The Bahamas is a scattering of 700 islands and 2,400 cays, yet fewer than 30 are inhabited — which means most of that turquoise water is wrapped around empty shoreline. A single-resort stay barely scratches the surface. Island hopping is the only honest way to see the place, and a 7-day route through Bimini, Nassau, and the Exumas packs more variety than most people realize.
This itinerary is built for active travelers who want a mix of bucket-list wildlife (yes, the swimming pigs), solid snorkeling, and a few local spots that don’t show up on every Instagram carousel. It’s a lot of moving pieces — two flights, one ferry, and a handful of boat tours — but the pacing is designed so you spend more time in the water than in transit.
Only about 30 of The Bahamas’ 700 islands and 2,400 cays are inhabited — which means hundreds of pristine spots are waiting for you to discover them.
Yes, a 7-day island hop through Bimini, Nassau, and the Exumas is absolutely worth it — you get three completely different Bahamian personalities in one trip. The catch: you need to book inter-island flights and the Atlantis water park pass well ahead (they sell out), and the early-morning ferry departure from Fort Lauderdale isn’t forgiving on jet lag. Plan for at least one rest afternoon, and you’ll love it.
Active families
Wildlife lovers
First-time Bahamas visitors
Island hopping gives you three distinct versions of the Bahamas in a single week: the low-key, Hemingway-flavored Bimini; the resort-heavy energy of Nassau and Paradise Island; and the raw, sandbar-studded Exumas. Below is a quick look at how each stop fits into the bigger picture.
| Island | Highlights | Best For | Cost Level | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bimini | Radio Beach, Honeymoon Harbour stingrays, Stuart’s Conch Stand | Relaxed beach days, snorkeling, local culture | $ (budget-friendly) | ~2h ferry from Fort Lauderdale |
| Nassau & Paradise Island | Atlantis Aquaventure, Queen’s Staircase, Arawak Cay Fish Fry | Water parks, history, dining, nightlife | $$–$$$ | ~30 min flight from Bimini |
| Great Exuma | Big Major Cay pigs, Compass Cay sharks, Thunderball Grotto | Wildlife encounters, snorkeling, boat tours | $$$ | ~45 min flight from Nassau |
Days 1–2: Bimini — Laid-Back Island Vibes and Stingray Encounters
Bimini feels like the Bahamas before the resorts moved in. It’s the closest island to Florida — just 50 miles from Miami — and the ferry from Fort Lauderdale drops you into a world of pastel-colored buildings, Hemingway’s old haunts, and water so clear you can see the sand dollars from the dock. Most people skip it on a first trip, which is exactly why you shouldn’t.
The ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini runs on Baleària Caribbean and takes roughly two hours. Fares start from $115 one-way, round trips from about $230. The check-in window closes 90 minutes before departure, and the terminal can shift — confirm yours on the Baleària site before you go. Once you arrive, a $15 taxi gets you to your hotel, and from there a golf cart is the best way to explore.
Settle in with a swim and snorkel at Bimini’s main beach. Chair rentals run $10, and the water is calm enough for kids. Lunch at Stuart’s Conch Stand — a proper conch salad, fresh and citrusy, is the move. In the evening, head to Big John’s Bar & Grill for sunset dinner with ocean views. Check current ferry schedules on Baleària Caribbean.
Book a boat tour (~$60 per person) to swim with southern stingrays in the shallows at Honeymoon Harbour. It’s less crowded than Stingray City in the Caymans, and the water is only waist-deep — ideal for hesitant swimmers. Breakfast at Captain Bob’s before you go; the johnny cakes are worth the early alarm.
Rent a golf cart (~$80/day) and explore North Bimini’s narrow lanes. By 3:20 p.m., catch a water taxi to South Bimini Airport for your Western Air flight to Nassau — roughly 30 minutes, from ~$198 one-way. Western Air runs about 8 flights a week on this route; book ahead. See schedules on Western Air’s site.
Bimini’s water taxi between North and South Bimini is quick but can be sporadic — allow at least 30 minutes to reach the airport, including the short cab ride on the south side. The ferry from Fort Lauderdale departs around 9 a.m., so set your alarm for 6 a.m. to make check-in.
Days 3–5: Nassau & Paradise Island — Water Parks, History, and a Proper Fish Fry
Nassau gets a bad rap for being too touristy, and sure, the cruise port is a zoo. But step a few blocks inland and you hit the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, and the kind of colonial architecture that makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled. Paradise Island is a different planet — polished, expensive, and home to one of the best water parks in the Caribbean. The trick is to use Nassau as your base and pick your moments.
Your flight from Bimini lands at Lynden Pindling International around 3:50 p.m. — grab a taxi to your hotel and settle in. The next morning, hit Atlantis early before the day-pass crowd arrives.
Spend the full day at the water park — slides, lazy river, the massive aquarium, and a private beach. Non-guest day passes must be reserved online via the Atlantis app or website; quantities are limited daily. Lunch at Marina Village inside the resort. Evening: casino or a quiet dinner on Paradise Island. Buy passes at Atlantis Bahamas.
Morning: walk the Queen’s Staircase (66 steps carved from limestone), Fort Fincastle, and Parliament Square. Lunch: head to Arawak Cay for the Fish Fry — local fried fish, conch fritters, and a glass of sky juice. Afternoon: Cable Beach for swimming and water sports. Evening: Bay Street for live music and a relaxed bar crawl.
Take a half-day excursion to Blue Lagoon Island for a dolphin encounter and beach time (~$189 per person). Return by mid-afternoon to pack and rest — you have an early flight to Exuma tomorrow. Book the dolphin encounter through the official excursion operator; many hotels can arrange pickup.
Atlantis day passes are cheapest on weekdays and during shoulder season (May and November). Peak-season prices can hit $250+ for adults. If you’re set on the water park, compare the cost of one night at the resort versus two day passes — for a family of four, the night often wins.
Atlantis day passes sell out regularly during school breaks and cruise ship days. Buy yours at least a week in advance. Also: the walk between the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle is uphill and hot by 10 a.m. — go early or bring water.
Days 6–7: Exuma — Swimming Pigs, Nurse Sharks, and Thunderball Grotto
Exuma is the payoff. The water is an almost unnatural shade of blue, the sandbars appear and disappear with the tide, and the animals — pigs, sharks, iguanas — are absurdly approachable. A full-day boat tour from George Town covers the greatest hits, but the early flight is non-negotiable if you want to fit it all in.
Bahamasair flies from Nassau (NAS) to George Town (GGT) twice daily — the early departure at 6:50 a.m. (UP370) lands at 7:35 a.m., giving you a full day on the water. The later flight at 5:33 p.m. is too late for most tours. Round-trip fares typically run $180–$250. Pineapple Air and Western Air also serve the route, with roughly 20 flights per week combined.
Catch Bahamasair UP370 at 6:50 a.m. from Nassau. Land at 7:35 a.m. in George Town. Your boat tour operator should arrange a transfer from the airport — many depart from Barraterre Dock, about 55 minutes north of George Town. Confirm the meeting point when you book. Check flight times on Bahamasair’s site.
Swim with the pigs at Big Major Cay — follow the operator’s rules on feeding to keep the pigs healthy. Next stop: Compass Cay, where nurse sharks glide through the shallows. They’re harmless, but the first brush of a tail against your leg is startling. Lunch is served on a private sandbar, included in most tour prices.
Snorkel through Thunderball Grotto, a limestone cave system with shafts of light cutting through the ceiling. The fish are dense and colorful. Return to George Town by 5:30 p.m. for sunset drinks on the beach. Day 7: a final morning swim at Tropic of Cancer Beach before flying home via Nassau.
Planning Your Bahamas Island Hop
The biggest friction point in this itinerary is the logistics — you’re juggling a ferry, two domestic airlines, and a boat tour, all in seven days. Here’s how to keep it smooth.
A valid U.S. passport book (not the card) is required for entry. Six months of validity is recommended. The best weather runs from mid-December through April; May and November offer the best value with fewer crowds and lower rates.
Getting Around
| Route | Transport | Time | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale → Bimini | Baleària Caribbean ferry | ~2 hours | $115+ one-way |
| Bimini → Nassau | Western Air flight | ~30 minutes | ~$198 one-way |
| Nassau → George Town (Exuma) | Bahamasair flight | ~45 minutes | $180–$250 round-trip |
When to Go
The sweet spot is May or November — the weather is still warm, the water is clear, and prices drop from peak-season highs. December through April is dry and comfortable but crowded and expensive. Hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest risk from August to October. Travel insurance is a sensible addition during those months.
What to Pack
Beyond the basics (sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes), a dry bag for boat excursions is essential — your phone and wallet will thank you. If you want to capture the underwater moments at Thunderball Grotto or Honeymoon Harbour without worrying about your phone, a compact action camera is worth the space.
The early ferry from Fort Lauderdale and the 6:50 a.m. flight to Exuma are the two most likely points of failure. Miss either one and the domino effect is real — you lose a full day. Set multiple alarms, confirm check-in times the night before, and build a buffer into your travel day.
- Book inter-island flights and Atlantis day passes at least 1–2 weeks ahead — they sell out, especially in peak season.
- The early flight to Exuma (Bahamasair UP370 at 6:50 a.m.) is the only one that gives you a full day for the pig tour.
- Bimini is the most relaxed stop and the easiest on the budget; Exuma is the most expensive but delivers the most memorable wildlife encounters.
Before You Go to the Bahamas
Do I need a passport for the Bahamas?
Yes. A valid U.S. passport book is required. The passport card won’t work for air travel. Six months of validity is recommended, though not always enforced.
How much cash should I bring?
Bahamian dollars are pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, and U.S. cash is accepted everywhere. Cards work at hotels and tour operators, but smaller food stands (like Stuart’s Conch Stand) and taxi drivers prefer cash. Plan for $200–$300 per person for incidentals.
What’s the biggest downside of this itinerary?
The early mornings. Between the 6 a.m. ferry departure and the 6:50 a.m. flight to Exuma, you’ll have two punishingly early days. If your family hates early alarms, stretch the trip to 9 or 10 days and add a rest day in Nassau.
Can I do this trip with young kids?
Yes, with caveats. The ferry to Bimini is manageable for most kids, and the stingray and pig encounters are shallow-water activities. Atlantis is a hit. The early flights are the hardest part — pack snacks and a tablet.
Is the Exuma pig tour worth the cost?
At $275–$400 per person for a shared tour, it’s the single biggest expense of the trip. Most people find it worth it — the pigs, the sharks, the grotto, and the sandbar lunch add up to a day that feels like a highlight reel. If the price stings, skip the private charter and go shared.
One Island, Three Personalities
The Bahamas is often sold as a single postcard — one turquoise beach, one rum punch, one sunset. But this itinerary proves that the archipelago is really a collection of distinct worlds, each with its own rhythm. Bimini is slow and salty, Nassau is layered and loud, and the Exumas feel like a nature documentary you’ve somehow stepped into. You don’t have to choose just one. For more ideas on getting the most out of your time on the water, check out our guide to walking the Exuma sandbars at low tide — it’s the kind of quiet moment that balances all the adrenaline.
References
Bahamas Shopping. “Bahamas Island Hopping Itinerary.” BahamasShopping.com, 2026. ↗
Must See Spots. “Bahamas Island Hopping Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Tropical Adventure.” MustSeeSpots.com. ↗
Skratch. “Island Hopping in the Bahamas: Your Ultimate Tropical Adventure.” Skratch.world. ↗
If you’re already dreaming of the water, our guides can help you go deeper — whether that’s scuba diving with reef fish off Cat Island, finding pink sand and hidden coves on Eleuthera, or tracking down the best rum punch spots across the islands. Each one is a different flavor of the same beautiful country.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.