You know what question I get asked constantly when I tell people I've been island-hopping in the Bahamas? "Seriously, how many islands in the Bahamas are there?" And honestly? Before my first trip, I couldn't have told you either. I pictured maybe twenty, tops. Boy, was I wrong.
See, here's the thing about the Bahamas islands count – it's not some trivia night fact. Getting this number straight actually helps you plan an epic vacation instead of showing up clueless like I did that first time. Remember that sinking feeling when you realize you've only seen 1% of what's available? Yeah, let's avoid that.
The Real Number: How Many Islands Make Up the Bahamas?
Officially, the Bahamas archipelago consists of around 700 islands and over 2,000 cays (pronounced "keys"). But before your jaw hits the floor, let's break this down because not all these landmasses are created equal. I learned this the hard way when I tried finding accommodations on a microscopic sandbar.
| Island Type | Number | Key Characteristics | Can You Stay There? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inhabited Islands | 30-35 | Full infrastructure, resorts, airports | Yes |
| Uninhabited Islands | Around 600 | Wilderness areas, some accessible by boat | Day trips only |
| Cays (Small Islands) | 2,000+ | Tiny sandbars, coral formations | Rarely |
Why the confusion? Many sources say 700 islands because they're counting landmasses over 20 acres. But when you include every speck of land above water? That's where the 2,000+ figure comes from. After three trips, I've concluded that only about 15 islands really matter for tourism - the rest are for adventurers with their own yachts.
Where Exactly Are These Islands Located?
Picture this: you're floating southeast of Florida (about 50 miles at the closest point), north of Cuba, with the turquoise Atlantic all around. Now sprinkle islands across 100,000 square miles of ocean – that's your Bahamas. They're grouped into districts like:
- New Providence Where Nassau and Paradise Island live (most visited)
- Grand Bahama Up north near Florida
- Abaco Islands Sailing paradise in the northeast
- Bimini Closest to Miami
- Berry Islands Tiny dots great for fishing
- Andros Biggest island with barrier reefs
- Eleuthera Where pink sand beaches stole my heart
- Exuma Famous for swimming pigs
My first trip? Stuck in Nassau the whole time. Big mistake. The Out Islands (that's what locals call everything beyond Nassau) are where the magic happens. Fewer crowds, better beaches, and you actually meet Bahamians instead of tourists.
Top 6 Bahamas Islands You Should Actually Visit (+ Key Details)
Based on my own island-hopping misadventures and wins, here's where your time and money are best spent:
New Providence (Nassau/Paradise Island)
The busiest spot with Atlantis Resort dominating Paradise Island. Good for first-timers who want convenience.
Pros:
- Direct flights globally
- Every restaurant and activity imaginable
- Atlantis waterpark (great for kids)
Cons:
- Feels like Miami, not "real" Bahamas
- Expensive ($18 cocktails?! Seriously?)
- Port crowds when cruise ships dock
Don't Miss: Climbing Queen's Staircase, snorkeling at Love Beach, conch salad at Arawak Cay Fish Fry ($15)
Grand Bahama (Freeport)
Just 60 miles from Florida. Recovering well since Hurricane Dorian. Feels more local than Nassau.
Key Facts:
Flight time from Miami: 30 mins
Best for: Eco-tours, cave diving, budget travelers
Airport: FPO (Freeport International)
My Favorite Spots:
- Lucayan National Park ($7 entry, kayak through mangroves)
- Deadman's Reef snorkeling (bring your own gear - rentals scarce)
- Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience (watch them make conch salad fresh)
Exuma
The Instagram darling with unreal blue water. Made up of 365 cays - one for every day.
| Activity | Cost Estimate | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pigs Tour | $200-$250 pp | Book months ahead in peak season |
| Thunderball Grotto Snorkeling | Free (if you have gear) | Go at low tide for easiest access |
| Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar | $15 for legendary burger | Cash only! Sundays for BBQ |
Local Intel: Stay on Great Exuma (main island) for affordable lodging. The fancy resorts are on private cays and require boat transfers that add $$$.
Eleuthera
110-mile long sliver of pink sand beaches. My personal favorite for escaping crowds.
Why I Love It: You drive for miles seeing maybe three other cars. Glass Window Bridge where dark blue Atlantic meets turquoise Caribbean is mind-blowing. Harbour Island's Dunmore Town looks like New England meets tropics.
Reality Check: Limited restaurants open off-season. Bring mosquito spray - the no-see-ums are vicious at dusk.
Planning Your Trip: What Knowing the Island Count Changes
Understanding how many islands in the Bahamas exist isn't just trivia—it reshapes your entire approach:
Transportation Realities
Only about 20 islands have airports accepting commercial flights. The rest require:
- Ferries Bahamas Ferries runs scheduled services ($110 RT Nassau-Eleuthera)
- Water Taxis $15-50 between close islands like Nassau-Paradise Island
- Private Charters $500+ for seaplane transfers to remote cays
My biggest travel mistake? Assuming I could island-hop spontaneously. Nope. Ferry schedules change seasonally and flights between Out Islands often connect through Nassau, eating entire days.
Accommodation Strategy
With so many Bahamas islands, where you stay defines your experience:
| Accommodation Type | Best Islands For It | Price Range/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Resorts | New Providence, Exuma (private cays) | $600-$2000+ |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Grand Bahama, Eleuthera | $200-$400 |
| Villas/Airbnbs | Abacos, Exuma, Long Island | $150-$350 |
| Budget Guesthouses | Andros, Cat Island | $80-$150 |
Pro Tip: On smaller islands like Eleuthera, rent a car IMMEDIELY upon arrival. I made the mistake of waiting until day two last time and ended up walking 5 miles to find the only available jeep ($100/day vs. $70 if booked ahead).
Answers to Your Burning Questions About Bahamas Islands
Does the number of islands in the Bahamas change?
Technically yes. Hurricanes reshape coastlines, and rising sea levels threaten low-lying cays. Scientists estimate some smaller cays could disappear this century. Locals told me Hurricane Dorian (2019) completely erased some tiny islands near Abaco.
What's the difference between an island and a cay?
Cays are small, low-elevation islands formed on coral reefs. Think: sandbars with palm trees. True islands have bedrock foundations. When people ask "how many islands in the Bahamas?", they're usually imagining proper islands with beaches and vegetation, not every sand speck.
Are all Bahamas islands safe for tourists?
Generally yes, but with caveats. Nassau has higher crime rates focused in specific neighborhoods tourists avoid. Out Islands feel incredibly safe - I've left valuables on beaches without worry. However, medical facilities outside Nassau/Freeport are basic. Evacuation insurance is wise.
Which island has the famous swimming pigs?
Big Major Cay in the Exumas, usually accessed via boat tours from Great Exuma or Nassau. (Warning: the pigs can get aggressive if they think you have food!)
How much time do I need to see multiple islands?
Realistically:
- Island per week for relaxation
- Two islands in 10 days with careful planning
- Three islands requires 14+ days and tolerance for travel days
Final Thoughts: Why This Number Actually Matters
When I first wondered how many islands in the Bahamas made up this country, I didn't realize it would completely change how I traveled there. Knowing there are 700+ islands explains why:
- Services vary wildly - Don't expect Uber on Eleuthera
- Crowds disperse - Only 14% of tourists leave New Providence!
- Microclimates exist - It might pour on Andros while Exuma bakes in sun
The magic happens when you escape the cruise ship crowds. On my last trip, I found myself on a deserted beach on Cat Island, feet in sand so pink it looked Photoshopped, with not another soul in sight. That’s the real Bahamas - and it exists because there are so many islands to absorb the visitors.
So next time someone asks you "how many islands are there in the Bahamas?", don't just say "700". Tell them it's 700 opportunities for adventure, each with its own personality. Just maybe skip the one where I got stranded when my boat rental broke down... but that's a story for another day.
Leave a Comments