With its high-end resorts and exclusive fine dining experiences, the Caribbean might not be your first choice for a budget getaway.
But according to a new report from Squaremouth, one Caribbean island is the cheapest spot for American travelers to choose if you’re looking for a budget fall getaway this year.
I’m talking about the Bahamas, and I’m just as surprised as you are!
The same study found that traveling this fall will cost 30% more than it did last year, making this the most expensive fall travel season to date.
Wondering whether the Squaremouth research is right on the money? Here’s a breakdown of costs to visit the Bahamas to work out just how affordable it can be:
Flying To The Bahamas
There are 4 international airports in the Bahamas:
- Nassau
- George Town
- Freeport
- Marsh Harbor
They all offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. this fall.
The cheapest airport to fly into is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.
This is also the busiest airport in the Bahamas and is considered the most important airport in the Caribbean, so I will focus on this one when listing example prices.
Getting to Nassau is a breeze, with direct flights from a whopping 10 U.S. airports this fall.
These are:
- Miami
- New York
- Fort Lauderdale
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Atlanta
- Houston
- Boston
- Charlotte
- West Palm Beach
Flying from Miami to Nassau from October 15 to October 22 nonstop in an economy class seat will cost $245 flying with Bahamas Air.
Alternatively if you would prefer a U.S airline then for $265 you could choose American Airlines on the same dates.
This flight route has an incredibly appealing flight time of just 1 hour.
Alternatively you could fly from New York to Nassau. Flying from October 13 to October 19 nonstop will cost $258.
This is with Delta, and has a 3 hour 10 minute flight time.
Staying In The Bahamas
There are plenty of options for travelers on all kinds of budgets to visit the Bahamas, but the focus here will be on budget stays.
And with 700 different Bahaman islands to choose from, narrowing down where exactly you want to stay should be your first job before you pick a hotel.
Grand Bahama is the most northerly of the main islands, and has a reputation for being the most budget friendly. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches but with a less eye-watering price tag!
On the Tripadvisor rating of the best 10 budget-friendly hotels in the Bahamas, 3 of the top options cost less than $200 per night for stays in October.
These are the:
- Saint Francis Resort And Marina. This offers incredible views of the ocean and the harbor, and guests are particularly complimentary about the friendly and welcoming staff. The Saint Francis Resort And Marina is considered the ‘best little resort’ in a Bahamas.
- Pelican Bay Hotel. Friendly staff,and a great location close to an abundance of great hotels, this is a small hotel that offers everything a budget traveler could need.
- Sandyport Beach Resort. This is a beachfront resort that’s right by the ocean and in a bustling area, so suited to travelers keen to explore. You’re in walking distance of shops and restaurants, but the resort has everything you need if you don’t want to leave the pool!
Things To Do In The Bahamas
One of the very best things to do in the Bahamas doesn’t have to cost a penny. Relaxing on perfect white sand beaches!
If you pack your snorkel and mask, then many beaches have shallow areas that are ideal for snorkeling.
Pearl Island, just northwest of Nassau, is considered the best snorkeling location in the Bahamas.
Provided you stick to public beaches or the beach attached to your hotel or resort, spending the day on the beach or snorkeling from the shore doesn’t have to cost you a single cent!
If you prefer diving then the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and The Abacosall feature a host of world-renowned dive sites.
If you fancy yourself an international man (or woman) of mystery then the James Bond Wrecks is one of the most famous dive sites in the Bahamas. Located off the coast of New Providence, you can book trips with the Reef Oasis Dive Club.
Dive packages start from $61 per person.
Finally, the most popular and famous excursion that takes place in the Bahamas is a visit to see the swimming pigs.
You can arrange this with Exuma Water Tours, though I admit it’s more of a splurge than a budget day out.
A half-day pig swimming tour on a 36-foot power boat with reef snorkeling and blow hole swimming, as well as the chance to swim with the pigs, will cost $190 per person.
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