Riding a scooter along the Queen’s Highway on Great Exuma, with the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean on the other, costs nothing more than the rental fee and your sense of adventure. The Bahamas chain covers around 100,000 square miles of ocean, and much of it is flat enough for two wheels — a fact that changed how our family travels between islands.
Renting a scooter or bicycle in the Bahamas gives you the freedom to explore on your own schedule, away from tour buses and resort shuttles.
This article covers three routes that work well for both scooters and bikes: the Exuma Cays, New Providence and Paradise Island, and Eleuthera. Each one suits travellers who want to move at their own pace, stop when they see something interesting, and skip the crowded group excursions. Michael, Lily, Ethan, and I found that the flat terrain on most of these islands made the whole thing approachable — even for our youngest, who had never been on a long ride before.
Yes, you can explore the Bahamas on two wheels — but pick your island carefully. The flatter routes on Exuma and Eleuthera are easier than the hills around Nassau, and the dry season (December to April) gives you the most reliable weather. A scooter opens up longer distances than a bike, but both work if you plan around heat and ferry schedules.
Independent travellers
Budget-conscious families
Slow travel enthusiasts
Three Islands, Three Routes
Each route below is a full day on two wheels, with stops along the way. The table gives you a quick comparison before you decide which island suits your trip.
| Route | Where | What to Expect | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exuma Cays | Great Exuma, Queen’s Highway | Minimal traffic, ocean views, secluded coves | Full day (4–6 hours riding) | Start early to beat the midday heat — the road has little shade |
| New Providence & Paradise Island | Nassau to Paradise Island | Urban streets, colonial architecture, resort beaches | Half to full day (3–5 hours) | Bay Street gets busy with cruise traffic — ride before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. |
| Eleuthera | Governor’s Harbour to Glass Window Bridge | Pink sands, pineapple fields, dramatic coastal views | Full day (5–7 hours riding) | Pack a picnic — restaurant options are limited between settlements |
Exuma Cays — Queen’s Highway and Secluded Shores
The Exuma Cays are the quietest of the three routes. The Queen’s Highway runs along Great Exuma with little traffic and constant water views. This is where you go when you want to feel like you have the island to yourself.
Pick up your scooter or bike in Georgetown, the main settlement on Great Exuma. The Queen’s Highway runs north from here with the ocean on your left. You’ll pass small coves and beaches that are easy to pull over and explore. Allow about 45 minutes to reach the first major stop.
This long stretch of white sand is one of the quieter beaches on the island. The water is shallow and calm, which made it a good spot for Lily to wade while we rested. Plan to stay 30–45 minutes. There’s no shade, so bring a towel or umbrella from your rental shop.
The road ends at the ferry dock for the smaller cays like Stocking Island. If you have time, you can park your scooter and take a short ferry ride across for a day trip. The ferry runs multiple times a day, but check the return schedule before you cross — the last one back is often around 4 p.m.
If you’re short on time, skip the ferry crossing and spend the extra hour riding further south on the Queen’s Highway instead. The road south of Georgetown is just as scenic and less crowded.
New Providence & Paradise Island — Urban and Coastal
This route is the most varied of the three. You start in the capital, Nassau, and ride through colonial streets, past the Atlantis resort, and out to the quieter beaches on the eastern side. It’s the best choice if you want a mix of culture and coast — and if you’re comfortable sharing the road with local traffic.
Bay Street is the main road through Nassau, lined with pastel-coloured colonial buildings and the Straw Market. The traffic is heaviest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when cruise ships are in port. Ride it early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Allow 20 minutes to cover the 2-mile stretch at a slow pace.
The bridge from Nassau to Paradise Island is short and pedestrian-friendly, but it can be busy with cars heading to the resorts. Walk your bike or scooter across if you’re not confident in traffic. On the other side, you pass the Atlantis resort — you don’t need a room key to walk the grounds or see the aquarium. Cabbage Beach is a short ride from the resort and offers a wide stretch of sand with public access.
Past Paradise Island, the road follows the northern coast of New Providence with views of the Atlantic. This section has less traffic and more open space. You’ll pass lavish estates and small beaches that are mostly empty on weekdays. The road ends around the eastern tip of the island, where you can turn around and retrace your route — about 45 minutes each way from the bridge.
Park your scooter at the bridge lot on the Nassau side and walk across to Paradise Island — it saves you the bridge toll and the stress of riding in heavy resort traffic. The lot is off Bay Street near the foot of the bridge.
If you only have a half day, skip the eastern coast road and focus on Paradise Island and the downtown area. The ride from Bay Street to Cabbage Beach and back takes about 2 hours with stops.
Eleuthera — Pink Sand and Pineapple Fields
Eleuthera is the most scenic of the three routes, with a narrow island shape that means you’re never far from the water. The Queen’s Highway runs the length of the island, and the views at Glass Window Bridge are worth the ride alone. This is the route we would repeat if we had to pick one.
Governor’s Harbour is the main settlement on Eleuthera, with colonial buildings, a small harbour, and a few cafes. Rent your scooter or bike here and fuel up before heading north. The road out of town is well paved and the traffic is light — you’ll be on the Queen’s Highway within minutes. Allow 10 minutes to get out of town.
The bridge is about 30 minutes north of Governor’s Harbour by scooter, or about 1.5 hours by bike. On one side you see the deep blue Atlantic, on the other the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The road narrows here — walk your bike or scooter across the bridge for the best photos and to stay safe. The dramatic coastline around the bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the Bahamas.
From Governor’s Harbour, ride south to the pink sand beaches. French Leave Beach is the easier one to reach — about 15 minutes south of town — and has a wide stretch of pink-tinted sand. Lighthouse Beach is further south, about 45 minutes, and requires a short walk from the parking area. Both are worth the ride, but if you’re on a bike, French Leave is the more practical choice. Along the way, roadside stalls sell fresh pineapple — Eleuthera is known for its sweet pineapples, and the stands are typically run by the farmers themselves.
The road south of Governor’s Harbour has some rough patches, especially after rain. A scooter handles the bumps better than a bicycle. If you’re on a bike, stick to the main Queen’s Highway and avoid the unpaved side roads.
If you can only do one section of Eleuthera, ride from Governor’s Harbour to French Leave Beach and back. It’s a 45-minute round trip by scooter, or 2 hours by bike, with the best beach reward at the end.
Practical Tips for Renting Scooters & Bikes in the Bahamas
Renting two wheels in the Bahamas is straightforward, but a few practical details can make or break your day. Here’s what we learned from our own rides.
Choosing between a scooter and a bicycle
Scooters cover more ground and handle the occasional rough road better, but require a valid driver’s licence and basic riding confidence. Bicycles are cheaper and give you more exercise, but limit your range — especially on Eleuthera, where the distances between stops can be 10 miles or more. If you’re travelling with kids, a scooter lets you cover more ground without wearing them out. Ethan managed fine on his own bike for shorter rides, but on the longer Exuma route we switched to a scooter with a rental seat.
Weather and timing
The dry season from December to April offers milder temperatures and lower humidity — the best conditions for a full day of riding. The hurricane season runs from June to November, and summer rides can be uncomfortably hot by midday. Start any route by 8 a.m. to avoid the peak heat, and carry at least 1 litre of water per person.
Where to stay for easy access
If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of the Bahamas’ hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare options near the trailheads. For Exuma, look for places in Georgetown so you can start riding right from your accommodation. On Eleuthera, Governor’s Harbour is the most central base. In Nassau, staying near the eastern end of Bay Street puts you closer to the quieter roads.
Most rental shops in the Bahamas require a refundable deposit (typically $100–$200) and a credit card. Helmets are included with scooters but not always with bicycles — ask when you book. Rental rates range from roughly $40–$60 per day for a standard bicycle to $60–$100 per day for a scooter, depending on the island and the season.
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Before You Go: Bahamas Cycling & Scooter Questions
Do I need a special licence to rent a scooter in the Bahamas?
A valid driver’s licence from your home country is enough for most rental shops. Some shops may ask for a motorcycle endorsement if you’re renting a scooter over 50cc. Check with the rental shop when you book — most will confirm the requirements by email.
Can I take a scooter on the ferry between islands?
Some inter-island ferries allow scooters, but not all. The ferry from Great Exuma to Stocking Island accepts scooters. The mail boat between Nassau and Eleuthera typically does not. If you’re island hopping, rent a scooter on each island rather than trying to bring one with you.
Is the Bahamas safe for cycling with kids?
The main roads on Exuma and Eleuthera have light traffic and wide shoulders, making them safer than the streets of Nassau. On the New Providence route, stick to the quieter coastal roads and avoid Bay Street during peak hours. Lily was 8 when we rode on Eleuthera, and she managed the flat sections without any trouble — the main risk was the heat, not the traffic.
What’s the worst time of year for a two-wheel trip?
The hurricane season from June to November brings the highest risk of rain, wind, and road debris. Even if a storm isn’t active, the humidity makes riding uncomfortable. The safest window is December to April, when the trade winds keep the temperatures moderate and the roads are dry.
Can I combine a two-wheel trip with a cruise?
Yes. Several cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises’ Bahamas itineraries, stop at Nassau and private islands. If your ship docks in Nassau, you can rent a scooter for the day from a shop near the port and ride to Paradise Island and the eastern coast. Just allow enough time to get back before the ship departs — traffic in Nassau can be unpredictable.
If you’re planning a longer island-hopping trip, our 10-day Bahamas island-hopping itinerary covers ferry schedules, accommodation tips, and the best routes for combining multiple islands without rushing.
Two Wheels, One Island at a Time
The Bahamas on two wheels isn’t about covering every mile — it’s about the freedom to stop at a beach that catches your eye, buy a fresh pineapple from a roadside stand, or turn around when a view demands a second look. Michael and I still talk about the morning we rode the Queen’s Highway past the coves of Great Exuma, with Lily pointing at every shade of blue she could name. That kind of unhurried exploration is hard to find on a guided tour, but it’s exactly what two wheels give you.
For more on the quieter corners of the Bahamas, our guide to the Queen’s Bath covers a natural tidal pool that’s worth a stop if you’re riding through the northern Exumas.
References
Life in Travel. “More Than Just Beaches: Discovering the Bahamas on Two Wheels.” Life in Travel, 2025. ↗
Celebrity Cruises. “Bahamas Cruises.” Celebrity Cruises. ↗
For more Bahamas travel inspiration, check out our guides to swimming pigs in Exuma and the Lost Blue Hole — both are easy add-ons to a two-wheel trip if you’re spending a few days on the islands.
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.