With over 700 islands and cays scattered across some of the clearest waters on Earth, the Bahamas offers an extraordinary range of lifestyles and communities. Whether you’re drawn to cosmopolitan living, tranquil seclusion, or an active boating and fishing scene, each island has its own distinct personality.

From the energy of New Providence and Paradise Island, where fine dining, international schools, and modern amenities abound, to the serenity of the Out Islands, where life slows to the rhythm of the tides, the question isn’t whether to move to the Bahamas—it’s which island feels like home.

Below you’ll find an overview of some of the most popular islands and regions, along with their unique appeal for buyers and visitors alike. Our team has personally explored each island and can help you navigate the options, from established luxury communities to untouched stretches of sand waiting for your vision.

Whether you’re investing, relocating, or seeking a vacation retreat, we can help you find your perfect island match.

If you’re looking for…

  • Resorts: Most of the Out Islands have boutique hotel offerings, but for the glitzy mega-resorts with top dining offerings you’d head to Nassau, Paradise Island, Great Exuma, Bimini, or San Salvador

  • Snorkeling and Diving: Each island offers fantastic diving options but some of the best dive outfits are located in Nassau, Grand Bahama, Andros, Bimini and Cat Island

  • Dining and Nightlife: For high-end dining, international cuisine and clubbing visit Nassau, Paradise Island or Harbour Island. Most of the Out Islands will have a lively happy hour scene with local food at the fish fry.

  • Family Fun: Visit Atlantis on Paradise Island, Baha Mar in Western New Providence, Harbour Island or Treasure Cay in The Abacos

  • Schools, Grocery Stores, Shopping: For a lifestyle more similar to South Florida, look into New Providence

  • Wildlife and Nature: Andros, The Exumas, Eleuthera or Grand Bahama

  • Boating: Island hop throughout The Abacos, The Exumas or The Berry Islands

  • History: Downtown Nassau, Cat Island, Long Island or San Salvador

  • Solitude: Cat Island, The Exumas or The Berry Islands

  • Beaches: Visit any island in The Bahamas to discover a wide range of stunning beaches

Check out our Bahamas relocation guide here

New Providence

New Providence, home to the capital city of Nassau, is the economic and cultural center of the Bahamas—and the most developed island for those seeking modern amenities and convenience. The island attracts buyers relocating for business, lifestyle, or tax-advantaged residency. The island offers quality medical care, international schools, and gourmet grocery options catering to every diet, from plant-based to paleo. Most international buyers choose New Providence for its accessibility, infrastructure, and potential for long-term value growth.

Eastern New Providence & Downtown Nassau

While real estate prices rank among the highest in the country, opportunities still exist. Eastern New Providence offers expansive oceanfront estates along Eastern Road at prices often below those in the west. Nearby Downtown Nassau is the historic heart of the nation, a lively blend of colonial architecture, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s also a hub for artisanal food and drink, with attractions like Pirate Republic Brewery, John Watling’s Rum Distillery, and Graycliff Village. Dining highlights include Café Matisse and Graycliff Restaurant, which boasts one of the largest wine cellars in the world.

Paradise Island

Just across the bridge from Nassau, Paradise Island combines resort glamour with laid-back island living. The island features premier residential developments such as One Ocean Residences and Ocean Club Estates, where luxury homes edge the marina, ocean, and golf course. The world-renowned Atlantis Resort anchors the island, offering endless diversions—fine dining, casinos, nightlife, and the famed Cabbage Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Bahamas. Clean, walkable, and self-contained, Paradise Island appeals to those seeking convenience and prestige without the bustle of downtown.

Cable Beach & Western New Providence

Stretching along 2½ miles of Nassau’s north-central coast, Cable Beach features a mix of all-inclusive resorts and upscale residences, including the landmark Baha Mar Resort. Further west, Western New Providence blends relaxed island living with sophistication. Here you’ll find an impressive range of restaurants, boutique hotels, and gated communities such as Old Fort Bay, Lyford Cay, and Albany—each offering privacy and world-class amenities. Outside the gates, condo living along West Bay Street continues to gain popularity among professionals and investors.

Just minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport, residents can arrive from cities including Miami, New York, Toronto, Dallas, and London and be at the beach within minutes. With its balance of cosmopolitan comfort and island charm, New Providence remains the hub of Bahamian life—and the gateway to exploring the Out Islands.

Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama offers one of the best balances between convenience and tranquility in The Bahamas. The island’s main hub, Freeport/Lucaya, is the nation’s second-largest city and provides excellent infrastructure, reliable health services, and easy access to South Florida—making it appealing for both second-home owners and full-time residents.

Property values remain more accessible than in Nassau, and canal-front homes are particularly popular among boaters seeking direct ocean access. While the community has faced challenges from hurricanes over the years, its solid infrastructure, deep-water port, and active rebuilding initiatives have kept it resilient and welcoming.

Grand Bahama isn’t the place for a high-gloss city lifestyle, but it offers everything you need for comfortable Out Island living—supermarkets, schools, marinas, and a friendly local community. Beyond town, national parks, beaches, and blue-hole systems showcase the island’s remarkable natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for those who want the amenities of modern life with quick escape into nature.

The Out Islands

The Out Islands offer a glimpse of The Bahamas as it once was—quiet, unhurried, and deeply connected to nature. These islands attract those seeking authenticity and solitude rather than crowds and casinos. Life moves at a slower rhythm here, where the community is small, the waters are pristine, and the days are ruled by the sun and sea.

Most Out Island homeowners are drawn by lifestyle rather than investment returns. Properties often serve as family retreats or seasonal escapes, offering unmatched privacy and direct access to the ocean. While the pace is tranquil, it’s important to note that infrastructure and medical care vary by island; only Grand Bahama and Marsh Harbour (Abaco) have full-service medical facilities, while smaller islands rely on government clinics or emergency transport to Nassau or the U.S.

Each island has its own character—from the sailing meccas of The Abacos to the pink-sand sophistication of Harbour Island. Below is a glimpse into some of the most beloved communities that capture the magic of Out Island life.

The Abacos

Just a short flight from Florida, The Abacos are known as the boating capital of The Bahamas—a paradise of protected waters, charming cays, and timeless island communities. With its calm seas and world-class marinas, the region attracts sailors, anglers, and second-home owners seeking an easygoing yet sophisticated lifestyle.

The main hub, Marsh Harbour, is the third-largest city in the country and provides modern conveniences, excellent provisioning, and regular flights from Nassau and the U.S. Mainland Abaco is home to resort communities such as Treasure Cay, Winding Bay, and Schooner Bay. Treasure Cay Beach, a 3.5-mile stretch of powdery white sand, is frequently ranked among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Canal-front homes and marina properties make this area especially appealing to boaters who value direct access to the sea.

Just offshore, the neighboring cays each have their own personality: Hope Town on Elbow Cay charms with its candy-striped lighthouse and colonial homes; Green Turtle Cay offers boutique resorts and first-class marinas; and Guana Cay is known for its laid-back pace and colorful beach bars. For those seeking ultimate privacy and prestige, Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club and Scotland Cay provide the serenity of private-island living with luxury amenities and unparalleled seclusion.

The Abacos embody the essence of Out Island living—refined yet relaxed, with a strong sense of community and a lifestyle shaped by the rhythm of the sea.

Eleuthera

Stretching 110 miles from north to south, Eleuthera is one of The Bahamas’ most enchanting islands—a slender ribbon of land where the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean meet the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Its name, derived from the Greek word for freedom, still captures the island’s essence today: open space, natural beauty, and an unhurried pace of life.

Eleuthera has long been cherished for its dramatic contrasts. At the Glass Window Bridge in North Eleuthera, visitors can stand between two worlds—the tranquil shallows of the Exuma Sound on one side and the vast Atlantic on the other. The island’s quiet beaches, sea caves, and rugged cliffs make it a paradise for nature lovers, surfers, and those seeking privacy.

The northern settlements, including Gregory Town, draw a creative, bohemian crowd and host the island’s annual Pineapple Festival. Farther south, Governor’s Harbour serves as the island’s main hub—a picturesque colonial town where pastel homes climb the hillside overlooking the harbor. The area is known for its local Friday fish fry, charming boutique hotels, and farm-to-table dining, with nearby farms supplying fresh produce and the island’s famously sweet pineapples.

Just off the southern coast lies Windermere Island, a secluded enclave long favored by celebrities and British royalty for its privacy and pristine pink-sand beach. Accessible only by a guarded bridge, it remains one of The Bahamas’ most exclusive retreats.

Though much of South Eleuthera remains undeveloped, it appeals to those seeking tranquility and world-class fishing. With direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Charlotte, Eleuthera is easily accessible yet feels a world away—offering the perfect balance between connection and escape.

Harbour Island

Often described as the “St. Barths of The Bahamas,” Harbour Island blends barefoot luxury with colonial charm. Once the capital of the Bahamas, this three-mile-long jewel is steeped in history—its narrow streets lined with pastel-hued cottages dating back to the 1700s, many lovingly restored as boutique inns and private residences.

On the ocean side, the island’s world-famous Pink Sands Beach stretches for three miles, its rosy hue created by crushed coral. Along this ribbon of soft sand, visitors find some of the most refined hotels, villas, and restaurants in the country. Fine dining is part of everyday life here, and celebrity sightings are frequent—but the atmosphere remains relaxed, polished, and effortlessly chic rather than ostentatious.

Residents and guests alike traverse the island by golf cart, exploring stylish shops, local art galleries, and lively beach bars that capture the island’s timeless charm. Real estate on Harbour Island ranks among the most desirable in the Bahamas, with property values that have proven remarkably resilient over time. Opportunities range from historic cottages awaiting restoration to luxurious oceanfront estates.

Access is simple: fly into North Eleuthera Airport, followed by a five-minute taxi ride and a short water-taxi crossing. Regular ferry service also connects the island to Nassau.

Spanish Wells

Once a quiet fishing settlement known for its lobster fleet, Spanish Wells has transformed into one of the most charming and fast-rising communities in the Bahamas. The island’s tidy streets, pastel cottages, and friendly atmosphere make it feel like a scene from another era—safe, welcoming, and community-driven.

For generations, the economy revolved around fishing, but a new wave of local entrepreneurs has ushered in a fresh energy. As the seafood industry declined, the younger generation began embracing tourism—opening cozy restaurants, beach bars, and boutique accommodations on what was once a completely dry island. Many homeowners have restored historic cottages and converted them into sought-after vacation rentals, and property values have risen sharply as a result.

Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation, and a stunning stretch of white-sand beach lines the north shore. Visitors quickly discover the island’s laid-back rhythm and genuine hospitality—locals still wave as you pass, and the sense of safety and pride is palpable.

Spanish Wells is easily accessible via North Eleuthera Airport, followed by a 20-minute taxi ride and a short water-taxi transfer. It’s also connected to Nassau by the Bahamas Fast Ferry. Whether you come for a visit or a lifetime, Spanish Wells offers a rare balance of small-town charm, comfort, and opportunity.

The Exumas

Few places on the planet rival the sheer beauty of the Exumas. Comprising 365 islands and cays stretching 136 miles through the heart of the Bahamian archipelago, this region is a natural masterpiece of turquoise waters, hidden sandbars, and untouched wilderness. It’s the Bahamas at its most breathtaking.

The northern Exumas are dotted with private islands owned by the world’s elite, while the central chain—anchored by Staniel Cay—offers an authentic Out Island community vibe. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club has long been a gathering place for sailors, pilots, and adventurers, providing access to nearby attractions such as the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, the underwater grotto of Thunderball fame, and the friendly nurse sharks of Compass Cay. Regular flights connect Staniel Cay to Nassau and Fort Lauderdale, making even this remote paradise surprisingly accessible.

Farther south, Great Exuma serves as the commercial and cultural hub. Its capital, George Town, is a lively harbor town and a favorite stop for the international cruising community, who anchor their boats in the calm waters of Elizabeth Harbour. Days here are spent beachcombing, snorkeling, or gathering for conch salad and cocktails at Chat ’N’ Chill, while evenings bring a relaxed island rhythm and the occasional regatta celebration.

With direct international flights from several U.S. cities, the Exumas combine convenience with an unspoiled sense of escape—ideal for those seeking pristine natural beauty, a vibrant yachting scene, and the ultimate expression of island living.

Off the Beaten Path

For those seeking something truly authentic, the southern and less-traveled islands of the Bahamas offer a rare connection to nature, tradition, and tranquility. These islands move to their own rhythm—quiet, unhurried, and deeply rooted in community.

Bimini, the gateway to the Bahamas, sits just 50 miles from Florida and draws a constant flow of day-trippers, anglers, and yacht owners. The island hums with energy—its marinas busy, its beach bars lively. North Bimini, home to Alice Town, is the main hub, while South Bimini offers a slower pace and a scattering of villas and small resorts. Despite its proximity to Miami, Bimini feels worlds away, and its storied history of rum-running and Hemingway-era fishing gives it a rugged, adventurous charm.

Andros is the Bahamas’ wild frontier—a vast island of pine forests, mangroves, and mysterious blue holes. It’s the largest island in the country, yet one of the least developed, making it a haven for eco-travelers, divers, and fly-fishing enthusiasts. The island’s Great Barrier Reef and nearby Tongue of the Ocean create extraordinary opportunities for deep-sea fishing and diving. On land, you’ll find a serene stillness broken only by the calls of birds and the rustle of the forest. For a touch of understated luxury, Kamalame Cay, a private island resort just minutes from Fresh Creek, offers elegant villas, fine dining, and world-class service in an unspoiled setting.

The Berry Islands remain one of the Bahamas’ best-kept secrets—thirty islands and cays scattered like emeralds in the sea, most uninhabited and stunningly pristine. Great Harbour Cay, the main settlement, offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful beaches and a few vacation homes available for rent. Dining is limited, but locals are happy to prepare fresh seafood dinners, adding to the feeling that you’ve discovered your own private escape.

Cat Island is where Bahamian folklore and natural beauty intertwine. With its rolling hills, endless beaches, and the country’s highest point—Mt. Alvernia, crowned by the Hermitage monastery—Cat Island exudes a quiet mystique. Known as the birthplace of Rake ’n’ Scrape music and steeped in spiritual tradition, it’s as soulful as it is scenic. For divers and anglers, the surrounding reefs and bonefishing flats offer world-class experiences.

Long Island captures the essence of Out Island life—warm, welcoming, and wonderfully peaceful. Its small settlements and beachside restaurants attract sailors and seasonal homeowners seeking simplicity and space. Opportunities still exist to purchase large tracts of oceanfront land, and while the island remains underdeveloped, that’s precisely its charm. It’s a place to unplug, slow down, and rediscover a sense of ease.

Beyond these, the far-flung islands of Acklins, Crooked Island, San Salvador, Great Inagua, Rum Cay, Ragged Island, and Mayaguana cater to the most intrepid travelers. They’re remote, rugged, and real—home to secluded beaches, fishing lodges, and communities that welcome visitors with genuine warmth. Here, the reward for the long journey is complete immersion in the untouched beauty of the Bahamian Out Islands.

Private Islands

Few symbols of success and freedom compare to owning a private island in the Bahamas. With over 700 islands and cays scattered across its crystalline waters, the archipelago offers some of the most coveted real estate in the world. From fully developed retreats with luxury infrastructure to untouched parcels of raw paradise, private islands here cater to every level of ambition—from visionary investors to those simply seeking absolute privacy.

Many of the world’s most recognizable names—David Copperfield, Johnny Depp, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Tyler Perry, and countless other entrepreneurs and investors—have found their sanctuary among these turquoise horizons. Yet private island ownership isn’t reserved only for the ultra-rich. While turnkey, resort-style islands command top-dollar prices, smaller undeveloped properties can sometimes be acquired for the cost of a high-end city apartment.

That said, the real story begins after the purchase. Developing an island is a complex and deeply rewarding endeavor, requiring careful planning, the right team, and an intimate understanding of Out Island logistics. Power, water, transport, and maintenance all demand forethought—and ongoing stewardship. Some owners pursue full-scale, self-sustaining luxury compounds with airstrips and staff villages; others prefer simple, eco-conscious getaways built for seclusion and connection with nature.

The Exumas remain the crown jewel of private island ownership, prized for their natural beauty, accessibility, and proximity to Nassau. But those looking for deeper solitude will find opportunities across the archipelago—from Andros to San Salvador, and even the remote southern reaches of Inagua. Each island offers its own rhythm, challenges, and rewards.

Owning an island in The Bahamas isn’t just a real estate investment—it’s a lifestyle statement. It’s about carving out your own world, in one of the most beautiful corners of the planet, where the only sound is the sea.

Escape to the Bahamas

For more detailed information on purchasing property in the Bahamas, be sure to pick up a copy of Escape to the Bahamas, which includes personal stories and practical information such as:

  • Which island is right for you

  • History, culture & landscape

  • Buying or bringing your vehicle & getting around

  • Renting

  • Buying property

  • Building in the Bahamas

  • Establishing residency

  • Supporting yourself financially

  • Health care

  • Crime and safety

  • And many more topics!

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