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How to Spend FIVE DAYS in The Bahamas: The Best 5-Day Itinerary

How to Spend FIVE DAYS in The Bahamas: The Best 5-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to The Bahamas? You’re in the right place

It’s no secret that the Bahamas is a sun-soaked paradise with turquoise waters and vibrant culture, as well as plenty of islands to explore. But with so much on offer, figuring out how to fit everything into a short trip can feel tricky!

The good news is that we’re here to help. After exploring the highlights and more local spots, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow 5-day itinerary with all of the logistics and information you need. Keep on reading to learn how to make the most of your Bahamas getaway and discover our insider tips.

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

Food eaten on a food tour in Nassau Bahamas

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this food and walking tour in Nassau! This was a great way to learn about Bahamian culture, and it was a tasty experience as we sampled local classics, staple dishes, and some surprisingly good treats.

Check out the 3,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

Itinerary Overview

Bailey-snorkeling-on-a-tour-from-Nassau The Bahamas
Get ready for an island adventure!
A pig on the beach on Rose Island on a tour from Nassau Bahamas
Swim with pigs on Rose Island!

Nassau is compact and easy to get around, especially if you base yourself in or near downtown or Cable Beach. Many of the tours in this itinerary include hotel or cruise port pickup, which means you’re often collected right from the lobby and dropped back at the end. That makes it simple to enjoy big activities like Exuma or Rose Island without worrying about navigating on your own!

Other than that, taxis are the main way to travel between the airport, downtown, Cable Beach, and Paradise Island. They’re easy to find outside hotels and major attractions, and fares are usually fixed by zone or agreed on before you ride. Local jitney buses are cheap and run set routes during the day, but they’re best for experienced, independent travelers.

Day 1: Kick off your Bahamas adventure with a guided tour of Nassau’s highlights, then enjoy a Bahamian lunch before visiting a few cultural hotspots independently. Then, end the day with dinner and a sunset stroll on the beach.

Day 2: Spend the day on an island hopping tour in Exuma and go swimming with iguanas! In the evening, enjoy a relaxed Italian dinner and some live music.

Day 3: Take a Bahamian cooking class, then unwind on Love Beach or Goodman’s Bay before enjoying dinner at a Japanese restaurant and a quiet evening.

Day 4: Head out for a full-day adventure swimming with the famous pigs on Rose Island. Then, enjoy a refined dinner and a gentle evening stroll through Marina Village on Paradise Island.

Day 5: Use your last morning for a relaxed wander through downtown Nassau, then take a food-tasting tour to sample the city’s flavors, and wrap up your trip with cocktails and a view.

Day 1

Morning – Explore Nassau’s highlights on a guided experience 

The Queen's Staircase seen on a tour of Nassau Bahamas
The beautiful and completely hand-carved Queen’s Staircase
Chocolate eaten on a tour in Nassau Bahamas
Some of the best chocolate I’ve ever had!

Five days is definitely enough time to get a feel for the Bahamas, but it’s still a fairly short window. We think that this sightseeing tour of Nassau is a super smart way to make the most of your time here, because it shows you the best of the Bahamas’ capital city in just 2.5 hours. It’s the ultimate “taste of Nassau” tour (and yes, there’s actual tasting involved!).

Book this tour for 9:30 am. You’ll get hotel pickup included if you’re staying at one of the major resorts, and if not you’ll need to head to the meeting point by Prince George Wharf.

Things kick off with a stop at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, where you’ll sample mini bites of their legendary rum cakes in flavors like pina colada, banana, and chocolate. Pro tip: grab a few to take home because they make great gifts (or snacks for later!). 

Next, you’ll head to the famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. You’ll have 30 minutes to explore the beautiful lobby on your own and maybe even test your luck at the casino! 

Then it’s on to the Queen’s Staircase, where you can climb 65 hand-carved steps to get some amazing views overlooking the city. But if climbing seems like too much, you can always ride in the van to the top instead. 

Next up was my favorite stop: the Graycliff Chocolate Factory! Here we sampled some melt-in-your-mouth chocolate before heading to John Watling’s Distillery to wash it down with a piña colada made with their famous local rum. No wonder this tour has over a thousand 5-star reviews! 

Lunch – Bahamian Cookin’ Restaurant

Traditional-cooked fish eaten for lunch in the Bahamas
Delicious!

After this morning’s exciting tour, I think stopping at Bahamian Cookin’ for lunch is the perfect way to get your first proper taste of local food in Nassau! It’s a tiny family-run spot just off Bay Street on Parliament Street, so you can easily walk here from downtown without breaking a sweat. The vibe is super casual, and you’ll probably see office workers grabbing a quick bite and lots of locals popping in.

The menu is full of Bahamian classics like cracked conch, fried or grilled grouper, peas and rice, baked mac and cheese, and, of course, conch fritters. The portions are generous, so sharing a couple of dishes is a good call! Aim to be here around midday to 1/1:30 pm, which leaves plenty of time to continue wandering through Nassau afterwards.

Early afternoon – Wander through the Straw Market and Bay Street

Straw Market in the Bahamas (2)
At the Straw Market
Straw Market in the Bahamas (1)
It’s a great place to shop or just wander around

Exploring the Straw Market and Bay Street is such an easy way to feel the buzz of Nassau, so head here after lunch. Straw Market is about a 5-minute walk from Bahamian Cookin’, so stroll on over and then check out the maze of stalls piled high with all kinds of goodies, including woven bags, sunhats, and jewelry. 

Then, step back out onto Bay Street, where you’ll find a mix of duty-free shops and local boutiques. If you’re still peckish after lunch, you can always stop into one of the casual cafes for a coffee or a snack between browsing. 

We like to treat this area as a slow wander rather than a serious shopping mission. It’s just as much about taking in the culture as it is finding foodies! Oh, and remember that the prices at the Straw Market tend to be pretty flexible, so you can usually haggle a little if you find something that you love. 

Allow about 1.5 hours to check out these shopping areas, then head over to the National Gallery around 3 pm. You’ll probably be quite hot and sticky by now, so the air-conditioned gallery will be a nice chance to cool off. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Bay Street, but you can always hop in a taxi if you prefer.

Late afternoon – Cool off at the National Art Gallery 

National Art Gallery of The Bahamas in Nassau Bahamas (3)
Photo credit: National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas in Nassau Bahamas (2)
Photo credit: National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas not only offers the chance to escape from the afternoon heat, but it also houses a really impressive collection of Bahamian art, from traditional works to contemporary pieces. It also sits inside a gorgeous historic mansion, so it has a very strong connection to the island’s heritage. 

The museum is pretty compact, so you’ll probably only need 1 to 1.5 hours here. General entry is $10 Bahamian, which is pretty much the same in USD, so it’s not a super expensive activity either.

It’s worth taking a quick look at their website or social channels before visiting, because you might catch an artist talk or special exhibit while you’re here. Even if you are not usually a big “museum person,” an hour here can give you a much richer sense of The Bahamas beyond the beach towels and boat tours. 

You’ll probably finish up around 4:30 pm. After exploring the museum, head back to your hotel to freshen up and enjoy some downtime before dinner tonight.

Dinner – Gourmet Seafood House

Gourmet Seafood House in the Bahamas (3)
Photo credit: Gourmet Seafood House
Gourmet Seafood House in the Bahamas (2)
Photo credit: Gourmet Seafood House

Gourmet Seafood House is the perfect way to end your first day in Nassau. It’s right on Bay Street near the British Colonial Hilton and just a few minutes from the cruise port, so getting here is super easy no matter where you’re staying! The interior is modern with a coastal chic vibe – it’s perfect if you want a nice dinner without it feeling too fancy.

The menu is all about seafood and crab-house classics. The lobster tails and seafood boils are delicious, but they also have steaks and chicken wings if you’re not really into seafood and fish. Portions are generous, and there’s a full bar if you fancy a cocktail while you eat. Try to get here at 6 or 7 pm, and it’s a good idea to make a reservation during the busier season, though not essential.

Evening – Go for a sunset stroll along Junkanoo Beach

A sunset walk along Junkanoo Beach is a nice, easy way to end your first day in Nassau. The beach is just a seven-minute stroll from Gourmet Seafood House, so you can wander over after dinner without needing a taxi. 

There’s a lively vibe here with beach bars and music, although you can always seek out a quieter spot if you’re craving something a bit calmer. I really like this stretch of sand because it’s easy to enjoy at your own pace. Grab a drink and enjoy watching the sunset with your toes in the sand! 

Day 2 

Full day – Exuma Island hopping adventure 

Daniel and Bailey stand on a beach on a tour from Nassau Bahamas
This secluded secret beach was the highlight of the day
Daniel-snorkels-in-the-water-near-Nassau Bahamas
The water was perfect for snorkeling!

Visiting Exuma Island is an absolute MUST when you’re in the Bahamas! And this all-inclusive Nassau to Exuma day trip delivers from start to finish, with every detail taken care of so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride.

The tour starts at 8 am and lasts for 9 hours, so you’ll finish up at around 5 pm. You can meet the tour at the meeting point or contact them after booking to arrange a transfer ahead of time. 

The day kicks off with a fast, scenic boat ride out to Allen’s Cay, which is home to more than a thousand endangered Bahamian rock iguanas. They’re surprisingly friendly, and it was so much fun feeding them while learning about the island’s conservation efforts. 

From there, you’ll zip over the turquoise waters to Ship Channel Cay. This is a private island, and it feels like your own slice of paradise for the day, so it’s a real VIP experience. 

Throughout the day, everything is set up for an easy, all-inclusive experience: you can snorkel a vibrant reef with gear and guidance provided, watch a live conch salad demonstration, or join in on feeding the resident stingrays and sharks. Yes, really (and yes, safely!). 

Lunch is a buffet, and there’s an open bar for drinks – hooray! There’s plenty of excitement on this tour, but also time to just chill out with a drink in hand and enjoy the picture-perfect views. Once you get back, you’ll probably want to head back to your hotel for an hour or two to freshen up before dinner. 

Dinner – Café Matisse 

Café Matisse in the Bahamas
Photo credit: Café Matisse

Café Matisse is a lovely, calm spot for dinner after a big day out on the Exuma tour. It has a more European feel, with an intimate and refined vibe without being overly formal. That’s the sweet spot!

The menu leans towards Italian cuisine, with plenty of pasta on the menu and some lovely fresh salads, not to mention yummy antipasti! It’s a nice break from back-to-back seafood meals. I love seafood, but even I can’t eat it every night.

You’ll get back from your Exuma tour at around 5 pm, so take a couple of hours to freshen up and then aim to get here between 7 and 8 pm. It’s also a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time, as this place is understandably popular.

Evening – Listen to local live music

After a full day on Exuma, checking out some live music back in Nassau is a really fun way to wind down! There are a couple of good options depending on the vibe you’re after. The Green Parrot is a chilled waterfront bar where you can just grab a drink and listen to local music without too many crowds or so much noise that you can’t have a conversation.

Or if you’ve still got a bit of energy, Tiki Bikini Hut is a livelier alternative. It’s right on the beach with a younger, upbeat crowd and louder music, so it’s more of a party atmosphere. Either way, strolling along Bay Street, you’ll often hear music spilling out from other bars too, so there are plenty of options if you just want to wander and listen.

Day 3

Late morning/early afternoon – Explore hidden gems on a Segway

People on segways in Nassau Bahamas
A fun way to see Nassau!
Fort Charlotte seen on a segway tour in Nassau Bahamas
Fort Charlotte

After a slow Bahamian morning (we always vote for an easy breakfast and a little beach time first), this 3-hour Segway experience is such a fun way to switch gears without committing your whole day. The Segways make it feel light and breezy, and you cover way more ground than you would on foot!

The tour kicks off with a quick safety briefing so everyone feels confident before you roll out. Guides lead you through Nassau’s waterfront and toward Fort Charlotte, one of the island’s most iconic historic sites, with stories about the battles, pirates, and colonial history that shaped the Bahamas.

After that, you will glide along the Long Wharf area with plenty of ocean views, then swing by Arawak Cay for a casual bite and a drink stop, which is exactly what you want mid tour.

This tour lasts for 3 hours, and we suggest booking the 10 am slot to give you plenty of time to enjoy breakfast before setting off! By the time you glide back in, you will feel like you have seen a surprising amount of Nassau (that you can’t also see in a car!).

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

Afternoon – Beach time at Love Beach or Goodman’s Bay 

Bailey-poses-for-a-photo-at-Love Beach in Nassau Bahamas
Love Beach!

After spending time indoors cooking, it’s time to get some proper beach time in and treat yourself to a slow-paced afternoon. You’ve got two great options depending on what kind of beach you’re after. 

Love Beach is often rated as one of Nassau’s best spots for snorkeling, with calm, clear water and a reef just offshore. The trade-off is that it’s a bit further from downtown, so you’ll need a longer (and slightly pricier) taxi ride.

If you just want to kick back, swim a little, and relax without worrying about the reef, Goodman’s Bay is a quieter choice at the eastern end of Cable Beach. There are some small reefs here, and a few tours use it as a snorkel departure point, but it’s mainly about easy swimming and soaking up the sun. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here, which should allow you to get back to your hotel by around 5 or 5:30 pm to freshen up for dinner.

Dinner – Ichiban Restaurant 

Sushi-eaten-in-The Bahamas
You can never go wrong with sushi!

Ichiban Restaurant was a surprisingly fantastic dinner spot. It’s a Japanese and pan-Asian spot with sushi, tempura, teriyaki, and noodle dishes, so there’s plenty of variety while keeping things fairly light. 

The restaurant is centrally located in Nassau, just a short taxi ride from most downtown hotels. The vibe is casual, but it’s still smart enough for a proper evening meal. It’s closed on Sundays, though, so keep that in mind, and aim to go a little earlier if you want a quieter experience, as it does get quite busy later on.

Evening – Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel

After a slower day of cooking and beach time, keep up the relaxed pace and take it easy tonight. You can go for a gentle stroll near your hotel, grab a drink by the pool, or even just unwind in your room and get an early night. And if your hotel has a spa, why not take this opportunity to treat yourself to a massage or a facial? 

The idea tonight is to recharge your batteries. We’ve got a full-day tour coming up tomorrow, so enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation so that you can get the most out of your island adventure in the morning.

Day 4

Full-day – Swim with pigs and unwind on Rose Island 

A pig swims on Rose Island on a tour from Nassau Bahamas 2
Look at him go!
A pig swims on Rose Island on a tour from Nassau Bahamas
What a cutie!

Swimming with pigs is one of the most famous things to do in the Bahamas, so that’s how we’re spending today! This 6-hour excursion to Rose Island is THE best thing I’ve done in the Bahamas. 

It starts at 9:30 am and ends around 3:30 pm, so you’ll have time to relax between the tour and dinner. The tour meets at Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, and then you’ll board a boat out to a private slice of paradise where you’ll lounge on white-sand beaches, snorkel in turquoise waters, and, of course, meet the famous swimming pigs!

The day starts with a scenic 30-minute boat ride from Nassau to Rose Island. Upon arrival, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. You can relax in a hammock, sunbathe on the beach, or head straight for the animal sanctuary as I did.

We saw many animals, including royal peacocks and curly-tailed lizards. But the highlight was getting into the water to swim alongside the adorable pigs. Make sure you have your underwater camera with you because this is an experience you’ll want to share with your friends and family back home!

Besides the pigs, there are many other activities you can do on the island, such as a guided snorkeling tour, kayaking, or river tubing (just bring some cash for the rental fee). And once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can enjoy a delicious Bahamian-style buffet lunch.

And just when you think it can’t get any better, there’s also an open bar with unlimited drinks! It’s the perfect way to kick back and soak up the island vibes. This tour is very popular and tends to book up quickly, so make sure you secure your spot in advance.

Dinner – Dune

Dinner-eaten-in-The Bahamas
The steak is great

Dune is such a lovely, calm spot to finish your day after all the sun and sand on Rose Island! It’s perched right above Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, so you get ocean views as soon as you arrive. Oh, and did we mention that this restaurant is housed inside the Four Seasons resort? Yup, this place is classy – though not at all stuffy!

The menu is a really nice mix of French, Asian, and Caribbean flavors. You can go for seafood, or steaks, chicken, and lighter veggie dishes if you’re not in the mood for fish. Everything we tried felt beautifully done, and the whole place has that “special occasion” vibe while still feeling approachable. 

The dress code is resort smart casual, so wear comfortable clothes that still feel a little polished. You don’t need to get too fancy, but it’s nice to look a bit put together.

I’d definitely recommend making a reservation here, as this gorgeous restaurant is understandably popular. Booking for 7 or 8 pm will allow you time to freshen up after the tour and maybe squeeze in a quick sunset stop at Cable Beach before dinner. It’s the perfect evening! 

Evening – Wander through Marina Village

After dinner, keep the evening going with a wander over to Marina Village at Atlantis. It’s just a 4-minute taxi ride on Paradise Island, so getting there is super easy. The marina has a bit of a buzz about it in the evenings, but in an easygoing resort-style way, so it doesn’t feel too hectic. You’ll see yachts lining the water and lots of shops and bars to explore.

Here, you can stroll along the waterfront and listen to whatever live music is playing that night. I like to grab an ice cream and check out the souvenir stops, and if you fancy a final drink, then there are a couple of casual spots to choose from. It’s nice to sit and sip while you people-watch and admire the boats – cheers! 

Day 5

Morning – Enjoy a last wander through downtown Nassau

The Parliament Square in Nassau downtown The Bahamas
Parliament Square

Use your final morning in Nassau for a relaxed stroll through downtown. It’s the perfect chance to pick up anything you missed earlier in the trip. You can loop back through the Straw Market and Bay Street for those straw bags, hats, or carvings you’d been eyeing! 

Take your time wandering past Parliament Square and the colorful shopfronts, and stop for a cold drink at a café like Olde Nassau Café if you need a little break. There’s no rush or checklist. Just take this time to enjoy a gentle farewell lap through the streets you’ve come to know, and soak up the everyday bustle one last time.

Lunch/Afternoon – Taste your way through Nassau 

Tru Bahamian Food Tours food eaten on a food tour in Nassau Bahamas
Yes, this food was as delicious as it looks! Photo credit: Tru Bahamian Food Tours
Tru Bahamian Food Tours conch fritters eaten on a food tour in Nassau Bahamas
Authentic conch fritters are amazing. Photo credit: Tru Bahamian Food Tours

You can’t miss the chance to taste your way through Nassau, so book this food tour for your final afternoon here! It takes you to local food spots in the most historic parts of the city, so it’s a really rich cultural experience.

Book the tour for 12:30 pm. It lasts for 3 hours, so you’ll wrap up around 3:30 pm and let all of the treats digest before dinner. And along the way, you’ll hear lots of insider stories from your guide about the Bahamas’ cuisine and heritage.

When we did this tour, we started with a stroll through Nassau’s colorful streets, stepping off the tourist trail to discover landmarks like Parliament Square and the Governor’s Mansion. We even got exclusive access to the Government House grounds for a stunning view over Nassau Harbor!

And the food was so delicious. We sampled conch fritters, Bahamian mac ‘n’ cheese, and guava duff from five family-run eateries. I really appreciated the variety of spots we visited, which ranged from cozy local cafes to the upscale Graycliff Heritage Village. This was actually the Bahamas’ first 5-star restaurant!

The grand finale was a legendary distillery where we got to sip on handcrafted rum cocktails while touring the Buena Vista Estate. The drinks were so good, and the estate is a key part of the Bahamas’ rum-making history, so it’s the ideal note to end on.  No wonder this is one of the highest-rated tours in Nassau with over 2,700 5-star reviews

Dinner – Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House

Seafood-pasta-eaten-in-The Bahamas
The food here is so good!

Marcus at Baha Mar is a polished yet relaxed spot for your final dinner in Nassau. It’s located inside the Baha Mar resort on Cable Beach, so you can arrive a little early and wander through the beautiful grounds before you settle in for your meal. 

The menu focuses on top-notch seafood and steak, so you can go all in on a local fish dish or treat yourself to a perfectly cooked chop. We recommend kicking off your meal with a starter like conch, since it’s a local classic, and following up with grilled snapper or lobster for your main, although if you’ve had enough fish, you can go for a classic steak with sides. There are also some lovely desserts and a solid wine and cocktail list if you have room for one last treat.

You’ll likely need to take a short taxi ride here from your hotel, but it shouldn’t be too far. We suggest aiming to get a table around 6:30 or 7 pm so you can enjoy dinner at a leisurely pace and still head upstairs afterwards for drinks.

Evening – Sky Bar 

skybarbahamar in The Bahamas
Photo credit: skybarbahamar

After dinner, head up to Sky Bar at SLS Baha Mar to send off your trip in style. This open-air rooftop spot sits high above Cable Beach, giving you stunning views over the resort and the ocean beyond. It’s stylish and glamorous, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate the end of a fantastic five days in The Bahamas. 

Some nights there’s a DJ and a livelier buzz here, while other nights it’s all about the sea breeze and twinkling lights below. Either way, it’s a perfect place for a drink (or two), and the friendly staff won’t rush you, so stay as long as you like and enjoy the classy atmosphere. 

Related Read: Looking for even more fun activities? Check out our favorite things to do in the Bahamas here!

Where to Stay in The Bahamas

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar hitel in Nassau Bahamas
Photo credit: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

The Bahamas has no shortage of beautiful islands to choose from, but most travelers end up staying in Nassau, the country’s most popular and well-connected base. That’s what we recommend if you plan to follow this itinerary!

Just keep in mind that the best spots here can book up early. If you see availability for your dates, it’s worth grabbing it so you don’t miss out on the place you really want.

Here are three solid options for every budget:

Luxury – $$$

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a fantastic hotel option for the luxury traveler. The rooms are modern and lavish, providing everything for an upscale stay. You can enjoy the 23 onsite restaurants, 6 pools, sea view rooms, spa, and private beach to make your stay even more relaxing.

Prices range based on room choice and season, but start around $500 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Comfort Suites Paradise Island is a great choice for those with a mid-range budget! This hotel offers comfortable and modern hotel rooms, ranging from double rooms to king suites. It is located next to the Atlantis Paradise Hotel, which has amazing amenities, and guests at the Comfort Suites can use them! 

Prices start at $250 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For the budget traveler, the Colony Club Inn & Suites is a comfortable stay that won’t break the bank. It’s located a little way out of the city center, but great if you have a rental car. They offer suite-style rooms with a kitchenette and patio, so this is a good option if you’re traveling with some friends.

Rooms start at $150 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com!

Renting a Car in the Caribbean

Driving on a road beside the beach in the Caribbean

Renting a car in the Caribbean gives you the freedom to explore beyond the resorts—think secluded beaches, remote viewpoints, and vibrant local towns that buses don’t reach. As long as you are prepared for the road conditions and informed about local driving rules, renting a car can be a great addition to your trip!

We always book through Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s easy to compare providers, filter for exactly what you need (like an automatic or 4×4), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want all the details, check out our full Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in the Caribbean

  • Know the driving side: Some Caribbean islands drive on the left, while others stick to the right. It really varies island to island, so double-check before you go—and make sure you’re comfortable driving on that side of the road, especially if it’s different from home.
  • Know the local driving rules: Road laws and signage can differ between islands, so it’s worth doing a quick check before pickup. Seatbelts are usually mandatory, texting and driving is typically illegal, and honking is often just a friendly heads-up. Expect low speed limits and shared roads—think scooters, pedestrians, and even the occasional animal—so stay alert and take your time!
  • Add full insurance: Roads can be unpredictable, with potholes, hills, and narrow lanes—especially outside resort areas. For that reason, we always recommend adding on full coverage insurance to your rental. Discover Cars makes this super easy (and affordable!) to add on, so you can drive with peace of mind.
  • Choose the right car: For beach tracks or hilly inland roads, a compact SUV or 4×4 might be your best bet. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, or even luggage space to suit your needs.
  • Watch for extra fees: Some rental companies charge sand cleaning fees, airport pickup surcharges, or require you to return the car spotless. It’s nothing to stress over—just check the fine print so you’re not caught off guard.

What You Need to Rent a Car in the Caribbean

  • A valid driver’s license from your home country.
  • On some islands, a temporary/visitor’s driving permit may be required. These are normally issued by the rental agency for a fee. Check with your company in advance, so you’re not surprised by extra costs at pickup!
  • An IDP (International Driving Permit) may be required depending on your destination and the language of your license. Always check the country’s requirements beforehand so you’re prepared.
  • A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Caribbean Islands on your own terms!

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Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-at-a beach in Nassau Bahamas
Thanks for reading!

A getaway to The Bahamas is on many travelers’ bucket lists, so this itinerary hits the best of the best! I’d say that five days is the minimum amount of time you should spend here, and hopefully you can explore even more islands while in the area. But in those five days, you’ll have a balance of relaxation and exploration to show you how incredible this Caribbean Island is!

Before you pack your bags, see all of our Caribbean blogs. We have more multi-day itineraries, where to stay guides, and lists of top things to do to help you plan an epic trip. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!

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