Photo by Dolphins / CC BY-SA 3.0

Surrounded by the majestic Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas are the home to 700+ islands and hidden cays (small islands formed on coral reefs). The name ‘Bahamas’ comes from the Spanish language which means ‘Shallow Water’. It is also known as an ecological oasis and has the clearest water on the planet.

Although Bahamas’s paradisaic beaches are in themselves convincing enough to make you want to visit the islands, here is a list of 5 more reasons why the Bahamas should be on every traveler’s bucket list:

1.Tropical Climate

The Bahamas is a tropical vacation getaway and boasts sunshine warm weather all year round. This results in one of the mildest climates on the planet due to a combination of the equatorial ocean currents and cool ocean breezes. Apart from the pleasant temperatures on land, the water temperature in the Bahamas rarely dips below 22 degrees near the shorelines which makes it possible for travelers to explore, dive or snorkel in the clearest waters at any time of the year. Needless to say, the best time to visit the Bahamas is during the summer months (end of April to early December) with an average temperature of 28 degrees.

Photo by pinasmall / CC0 1.0

2. Animal Swimming Companions

As home to some of the most diverse marine wildlife in the world, the Bahamas give you a chance to not only behold these magnificent creatures but also to have them as swimming companions while exploring the crystal clear ocean. Travelers can plan a day trip to the Exodus Island inhabited by swimming pigs to swim with, play with and feed them. The divers have the opportunity to swim with sharks and be friends with the smartest marine animals: dolphins. Among various colorful fishes, you will find manta rays, turtles, coral reefs and starfish casually swimming alongside underwater. Not to mention the wide range of amazing birds that will accompany you on your swimming adventures.

3. Robust Nightlife

The best way to blend in with the locals is to experience the rich nightlife of the Bahamas. On the streets of the capital city of Nassau, you will be surrounded by the distinctive regional music coming from bars, restaurants and street performers. The cultural diversity of the Bahamas is evident from its traditional musical styles – Calypso of African and Caribbean descent, folk music inspired by English influence and its very own ‘goombay’ form of drumming and dancing. On the outer islands, you can simply spend your night under the stars, watching a bonfire and getting to know the Bahamian people more personally.

4. Island-Hopping

With over 700 islands to explore, the Bahamas is the perfect place to go island-hopping. In fact, one can easily explore the turquoise wonder by preparing an island-hopping itinerary and discovering the undiscovered. Island hopping gives travelers a chance to experience the cultural as well as ecological diversity and beauty of the Bahamas. Island-hopping can be done both by way of the ocean and the skies. After all, the view of the islands from the waters or the skies is believed to be a resplendent adventure for all kinds of travelers.

Photo by Cathy T / CC BY 2.0

5. Bahamian Experiences

The Bahamian archipelago offers a number of adventures and experiences that are unique due to its culture and location. The rhythmic goombay along with an extensive array of delicious food is just the tip of the iceberg of experiences exclusive to the Bahamas. Travelers can revel in the legends of Pirates at the Pirates of Nassau Museum and participate in the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, the hub of Bahamian culture. As a matter of fact, the brightly costumed Junkanoo Carnival attracts the best musicians in the Bahamas and is the ultimate party every year. The vast number of islands means there’s something for everybody whether you are planning a romantic gateway or an adventure trip.

It goes without saying that the Bahamas has a lot more to offer than the above-mentioned reasons. So pack your bags and plan out your next trip to discover your own reasons to fall in love with the Bahamian archipelago.