Nassau as a Base for Longer Bahamas Trips

October 18, 2026

Advisory. The US State Department places The Bahamas at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) and the UK FCDO describes the water sports industry as poorly regulated, with fatal shark attacks possible without warning. Anyone planning nights on a boat or on a small island should read the US advisory and the UK travel advice first.

Packaged overland tours across several days do not exist in Nassau. New Providence is flat and small, and its sights fit comfortably inside a long weekend. Anything longer means leaving the island or sleeping in Nassau and spending each day on a separate outing. Listed prices are in Bahamian dollars, on a par with the US dollar, and several come from booking listings rather than operators, so confirm them.

Option 1: a week on a dive liveaboard

Aqua Cat Cruises, part of All Star Liveaboards, sails a 102-foot dive catamaran on seven-night itineraries through the Exuma Cays, leaving from Nassau. Listings quote about $2,400 to $2,900 per person, with a government port fee of $395 reported for 2026 on top. Ask the operator for the all-in figure.

Option 2: Nassau plus the Exumas

Fly rather than ride the open-water speedboats. Bahamas Air Tours takes about 40 minutes to Staniel Cay, and scheduled services quote 30 to 40 minutes. The Exuma pig colony at Big Major Cay is about 70 to 75 nautical miles away. Its operator sells a day trip for $850 per person, and spending a night or two on the cays would give you far more time. Details sit on the Bahamas Air Tours page .

Option 3: Nassau plus Harbour Island

Harbour Island is about 60 miles away. The Bahamas Ferries FAQ describes a Friday to Sunday sailing from Potter’s Cay Dock at 8am, quoting $135 one way and $250 return, though the page is undated and may be old. A flight is the alternative. Plan an overnight. See Bahamas Ferries .

Option 4: stay put and branch out

A single hotel can serve a long stay. Days can go to Rose Island, Blue Lagoon Island, Clifton Heritage National Park, Fort Charlotte and the downtown streets, with evenings at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry. Two sample plans appear in the 2-day Nassau itinerary and the 3-day Nassau itinerary .

Planning notes

Paradise Island and Cable Beach hotels are both a taxi ride from downtown.
Jitneys do not run to the airport or Paradise Island, and taxis charge fixed zone fares, so agree the price first.
Driving is on the left.
Hurricane season is 1 June to 30 November and can ground flights and boats.

Search Nassau hotels on Booking.com to compare stays.