Explore nearby places.

• the Bahamas
• Spanish Wells
• Dunmore Town
• Gregory Town
• Sandy Point
• Governor's Harbour
• North Palmetto Point
• Little Harbour
• Marsh Harbour
• Man-O-War Cay
• Treasure Cay
• McLean’s Town
• Lucayan National Park
• George Town
• Biscayne National Park
• Miami Beach
• Bal Harbour
• the Bay Harbor Islands
• North Bay Village
• the Sunny Isles Beach

All related maps of the Bahamas

• Map of the Bahamas
• Map of Nassau
• Map of Spanish Wells
• Map of Dunmore Town
• Map of Gregory Town
• Map of Sandy Point
• Map of Governor's Harbour
• Map of Tarpum Bay
• Map of North Palmetto Point
• Map of Rock Sound
• Map of Little Harbour
• Map of Marsh Harbour
• Map of Hope Town
• Map of Man-O-War Cay
• Map of Treasure Cay
• Map of McLean’s Town
• Map of Lucayan National Park
• Map of Alice Town
• Map of Freeport
• Map of George Town
• Map of West End
• Map of Moore Hill
• Map of Biscayne National Park
• Map of Miami Beach
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• Map of the Bay Harbor Islands
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• Map of the Sunny Isles Beach
• Map of Miami
• Map of Aventura

the Bahamas throughout the year

• the Bahamas in January
• the Bahamas in February
• the Bahamas in March
• the Bahamas in April
• the Bahamas in May
• the Bahamas in June
• the Bahamas in July
• the Bahamas in August
• the Bahamas in September
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The Best Time to Travel to the Bahamas

See recent posts by Katherine Alex Beaven

The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean -- and it's easy to see why. Crystal clear water, soft sand, and thousands of gorgeous cays are just a few of the appealing features here. Plus, the food is great, the seafood is fresh, the drinks are fruity, and the welcoming smiles are aplenty. The islands draw families, couples, and friends looking to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or soak in some culture at one of the many annual festivals. Still, this paradise has its limits, and changing weather can impact your trip. While temperatures stay pleasant year-round, hurricane season is a serious threat that may bring in heavy rains (or worse) that can ruin plans. Since the islands are spread out over 100,000 square miles, the following should be looked at as a general guide to help you figure out the best time to visit the Bahamas. If you've got a specific activity in mind -- like swimming with whale sharks, diving with manta rays, or partying during Carnival -- you'll want to visit during a specific time, regardless of the weather. So, pull out your calendar and get ready to block off the best days for your Bahamas trip.

January and February in the Bahamas

January and February are two of the best weather months for the Bahamas. Hurricane season is over, the sun is out, rainfall is at its lowest, and temperatures fall within the desirable range of the high 70s and mid-60s. In other words, it’s a warm winter escape with excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, or simply lounging on the beach or by the pool. You’ll also have the best chances to spot whale sharks and humpback whales. The downside? Everyone else wants to visit during these months, too. Sky-high rates, massive crowds, and long lines are not enough to deter visitors, so be prepared to share these beautiful islands with thousands of your closest strangers. Most hotels, especially popular spots like Atlantis on Paradise Island will be booked months in advance, so plan early. Keep in mind that early January is likely to see a lot of families trying to squeeze in a trip during school’s winter break.

March to Mid-April in the Bahamas

Crowds can let up a bit in March and April, but don’t bet your trip on it. Travelers visiting during these months should be aware that rates might be higher due to spring break. Weather starts warming up by a few degrees in March, but it doesn’t quite linger in the 80s until April. Humidity is a given when talking about the Caribbean, but thanks to the low amount of rainfall, it’s still at its lowest in March. You might catch a few day showers in April, but it’s usually not enough to ruin plans or cancel beach days. By mid-April, most of the spring break travelers are gone, and crowds start to thin out. Bull sharks are more prevalent in these months, too, and it’s your last chance to catch the humpback whales until they return in December.

Late April in the Bahamas

Come late April, the off-season starts creeping in, and hotel rates and occupancy level out. This is one of our favorite times of year to visit because the weather is warm (but not blazing hot), there are good deals to be had, and the resorts and beaches are not as crammed with tourists. However, if you’re a surfer, it means that most of the waves are dying down (though The Abacos and Rum Cay still have decent swells all year round), and the only whales in the water are pilot whales. Your chances of spotting turtles, dolphins, and rays on a snorkel or dive trip are still good. Shark divers will want to head to Cat Island to catch an up-close look at the whitetip sharks chasing migrating tuna.

May in the Bahamas

May brings in perfect temperatures, ranging from 72 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, but it also sees double the amount of rain as April. While this could dampen the vibe in other parts of the world, the Bahamas throws a party. The country’s annual Carnival celebration usually takes place at the beginning of May (or the end of April), and you’ll find parades, parties, and live music taking over the streets in Nassau. It’s also the only week where hotel rates pick up and occupancy can get tight.

June, July, and August in the Bahamas

June officially ushers in the rainy hurricane season, and the islands will start to see a significant uptick in the frequency of showers. Weather gets a little sticky, with temperatures in the upper 80s and lots of humidity in the air. These conditions are enough to deter most travelers, but those who make the trip will find lower rates on flights and rooms, plus fewer people. Storms can kick up sand under the water, causing a slight decrease in visibility for divers and snorkelers, and water sports become a little more perilous, due to the waves and rain. Folks hoping to see manta rays should come in July, which offers the highest chance of spotting them in the water. Temperatures start topping out in July, hitting the 90s, and rain is at its peak, but you’ll get the same amount of sunshine– about 10 hours a day — throughout April, May, June, July, and August. These summer months are celebrated by locals, and there are a handful of fun festivals, including the Pineapple Festival and the lively Junkanoo Summer Festival.

September in the Bahamas

September weather can start to cool off a little, if only by a few degrees. Days begin to feel a little shorter. We’re still in hurricane season, though the amount of rain starts to decrease. September is a great off-season month because you still get the warmth from summer, lower humidity, and low rates from hurricane season. There are no standout festivals in September, but you can celebrate the islands’ low crowds and cheaper rates — in a few months, they’ll both start increasing.

October in the Bahamas

By October, rainfall has tapered off by nearly a third of what it was in July. Deals on rooms and fights can still be had, which is great news for dedicated shark divers and surfers. October kicks off surf season in San Salvador Island as well as Eleuthera, and marks the best viewing opportunities for shark fans. At the end of October, Nassau hosts the International Culture, Wine, & Food Festival.

November in the Bahamas

November is the official start of fall, and island temperatures drop, averaging around the low 80s during the day and mid-70s in the evenings. Rainfall has also cut down to more than half of what it was in July, making this a great shoulder season to consider. Surfers can start to catch waves in the Exumas from now until about April. Hurricane season is still in effect, but it’s on its way out, officially ending on November 30. So, you’ll still get some low rates, fewer crowds, and (mostly) great weather. We aren’t the only people who feel this way: Tourism starts to rise in November after a summer slump during August, September, and October. Plus, this is the last month to cash in on cheaper rates since they start rising pretty quickly once December rolls around.

December in the Bahamas

December marks the start of the high season in the Bahamas. The end of the hurricane season plus cold winter temperatures elsewhere make the Caribbean — and the Bahamas, in particular — a popular place to be. Rates start to rise, occupancy levels get booked up quickly, and the slow island vibes become a bit more hectic. The Junkanoo Winter Festival occurs in the week between Christmas and New Year — also a common vacation time for travelers — so you can expect even higher rates during this period. Hammerheads also start returning to the cooler waters in December, and lucky folks may even be able to spot the first sperm whales or whale sharks in the water.

Some of Our Favorite Hotels in the Bahamas:

Melia Nassau Beach – All Inclusive

Melia Nassau Beach – All Inclusive/Oyster

An upscale, sprawling resort, Melia Nassau Beach is located on beautiful and serene Cable Beach. It’s a 15-minute drive from the airport, but it’s not in walking distance to other attractions.  A stylish lobby, three pools, daily activities, and entertainment add to the Melia’s appeal. Six on-site restaurants serve better-than-expected food, and there’s an on-site Starbucks.

Pricing for Melia Nassau Beach - All Inclusive

The Cove at Atlantis

The Cove at Atlantis/Oyster

Chic open-air surroundings, oceanfront suites, and an air of exclusivity attracts families and couples who prefer to be slightly removed from the thickest crowds. Modern, sophisticated suites (many with views) have modern technology, balconies, and extra large bathrooms. The property shares a separate beach and large family pool with neighboring  Reef Tower , but only Cove guests have access to the party pool called Cain at the Cove — for adults only — with private cabanas, outdoor gambling, and a live DJ.

Pricing for The Cove at Atlantis

What to Bring: A Cover-Up

The All Buttoned Up Cover-Up from Summersalt

When going from the beach to the bar to the pool to the room 3 to 4 times a day, a cover-up is always the best option. Be sure to snag one for you next Bahamas vacation.

You’ll Also Like:

• The 14 Most Beautiful Hotels in the Bahamas
• Which Bahamian Island is Right for You?
• 8 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid in the Bahamas

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.

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September in the Caribbean: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Paulo Costa / Getty Images

While the Caribbean is eternally popular for travelers looking to escape the snow and hail of the winter months up north, the fall is also a great time to visit—if you can manage to avoid the hurricanes. September is the height of hurricane season in the Caribbean, so travelers should strongly consider also buying travel insurance ahead of any September trip. If you luck out, you can enjoy the shoulder season's cheaper hotel rates and airfares without missing out on the warm waters and cool breezes the islands are loved for.

Hurricane Season in the Caribbean

Hurricane season in the Caribbean hits its peak in September, and while the odds of your vacation being affected by a tropical storm or hurricane are greatest during this month, the overall danger is relatively small. For example, the National Hurricane Center states that while September travelers to Puerto Rico have an 8 percent chance of encountering a hurricane, it only applies if you spend the entire month there. So, if you only stay one week, the odds of a hurricane hitting are just 2 percent, even during the peak of storm season.

September Weather in the Caribbean

September temperatures typically range from about 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), and the summer humidity is still lingering.

On average, there are approximately 12 rainy days during September, although precipitation and temperatures will vary slightly, but not significantly, across islands.

What to Pack

Since the temperatures will feel like summer, it's best to pack loose-fitting, breathable layers will keep you cool during the day, especially on islands where the climate is more tropical and humidity can be an issue. Don’t forget a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It would also be wise to pack some rain gear, considering the weather can be unpredictable and some dressier clothes, just in case you go out to an upscale restaurant.

September Events in the Caribbean

From fiestas in Aruba to Carnival in Belize, and sand sculpture competitions in Bermuda, there are plenty of events to keep travelers engaged in the local culture and community while traveling in the Caribbean. Many of these events may be canceled during 2020, so be sure to check the official organizers' websites for the latest updates.

• Fiesta di Cunucu : This annual tradition in Aruba celebrates the rural heritage of Aruba, with folkloric dance and music at traditional Cunucu houses.
• Belize Independence Day : On September 21, Belize celebrates the anniversary of the day it gained independence from Great Britain in 1981.
• Belize Carnival : Since 1975, the annual Carnival is held in September in Belize to showcase local music, theatre, fashion, and dance.
• Bermuda Sand Sculpture Competition : Witness artists from all over the world build unbelievable sand structures in Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda. The annual competition was started in 1996 by the Institute of Bermuda Architects.

September Travel Tips

• While reduced crowds are a plus for many travelers, resorts may feel a bit deserted this time of year, and you may find that not every attraction will be open. Be sure to research any activities and attractions in advance to confirm they will be open.
• Keep your eye out for special packages and vacation deals that are more likely to be available at this time of year.
• Some islands are less likely to find themselves in a path of a hurricane, especially if they are further south. Islands like Aruba , Bonaire , and Curacao may be a safer bet if you hope to travel to the islands in September.

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Bahamas   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Grafner | Getty Images

22 Top-Rated Things to Do in the Bahamas

From gorgeous beaches to expansive golf courses, must-visit historic attractions and bustling marketplaces, the Bahamas offer a wide array of vacation experiences. Nassau is the top destination among the 700 islands of the Bahamas, 30 of which are

• All Things To Do

Aquaventure at Atlantis, Paradise Island (Paradise Island) Aquaventure at Atlantis, Paradise Island (Paradise Island)

Spread across a good chunk of Paradise Island, the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort complex is home to top-notch accommodations, a casino, a golf course and multiple restaurants. But the property's most impressive features are undoubtedly its water-focused amenities. In addition to offering 11 swimming pools and 5 miles of white sand beaches, Atlantis touts a 141-acre water park called Aquaventure, where you'll find a lazy river, a Mayan-themed water playground and more than eight waterslides. The resort also boasts the world's largest open-air marine habitat filled with sharks, rays, barracudas, eels and more.

Atlantis' marine habitat and water park were a hit with previous visitors, although some caution that the property is only worth stopping at if you're staying on-site, since day passes start at $250 per adult (ages 12 and older) and $190 for children ages 4 to 11 (prices vary by season). Popular attractions at the water park include the lazy river and the 60-foot Leap of Faith waterslide. At the marine habitat, travelers enjoyed watching various aquatic animals swim by, especially at the Predator Lagoon aquarium. Meanwhile, the Dig is an imagined archeological expedition to the lost city of Atlantis that visitors can walk through.

Blue Lagoon Island Blue Lagoon Island

If you aren't up for shelling out money for a day pass to Atlantis , consider Blue Lagoon Island (also known as Salt Cay) as an option. Located just across the water from Paradise Island, about 3 miles northwest of Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island offers plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation and fun in the sun. Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted with white sand, turquoise waters and plenty of eye-catching tropical foliage throughout, including native coconut palm trees.

While here, visitors can lounge on the relaxing shoreline of Salt Cay, doze off in a hammock under the palm trees, take a dip in the lagoon, rent water sports equipment or meet one or more of the island's animal inhabitants. You can do the latter either on an eco-nature tour or sign up to swim with dolphins, snorkel with sharks and stingrays and have an encounter with resident sea lions.

Cable Beach (Nassau) Cable Beach (Nassau) free

If you're staying in Nassau and want to explore shorelines outside of your resort, chances are you will wind up at Cable Beach. Cable Beach is not only one of the most popular beaches on New Providence Island, but it's also one of the most popular in all of the inhabited Bahamas islands. There are several reasons for this. First, it's convenient: Cable Beach is about 6 miles west of downtown Nassau and it is awash with amenities, including chairs and umbrellas, and water sports rental equipment, as well as restaurants and bars thanks to its close proximity to hotels and the bustling West Bay Street. Amenities aside, Cable Beach is also downright beautiful. The sand is white, the water is clear and turquoise, and the beach stretches for more than 2 miles, leaving a good chunk of space for you to find a spot in the sand. Plus, the water is very calm and largely absent of waves, making it an excellent option for families.

Recent visitors called the beach beautiful and relaxing, with one traveler saying it looked "like a postcard." Travelers reported spending hours just soaking up the sun on this shoreline, and many of those who chose to snorkel were delighted at the fish and manta rays they saw. Some were pleased to find that the beach itself, despite its popularity and close proximity to hotels, notably the Sandals Royal Bahamian , wasn't super crowded. However, the activity from surrounding hotels did bother some visitors. Some said that the frequent Jet Ski and boating rentals can be quite loud and that the Jet Skis specifically have a habit of getting too close to the swimming area of the shore.

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Clifton Heritage National Park (Nassau) Clifton Heritage National Park (Nassau)

This Nassau national park offers an excellent blend of historical information and outdoor activities. Located on the easternmost tip of New Providence Island, Clifton Heritage National Park features beaches, snorkeling opportunities, important cultural ruins and lush walking trails. The popular Jaws Beach is part of this park, which (as you might have guessed) gets its name from the 1987 movie, "Jaws: The Revenge," which filmed some scenes here. As for snorkeling, this national park is home to coral reefs and the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, which features the world's largest underwater sculpture, called Ocean Atlas. Another major highlight here are the ruins left behind from previous civilizations, including a village where Lucayans (indigenous Bahamians) lived, as well as slave quarters when the site was a plantation in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many recent visitors enjoyed their tours of the park as well as the friendly and knowledgeable guides. Those who went on the snorkeling tour were pleased with the amount of marine life they encountered and the fact that visitors can get their pictures taken while snorkeling. Others on the history tour were impressed with the guides' in-depth knowledge as well as their storytelling skills, with one traveler saying their particular guide "made the stories come alive."

Bahamas Diving & Snorkeling Bahamas Diving & Snorkeling

Beneath the surface of the Bahamas' waters lie a plethora of reefs, underwater caves and sinkholes teeming with aquatic animals, such as stingrays, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and giant grouper. As such, it's hardly surprising that visitors flock to the Bahamas to snorkel or dive. Many local beaches, resorts and private islands have shallow areas that are ideal for snorkeling, while islands like New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and The Abacos feature world-renowned dive sites, such as the 6,000-foot-deep Tongue of the Ocean (between Andros and New Providence) and the James Bond Wrecks (near New Providence Island).

Many boat tours (such as ones offered by Island Time Charters and Exuma Water Sports ) include snorkeling in their itineraries. For diving, past visitors suggest signing up for excursions with companies like Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas (on New Providence Island) and Sunn Odyssey Divers (on Grand Bahama Island). Each company offers knowledgeable and friendly guides, according to previous divers.

Junkanoo Beach (Nassau) Junkanoo Beach (Nassau) free

Popular with both tourists and locals, Junkanoo Beach sits within walking distance of the Nassau cruise port and attracts passengers who prefer walking to a beach to paying for a tour; it's also a lively weekend cookout spot for Bahamian families. College students also flock here from nearby resorts, giving the downtown Nassau strand its nickname, "Spring Break Beach."

Adjacent to the new Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau (which opened in 2021) and attractions like the Pirates of Nassau museum and Nassau's historic Straw Market, the beach is perfect for travelers who like to have plenty of drink, dining and off-beach options to combine with a morning or afternoon by the shore: the beach is dotted with beach bars – some little more than shacks – with swing-style seats serving beer, rum drinks and other refreshments.

John Watling's Distillery (Nassau) John Watling's Distillery (Nassau) free

If you need a break from snorkeling, boating or beach lounging, consider touring New Providence Island's John Watling's Distillery. This distillery is famous for its locally distilled rum, which you can sample and see being produced during a tour. Other spirits, such as a vodka filtered with pink sand from Eleuthera, are also made on-site. The guided tour is about 15 minutes long, and after you can head to the on-site pub to enjoy a cocktail. There's also a gift shop on-site selling merchandise and bottles.

Visitors who decided to take a tour of the property certainly enjoyed their time here, making it an excellent activity for those who need a break from the sand and the sun. Many enjoyed learning the history of the distillery and found the drinks offered at the tasting and served at the bar to be delicious. Reviewers were particularly pleased with the free pina colada tasting that's offered at the start of the tour.

Lucayan National Park (Grand Bahama Island) Lucayan National Park (Grand Bahama Island)

There are three national parks on Grand Bahama Island, but this is the definitive favorite. A 40-acre spread of mangrove, palm and pine trees, Lucayan National Park also contains the impressive Gold Rock Beach (which appears in two of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies), as well as the Burial Mound Cave (where the remains of indigenous Lucayans were discovered in 1986) and Ben's Cave. Both caves are part of one of the world's longest underwater limestone cave systems.Recent visitors enjoyed Lucayan National Park's sights, especially the beach. Many travelers were smitten with Gold Rock Beach, commenting on the clear waters, lack of crowds and overall beautiful setting. Some visitors recommended kayaking through the mangroves as another way to fully immerse yourself and enjoy the park. Meanwhile, avid divers can go diving at Ben's Cave via operators like Sunn Odyssey Divers and Calabash Eco Adventures . No food or beverage concessions are available within the park, but restrooms can be found by the entrance. To get to the property, plan on driving and parking at the beach's parking lot. Visit Lucayan National Park's website to learn more.

This national park sits less than 20 miles northeast of downtown Freeport and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Pig Beach (Great Exuma) Pig Beach (Great Exuma)

U.S. News Travel Insider Tip: Staying in Nassau, but still want to see some pigs? A second population of swimming pigs has been established on Rose Island – a 25-minute boat ride as opposed to the combination flight and boat excursion needed to reach Pig Beach in the Exumas. – Robert Curley

Pig Beach is easily one of the quirkiest and most unforgettable attractions in the Bahamas. This beach isn't just randomly named Pig Beach, it's actually named for the small population of pigs that call this beach home. Yes, the pigs live here, take dips in the ocean and are known to be friendly to the locals and travelers who make the trek to this uninhabited island. If you're wondering how the pigs got here, no one truly knows. They aren't native to the Bahamas and are believed to have been left behind either by a sailor or a shipwreck.

Pink Sands Beach (Harbour Island) Pink Sands Beach (Harbour Island) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Harbour Island isn't the only place you can find a pink sand beach in the Bahamas; Eleuthera’s Surfer Beach and Lighthouse Beach also have pink-hued sand. – Robert Curley

The Bahamas is full of unique travel offerings, including feeding beach pigs and the ability to drive between two different bodies of water (Eleuthera Island sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the shallows protected by the Grand Bahama Bank). Another exceptional experience you can enjoy in the Bahamas is sinking your toes into a beach with pink sand . This Harbour Island beach with its rose-hued shoreline makes for a truly dreamy seaside landscape. The pink sand, believe it or not, comes from single-cell organisms called Foraminifera. These microscopic creatures live in various parts of the ocean and when they die, the waves carry their pinkish shells onto the shore and they become integrated with the sand, along with leftover pieces of coral.

Dean's Blue Hole (Clarence Town) Dean's Blue Hole (Clarence Town) free

A water-filled natural limestone cavern, Dean's Blue Hole plunges 663 feet below ground level on Long Island, part of a string of Bahamian islands south of Nassau and New Providence Island. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides that form a natural amphitheater, the blue hole is also fringed by a white sand beach and opens onto a shallow lagoon. It's a beautiful sight whether viewed from the beach, the water, the cliffs or on a guided dive into its cobalt depths. Some daredevils also jump from the cliffs into the blue hole.

Dean's Blue Hole is the second deepest sinkhole in the world and the deepest one filled with salt water. A habitat for a variety of fish, the sinkhole can be traversed by even novice swimmers and snorkelers, who benefit from visibility of up to approximately 100 feet and mild waves. Scuba diving and free diving into the cavern is possible with the aid of expert guides. Although the opening of the sinkhole is about 100 feet in diameter at the surface, the cavern opens to more than 300 feet as divers descend.

The Glass Window Bridge (Eleuthera) The Glass Window Bridge (Eleuthera) free

For one of the most unique views in the Bahamas, travel along Queen's Highway to The Glass Window Bridge. This strip of land and road – which connects Eleuthera's Gregory Town and Lower Bogue – measures just 30 feet wide at its narrowest point. On its northern side, you'll see the rough, deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the southern side, you'll get views of the calm, turquoise-green waters of the Bight of Eleuthera.

According to previous visitors, the stark contrast between The Glass Window Bridge's two sides makes for "beautiful" and "truly amazing" views. You can see both sides without leaving your car, but to make the most of your time at the bridge, many recommend getting out of your vehicle to climb up onto the rocks that surround the area. To do so safely, wear shoes with a good grip, and take your time traversing the sharp rocks. You'll also want to be mindful of passing cars.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (Eleuthera) Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (Eleuthera)

Named for Leon Levy, a Bahamian with an interest in Eleuthera's plant life, this lush oasis is filled with beautiful flora, ranging from orchids and mangroves to palm trees and cactuses, to name a few. All can be viewed from the miles of trails that weave throughout the 30-acre national park. Some of the trails include The Mangrove Boardwalk, which takes visitors through a mangrove forest that features all four mangrove species found in the Bahamas, and the Medicinal Plant Trail, a pathway that showcases plants used to treat various ailments.

Recent visitors found the nature center to be beautiful and enjoyed taking in the various flora on hikes. Others were delighted with how well maintained the grounds were, especially the informative signage, and how kind, friendly and knowledgeable the on-site staff were. Some did note that insects are present in the area and say visitors should utilize bug spray or (if weather permits) wear long sleeves and pants.

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Bahamas Boat Tours Bahamas Boat Tours

Though you'll find many ways to spend your time on shore, one of the best ways to take advantage of all the Bahamas has to offer is to go on a boat tour. Chartering a boat will give you the chance to try a variety of activities, including diving and snorkeling, fishing and swimming with wild pigs . Many excursions also offer access to private islands , where you can lounge on pristine sands after savoring a picnic lunch on the beach.

Recent travelers raved about the sailing excursions offered in the Bahamas, describing their experiences as "incredible," "fantastic" and "awesome." However, a few cautioned that charter prices are steep, so plan your budget accordingly. Boat operators recommended by previous visitors include Island Time Charters and Bahama Boat Tours (for Nassau/New Providence Island) and Exuma Water Sports (for The Exumas).

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant (Nassau) Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant (Nassau)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Combine a visit to Graycliff with stops at the nearby John Watling's Distillery and the historic Queen's Staircase , all located "up the hill" from Bay Street and the Nassau waterfront. – Robert Curley

Built high on a Nassau hillside as a pirate's residence in 1740, Graycliff is by far the most historic hotel on New Paradise Island that also houses a fine dining restaurant, a Byzantine wine cellar stuffed with more than a quarter of a million bottles, and a variety of activities, including chocolate-making classes, cigar tastings and a local history museum.

Baha Mar (Nassau) Baha Mar (Nassau)

This 1,000-acre, billion-dollar resort complex opened in 2017 and has transformed Nassau’s Cable Beach area, adding a trio of luxury beachfront resorts, a massive casino, dozens of dining and entertainment options, an artists' commune and – most recently – a water park that rivals the scale and scope of Atlantis ' Aquaventure.

Visitors looking for an overnight stay can choose from rooms and suites at Grand Hyatt , Rosewood and SLS branded hotels, but Baha Mar also offers plenty to do and see for those visiting for the day (or evening). The Baha Mar casino is the largest in the Caribbean, a light-filled space that defies casino conventions with large windows overlooking the resort grounds and the ocean. The casino has 18 different types of table games, more than 1,000 slot machines and live sports betting.

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre (Nassau) Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre (Nassau)

Flowers and flamingos are among the chief attractions of this botanical garden in the heart of Nassau. Founded by Jamaican horticulturalist Hedley Edwards in 1937, the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre is a lush oasis of tropical trees, plants and flowers as well as home to 135 animals, including the Caribbean flamingos. In addition to walking through the gardens, visitors can enjoy daily flamingo shows and presentations by zookeepers.

Past visitors say Ardastra Gardens is a fun attraction for families and nice to visit on a cloudy or rainy day when the beach isn't an option. Some visitors complained that the zoo was small and the animal enclosures seemed cramped.

Arawak Cay Arawak Cay free

A popular nightlife destination in downtown Nassau, Arawak Cay is within walking distance of the cruise port and offers a lively taste of Bahamian culture, music, food and drink. Known to locals as the "Fish Fry," the food shacks and dining establishments at Arawak Cay do indeed sell a variety of fried fish; local favorites include fried whole red snapper and conch fritters. The complex also has a stage for live music performances. Tourists are generally here every night Arawak Cay is open, whereas locals are more likely to show up on Sunday nights.

Arawak Cay isn't a natural cay, or small island: it was created with sand dredged from Nassau Harbour in 1969 and has been a popular gathering place pretty much ever since. In addition to live bands, costumed local Junkanoo troupes occasionally show up to practice their carnival-style marches and music to the delight of visitors. Kalik beer, served at nearly every restaurant in Arawak Cay, is a locally made lager that gets its name from the "click click" sounds made by Junkanoo bands.

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Staniel Cay Staniel Cay free

A small island that's part of the Bahamian "Sister Islands," Staniel Cay is located in the Exumas about 75 miles south of Nassau and is best known as the location of the Thunderball Grotto , a swimmable sea cave, and the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a popular stopover for boaters in the Bahamas.

Founded by loyalists fleeing the American colonies during the Revolutionary War against Great Britain, the small village on Staniel Cay has less than 200 year-round residents and includes a handful of businesses mostly catering to visitors, including a small number of local restaurants.

Thunderball Grotto Thunderball Grotto free

Never say never again when asked if you've been to Thunderball Grotto – this top snorkeling and scuba diving destination reached Hollywood fame for its appearance in two James Bond flicks ("Thunderball" and "Never Say Never Again"). The intricate, underwater maze located on Staniel Cay is enclosed by sky-high cave ceilings with holes just big enough to let the sun shine through and reflect off the water.

Experienced snorkelers will have no problem navigating the ins and outs of Thunderball Grotto, but many travelers recommend that novice snorkelers plan an outing during low tide. Recent snorkelers advise experienced snorkelers to avoid the crowds in the first room and instead paddle into in one of the secondary rooms.

Rose Island Rose Island

Rose Island is a popular daytrip destination for visitors to Nassau and Paradise Island who want to combine the experience of a private island beach getaway with a stay in the Bahamian capital. Just 25 minutes from Nassau/Paradise Island by boat, Rose Island has beautiful beaches, a few rough shelters and hammocks, and is mostly deserted except for the visitors who arrive daily for a few hours of sunning and snorkeling.

The most popular way to get to Rose Island is on a catamaran operated by Sandy Toes , a charter boat company located in Nassau's Potters Cay. In addition to full-day charters, the company can arrange for overnight stays at a private villa on the island. The company has also installed a population of pigs on Rose Island and runs excursions for Nassau visitors who have heard of the famous swimming pigs of the Exumas , but don't want to make the longer trip to see the original herd of hogs. A visit to the swimming pigs is included with Sandy Toes' full-day trips to Rose Island.

Queen's Staircase (Nassau) Queen's Staircase (Nassau) free

Occasionally referred to as the 66 steps (though only 65 are visible), this historic staircase spans 102 feet. It was carved out of limestone by roughly 600 enslaved people in the late 1700s as a way for the British (who colonized the Bahamas) to connect Bennet Hill's Fort Fincastle to the capital city of Nassau. The staircase took more than 16 years to complete and was named for Queen Victoria, who ruled over the region for 64 years and was responsible for abolishing slavery in the country.

Reviews from recent travelers are mixed. Some visited the stairs as part of an organized tour, and found the history of this site to be fascinating, calling the stairs and surrounding jungle-like vegetation "beautiful." However, others warn of aggressive locals at the top and bottom of the stairs soliciting visitors for tips in exchange for a tour of the area. What's more, many cautioned that the stairs can get slippery when wet, and reported seeing rats at the bottom of the stairs. All in all, reviewers say this is a quick stop, not a must-see while in the Bahamas.

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Bahamas Visitors Guide

How to get there, things to do & more.

Updated June 2024 ⋅ Written by Laura Schulthies ⋅ Edited by Daniel Mode

Welcome to The Bahamas

The Bahamas has something for everyone. Whether you’re a single wanting to get away, a couple looking for quality time, or a family seeking adventure, the Bahamas is the ultimate island destination. Swim in the blue waters, explore vibrant markets and visit historic cultural sites in this tropical paradise. With 700 islands and 2,500 cays, the opportunities are endless! This guide will help you better explore, relax and enjoy your next Bahamas vacation.

Bahamas Map

A Bit Of History

Some of the earliest settlers to The Bahamas were the Lucayan people who thrived on the islands for hundreds of years until Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492. In 1649, puritan English colonists from Bermuda known as Eleutheran Adventurers arrived and settled on the island of Eleuthera.

The Bahamas became a British crown colony in 1718, and it was around this time that pirates began to use many of smaller islands as hideouts for raiding European ships in the area, especially around Nassau . The British eventually put an end to piracy, and over the following centuries, the Bahamas flourished.

American settlers soon arrived as well, and the islands became a hotspot for trade during the Civil War and Prohibition Era . In 1973, the Bahamas became a free country, ending over 300 years of British rule.

The Bahamas Today

The Bahamas have been a thriving tourist destination since 1898. The tourist economy actually began during the Prohibition era when wealthy Americans sought out the islands as an escape from the government’s restrictions. Today, thousands of people travel from all over the world to experience the countless attractions the island nation has to offer. Though the capital city Nassau on the island of New Providence has the highest population, there are numerous islands with substantial populations, tourism infrastructure, and wonderful hotel and resort options.

Is The Bahamas Safe?

The Bahamas are very attractive when it comes to having beautiful white sand beaches, but it is not the safest country in the region to travel to.

Violent crimes, assaults, and thefts have risen a bit in recent years but seldom target tourists. While the majority of crimes are due to drug or gang-related incidents, it is advised to use caution still and avoid non-touristic areas when alone or after dark.

Where are The Bahamas?

click map to enlarge

The Bahamas are an archipelago of more than 3,000 islands, cays, and islets that stretch over 500 miles in the West Indies area of the Atlantic Ocean.

The island nation is located north of Cuba, northwest of the Dominican Republic and the Turks & Caicos , and southeast of Florida.

The Best Time to Visit The Bahamas

Looking for the best time to go to The Bahamas? The temperatures in The Bahamas range from the high 70s to high 80s year-round. However, there are dry and wet seasons. The Atlantic hurricane season is something all travelers should be aware of.

December to April

Mid-December to mid-April is widely considered the best time to travel to The Bahamas. The weather is perfect during this time, but this also means more tourists and higher prices on flights, hotels and tours. March to mid-April is Spring Break season in America, so popular beaches can be overrun with college kids.

May to November

This is technically the offseason and as such, you may be able to find great deals during the months of May to November. However, this is also the “rainy” season. Though the weather is still quite nice most of the time, you do risk having your trip canceled or cut short as this is also the region’s hurricane season.

  When Is The Bahamas Hurricane Season?

The Bahamas hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak months being August, September, and October. The risk of hurricanes hitting the Bahamas has increased in the past few years, but they are unpredictable and not a guarantee even during peak season. Hurricanes are infrequent in the Bahamas, and when one does come, satellite forecasts generally give adequate advance warning. Be sure to check weather reports before your trip, and we always recommend getting travel insurance during these months just in case of inclement weather.

How to Get to The Bahamas & Around

There are a few ways to get to and around The Bahamas.

Arrival by Air

With 20 international airports the Bahamas welcome flights from around the world. If you want to get to the outer islands you will fly through Nassau first.

The main airport in the Bahamas is the Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). Many American and Canadian airlines have direct flights to this airport from major cities.

If you are connecting to one of the Out Islands from Nassau, it’s a good idea to allow at least 1½ hours to clear Immigration and Customs. Then simply proceed to the domestic terminal to check-in for your departing flight.

  Search for great deals on flights here .

Arrival By Cruise

The Bahamas are a huge destination for cruise ships, and there are many ports of call within the islands. Many of the major cruise lines sail here, including Norwegian Sky, Mariner of the Seas and Disney Dream.

The top cruise ship ports in the Bahamas are Nassau on New Providence Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Each port offers visitors a different experience.

  Search for great deals on cruises here .

Shuttles in The Bahamas

While it’s easy to find airport transfers at many international airports, that’s not the case in the Bahamas. If you are interested in airport transfers, both shuttles and private transportation can be pre-arranged to pick you up and take you from the airport to your accommodation.

Private transportation transfers typically cost around $88 for a 4 passenger sedan and $160 for a 10 passenger van. Keep in mind that many of the hotels in Nassau have their own complimentary shuttles, so make sure to check with your accommodations while booking.

  You can easily  book ground transportation from the airport to your hotel here .

Jitney Buses in The Bahamas

The local public transportation, known as Jitney Buses, travel to select parts of some of the islands. While they are not known for being the most punctual, they are known for being the most budget friendly way to travel around the islands.

One-way rides on Jitney Buses cost around $1.25 to $3.50 per person, and only exact change is accepted. The Jitneys operate from about 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m, however they don’t have set timetables.  

You’ll have to wave a Jitney down to get it to stop, and to get off the bus just say “stop” and the driver will pull over to let you off.

Rental Cars in The Bahamas

Many people get around the larger islands by renting a car or taxi. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, then renting a car may be worth it. 

You can rent a car upon arrival at all of the major airports in the Bahamas. Rental cars cost about $70 per day for economy cars and $100 per day for standard SUVs. Larger SUV’s cost around $140 per day. You’ll need to drive on the left side of the road, and a U.S. driver’s license is valid for driving in the Bahamas for up to 3 months.

  Search for great deals on rental cars here .

Water Taxis & Ferries in The Bahamas

Island hopping can be a bit difficult in the Bahamas. However, water taxis can be used as transport from Nassau to Paradise Island.  They are also common throughout the Out Islands.

Visitors can also use inter-island ferries that go from Nassau to Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Islands, the Abacos, Long Island, Andros and the Exumas.

Ferries cost around $135 per adult and $100 per child (age 2 – 11) for one-way travel, and $250 per adult and $180 per child (age 2 – 11) for the roundtrip travel.

Visit the World-Famous Beaches

The Bahamas have some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Two of the most notable are Cable Beach in Nassau and the pink beaches of Harbour Island. The pink beaches get their pink color from an organism with a reddish-pink shell, known as foraminifera.

Cable Beach, on the other hand, has white sand, turquoise waters, and an abundance of colorful fish. Many islands have incredible secluded beaches like the one in North Exuma pictured above.

   Take a look at this Oasis Ocean Rose Island Charter .

  Check out more in our Best Bahamas Beaches Guide.

Go Boating!

Sail. Catamaran. Kayak. There are so many ways to get out on the water in The Bahamas. Hire a private charter to go snorkeling at Pearl Island, do some private beaching at Rose Island, or take a swim with native sea turtles at Green Cay.

Join a sunset dinner cruise and enjoy a Caribbean cruise ON the Caribbean! Or head out for a day of sport fishing . There is a wide variety of tours for visitors to enjoy.

  Take a look at this highly rated sunset dinner cruise from Nassau.

  Charter a fishing boat for the day!

  ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Standard health insurance likely doesn’t cover you while outside of the country so travel insurance will cover any emergency medical needs as well as trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (it happens), flight delays, missed connections and more. You can easily compare the top-rated travel insurance plans here .

Enjoy the Epic Diving and Snorkeling

There are numerous islands that offer fantastic diving and snorkeling in The Bahamas. Grand Bahama Island is one of the best, with glassy blue waters and unique coral reefs. Paradise Cove is a great option if you are looking to snorkel directly off the beach.

The small and secluded Rose Island is also renowned for its bustling reef, abundant with tropical fish and shipwrecks. Rose island has no formal infrastructure, but can be easily accessed from Nassau or Paradise Island. There are also several guided snorkeling tours available throughout the islands, such as this Pear Island Snorkeling Tour .

  Snorkeling options abound in the Bahamas. Book one of these amazing snorkeling tours to swim with turtles, sharks, or the famous Bahamian swimming pigs!

  Take a look at these great scuba diving tours in the Bahamas.

   Check out this Snorkeling The Spanish Well tour or this Swimming With Turtles on Rose Island tour .

Explore the National Parks

There are over 30 National Parks in The Bahamas. Abaco National Park is a birdwatcher’s delight, known to be an ideal location to spot the Bahama parrot or white-crowned pigeon (pictured above). One of the most frequented and unique national parks is the Lucayan National Park, where visitors can explore six miles of underwater caves and tunnels.

Another popular location is the Clifton Heritage National Park, which features hiking trails, caves, old plantations, and beaches for snorkeling. For the true nature-lover seeking a rustic outdoor adventure, Primeval Forest National Park offers an undisturbed forest featuring caverns and sinkholes that are accessed by boardwalks, steps, and bridges.

  Take a look at this amazing ATV National Park Tour or this awesome Bonefish National Park Kayaking tour .

Visit the Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera Island

The Glass Window Bridge is fondly referred to as the “narrowest place on earth”. This man-made bridge got its name from an 1895 painting by the artist Winslow Homer. Here, visitors can see the deep Atlantic Ocean meet the calm turquoise waters of the Bahamas.

Dine at Arawak Cay for a Foodie’s Delight

Arawak Cay, located on West Bay Street in Nassau, is one of the most popular Bahamian restaurants in the region. The establishment has been nicknamed “The Fish Fry” and offers many seafood delicacies such as shrimp, lobster, fried snapper (pictured above), and conch. Make sure to wash your food down with some Kalik, “the beer of The Bahamas.”

   There are several great food tour options in the Bahamas. Check out this Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural walking tour .

  Take a look at this great Nassau Rum and Food walking tour  perfect for those wanting to taste their way around Nassau.

Island Hop to Blue Lagoon Island or Harbour Island

Make sure you enjoy all that The Bahamas has to offer by island hopping! Some great locations outside of Nassau are Blue Lagoon Island and Harbour Island. Blue Lagoon Island is famous for its playful dolphins that often interact with their visitors by pushing them through the water with their snouts.

Harbour Island, on the other hand, is famous for its pink sand beach (pictured above), which many say is one of the best beaches in the world.

  Check out this amazing Pearl Island Private Ocean View Cabana .

  Take a look at this fun  Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day tour .

Browse the Farmers' Markets and John Waltings Distillery

A great place to meet some locals is at one of Bahama’s famous farmer’s markets! A popular option is Nassau’s Straw Market which has been around since the 1940s and offers food, woven straw goods, and souvenirs.

The Doongalik Farmer’s Market is also highly recommended, offering local fruits, veggies, and even sorbets. After enjoying the farmer’s markets, you can walk over to John Watling’s Distillery which produces small-batch rum and is located in an 18 th century estate.

   Check out this fun Rum Reggae and Rhythm Tour that takes you to John Watling’s Distillery.

Tour the Art Galleries

There are many highly acclaimed art galleries throughout The Bahamas for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular are Leo’s Art Gallery, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (pictured above), and Sandpiper Arts and Crafts. Window shop and enjoy the craftsmanship, or purchase a one-of-a-kind piece as a keepsake.

You can’t visit The Bahamas without trying the national food: conch. This shellfish has a texture similar to squid and can be steamed, fried, or served raw. Visitors can enjoy this tropical delicacy in a conch salad (pictured above), fritter, chowder, and even a sandwich. If you’re interested in sampling the best foods Bahamas has to offer, consider booking the Nassau Bites and Sites Food and Cultural Tour or Nassau’s Island Food Tour .

   Take a look at this amazing Conch Cooking Lesson and Tasting .

Where to Stay in The Bahamas

There are all types of accommodations in The Bahamas. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For great hotel info and recommendations, check out our Bahamas Hotel Guide or our Bahamas All Inclusive Resort Guide.

For hotel recommendations for every budget, check out our Bahamas Hotel Guide

What to Eat in The Bahamas

You can find a wide range of wonderful bites to eat in the Bahamas. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, check out our Bahamas Restaurant Guide .

For great restaurant recommendations, check out our Bahamas Restaurant Guide

What To Pack For Your Trip!

The Caribbean is an enchanting wonderland of relaxation and adventure, one can easily have the trip of a lifetime here. Packing for such a vacation shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a checklist to help you pack and included some of our favorites as well. Check out our What To Pack For Your Trip Guide .

Check out our guide for what to bring on your Caribbean vacation!

Islands, Beaches, Cuisine and More

Share This Post

This post has 14 comments.

Would you recommend visiting the Bahamas on its own, or arriving by cruise ship for a day or two?

Definitely on its own. Too much to see in a day or two!

Thank you for recommending the Pear Island Snorkeling Tour. It was the high-light of our trip and some of the best snorkeling we’ve had in the Bahamas.

The Rum, Reggae, and Rhythm tour was the coolest experience on our trip, and we would have never known about it without your guide. Thanks!

Thank you for all the great tips! 🙂

Happy to help Samantha!

Thank you for the great guide! This was my first time visiting the Bahamas outside of a cruise and I couldn’t have planned a better itinerary without your help.

We’re glad you enjoyed it! We will be adding more content soon.

Which is better to visit? Grand Bahama or Nassau? Thanks!

Excellent guide, thank you for putting it together. Much appreciated.

You bet. So happy you enjoy it. More to come!

Are the bars currently open in Nassau?

Yes, they are. Enjoy!

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The best 8 places to visit in the Bahamas

Nov 12, 2023 • 6 min read

Experience the best of the Bahamas with this guide to the top places to visit © Westend61 / Getty Images

If you're looking for  beach-vacation bliss , the Bahamas is the place to go.

Scattered like emeralds between Florida and the Caribbean , this Atlantic archipelago comprises more than 3000 subtropical islands and cays, most uninhabited. Lushly subtropical, and fringed with teeming coral reefs and world-famous beaches, these stunning destinations offer as much to divers and hikers as they do to sunseekers in search of banging beachside bars.

Here are the best places to visit in the Bahamas.

Best place for nightlife

Nassau is the unchallenged nightlife capital of the Bahamas. Historically a haven for pirates and smugglers, the city's treasures now attract travelers looking for an incredible night out.

Ground zero for any evening in Nassau is the Fish Fry on Arawak Cay, just west of the center of town. Shacks slinging fried fish, freshly cut conch salad and sky juice (a local favorite drink of gin, green coconut water and condensed milk) mingle with bars booming out reggae and rake-and-scrape (the local sound) from 7pm every evening.

Once your night’s started, head back downtown for rum punch and sandy toes at the clapboard bars of Junkanoo Beach , a Black Beer’d Stout at Pirate Republic microbrewery or even a dress-up-nice cocktail at Sky Bar .

Planning tip: If you want an early kick-off, John Watling’s Distillery – a working rum factory in a gorgeous 18th-century estate – opens at 10am.

2. Elbow Cay

Best place for historic architecture

The British history of the Bahamas is most evident in Elbow Cay. The prettiest of the gorgeous Abacos islands, its epicenter is Hope Town, founded by British Loyalists in 1785 and distinguished by bougainvillea, brightly painted cottages and the iconic  Elbow Reef Lighthouse .

Its sheltered bay bristling with masts, Hope Town is also a yachting haven. Happily, its car-free streets are blessed with winsome hotels like the Abaco Inn , an exemplar of the pastel clapboard architecture that’s strictly maintained here. Knowledgeable local operators, like Sundried T’s , rent surfboards and guide diving and snorkeling expeditions on surrounding reefs and beaches.

3. Harbour Island

Best place for celebrity spotting

Known as "Briland'' to locals and regular visitors, lovely little Harbour Island is a favorite haunt of celebrities such as George Clooney and Jessica Alba. A short water-taxi ride from parent island Eleuthera , it’s famous for colonial architecture and stunning sandscapes such as Pink Sands Beach , rose-tinted with crushed coral.

Briland is blessed with boutique accommodations like Pink Sands Resort and Runaway Hill , formerly a grand private seafront estate that was built in the 1940s. You’re always just a serene stroll away from fine restaurants like Malcolm 51 and Rock House Restaurant  or the sandy floors and sunsets at Gusty’s Bar .

Planning tip: Bahamas Ferries ' fast boats get you from Nassau to Harbour Island in two hours and in greater comfort than a flight to Eleuthera.

4. The Biminis

Best place for game fishing

One of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite fishing grounds, the tiny Biminis are only 80km (50 miles) from Florida. Sitting on the edge of the Gulf Stream, they’re magnets for game fishers seeking the marlin, sailfish and swordfish that swarm these waters.

Head for Alice Town, North Bimini, and base yourself among the best selection of hotels and restaurants. Stay at the Bimini Big Game Club for a taste of 1950s luxury and guided game fishing jaunts, and make sure to visit the gloriously eccentric Dolphin House , part museum and part loving tribute to the wild dolphins of the Bahamas. When you're hungry, go to  Stuart’s Conch Stand in Bailey Town, which does some of the best conch and lobster salads in the islands.

Planning tip: The waters are famed for their billfish, which are most plentiful in the summer months, so this is the best time to visit  for aspiring fishers.

5. Lucayan National Park

Best place for underwater caves

Mangroves meet underwater caves in one of the Bahamas' greatest natural attractions:  Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama . Named for the original inhabitants of the Bahamas and populated by raccoons and native birds, like the Bahama woodstar hummingbird, this 16-hectare (40-acre) swath of protected wilderness encompasses all six naturally occurring Bahamian vegetation zones. Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave are just two of the most easily accessed of its underwater cave system, one of the world’s longest.

Planning tip: Grand Bahama International Airport flies direct to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and several other North American cities.  Grand Bahama Nature Tours leads fantastic kayaking expeditions around the park’s mangrove-fringed coast.

6. Blue Holes National Park

Best place for swimming in karst sinkholes

Andros, the "Big Yard," is the largest island in the Bahamas and one of the wildest. Its 5960 sq km (2301 sq miles) of mangrove, pine forest and reef are dotted with "blue holes," deep karst sinkholes that sustain unique ecosystems and provide, perhaps, the island’s greatest spectacle.

More abundant here than anywhere else on earth, they’re the focus of the 16,1870-hectare (40,000-acre)  Blue Holes National Park . Information boards and  hiking trails  lead travelers to the park’s more accessible sites, such as Captain Bill’s Hole, where you’ll find both a swimming deck and bathrooms.

Others, including Cousteau’s Hole (named for the famous undersea explorer), are less accessible but equally inviting to hikers and swimmers. Small Hope Bay Lodge , set against the mangroves in nearby Andros Town, offers 21 luxurious units and activities, including blue-hole dives and snorkeling "safaris."

Planning tip: There’s no public transport on the Bahamas’ biggest island. Rent a car at Andros Town Airport.

7. The Exumas

Best place for diving and seeing swimming pigs

The Exumas , a central-Bahamian archipelago, is known for secluded resort luxury and incredible diving. At its heart lies the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park , the Bahamas' richest reef ecosystem. The 283-sq-km (109-sq-mile) expanse encompasses more than 300 islands and cays, pristine fringing reefs and idyllic sailing waters.

Dive Exuma , the only PADI-certified dive shop in Great Exuma’s capital George Town, is the experienced, professional outfit we recommend to explore this undersea fantasia. 

Planning tip:  Exuma’s famous swimming pigs live on Pig Beach on uninhabited Big Major Cay – you'll need to book a day trip to visit them there.  Staniel Cay Yacht Club , a beachside haven of bungalows, kayaking and stress-free comfort is as close as you can get otherwise.

8. Conception Island

Best place for getting away from it all

Conception Island is a secluded pocket of paradise that seems almost entirely untouched by humans. It’s the centerpiece of Conception Island National Park , an oasis of thriving mangroves, vivid coral gardens and abundant wildlife. Conception Island Wall, a gorgeous playground of coral heads, sponges and colorful critters, starts at 14m (46ft) in waters of exceptional clarity.

These waters and the beaches they wash are home to abundant green turtles, fish nurseries, conch and crawfish. Conception’s unpeopled forests are also an important sanctuary for migratory birds.

This article was first published Sep 30, 2022 and updated Nov 12, 2023.

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IS September a good time for bahamas trip? - Bahamas Forum

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IS September a good time for bahamas trip?

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Hello everyone,

i am planning for a week vacation in september but not sure is it a good time to go there. please share your views.

As far as the crowds, Sept. is great. Kids are back in school. It is hurricane season, but not to worry. It's unlikely you'll have to deal with one.

It's my least favorite month of the year here weatherwise, and I've lived here 30 years. I've lost count of actual (huuricane) hits, threats and preparation for hits, cleaning up after hits. My DH's birthday falls mid-Sept. and many a party has had to be been canceled. The fact that we've been lucky during the last few years,is just that.

I encourage any houseguests to visit after Oct. 15. The difference in level of comfort is so much nicer.

Mind you, if you're going to be in the pool, in A/C (room, casino, clubs etc.) most of the time, it won't make much difference to that kind of visit. Locals and expats "plan" on September as the best time to get away as we find it awfully muggy.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Olivia Brower’s SI Swimsuit Debut in the Bahamas Is the Best Travel Inspo

Ananya panchal | jun 4, 2024.

Olivia Brower made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2019, when she traveled to the marvelous tropical location of Great Exuma, Bahamas with photographer Laretta Houston. She returned to the fold a year later, and posed for visual artist Josie Clough in Scrub Island, in the British Virgin Islands .

The California native began modeling when she was a teenager and has starred in campaigns for Intimissimi, Freya Lingerie and Garage Clothing. In 2021, Brower landed a super cool and exciting digital cover opportunity with Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam .

“I remember when I first booked SI [Swimsuit], I just started crying, and then I called my mom. Because I really wasn’t expecting it at all. And then I had three weeks to get ready before I headed off to the Bahamas. It’s been a surreal experience, one that I am grateful for,” Brower, who turns 28 next month, recalled . “You know, I’ve wanted to be a part of the Sports Illustrated family for so many years now. Ever since I started modeling, I looked up to the women in the pages of the magazine and I just wanted to be a part of it. It’s so empowering to see women who represent such a vast majority of people. And I hope that other women and young ladies that look at the pages can be inspired by these incredible women. ’Cause honestly they’re all spectacular and have an amazing story. I think Sports Illustrated does such a wonderful job at showing diversity … it’s empowering. … Boys grow up with action figures. I grew up with Sports Illustrated.”

Below are some of our favorite photos from her SI Swimsuit debut in the Bahamas.

ANANYA PANCHAL

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Visiting Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion? You must join the virtual exhibition queue when you arrive. If capacity has been reached for the day, the queue will close early.

Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion

Visiting the exhibition.

You must join the virtual queue when you arrive. We may not admit visitors near the end of the day. Sleeping Beauties is an immersive exhibition with sensory experiences including video animations, soundscapes, and smells. Visitors travel in a single path in one direction.

Special Access for Members Priority access in the virtual queue and Weekend Member Mornings 9–10 am every Saturday and Sunday

The Costume Institute’s spring 2024 exhibition , Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion , reactivates the sensory capacities of masterworks in the Museum’s collection through first-hand research, conservation analysis, and diverse technologies—from cutting-edge tools of artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery to traditional formats of x-rays, video animation, light projection, and soundscapes.

When an item of clothing enters the Costume Institute collection, its status is changed forever. What was once a vital part of a person’s life is now a motionless ‘artwork’ that can no longer be worn or heard, touched, or smelled. This exhibition reanimates these objects, helping us experience them as they were originally intended—with vibrancy, dynamism, and life.

The exhibition features approximately 220 garments and accessories spanning four centuries, all visually connected through themes of nature, which also serves as a metaphor for the transience of fashion. Visitors will be invited to smell the aromatic histories of hats bearing floral motifs; to touch the walls of galleries that will be embossed with the embroidery of select garments; and to experience—via the illusion technique known as Pepper’s ghost—how the “hobble skirt” restricted women’s stride in the early 20th century. Punctuating the galleries will be a series of “sleeping beauties”—garments that can no longer be dressed on mannequins due to their extreme fragility.

To access the booklet of all large-print exhibition text, click here

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A feast for the senses

To enter the exhibition is to cross a border into another realm

The show allows visitors to use all the senses — smell, hearing, even touch — with a little help from new technologies like AI and molecular recordings of smells on decades-old garments and accessories

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The Visa Bulletin

Visa Statistics

Laws & Regulations

Accepting, Serving in, or Performing Duties of a Position with the Government of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Sectioin 349(a)(4)

Loss of U.S. Nationality and Service in the Armed Forces of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 349(a)(3)

Visa Bulletin For August 2023

Number 80 Volume X Washington, D.C

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A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS

This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August  for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at  www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo , individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS must use the “Final Action Dates” charts below for determining when they can file such applications. When USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, USCIS will state on its website that applicants may instead use the “Dates for Filing Visa Applications” charts in this Bulletin. 

1.  Procedures for determining dates. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by July 7th. If not all demand could be satisfied, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed. The final action date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who could not be reached within the numerical limits. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. If at any time an annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make the preference category “unavailable”, and no further requests for numbers would be honored.

2.  Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets an annual minimum family-sponsored preference limit of 226,000.  The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000.  Section 202 prescribes that the per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., 25,620.  The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or 7,320.

3.  INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa demand exceeds the per-country limit. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas:  CHINA-mainland born, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. 

4.  Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: 

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First : ( F1 ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference.

Second : Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:  114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:

A. ( F2A ) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:  77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;

B. ( F2B ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:  23% of the overall second preference limitation.

Third : ( F3 ) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.

Fourth : ( F4 ) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:  65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.

A.   FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)

For August, F2A numbers  EXEMPT from per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates  earlier  than 01SEP16. F2A numbers  SUBJECT to per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countries  EXCEPT MEXICO , with priority dates beginning 01SEP16 and earlier than 08OCT17. All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit.

B.  DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date.

The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

5.  Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First :  Priority Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

Second :  Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.

Third :  Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers".

Fourth :  Certain Special Immigrants:  7.1% of the worldwide level.

Fifth :  Employment Creation:  7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants.

A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

*Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category:  Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW final action date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002. For Fiscal Year 2023 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150.

B.  DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 5.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

B .   DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV) CATEGORY FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years. The NACARA stipulates that beginning with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annually allocated diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program.  This will result in reduction of the DV-2023 annual limit to approximately 54,850. DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year.

For August , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2023 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2023 program ends as of September 30, 2023. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2023 applicants after that date. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2023 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2023. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2023 cannot be taken for granted. Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30.

C.   THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS WHICH WILL APPLY IN SEPTEMBER

For September , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2023 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

D.   FAMILY-SPONSORED SECOND PREFERENCE AVAILABILITY

In the April 2023 Visa Bulletin , it was necessary to establish a final action date in the F2A category and Item D of the July 2023 Visa Bulletin warned of the strong possibility of retrogression as early as August.  Number use has remained steady, and it has become necessary to retrogress the final action date to keep number use within the FY-2023 annual limit. F2A numbers exempt from per-country limits are available to applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than 01SEP16.  F2A numbers subject to per-country limits are available to applicants chargeable to all countries except Mexico, with priority dates beginning 01SEP16 and earlier than 08OCT17.  All F2A numbers provided for Mexico are exempt from the per-country limit.

Additionally, number use in the F2B category has been steady throughout the fiscal year, and it may become necessary to retrogress the final action dates for Rest of World countries, India, and China in September to keep number use within the FY-2023 annual limit.

These situations will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

E.   ESTABLISHMENT OF WORLDWIDE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIRST PREFERENCE (EB-1) FINAL ACTION DATE

Due to steady number use and high demand, it has become necessary to establish an EB-1 final action date for Rest of World countries, Mexico, and Philippines effective in August to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the FY-2023 annual limit.  Rest of World countries, Mexico, and Philippines are subject to a final action date of 01AUG23.  This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly. It is likely that in October the category will return to “Current” for these countries.

F.   RETROGRESSION IN THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED FIRST PREFERENCE (EB-1) FOR INDIA

As readers were informed was possible in the May 2023 Visa Bulletin , it has become necessary to retrogress the EB-1 final action date for India, effective in August.  India is oversubscribed, and therefore subject to prorating under INA 202(e).  Until now, applicants chargeable to India had been able to receive prior unused numbers within EB-1 under INA 202(a)(5).  With a worldwide final action date being set for EB-1 because the demand is greater than the number of visas remaining, the Department can no longer issue EB-1 visas without regard to the per-country numerical limitations and so applicants from India are no longer able to receive EB-1 numbers under INA 202(a)(5).  Having reached their limit for FY-2023 within EB-1, India will be subject to an EB-1 final action date of 01JAN12, the oldest priority date of an EB-1 applicant (many Indian EB-1 applicants have priority dates from 2012-2015 because of priority date retention based on previously-approved petitions in the EB-2 or EB-3 categories).  It is likely that in October the final action date will advance to at least the final action date announced in the July Visa Bulletin; however, the date is dependent on the demand for EB-1 visas by Indian applicants and the FY-2024 annual limit on employment-based preference visas.

G.   RETROGRESSION IN THE EMPLOYMENT-BASED THIRD PREFERENCE (EB-3) FOR REST OF WORLD COUNTRIES, MEXICO, AND PHILIPPINES

In the May 2023 Visa Bulletin , the EB-3 final action dates for Rest of World, Mexico, and the Philippines were established to keep number use within the FY 2023 annual limit.  This was in part due to higher than expected demand from applicants with priority dates earlier than the established final action dates.  The Department and USCIS continue to see increased demand from these applicants, necessitating retrogression.  As a result, the Rest of World, Mexico, and Philippines EB-3 final action dates have retrogressed to 01MAY20. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.

H.   FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE AT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV

Department of State Publication 9514

CA/VO: July 7, 2023

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