Over 700 islands and cays make up the Bahamas, yet only about 30 are inhabited. That kind of spread means you can island-hop for weeks and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. I’ve packed this seven-day itinerary with ferry schedules, day-trip options, and honest cost estimates so you can decide which islands fit your travel style — and your timeline.
This route works best if you’re comfortable with tight ferry windows and at least one short flight. Families with younger kids may want to cut the Exuma day trip and add a beach day in Eleuthera instead. The pacing is realistic for first‑timers, but you’ll need to book ferries and accommodation well ahead in season.
A typical seven‑day island‑hopping trip in the Bahamas costs between US$1,500 and US$2,500 per person, including ferries, budget hotels, and food.
| Day | Destination | What You’ll Do | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bimini | Ferry from Fort Lauderdale, settle in, Radio Beach | Full day | Balearia Caribbean departs Port Everglades; dolphin sightings are common |
| 2 | Bimini | Golf cart tour, snorkel Sapona wreck, Blister Beach | Full day | Rent golf cart early (~US$80/day) – they go fast |
| 3 | Nassau | Fly from Bimini, explore Bay Street, Arawak Cay Fish Fry | Full day | No passenger ferry Bimini→Nassau; book Western Air or Bahamasair ahead |
| 4 | Exuma (day trip) | Swimming pigs, iguanas, Thunderball Grotto snorkel | Full day (fly/boat) | Costs US$300–$500/adult; includes park fees and lunch |
| 5 | Eleuthera | Ferry from Nassau to Governor’s Harbour, French Leave Beach | Full day | Rent a car at the dock – book ahead as fleet is small |
| 6 | Eleuthera + Harbour Island | Glass Window Bridge, Queen’s Bath, pink sand beach | Full day | Water taxi to Harbour Island ~US$5 each way; Queen’s Bath only at low tide |
| 7 | Nassau → home | Straw Market, Cabbage Beach, fly out | Half day | Allow 2 hours at LPIA; Cabbage Beach is public and free |
Bimini: A Quick Taste of Out‑Island Life
Two hours from Fort Lauderdale by fast ferry, Bimini feels a world away. This is the easiest island to add to a short trip — the ferry runs regularly, and the pace is slow enough that you can decompress immediately. Lily loved spotting dolphins from the deck on our way in.
Balearia Caribbean runs a 2‑hour fast ferry from Port Everglades. Round‑trip fares from US$155. Check for Tuesday blackouts – some weeks the ferry doesn’t run that day. Arrive at the terminal 60 minutes early.
After checking into your hotel – Hilton at Resorts World Bimini or a North Bimini guesthouse – head to Radio Beach. It’s a public beach with calm water and a few shade trees. Dinner at a conch shack in Alice Town; most only take cash.
Rent a golf cart for the day – it’s the standard way to get around. Drive north to Blister Beach for shelling, then snorkel the SS Sapona wreck or Rainbow Reef. Lunch at Stuart’s Conch Stand (cash only).
Book your Bimini accommodation at least three weeks ahead during peak season (December–April). Harbour Island has roughly only 10 hotels, and Hope Town even fewer – the same scarcity applies to Bimini’s small inns.
From Bimini’s easygoing rhythm, you’ll jump to the capital for a different kind of energy.
Nassau: Hub City and Springboard to the Exumas
Nassau gets a bad rap as too touristy, but it’s your most practical base for reaching the Exumas and Eleuthera. More importantly, the Arawak Cay Fish Fry is a solid introduction to Bahamian food without resort prices. Michael still talks about the cracked conch.
No scheduled passenger ferry connects Bimini and Nassau. Take a short flight on Western Air or Bahamasair (~30 minutes, roughly US$140 one‑way). Book a week in advance – seats fill fast.
Check into a downtown Nassau hotel. Spend the afternoon walking Bay Street’s shops and forts. For dinner, head to Arawak Cay – a collection of open‑air shacks serving conch fritters, ribs, and cold Kalik beer. Cash only at most stalls.
On Day 4, take a small‑plane or fast‑boat tour to the Exumas. Operators like Powerboat Adventures and Bahamas Air Tours charge US$300–$500 per adult, including park fees and lunch. Highlights: swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, iguanas at Allen’s Cay, and snorkelling at Thunderball Grotto. Confirm weather windows – July through October can be rough.
The Exuma day trip is the most expensive single item on this itinerary. If your budget is tight or your kids are very young, skip it and spend a full day at Cabbage Beach in Nassau instead – it’s free and right next to the Atlantis property.
After Nassau’s bustle, the quiet of Eleuthera is a welcome change of pace.
Eleuthera and Harbour Island: Pink Sand Dreams
Eleuthera is long and thin, with a rugged interior and some of the best beaches in the Bahamas. The goal here is to see both the wilder side (Queen’s Bath, Glass Window Bridge) and the postcard‑worthy pink sand of Harbour Island. We planned a full day and a half – that’s about right.
Take the Bahamas Ferries fast ferry from Potter’s Cay to Governor’s Harbour (~2 hours, tickets roughly US$155 one‑way). Ferries run several times a week, but check the schedule – some routes are weekends only. Rent a car at the dock; the island’s rental fleet is small, so book ahead.
After lunch in Governor’s Harbour, drive to French Leave Beach, a long stretch of pale sand with gentle surf. No facilities – bring a blanket and snacks. Ethan spent an hour collecting sand dollars.
Next morning, hit Queen’s Bath at low tide (ask locals or check a tide app). The natural tidal pools are safe for wading but slippery. Then drive north to the Glass Window Bridge – a narrow land bridge where the deep blue Atlantic meets the turquoise Bight of Eleuthera. Stand on the safer side; waves can crash over.
From Three Island Dock take the water taxi to Harbour Island (US$5 each way, 10 minutes). The famous pink sand beach is a short walk from the dock. It’s genuinely pink – especially in late afternoon light. Have lunch at Tippy’s near Pineapple Fields (reserve in season). Then catch the return water taxi and head back to Governor’s Harbour for the evening Bahamas Ferries sailing to Nassau.
If you’re staying overnight in Eleuthera, read our full guide to French Leave Beach for details on access and nearby guesthouses.
The last morning gives you just enough time for a Nassau souvenir run before your flight home.
Nassau Departure: Straw Market and Cabbage Beach
Your flight out of Lynden Pindling International Airport likely isn’t until afternoon, so you’ve got a few hours to explore Nassau without the rush. Use this morning for things you might have skipped – like the Straw Market for souvenirs or Cabbage Beach for one last swim.
Open daily on Bay Street. Vendors sell woven bags, straw hats, and wooden carvings. Bargaining is expected – start at half the asking price and go from there. Bring small bills; many stalls don’t have change for large notes.
A short taxi ride from downtown, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is free and open to everyone. It’s wide and sandy with decent swimming – Lily and Ethan raced along the waterline while Michael and I sat on a towel. No public restrooms, but there are a few food trucks nearby.
Allow 30 minutes for the drive from downtown to the airport, plus another 90 minutes for check‑in and security. Taxis are metered; expect roughly US$35–$40 from Bay Street. If you’re renting a car, return it with a full tank – gas stations near the airport are limited.
Before you book, a few practical details can make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
Logistics: Ferries, Flights, and What to Pack
Booking Ferries and Flights
Ferry schedules in the Bahamas are not like city transit – they often run only a few days a week. The Nassau–Harbour Island ferry, for instance, operates on weekends only. Always confirm your dates at least a month ahead, especially for busy routes like Nassau–Eleuthera. For flights, Western Air and Bahamasair cover the major islands; a Bimini–Nassau one‑way runs about US$140. Book a week in advance.
Budgeting for a Week
Expect to spend between US$1,500 and $2,500 per person for a seven‑day trip, including ferries, budget hotels, and food – but not your international flight home. Day trips to the Exumas can add another US$300–$500 per adult. To save, focus on out islands like Eleuthera or Long Island, where guesthouses and local food are cheaper. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, our budget island‑hopping guide suggests using mailboats and Airbnb.
Packing Light and Smart
Ferries and small planes enforce strict baggage limits – one carry‑on and one personal bag per person. Soft‑sided luggage is easier to stow than hard cases. Bring at least US$500 in cash for water taxis, conch shacks, and small shops that don’t accept cards. If you’re considering a drone for aerial shots, a compact model like the DJI Mini 3 is easy to pack and doesn’t require FAA registration at under 249g.
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links – costs you nothing extra, earns us a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Time to Go
March through May and November through December offer the best balance of calm seas and manageable crowds. July through October can bring rougher weather, though you’ll find lower hotel rates. Always check marine forecasts rather than regular weather apps – wind direction matters more for ferry comfort.
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 ferry terminals or beaches.
Before You Go: Bahamas Island Hopping Questions Answered
Do I need a passport for the Bahamas?
U.S. citizens need a valid passport for air travel. If you’re arriving by sea, a passport card or certified birth certificate may be accepted – but a passport is safer. Check entry requirements before you go.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No visa is needed for stays under 90 days.
Is it better to fly or take ferries between islands?
Ferries are cheaper and more scenic but run less frequently. For example, the Bimini–Nassau route has no passenger ferry – you’ll need to fly. For short hops like Marsh Harbour to Hope Town, ferries are the only option. Use flights for longer distances (over 100 miles) and ferries for shorter routes.
Flights save time but cost more – a 30‑minute flight can cost US$140 one‑way. Factor in airport transfers too.
How much cash should I bring?
Aim for at least US$500 per week for a couple. Many small island businesses – water taxis, conch stands, local ferries – only take cash. ATMs exist in Nassau and Freeport but are scarce on out islands.
Break large bills before you leave, as change can be hard to come by. Some resorts and larger restaurants accept cards, but don’t rely on it.
What’s the best time of year for island hopping?
March through May and November through December offer the best weather – calm seas, moderate temperatures, and fewer crowds. July through October is hurricane season; travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check marine forecasts, not just regular weather, as wind affects ferry comfort.
Peak season (December–April) means higher prices and booked‑out hotels, especially on smaller islands like Harbour Island where there are only about ten hotels.
Can I do this itinerary with kids?
Yes, with some adjustments. The ferry rides are manageable – pack snacks and motion‑sickness wristbands. The Exuma day trip is long and expensive; younger children may prefer a beach day at Cabbage Beach or French Leave. Lily and Ethan loved the water taxi to Harbour Island (just 10 minutes) and the golf cart in Bimini.
Book accommodations with kitchens if possible – it saves money and makes meal times easier. And always build in a buffer day between major hops to avoid panic.
The Real Reward of Island Hopping
Seven days in the Bahamas isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s exactly enough to learn how the islands connect – by ferry, by flight, by water taxi – and to discover that the best moments happen when you slow down. The golf‑cart afternoon on Bimini, the quiet hour watching waves at French Leave, the pink sand that really is pink. Those are the reasons you plan the logistics. For more inspiration on where to go next, read our guide to pink sand beaches beyond Harbour Island – there are a few more out there waiting to be found.
References
Bahamas Shopping. “Bahamas Island Hopping Guide.” bahamashopping.com, 2025. ↗
Sandals. “Island Hopping in the Bahamas.” sandals.com, 2025. ↗
Must See Spots. “Bahamas Island Hopping Guide – Choosing Your Perfect Tropical Adventure.” mustseespots.com, 2025. ↗
Albeck, Christoph. “Bahamas for Backpackers – Island Hopping on a Budget.” christophalbeck.com, 2025. ↗
If you’re still planning your route, our budget island‑hopping guide offers an alternative sequence using mailboats and guesthouses, while the French Leave Beach article gives deeper advice on Eleuthera’s east coast. Between the ferry schedules and the quiet coves, there’s a version of this trip that fits every pace – you just have to choose your islands first.
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.