Last checked: October 2026
A good Bahamas itinerary uses one or two main islands and leaves time for travel. For 3 days, stay in Nassau and Paradise Island. For 5 to 7 days, add Exuma or Eleuthera. For 10 days, you can add Abaco or Andros. Flights from Miami to Nassau take about an hour, but moving between islands takes more planning.
How long do you need in the Bahamas?
Three days is enough for a first taste. Five to seven days lets you see Nassau and one quieter island. Ten days works if you’re happy with several flights or ferry transfers. Don’t count the island hop as a few minutes. Many inter-island flights connect through Nassau, so allow for check-in, waiting and possible schedule changes.
How do you travel between islands?
- Small planes: the fastest way between most islands, usually through Nassau.
- Ferries and mailboats: limited routes and set days, so check the operator before you plan around one.
- Taxis, golf carts and rental cars: the best choice depends on the island, and traffic drives on the left.
- Full details: see our guide to getting around the Bahamas for timetables, travel times and driving rules.
3 days: Nassau and Paradise Island
This plan suits a short trip or a city and beach break.
- Day 1: Arrive in Nassau. Check in, walk the downtown area in daylight, and see the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Charlotte.
- Day 2: Spend the morning at a beach on Paradise Island or Cable Beach. In the afternoon, try a licensed snorkelling or boat tour.
- Day 3: Visit a museum or local market, eat conch at a casual seafood spot, then head to the airport with plenty of time.
Cruise days can crowd downtown Nassau, so go early or choose a quieter hour.
5 days: Nassau and Exuma
- Days 1 and 2: Nassau, as above, but slower.
- Day 3: Fly to Great Exuma. Check in near George Town and rest.
- Day 4: Book a boat tour of the Exuma Cays, including the swimming pigs and snorkelling stops.
- Day 5: A relaxed morning, then fly out. Leave a buffer in case the weather changes your flight.
Tip: Don’t schedule the boat tour on your last day. A cancelled tour then has no backup.
7 days: Nassau, Eleuthera and Harbour Island
- Days 1 and 2: Nassau for history, food and beaches.
- Day 3: Fly to North Eleuthera, then take the short boat ride to Harbour Island.
- Days 4 and 5: Beaches and Dunmore Town. Use a golf cart to get around.
- Day 6: Return to Eleuthera and explore, if you’ve rented a car, or rest.
- Day 7: Return to Nassau for onward flights, or fly directly if the schedule allows.
This plan has a lot of transfers. If you prefer fewer, spend the whole week in two places instead of three.
10 days: Nassau, Exuma and Abaco
- Days 1 to 3: Nassau and Paradise Island.
- Days 4 to 6: Exuma, with at least one boat day and one rest day.
- Days 7 to 9: Abaco, including Hope Town on Elbow Cay and a snorkelling trip.
- Day 10: Fly home, using Nassau or the nearest international airport.
For a nature-focused version, swap Abaco for Andros, but expect simpler facilities and plan transport well in advance.
Planning tips for any itinerary
- Book your international flight into Nassau or Freeport, and check the Out Island schedule before you buy.
- Leave a full day buffer before your flight home when you’re on a remote island.
- Use licensed tour and boat operators, and avoid unlit areas at night. See the safety notes in our Bahamas guide.
- Keep your passport and entry documents ready for each airport. See our Bahamas visa guide.
- Pick dates using our best time to visit the Bahamas guide, especially if you’re travelling in hurricane season.
Common mistakes
- Packing four islands into a week.
- Assuming flights run every day to every island.
- Not leaving buffer time before an international flight.
- Skipping insurance in storm months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for the Bahamas?
Yes, if you choose one main island and one extra. Nassau plus Exuma or Nassau plus Eleuthera works well in five days, with realistic transfer time built in.
Can I do a day trip from Florida?
Some people take short trips, but a day trip leaves very little time after flights, entry checks and transfers. A weekend or longer is more comfortable.
Should I rent a car?
Only on larger islands where you’ll cover distance, such as parts of Eleuthera or Grand Bahama. Nassau’s main tourist areas can be done by taxi or on foot. Remember to drive on the left.
Can I mix Nassau with a cruise?
Yes. Many travellers spend a few days in Nassau before or after a cruise. Allow extra time for port arrival and check the entry rules for your passport.