6 interesting facts about the Bahamas
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
The Bahamas is one of those places that trigger images of sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.
Endless days of sunshine and translucent blue waters, it’s easy to see why many descend upon its shores each year.
But, aside from the iconic Caribbean island image, there are interesting facts about the Bahamas that many don't know.
In homage to our trip to the colorful Bahamas, I'll be sharing 6 things I learned about the island nation.
More to the Bahamas
A destination usually popular among cruise enthusiasts and sun worshippers, the Bahamas was never high on my travel list.
However, I quickly discovered there was more to the country during our stay at the superb Cape Santa Beach Resort.
6 interesting facts about the Bahamas
1. The Bahamas has a lot of islands
Before visiting the Bahamas, I was completely unaware of the number of islands in the country.
As it turns out, there are a lot — around 700. That said, it’s more than likely you’ll need to fly from Nassau to your hotel or resort.
However, out of the 700, only about 30 are inhabited. These islands include Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador Island, and Exuma.
Plenty to see
The archipelago has a land area of 13,943 km2. There are around 700 islands and islets, and more than 2,000 coral reefs, or ‘cays’ as they’re known.
While there are no land borders, the Bahamas does share maritime borders. Its neighbors include Cuba, Haiti, the US and the UK (Turks and Caicos Islands).
The capital, Nassau, is on the island of New Providence. All international flights arrive here, as do most cruise liners.
Tour the Bahamas
One of the best ways to get to know the Bahamas is by joining a tour. The following options offer a fun way to discover different islands and to learn more about Bahamanian cuisine.
2. Bahamians have their own lingo
Another of the most interesting facts about the Bahamas is their language.
While English is the official language of the Bahamas, they also speak their own dialect called Bahamianese. It’s a mixture of English and Creole, but to me, sounds like broken English, with some words joined together.
Also, given the country’s history under British rule, most people learn and speak British English, rather than the American equivalent.
Speak like a local
During my time in the Bahamas, I came across a few of the local phrases. Some of my favorites include:
Boongy
Be careful how you use this word, as it refers to the derriere. Most Bahamanians do use it in a jovial context, for example, ‘sit your boongy down!’
Smudder
From looking at the word, it’s hard to tell whether it has a positive or negative connotation.
In the overall context, it’s positive. If you hear ‘smudder grouper’ in a restaurant, you’ll be trying the local fish covered in a rich tomato sauce.
3. The Bahamas is a short flight from Florida
To my surprise, and delight, Nassau is only a 35-minute flight from Fort Lauderdale in Florida. We flew the national airline, Bahamas Air, and enjoyed the very short flight from the US.
A simple yet important tip is to make sure to take a pen with you. Similar to our experience in Morocco, there were none around in the terminal to fill out the immigration cards.
When in Nassau
If you need to connect to fly to another island, check the domestic flight times before booking.
Some domestic flights only fly 2 times a day from Nassau. We waited around 3.5 hours for our flight in the airport, which felt even longer in a small airport terminal.
Be sure to also double check the route on the way back to Nassau. Our plane stopped at another island on the way back, but thankfully, we didn’t miss our connecting flight.
Bottom line: check flight times carefully.
Bahamas map
4. Bahamas is more than a cruise ship destination
Given its popularity for being a stop for cruise liners, it’s easy to think the Bahamas doesn’t offer much else.
However, the country does have more to offer its guests, other than being another port stop. You just have to know where to look.
San Salvador island
Take the lesser busy island of San Salvador. It offers the ‘less commercial’ traveler a slice of local life.
Like Long Island, Christopher Columbus first discovered San Salvador in 1492. At that time, its inhabitants, the Lucayan, were the original people of the island.
San Salvador has a population of around 940 people, and plenty of sandy beaches that are still remote. That said, there’s no danger of fighting over the best spot here.
For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, there’s activities to suit all levels. San Salvador has many shallow water reefs, meaning snorkelers can observe the sea life without any scuba equipment.
More experienced divers can satisfy their adventurous side by exploring steep drop-offs on the western coast of the island.
5. The Bahamas has unique cultural traditions
One of the most interesting facts about the Bahamas are its festivals.
Every 26 December and New Year’s Day, the islands of the Bahamas celebrate Junkanoo. It’s a boisterous street parade with booming music, bright bold costumes and plenty of dancing.
The roots of the festival are said to come from the Akan people from Ghana, west Africa. This is reflected in the costumes worn by party-goers and band players.
Festival history
Historians trace the origins of the festival back to the time of slavery, when slaves would mark the Christmas holidays with their own form of dance.
After emancipation, the people continued the tradition, turning it into an annual, organized parade.
Other Caribbean nations — like Jamaica — also celebrate Junkanoo, as do several black American communities with Bahamian ancestry in the US.
6. The Bahamas has an interesting fusion cuisine
While in the Bahamas, I probably ate ⅓ of my body weight in grouper. It's the local fish they serve in the islands, and the region, and you can find it everywhere.
Whether fried, grilled or sautéed, it’s a versatile fish that goes well with many Bahamian dishes.
One popular meal is boiled grouper, served with Johnnycake (cornmeal flatbread), or grits (maize porridge).
A few of the side dishes like macaroni cheese, coleslaw and grits originate from the American south.
The nation's favorite
If you love seafood, you have to try conch. It’s essentially a sea snail with firm white flesh. It also happens to be the national dish of the Bahamas.
There are endless ways to serve — and eat — conch. Steamed, stewed or deep-fried, there’s a method for all.
Personally, I tried it raw, with a splash of fresh lime juice, and loved it. In the instance you want something a little more warming, the local soups are full of flavor.
Souse is a soup made from chicken, lime, potatoes and pepper, while the split pea soup is also a classic.
Where to stay in the Bahamas
We spent a week at the 3-star Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on Long Island.
Other beautiful resorts also worth considering include The Cove Eleuthera and the French Leave Resort, also on Eleuthera.
Both are in walking distance of pristine beaches, family-run restaurants and boutique shops.
Luxury hotel in the Bahamas
For the ultimate luxury experience in the Bahamas, there’s one resort that tops them all. Kamalame Cay is a 96-acre private island off the central coast of Andros Island.
In truth, it’s not the easiest place to reach — you need to fly by helicopter or seaplane to get there. However, the reward far outweighs the journey.
The luxury boutique hotel has its own over-water spa, tennis court and marina. That, plus the beachfront villas are so luxurious yet comfortable, you probably won’t want to leave.
What do you think about these interesting facts about the Bahamas? Was there anything you didn’t know before visiting? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your continued support.
Like this post? Pin it!
We have visited different parts of the Bahamas several times. Having stayed on the islands many times we know it so much more than a cruise port stop. But it was fun to check out this list of things to know. I sure did not know there were around 700 with only about 30 inhabited. But we have certainly heard many people speak in a local dialect. A visit to see the Junkanoo celebrations is well worth planning.
It's definitely a country that is more than meets the eye! Junkanoo looks like a fun time to visit 🙂
We had to cancel our trip to the Bahamas in 2020. So as I read this, I am sad again that we couldn't go. I had no idea there were that many islands. I should have guessed this, but I didn't know they would have their own lingo. We are looking forward to eventually getting back there but we will likely be re-scheduling again. Thanks for the information.
I'm so sorry to read that. The Bahamas is a beautiful place to visit and one I'm sure you'll get to seeing one day soon!
I think I will like Bahamas not only for its beaches, thanks to your info. I can live there with eating grouper and other seafood everyday. A visit at end of year will be interesting with an opportunity to join the Junkanoo. Good tip on the pen.
Thank you! They sell grouper is everywhere!
I had no idea that it was made up of so many islands. I visited when I was 18 on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale (I think) but don't remember much about it. Would love to visit again.
Neither did I Wendy. I'm not the biggest beach person but it was exquisite!
I love the Bahamas and sea food. The posts today are really making me miss the ocean and eating a lot.
Ah me too. I miss the sunshine and the breeze brushing my skin
Junkanoo sounds like the kind of festival I would enjoy. I like cultural experiences like that. I’m always debating if I would be in to somewhere like the Bahamas. Beaches aren’t my thing. Only one way to find out.
I hear you John. But sometimes, a good beach is necessary... 😀
Beautiful post, Lisa! I haven't been back to the Bahamas but I would love to island hop at some point, especially after this lockdown!! Excellent point too, it's much more than a cruise destination!
Thanks Kevin! We definitely learned more about the islands than just its beaches
I feel like a tourist phony when it comes to the Bahamas as all we did was see Nassau. I was surprised that it's so far and expensive to get to the island with the swimming pigs. When all this Covid has died down, hopefully we can return and see it properly.
Honestly, you're not alone so don't feel like that 🙂 Many visitors don't realise there's more to the country than meets the eye
What a great post! I planned to visit the Bahamas over the holidays later this year and still hope to do so!
I love the foods you introduced. I’d absolutely love to try them!
Conch and grouper are so popular here, and both local and delicious!
I'd love to spend some time exploring those islands at some point. I like that you add cultural touches and things to experience in your post.
Anda
Thanks Anda! There's really more than meets the eye in the Bahamas 🙂
I’ve only ever been to Nassau (yes, on a cruise). I didn’t realize that there were so many islands or that they had their own words. I did try conch and thought it was pretty good - I’ll add grouper next time!
That's good to know! The cruise industry is huge so I don't blame you for taking that route 🙂
I remember visiting the Bahamas, but it was at the end of a cruise. We had a day trip to Atlantis and it was amazing. I'll never forget the color of the water. I had no idea that there were so many islands though! It's almost like the Caribbean version of the Philippines.
That's a good analogy! I've never seen water so blue, warm or clean all my life. It was a beautiful experience!
Totally loved our time in Eleuthera...and you are so right the Bahamas are way more than a cruise stop. And I would say that Nassau isn't even really the Bahamas either. It's SO touristy there. Get to the out islands and see the true Bahamas! Great post!
Thanks Mike! It's great that you got to explore the outer islands; they're far more interesting, and local too 🙂
These were definitely some facts, that I wasn't aware of before. All pictures look amazing, and I feel its proximity to the US and the ease of access, makes Bahamas, a popular luxury travel destination.
It's really a destination that offers more than meets the eye!
How interesting! I didn't know that there are as many as 30 islands you can visit in Bahamas. That will take more than 30 days to check them all out. Thanks for the recommendation on seafood. I will need to try out conch when I am there!
Try and get the fresh conch if possible, it has a great taste of the sea 🙂
I've only had the chance to visit the Bahamas once as a child, but you've got me dreaming of a vacation there ASAP! As a linguist, I loved learning a little about the local lingo. I'm so glad that you highlighted that the Bahamas is more than a cruise ship destination, because I really feel like cruises only give you a taste of the country.
I completely agree! It's really more than a cruise destination, and the language is really unique!
Bahamas is always on my list for exotic vacations. The blue waters of Bahamas are very inviting. Good to know that Bahamas has their own language though their official language is English. Also there are range of 700 islands, quite interesting. Good to read about all unknown facts of Bahamas.
It's a lovely destination, and the perfect place to really enjoy those blue waters!
Whoa! 700 islands of which only 30 are inhabited?! Wow!!! I really wonder how wild the rest are and if any wild tribes live in those like some of the Nicobar islands...
So true, even in the very touristy places, there will be so many places to explore that aren't touched by tourists.
Absolutely! It was such a nice surprise to find this out, and I'm happy I get it share the knowledge with others 😀
I would love to visit the Bahamas. It looks like a real paradise with so many beautiful islands. Good thing that there is a short flight from Florida!
Yes, that was a big bonus in my book!
The name Bahamas itself conjures up images of an exotic palm-fringed island and gorgeous beaches. But there is so much more to the place than a cruise destination. It is amazing to know that there are 700 islands in the Bahamas. It is fascinating to note that English is the lingua franca of the region. The local version does sound pretty interesting.
I'm working on a piece right now about the local dialect, so look out for it!
Lisa - wait, how did I make it to year 34 without knowing that Bahamas has around 700 islands?
(am i the only one who thought it's only one island? omgggg)
thank you for teaching me something new today!!! (i'm also slightly embarassed)
No worries! I also never knew there was more than 1! That's the beauty of travel 🙂
I remember considering a cruise to the Bahamas when we travelled to Miami a few years back. However, due to shortage of time, we skipped it. Although I knew there are a bunch of islands comprising the Bahamas, I did not know that there are as many as 700 and only 30 of them are uninhabited! I also did not know that Bahamianese is a language. Very interesting facts Lisa, thanks for sharing!
It was something very surprising to me too! I have a fun Bahamas words and phrases blog on the way so stay tuned 😀
Totally more than a cruise ship destination you are 100% right. I think most of the Caribbean's have been trying hard to pass that message. Actually really looking forward to go especially to see the piggies though! Quite unique.
They're pretty cool! Though to see them, you need to travel to a island further away 🙂
I love how informed you are on the history and culture. I could tell by reading this, you really do your research and take the time to learn about the places you visit. Great guide.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I had a trip to the Bahamas planned two years ago that got canceled on short notice. Ever since then, I am looking for a new opportunity to visit this beautiful island nation. Your post and the beautiful photos make me want to go even more now 🙂
So happy to read that! It's a great destination, and one you can find so much enjoyment in.
This was such an interesting read. I had no idea there are so many islands. But what is even more suprising is that so little are inhinhabited. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading it, the Bahamas is very surprising!
The pristine beaches, the gorgeous weather and the crazy lingo - what is there not to like. I loved your description of those words. It actually cracked me up. Some useful tips on how to get there and what to expect. I hope that someday I can experience these lovely islands.
It's such an interesting lingo, and one you won't forget quickly either! Hope you make it there one day soon 🙂
OMG! We did not know it's just a short flight from Florida. We might try to squeeze this in our itinerary. We're heading East and would really love to have a 2-3 day stay in the Bahamas.
It's a great flight time, especially from Florida in the US! I hope you get to visit and have a great time!
I've only heard of Bahamas as an island and a stop for cruise liners, never thought it as a bucket list destination. However, your post is an eye opener and now I know Bahamas offers a lot more. There's a lot to see and a lot of cultural experiences waiting to be explored. Thanks for sharing this lovely post, beautiful photographs and great tips. Hopefully I'll plan this amazing experience soon.
I hope so too! It really suprised me, on many different levels, and would urge others to see there's more than just sun and sea too 😀
Great post and I'd really love to go one day except that its soooooo far away from Australia! But I constantly see the most amazing photos of the clear blue water. Love that they have such a cool festival on the 26th of Dec. Something to look forward to after Xmas. Sorry Lisa but not so sure about conch chowder in a can?? LOL!
Haha, I found that photo, and loved it! You have plenty of blue waters there in Australia, so you're not missing out on anything 😀
I haven't been to the Bahamas yet so I had no idea about most of these. The food sounds unique and super delicious - especially the conch and grouper. I need to make a point to visit someday, especially since it's such a quick flight from FL.
I was so surprised how quick the flight was! It was much better than the flight from Italy 😀
I really want to go to the Bahamas to see those piggies, they are just so cute! It sounds silly now, but I had no idea there were so many islands in the Bahamas, I just thought there were one or two! Good tips about bringing a pen, I have been stung by that before 🙂
It's something I had no idea about either! And yes, bring your pen! It sucks to be delayed because you don't have one 😀
I have never been to Bahamas, but like you mentioned it is a paradise destination I would love to visit someday. Thanks for sharing the interesting facts of this beautiful archipelago. I would be licky just to explore one of the many Islands here.
Glad you enjoyed it! There are some great islands to see here.
The Bahamas is among our dream destinations. We would love to experience a cruise there. 🙂 Everything is great....except for that photo of a man extracting conch shells. We're conservationists so please bear with us.
Sorry about that! But thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment. It's a beautiful country to see one day, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
700 islands? That's crazy! I never knew that. I had a friend sail the Caribbean once and he told me having your own boat made that Bahamas 1000x better because you could get to the untouched islands. Hope to do that some day!
I totally agree! You can see much more if you have your own boat there. There are plenty of islands to discover...!
Honestly, I was never much aware of the Bahamas except that it is a cruise destination. Now that I know there are so many things to do, I would rather spend some more days exploring the many beaches it has plus know the local culture in depth - it would be an interesting vacation! Thanks for the share, Lisa.
Most people don't realise there's actually more to see and do! Glad you enjoyed it!
Interesting post. I am keen to explore the ancient history of Bahamas - as these islands have remained isolated for the longest time and I am sure some aboriginal culture would have stayed alive despite the colonization. I like that you share some commonly used words in Bahamenese - always brings a smile to my face 🙂
It's a little different! I'll be writing a longer post on some of the words and phrases I learned there, so watch this space 🙂
Wow what a beautiful post about an equally beautiful country. The islands are just beautiful and I want to visit. The beaches and the sun all you need from a perfect destination. Great photos and well presented post.
Thank you!
Last time I visited Bahamas was 2010!! Such an easy place to ttravel to from the USA- I need to go back!! Thsi time though, i am swimming with the pigs!!
It looks like a fun experience! Though be sure to research which island you're staying on. It's quite a distance, and expense. I believe the swimming pigs are on Exuma.
I have only been to the Bahamas once, specifically Nassau. I really want to go back to explore the out islands. With over 700 islands and Cayos, it would be so much fun to explore on a boat and not waste time at the airport!
Absolutely! There's more to see in this country than its airport 🙂
700 Islands! I had no idea! I would love to go to the Bahamas one day. It looks like such a beautiful place and all that fish sounds delicious as well.
It was a huge surprise to me too! So, if you do visit, be sure to know which island your resort is on 🙂
The pigs are adorable! I've only been on a cruise as a kid to the Bahamas but convinced I need to return and explore all the islands!
It was our first time, and if you're from the US, you're so lucky it's close by! You need to return 🙂
I had no idea it was a dialect called Bahamianese, that is so cool. I want to travel to the Bahamas but it is a bit far from Norway. I know it is a short way from the US and it is a great destination and easy to travel there from the US. I personally don't like cruise ships, so won't get there by cruise but I would love to check out the beaches though 😀
We came from Italy, so trust me, it was a long way for us too 😀 But the beaches are worth it, and won't be forgetting that sea anytime soon!
A very informative post about the Bahamas. The facts about their language were very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to visit this island country very soon.
I hope you enjoy it if you visit soon!
I never had any interest in going to the Bahamas because I'm not really interested in cruise ship destinations and beach resorts, but it's posts like this that really pique my interest. I forget how much incredible history and culture they have once you step off the sand and get to meet people.
Sadly, my one experience with conch was not so great! I took one bite and didn't care for it...and everyone else who ate it got sick. I'm going to have to try again and be a little more careful about my source!
Oh dear, that's not a good experience! But yes, you need to know exactly where fish and seafood comes from; looks can be deceiving. I'm happy I've introduced some other facts about the Bahamas 🙂
I love love love the bird on the pig, that's just making me smile! Like you, I thought of Bahamas as a sunworshipper or cruisers destination, but nice to read more about it, and I had NO idea there were so many islands either. I'd love to do a more cultural visit there.
It's really a place that can surprise you! I love the photo of the pig and bird too 😀
I need to add San Salvador to my list. I enjoy beaches, but not hords of people!
Then you'll love San Salvador!
I didn't realize how little I knew about the Bahamas until I read this. Especially that they have their own dialect! Thanks for sharing 🙂
You're welcome! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
A wonderful blog post about Bahamas. I wasn't aware they have their own language and ya the boongy has to be used carefully! Thanks for a wonderful read!
You're welcome!
Very interesting facts about the Bahamas! I had no idea there were so many islands that made up the Bahamas or that it was so close to Florida. We did stop there twice as part of a cruise itinerary, but aside from the cruise port I didn't really see much. Thanks for the info.
You're welcome! Yes, it's really more than a cruise ship stopover; others should really explore the other islands 😀
I'm guilty of not knowing exactly how many islands or how big the Bahamas is! I really had no idea. It sounds so beautiful, and I would love to be part of Junkanoo. Alas, I'm not a seafood person, but my husband is, so he'd be excited. I would, however, really love to learn to snorkel in San Salvador. Your pictures of the Bahamas are amazing!
Honestly, I didn't know either before visiting! But that's the beauty of travel, you always learn something new 🙂
Wow I knew the Bahamas were close to Florida but didn’t realise they were that close. I probably should as I’m sure I once made the flight. I didn’t realise so few islands were inhabited either
Neither did I! I'm not the most confident flyer so was happy it was such a short flight time 😀
I have never been to the Bahamas making the wrong assumption that Caribbean islands are all similar. This seems also a child-friendly destination. Am I right?
It's probably one of the best places for families 🙂 You can easily keep them entertained, and watch them as they play on the beach
I’ve always been intrigued by the Bahamas but struggle with ‘beach’ destinations. I get bored very easily so to know there are other islands and things to do is brilliant! Also 35mins is a short flight, never realised it was that close. Thanks for the tips.
You're welcome! I totally understand, as I'm not so keen on beach places too. However, there's a lot of other things you can see and discover here too.
Great tips about Bahamas! The main picture with a pig is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Bahamas! 😀
I would like to go there! And I didn't know that they are so many islands!
Neither did I! Yes, the swimming pigs are very famous in the Bahamas 😀
Wow I never knew that there were 700 island either. It’s good to know it’s not just a cruise destination as well.
It was something that really surprised me too! Which is the beauty of travel; you always learn something new.
Great pictures! I have never been to the Bahamas. Sometimes I make the mistake of assuming that all Caribbean islands are kind of the same, but clearly that's not true at all. This looked like a fun place to spend time, and I'm glad to see you experienced more than just a beach. 🙂
I had the same assumptions too! Yes, there's more to it than just sun and sea 🙂