Summer Vacation Bucket List

Summer isn’t just a time of year — it’s an invitation to embrace a slower pace, spend more time together, and dive into a new experience or two. And while it might be sunny at home, there’s no place for laidback living like Nassau & Paradise Island.  Here, summer brings our best weather for ocean dips, balmy patio evenings, countless cool-off water experiences, and the best hotel rates of the year. The countdown’s on — start building your bucket list and hop on a plane to Paradise this summer.

Sun, Sand & Swimming

Warm weather is a given whenever you visit Nassau & Paradise Island, but the summer season truly turns up the heat, with average temperatures in the high 80s. These long, sun-soaked days create the ideal conditions for enjoying the calm, shallow coastal waters, making them perfect for swimming or snorkelling at one of our 17 beloved beaches.

Take a quintessential dip in the Caribbean at the iconic Cable Beach or Cabbage Beach, two of our most popular postcard-worthy destinations known for their crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. For peaceful beach bliss, Caves Beach—named after its unique wave-sculpted limestone caverns — is a private Paradise that feels worlds away from the tourist traffic.

No matter where you stay in Nassau & Paradise Island, a pool oasis is always within reach. From Dean's Blue Hole at Baha Mar, with its secluded grotto and cascading waterfalls, to the picture-perfect tiled design at Graycliff Pool and the beach-like River Pool at Atlantis Paradise Island, there are countless spots to take a refreshing dip. 

Water Activities

Up for an adventure? Venture below the water’s surface with a snorkelling excursion. Embark on a 60-minute snorkelling tour to explore the legendary lost city of Atlantis, complete with intriguing sunken ruins and schools of tropical fish. For an extended experience, sail across the turquoise waters of Nassau with Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas on a half-day tour that takes you to some of the Caribbean's most vibrant and lush reefs. If you're a more experienced snorkeller, visit Love Beach or Jaws Beach to explore acres of coral reef just off-shore.

For a once-in-lifetime experience, take a day trip to Sandy Toes Rose Island, a secluded Caribbean oasis just a 25-minute boat ride from Nassau & Paradise Island. This full-day excursion offers a variety of water activities, from swimming to snorkelling and kayaking, along with a buffet picnic lunch. If you only have a few hours to spare, consider ending your day with a Sunset Dinner Cruise hosted by Seahorse Sailing Adventures. This evening experience in Paradise Island Harbour captures the magic of the Caribbean at dusk with incredible coastline views and a refreshing rum punch to pair.

Waterpark Adventures

Beyond the beach, Nassau & Paradise Island is home to a world of waterpark fun. Slide into Aquaventure at Atlantis, the Caribbean's largest water-themed attraction. This 141-acre waterscape is packed with a variety of pools, rivers, and slides for thrill-seekers and families alike. For the adventurous, the Power Tower is a must-visit. This 120-foot tower houses four electrifying slides, each with unique twists and turns. The Mayan Temple is another iconic feature, boasting five sky-high slides, including The Leap of Faith, a high-speed ride with a 60-foot vertical drop.

Baha Bay Waterpark at Baha Mar, set on 15 acres of beautifully landscaped beachfront, is the ultimate all-day destination with experiences ranging from extreme freefall slides to lazy river rides. Start your adventure with a float in the massive wave pool, enjoying the ebb and flow of gentle waves, or test your surfing skills on the simulator. Families with young children will love Turtle Beach, a kid-sized area with shallow pools, mini-slides, and interactive water play zones to entertain little ones.

There’s no better place to get into the Paradise state of mind than Margaritaville’s Fins Up Water Park. Located on stunning Junkanoo Beach in the heart of Downtown Nassau, the park offers an array of adult-and kid-friendly slides, a zero-entry pool, a rock climbing wall, and open-air dining and drinks at Feeding Frenzy.

Indoor Retreats

Thanks to the balmy ocean breezes and shade from the palm trees, summer weather in Nassau & Paradise Island is surprisingly comfortable. But when you're ready to take a break from the sun, you'll find a variety of indoor experiences (with air conditioning!) for cooling off while keeping the vacation vibes alive.

When you're in need of rest and rejuvenation, there's nothing like an afternoon at the spa. If you've spent a bit too much time in the Bahamian sun, Atlantis' Mandara Spa offers the Elemis Soothing Sunburn Treatment to cool and heal your skin. For muscles weary from exploring, the Bahama Deep Tissue Massage at The Ocean Club Spa is the perfect remedy to melt away tension. At Baha Mar's ESPA, the Mojitos and Manicures menu is the perfect pick-me-up paired with a refreshing cocktail.  And at the award-winning Red Lane Spa at Sandals Royal Bahamian, the Tropical Glow Facial will leave you fresh-faced and glowing.

For a morning of cultural immersion, explore the history of The Bahamas at one of many museums. At the Pirates of Nassau Museum, discover the swashbuckling tales of pirates who once roamed these waters. Learn about the history of Junkanoo celebrations at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum. Or, admire the works of prolific Bahamian artists at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas in downtown Nassau. 

Experiencing the stunning sunsets at Nassau & Paradise Island is truly a magical affair. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a warm glow over the turquoise waters and pristine beaches. The tranquil ambiance, coupled with the soothing sounds of the ocean and the gentle caress of a tropical breeze, invites you to unwind and let go of all your worries.

Outdoor Eats & Cold Treats

Refreshing cocktails, ocean breezes, and warm weather well after the sun sets — every day feels like a perfect patio day in Nassau & Paradise Island. With so many inviting spots for al fresco dining, you'll want to add a few of these unique dining destinations to your bucket list.

For a front-row seat to a spectacular Bahamian sunset, handcrafted cocktails, and elevated eats, reserve an ocean-view table Dune at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Sea Glass Lounge at The Cove Atlantis, or Marcus Up Top at Baha Mar. For a dining experience that's as close to the water as it gets, Gordon’s on the Pier at Sandals Royal Bahamian All-Inclusive offers unique over-the-ocean tables. For a taste of authentic local cuisine and Bahamian beer, The Fish Fry, previously known as Arawak Cay, is the ultimate spot to enjoy a laid-back meal of conch and fresh seafood with a picturesque view of the beach and Paradise Island in the distance.

Complete your open-air dining experience with a sweet finale. Take a stroll and grab a frosty treat from Sun & Ice, located in The Coral lobby at Atlantis, where you'll find a variety of ice cream, sorbet, and gelato. Try Bahamian flavours like soursop, caramelized banana, and guava, or stick with beloved classics like chocolate and strawberry. 

Book Your Summer Vacation

Beyond the sun-soaked days and invitingly warm waters, summertime in Nassau & Paradise Island also means the best rates and special offers at our hotels and resorts. Find your perfect place to stay and make the most of your vacation with limited-time travel deals. Looking for more trip inspiration? Explore our events calendar to plan your visit around something special.