Imagine looking at crystal blue waters while drinking a margarita on the white sand beaches. Doesn’t that sound amazing? You actually can have that just 50 miles east from Florida. This magical place is called “The Bahamas.” I know even the name sounds tropical.
When I first went to the Bahamas it was back in May of 2023. My parents scheduled a 5 night Bahamas Cruise. I wasn’t supposed to go on this trip but last minute I had quit the job I had at the time and instead of spending the week drowning in my own sorrows, I went on the trip with them. I am really happy I did too because it was one of the best trips I have been on.
We took the Carnival Liberty and it was a nice boat but it was definitely older and smaller so if your someone that get’s sea sick definitely go for a bigger boat. That’s with any cruise line. Every time we cruise we always get a balcony room in the middle of the ship, this is because in the middle you can’t feel movement as much if at all and you can’t hear the engine. The balcony part is so you can see outside and actually walk onto a little balcony and sit and watch the water. As opposed to an inside room with no window. Those are really dark and you can definitely get claustrophobic.
Onto the Excursions, or Activities if you will. The number one thing I always recommend and what will make your Bahamas trip great is “swimming with the pigs.” Yes girl the swimming pigs are a real thing and it’s worth the hype. This has to be one of my favorite excursions I have done out of all the cruises I have been on it’s in the top 3. The pigs are literally so freaking cute and they even have little baby ones that you can hold. Now at the beginning they give you a speech that will freak you out saying “if you get stepped on it hurts bad, and don’t put your finger in front of their mouths or they’ll bite you.” Girl, don’t let it scare you the pigs are harmless just follow the rules and you’ll be fine. The pigs do go to the bathroom in the water so make sure when your swimming to not walk in any hehe.
The funniest thing about the pigs is they give you Hot Dogs to feed them…like what? They claim they’re turkey hot dog’s but I don’t think that’s true. We booked this excursion through our cruise line but if your just visiting the Bahamas without a cruise this is an activity I highly recommend. Pigs Beach is also the perfect opportunity for cute pictures.
Another activity I would recommend is “Pearl Island.” This was a part of our pig excursion it was called “Pigs Beach and Pearl Island Experience” or something like that lol. This place was really fun they provided food for you. Which was some jerk chicken and ribs with a salad and beans and some other stuff too. It was a very cultural meal which was great. It tasted pretty good too. There is also a little booth where you can buy souvenirs from. I got a little pig made out of bamboo and they can personalize it to say whatever you want. I made mine say “Bahamas 2023.” I recommend going up the little lighthouse that is there it’s a pretty view from the top and it’s not too tall of a climb. Their is also paddle boarding in a little netted area. They also have a water trampoline. Not gonna lie I was a little afraid of sharks but you can see the bottom so it’s not too deep. Just get a Sharkbanz you’ll be alright. I do remember seeing a starfish that was pretty cool. Don’t forget to put on a lifejacket though or they will yell at you lol.
View from top of Lighthouse!
Another cool thing about the excursion is they will show you different starfish they find. You can also find LOT’S of big shells. Like I’m talking a ton. Also on the boat ride back they show you where all the Celebrities houses are or where they used to live. You can even see Michael Jacksons suite that he stayed in at Atlantis. So not only are you having fun but you also get to learn some history.
Speaking of Atlantis, now I am going to the Bahamas at the end of this year and we are going to Atlantis. I haven’t been myself yet. From my knowledge it’s a big resort/waterpark. I have heard nothing but great things about it. It’s also great for children because there is so much to do in one place. Waterslides for the kiddos and drinks for the adults.
Now because you have to take a boat to pigs beach, I also recommend spending time on the actual island. There is tons of shopping and places to get drinks at, you can also just hang out at the beach if you don’t live around one. Don’t forget vacation is about relaxing too.
As far as food goes, because we were on a cruise we just ate on the ship. I will say though there is a Starbucks and a Margaritaville. So those places are ok to eat at. We always eat at a Margaritaville every time we go out of the country and I haven’t had any issues. By all means eat what you want explore the culture and a big part of that is eating the food. Like I said we ate on the boat but we did go to Starbucks. As far as recommending places though the only thing I can say is Margaritaville for drinks and food. Get the big Nacho its delicious.
The Bahamas is known for it’s Pirates, Blue Water and of course The Pigs! If you are considering going to the Bahamas this is your sign to do it. I promise you won’t regret it. So go get those pics with the pigs and go paddle board in the clear blue water. Go relax on the beach with your Margarita and do some local shopping. I mean you only live once right?
So when are we going??? Sounds so fun!!