I’ve been to Nassau in the Bahamas twice now, and it is, without a doubt, a beautiful destination that I absolutely love. But after two trips—including one where I made a major tactical error—I’ve got some honest thoughts on what makes this island paradise incredible, alongside a few fair warnings.
Here is my ultimate, no-filter breakdown of the good, the wild, and the expensive.
First: people in the Bahamas are generally very friendly, warm, and welcoming to tourists! In fact some of them are very fun!
Second: Bahamas $
Handling money here is super straightforward for travelers. The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged 1-to-1 with the US Dollar, and USD is accepted pretty much everywhere. You don't even need to convert cash before you land. Cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, but it’s always smart to keep a few US dollar bills on hand for tipping, street markets, or quick taxi rides.
The Shocking: Open Your Wallet Wide
You expect paradise to come at a premium, but the island prices in Nassau will still make your eyes pop. Be ready to spend, because the markup is real.
To give you a taste of the island math: I literally saw a single bottle of Corona beer for $20. If you aren't paying attention, dining out and grab-and-go drinks will drain your wallet faster than the tide goes out. (and it was 2024/25) not sure what is the situation today...
Where We Stayed: Quiet Airbnb vs. Loud Resort
Across my two visits, I tried two totally different styles of accommodations:
The Quiet Escape Jul 2024:
stayed at an Airbnb right on Cable Beach
We booked a spot right on the coast with direct access to peaceful shores and private vibes. Check out my full review of when we stayed at an Airbnb right on Cable Beach.
The Resort Life Jul 2025: In 2025 - we stayed in Baha Mar
On another trip, we opted for the full mega-resort experience. In fact, in 2025 we stayed in Baha Mar—which was the exact opposite of the Airbnb: energetic, loud, packed with events, and always buzzing!
Now lets go to testign island(Things I did)
Scuba Diving & Exploring Paradise Island
Let’s start with the obvious: the Bahamas is stunning! The islands might be small, but they pack a massive punch. There’s plenty to do, the vibe is safe and welcoming, and the beaches feature pure white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.
Out of everything I experienced across both trips, two things stood out as my absolute favorites:
- Hypnotic Scuba Diving Diving!!
I dived the BREEF Underwater Sculpture Garden (created by the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation). Diving here feels like exploring a submerged, living art gallery. It’s home to Ocean Atlas—a massive 60-ton, 18-foot statue created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor that stands on the sea floor. What makes it so special isn't just how surreal it looks underwater, but that the sculptures double as artificial reefs to nurture new coral and give marine life a home. Swimming past giant stone figures covered in vibrant marine growth is something I'll never forget.
If you go to the Bahamas, you have to try scuba diving—it is hands-down the definitive place to get under the water. On my dive, the water was so clear and the coral reefs and marine life were so hypnotic that I actually forgot to check my air gauge! Luckily, my instructor was right on top of it, caught my mistake, and signaled for us to head up safely.
- Experiencing Paradise Island I am on Paradise Island
Another huge highlight was taking time to explore Paradise Island. From the incredible ocean views to the energetic island scenery, it really captures that classic tropical escape feeling. I shared my detailed thoughts and favorite moments from that trip over in my post about when I am on Paradise Island.
The Verdict
Even with the eye-watering price tags and my failed remote-work experiment, Nassau and Paradise Island are amazing destinations. Just go strictly for the vacation, budget significantly more than you think you need, and definitely get underwater to see the reefs!
Bonus Note: Visiting Over the 4th of July
Coincidentally, both times I visited happened to fall right over the 4th of July. As it turns out, the Bahamas goes all out for American tourists on Independence Day! Local spots and resorts bring in incredible fireworks displays, host American-themed events, and pull out all the stops to make sure you have an unforgettable holiday experience
