Just 50 miles off the Florida coast, the Bahamas archipelago spreads across more than 700 islands and over 2,000 cays. A single-resort vacation barely scratches the surface — island hopping is the way to experience the full spectrum, from the fishing-camp charm of Bimini to the wild swim-with-pigs waters of the Exumas.
A 7-day, 6-night route covering Bimini, Nassau, and Exuma can cost from $1,800 per person on a budget up to $4,800 for a luxury trip — and it moves fast, so planning ahead is non-negotiable.
This route works best for active travelers who want a true cross-section of the Bahamas — beach time, wildlife, history, and a major resort day — all in one week. The catch? You’ll need to book ferry tickets, inter-island flights, and the swimming pigs tour well ahead, especially from December through April. Miss a connection and the next option might not come for a day.
First-timers
Families with kids 8+
Budget-conscious travelers
| Island | Nights | Key Highlights | Getting There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bimini | 2 | Radio Beach, Honeymoon Harbour stingrays, Hemingway history | Ferry from Fort Lauderdale (~2h, from $115) |
| Nassau & Paradise Island | 3 | Atlantis Aquaventure, Cable Beach, Arawak Cay Fish Fry | Flight from Bimini (~30 min, from $198) |
| Great Exuma | 1–2 | Swimming pigs, Compass Cay nurse sharks, Thunderball Grotto | Flight from Nassau (~45 min, RT $180–$250) |
Bimini: The Gateway
Bimini is just 50 miles from Florida, making it the easiest first stop. The Balearia Caribbean ferry gets you there in about 2 hours from Port Everglades. It’s a small island — a golf cart is all you need to explore North Bimini’s beaches, conch shacks, and old Hemingway haunts.
Depart Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) around 9:00 AM. Arrive 90 minutes early for check-in — the terminal location has changed before, so confirm on your ticket. Fares from $115 + tax one-way; round trips from ~$230 + tax. Check the Balearia Caribbean schedule for midweek discounts, which can run ~$50 lower than Friday or Sunday sailings.
Clear customs, then taxi to your hotel (~$15). Lunch at Stuart’s Conch Stand for fresh conch salad. Rent a golf cart (~$80/day) to explore North Bimini end-to-end. Sunset dinner at Big John’s Bar & Grill in Alice Town.
Morning snorkel at Honeymoon Harbour — book a boat tour (~$60) to swim with stingrays. Alternatively, explore the SS Sapona shipwreck. Afternoon: transfer to South Bimini Airport (allow 30 min via water taxi + short cab) for a ~3:20 PM Western Air flight to Nassau. Book Western Air early — only ~8 flights per week, and the last departure is mid-afternoon.
Ferry check-in closes 90 minutes before departure. For a ~9:00 AM sailing, arrive by 7:30 AM. There’s no scheduled passenger ferry from Bimini to Nassau — the short flight is your only real option, so don’t miss it.
Nassau & Paradise Island: The Hub
Nassau is the capital and the central hub for inter-island connections. Three nights here let you mix high-adrenaline water parks, cultural history, and genuine local food — a balance that keeps the itinerary from feeling like a resort-only trip.
Spend a full day at Atlantis Aquaventure. Hit the Leap of Faith slide and the Predator Tunnel aquarium. Lunch at Marina Village. Children 3 and under are free. If day passes are sold out, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is free and public — a solid backup plan.
Morning walking tour: climb the Queen’s Staircase (66 steps carved from limestone in the 1790s), visit Fort Fincastle and Parliament Square. Lunch at Arawak Cay Fish Fry — a local hangout serving fried fish, conch fritters, and cold Sands beer. Spend the afternoon at Cable Beach for calm swimming and water sports.
Consider a Blue Lagoon Island excursion (dolphin encounters, beach activities, from ~$189). Alternatively, use this day for last-minute shopping at the Straw Market on Bay Street. Pack for an early flight to Exuma the next morning.
Atlantis day passes are capped daily and routinely sell out during spring break, Christmas, and Easter weeks. If you have your heart set on the water park, book the pass as soon as your travel dates are firm — or consider booking one night at Atlantis, which includes access and can cost roughly the same as two adult day passes.
Exuma: Swimming Pigs, Sharks & Sandbars
The Exuma Cays are the highlight for many travelers. A full-day boat tour from Great Exuma is the only way to see the famous swimming pigs, nurse sharks, and Thunderball Grotto in one go. It’s a long day on the water, but it’s the kind of day that defines a trip.
Take the 06:50 Bahamasair flight (UP370) from Nassau to George Town. It lands around 07:35 AM, putting you in Exuma in time for the pig tour departure. Book Bahamasair early — round trips typically run $180–$250, and the two daily flights (06:50 & 17:33) fill up fast.
Depart from Barraterre Dock, about a 55-minute drive north of George Town — confirm whether transfers are included. Stops: Big Major Cay (swimming pigs), Compass Cay (nurse sharks in the marina), Thunderball Grotto (snorkel the James Bond movie cave), a private sandbar (grilled lunch included). At Iguana Beach, look but don’t touch — the Bahamian rock iguanas are critically endangered and protected by law. Book a full-day Exuma Cays tour on Viator that includes lunch and park fees.
Relax at Tropic of Cancer Beach — one of the world’s best stretches of sand. Fly from George Town back to Nassau to connect to your international flight home. Allow plenty of time; small-island flights can be delayed.
Book the swimming pigs tour as soon as your flights are confirmed — it sells out regularly. If you’re based in Nassau, a fly-and-boat day trip to Exuma is an option but typically costs $750–$850 per person. Staying overnight in Exuma and taking the boat tour from Great Exuma is far more cost-effective.
Making It Work: Logistics, Budget & Timing
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U.S. citizens need a valid passport book for all flights. The Balearia ferry accepts a passport book or a U.S. passport card — birth certificates are no longer accepted for ferry travel. The U.S. Department of State recommends 6 months of validity beyond your return date.
| Cost Category | Budget ($1,800) | Mid-Range ($2,800) | Luxury ($4,800) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $550 (ferry $230, flights $280) | $700 | $1,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | $600 | $2,000 | — |
| Activities | $900 (includes pigs tour $275) | — | — |
| Food & Drinks | $500 | — | — |
Pack Like a Pro
Hauling bags on and off ferries, water taxis, and golf carts is part of the deal. One carry-on and one personal bag per person is the sweet spot — soft-sided luggage is easier to stow. An underwater camera or a compact drone like the DJI Mini 3 can capture angles you’ll want to revisit. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone case, seasickness medication, and a reusable water bottle.
Cash Rules Everything
Local water taxis, small ferry operators, and many Out Island restaurants only take cash. Hit an ATM in Fort Lauderdale or Nassau — Out Island ATMs are spotty. Plan on bringing at least $500 in USD for the week.
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak risk mid-August to September. This 7-day itinerary involves a ferry crossing and two inter-island flights — weather can disrupt any of these legs. The Balearia ferry is occasionally cancelled in rough seas, and Western Air Bimini–Nassau only has ~8 flights per week. If traveling August–October, book flexible fares and consider travel insurance covering weather disruption.
- Book ferry tickets, inter-island flights, and the swimming pigs tour well in advance — capacity is genuinely limited on all three.
- Pack light: one carry-on and one personal bag. Soft-sided luggage is easier for ferry and water taxi transfers.
- Cash is king on the Out Islands. ATMs can be spotty; bring enough USD for the week.
Before You Go: Bahamas Island Hopping
Can you island hop the Bahamas by ferry?
Yes, but the network is limited. Balearia Caribbean connects Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Freeport. Bahamas Ferries operates from Nassau to Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Andros, and Exuma. For routes like Bimini to Nassau, you’ll need a short flight.
What is the best time for this itinerary?
December through April offers the most reliable weather (75–85°F) but the highest prices. May and November are the sweet spots — similar weather with roughly 30% lower costs. Avoid August through October if you can, due to hurricane risk.
Is the swimming pigs tour worth the cost?
The full-day shared boat tour from Great Exuma ($275–$400 per person) is the most authentic way to experience it. Fly-and-boat day trips from Nassau cost over $750 per person. Staying in Exuma and taking the boat tour is the better value by a wide margin.
Can I do this trip with young kids?
Kids love the swimming pigs, Atlantis water park, and nurse sharks. The ferry ride is an adventure in itself. For children under 5, consider a shorter 5-day version with more downtime. Kids 8 and up can handle the full 7-day pace.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, especially if traveling June through November. The Balearia ferry is occasionally cancelled in rough seas, and inter-island flights have limited capacity — a missed connection could mean a multi-day delay. Travel insurance covering weather disruption is a smart investment.
The Journey is the Destination
This 7-day route is a balancing act — a ferry crossing, a pair of inter-island flights, and three distinctly different islands. It asks for a bit of planning in advance, but the reward is a trip that moves from the fishing-camp charm of Bimini to the resort energy of Nassau and the wild, swim-with-pigs beauty of the Exumas. For a deeper look at extending your stay, check out this 10-day Bahamas island hopping itinerary for more inspiration.
References
Balearia Caribbean. “Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Ferry.” baleariacaribbean.com. ↗
Western Air. “Bimini to Nassau Flights.” westernairbahamas.com. ↗
Bahamasair. “Nassau to Exuma Flights.” bahamasair.com. ↗
Atlantis Paradise Island. “Aquaventure Day Pass.” atlantisbahamas.com. ↗
For more on specific stops, read about the best beachside bars on Rainbow Beach or plan your water sports at Cabbage Beach. If you’re considering a different pace, our guide to a romantic Bahamas honeymoon might offer an alternative angle.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
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