8-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for the Bahamas

  • Day 1: Nassau Straw Market
    20 minutes (13.7 miles) from Lynden Pindling International Airport

    Start your trip off by visiting the Nassau Straw Market, where you can find a variety of handcrafted goods made by local Bahamians. Bargain with the vendors to get the best deal on authentic souvenirs and gifts.

  • Day 2: Blue Lagoon Island
    30 minutes (10.3 miles) from Nassau

    Take a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island, where you can enjoy pristine sandy beaches, swim with dolphins, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen and water shoes!

  • Day 3: Fort Charlotte
    15 minutes (6.2 miles) from Blue Lagoon Island

    Explore the colonial era fortress of Fort Charlotte, built in the late 18th century by the British. Admire the beautiful architecture and impressive views of Nassau Harbor.

  • Day 4: Andros Island
    30 minutes (14 miles) from Nassau by boat

    Visit the largest island in the Bahamas, Andros Island, where you can go hiking, fishing, and bird watching. You can also enjoy a relaxing day at the beautiful beaches of Andros Island.

  • Day 5: Parliament Square
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Andros Island by boat

    Visit the historic Parliament Square and see the government buildings of the Bahamas, including the House of Assembly and the Supreme Court. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and learn about the history of the Bahamas.

  • Day 6: Dean's Blue Hole
    30 minutes (13 miles) from Nassau

    Visit the world-famous Dean's Blue Hole, a 663-foot-deep underwater sinkhole that's popular with divers and snorkelers. Enjoy the stunning views and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

  • Day 7: Nassau Botanical Gardens
    15 minutes (7.6 miles) from Dean's Blue Hole

    Take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful Nassau Botanical Gardens, where you can see a variety of tropical flora and fauna. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

  • Day 8: Junkanoo Beach
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Nassau Botanical Gardens

    Spend your last day soaking up the sun and relaxing on the sandy shores of Junkanoo Beach. Swim in the turquoise waters, rent a paddleboard or kayak, and enjoy some local Bahamian cuisine from the nearby vendors.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Nassau Straw Market (1-2 hours, $10-$50)
  • Blue Lagoon Island (5-6 hours, $55-$100)
  • Fort Charlotte (1-2 hours, $5-$10)
  • Andros Island (1-2 days, $100-$300)
  • Parliament Square (1-2 hours, free)
  • Dean's Blue Hole (2-3 hours, $20-$50)
  • Nassau Botanical Gardens (1-2 hours, $5-$10)
  • Junkanoo Beach (3-4 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $195-$535

Transportation

Most of the attractions in our itinerary are within easy reach of public transportation. Take a bus or taxi to get around Nassau or use a water-taxi to access the more remote destinations such as Andros Island. Taxis in Nassau have fixed prices and cost around $4-5 for short trips and $20-25 for longer ones. Buses cost $1.25 per ride.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other islands such as Exuma or Eleuthera. You can also try some local Bahamian food at the Fish Fry or Arawak Cay districts. If you have less time, you could skip Fort Charlotte and Nassau Botanical Gardens to save time and cost.

Airports

The main airport in the Bahamas is Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), located in Nassau. It is served by a variety of international airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest. The airport is located 10 miles west of Nassau and can be reached within 20 minutes by bus or taxi.

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