Have you ever had that insatiable hunger for an adventure deep within your soul? The kind of experience that shouts for festivals, parties, beaches, and everything else in between.
If you have, we are here to shout back the best possible answer we could think of—the Bahamas!
The Bahamas is one of the best places to spend your vacation. Whether it’s a quick summer getaway or a month-long trip, this place has everything you could possibly ask for.
That just goes to show that the Bahamas is, indeed, a piece of heaven here on Earth.
That said, if you are planning on going to this paradise, you’ve probably asked yourself one important question: when is the best time to cruise Bahamas? The short answer? Anytime!
If you need a guide of sorts for your Bahamas vacation, you’ve come to the right place.
We are here to discuss the various things you need to know about cruising the Bahamas. This is where we start your journey to paradise.
Where Are the Bahamas Islands Located?
The Bahamas is located just a little over 80 kilometers from the coast of Florida and over a hundred miles north of Cuba.
However, despite its proximity to the United States, and contrary to common belief, the Bahamas is not and has never been part of American sovereignty.
It is, in fact, part of the British Commonwealth up until its declaration of independence in 1973.
The Bahamas has about 700 islands and over 2,000 coral reefs. Despite this number, only 30 or so islands are actually inhabited by locals.
The closest island from Florida is the Bimini Islands, which is located at about a 50-mile distance.
What Are the Seasons in the Bahamas?
Because the Bahamas is a tropical country, the islands of this nation only have two seasons instead of the usual four.
The dry season starts at around November and ends towards the late part of June, while the wet season begins in the early days of July and ends in December.
1. Dry Season
Although the dry season spans from November to June, the temperature of the Caribbean islands is actually cooler during the month of January.
During this time, what you’d want to do is spend your days by the beach during the day and stay indoors or look for other activities during the night.
It is during the month of April that the sun is most active. During this month, the islands receive plenty of sunshine as the sun is up for more than nine hours daily.
2. Wet Season
If you are planning on going to the Bahamas between July to December, prepare for an increase in the amount of rainfall that you’d experience.
Don’t worry, though, because the wet season in the Bahamas still brings with it lots of days you can spend on the beach.
Interestingly, the ocean water is actually warmer during the wet season, which makes it a great time for snorkeling and doing other water activities.
However, if you are one who enjoys sunny days, the wet season might not be an ideal time to visit because the islands receive only about seven hours of sunshine on average.
What Is the Bahamas Famous For?
Now that you have learned a thing or two about the Bahamas, it’s time to dive deep into the Bahamian culture.
Festivals and lots of other fun-filled activities actually happen in the Bahamas all year long.
If you have ever wondered why people love going to the Bahamas, we’ve got the answer for you. Here’s why the Bahamas is very popular among tourists:
1. Festivals
One of the many reasons why people love going to the Bahamas is because of the festivals.
In fact, you would hear many say that you don’t know real festivals until you have experienced Bahamian festivities.
These festivals happen almost the entire year and help promote the culture of the islands.
Festivals like Junkanoo, which is held during the Christmas season, and the Great Bahamas Seafood and Heritage Festival, which happens in October, are just some of the activities to look forward to.
2. Beach Activities
Another thing you will definitely enjoy visiting in the Bahamas is its beaches. There, you can go snorkeling all day or visit their many enchanting underwater caves.
You can also visit their Pink Sands beach and even swim in the sea with a pig! That’s how exciting the Bahamian waters are.
If you re a big fan of pristine beaches, we recommend that you check out the Cat Island. Indeed, this beach is one of those places that looks as though it’s sent from the heavens.
3. Casinos
Lastly, if you want the full experience of the Bahamas, don’t forget to visit some of the best casinos there, which are considered some of the best not just in the country but in the whole world.
The casinos in the Bahamas have gained their reputation in being some of the most luxurious casino resorts you could ever find. It’s like seeing Las Vegas in the middle of the ocean.
Best Time to Cruise Bahamas
All these wonderful things we’ve mentioned bring forth the question that has probably bugged you for quite a while.
If you’re still wondering when is the best time to cruise Bahamas, here’s what you need to know:
December to April
It is during the months of December to April that the Bahamian islands are most alive. If you visit the country during these months, you will get to witness lots of festivals and numerous events.
Aside from that, going to the country during the first quarter of the year is a guarantee that you’d get to enjoy the beautiful beaches because these months are part of the dry season.
However, one disadvantage of this is that the months of December to April is the peak season for the country’s tourism, which means that the cost of travel and lodging are often at a higher rate than usual.
Certain tourist attractions and popular resorts and villas may also be filled with other tourists, which means that you’d have to be a little bit more patient.
April to June
The shoulder season of the Bahamas is during the months of April up until June.
The volume of arrivals is quite lower than that of the months of December to April, which means that there is quite a reduction in the number of other tourists.
If you’re not a big fan of festivals and would actually just want to explore the Bahamian islands in peace, these months would be the perfect setting for you.
Aside from that, the prices of flights and lodging are at a lower cost as compared to the prices during peak season.
Still, if you’re actually looking for a relaxing Zen vacation, the months of April to June may not be the best time to go to the Bahamas because these months are filled with Spring Break activities.
August to November
Lastly, the months of August to November is what Bahamians call the low season. That’s because, during these months, there are fewer tourists that visit the islands.
For that reason, too, the prices of flights, hotels, and resorts are at their lowest.
If you want to visit the Bahamas but you don’t want to spend a fortune, or you just really want to have a more personal experience of the islands, these months would be an ideal time to go there.
On the other hand, the months of August to November may not be the best time for you if you love going to parties and festivals, as there are fewer celebrations during these months.
The months of August to November are also the best months that can guarantee you’d be able to book a room in the Atlantis Resort, which is one of the most famous resorts in the Bahamas, located in Paradise Island.
Before you book a room there, look for accommodations online, such as those offered by Atlantis Resort, so you have an idea of the place beforehand.
Conclusion
Always remember that when planning a trip to the Bahamas, you have to know what it is that you want to experience.
Researching about the country and the wonders of its islands is one of the best things you can do to prepare for your trip.
The Bahamas is riddled with hundreds of activities and festivals happening all throughout the year, and it’s fairly easy to find things that you can do while you’re there.
In deciding when is the best time to cruise the Bahamas, the answer is within you. Because, honestly, any time of the year would be the best time to do so!
You surely won’t regret the memories you’d get to make in spending your vacation in its islands.
The seasons we’ve mentioned here are just guidelines. At the end of the day, what matters most is what kind of memories you want to make.
The Bahamas will definitely have anything and everything you want because it’s a paradise here on Earth!