This 7-day Bahamas island hopping itinerary takes you from Florida to three incredible islands: Bimini's pristine beaches (by ferry!), Nassau's culture and Atlantis resort, and Exuma's world-famous swimming pigs. Perfect for adventurous travelers who want to experience the real Bahamas beyond a single resort.
Trip Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Bimini
Beach ParadiseStart your Bahamas adventure with the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini. Just 2 hours across the Gulf Stream and you're in paradise. Bimini offers the most beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling, and authentic Bahamian culture.
🚢 Getting There
Balearia Ferry: Departs Fort Lauderdale 9:00 AM, arrives Bimini 11:00 AM. Round-trip from $198 + $70 fees. Book cheap tickets
Day 1 Schedule
Depart for Port Everglades
Arrive at Terminal 21 by 7:30 AM for check-in
Ferry Departure
Enjoy the 2-hour crossing, watch for dolphins
Arrive Bimini
Clear customs, taxi to hotel ($15), check in
Radio Beach
The main beach - swim, snorkel, relax. Rent beach chairs ($10)
Lunch at Stuart's Conch Stand
Fresh conch salad made right in front of you - a must!
Explore Alice Town
Walk the colorful streets, visit shops, see Hemingway's old haunts
Sunset Dinner
Fresh seafood at Big John's Bar & Grill with ocean views
Day 2 Schedule
Breakfast
Local breakfast at Captain Bob's - try the johnny cakes
Snorkeling at Honeymoon Harbour
Book a boat tour ($60) to swim with stingrays
Golf Cart Island Tour
Rent a cart ($80/day) and explore North Bimini
Pack & Transfer to Airport
Short flight to Nassau departs late afternoon
Days 1-2 Estimated Costs
Days 3-5: Nassau & Paradise Island
Culture & AtlantisNassau is the heart of the Bahamas - historic downtown, Cable Beach, and the famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Three days here lets you experience world-class resorts, Bahamian history, and vibrant local culture.
✈️ Getting There
Flight from Bimini: Southern Air or charter, 30 minutes, $120-180. Alternatively, fly from Nassau International to Bimini on Day 2.
Day 3: Atlantis Day
Atlantis Resort Day Pass
Water park, aquarium, beach access ($185/adult)
Lunch at Marina Village
Shops and restaurants overlooking the marina
Water Slides & Aquarium
Don't miss the Leap of Faith and Predator Tunnel
Dinner & Casino
Try your luck at the Atlantis Casino
Day 4: Historic Nassau & Beach
Downtown Walking Tour
Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Parliament Square
Fish Fry at Arawak Cay
Local hangout with the best fried fish & sky juice
Cable Beach
Relax on Nassau's famous beach, water sports available
Bay Street Nightlife
Bars, restaurants, and live music downtown
Day 5: Blue Lagoon Island
Blue Lagoon Island Excursion
Dolphin encounters, beach, water activities ($189)
Return & Pack
Prepare for early flight to Exuma tomorrow
Days 3-5 Estimated Costs
Days 6-7: Exuma & Swimming Pigs
Bucket List AdventureThe highlight of your trip - the world-famous swimming pigs of Exuma! This remote paradise also offers swimming with nurse sharks, Thunderball Grotto snorkeling, and some of the most beautiful cays in the Caribbean.
✈️ Getting There
Flight from Nassau: Bahamasair to George Town, Exuma. 35 minutes, $180-250 round-trip. Book ahead!
Day 6: Swimming Pigs Day
Early Flight to Exuma
Arrive George Town by 8:00 AM
Swimming Pigs Tour Departs
Full-day boat tour ($250-350) includes multiple stops
Big Major Cay - Swimming Pigs!
The famous pigs! Swim, feed, and take photos
Compass Cay - Nurse Sharks
Swim with friendly nurse sharks in the marina
Lunch on a Private Sandbar
Grilled lunch included in tour, swim in crystal water
Thunderball Grotto
Snorkel the famous James Bond movie location
Iguana Beach
Feed the friendly Exuma rock iguanas
Return to George Town
Check into hotel, sunset drinks on the beach
Day 7: Departure
Beach Morning
Last swim at Tropic of Cancer Beach (one of the world's best!)
Flight to Nassau
Connect to Miami/Fort Lauderdale flight home
Days 6-7 Estimated Costs
Total Trip Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $550 | $700 | $1,000 |
| - Ferry (Bimini RT) | $270 | $270 | $350 |
| - Flights (inter-island) | $280 | $430 | $650 |
| Accommodations (6 nights) | $600 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Activities | $350 | $600 | $900 |
| - Swimming Pigs Tour | $250 | $300 | $450 |
| - Atlantis Day Pass | - | $185 | $185 |
| - Other activities | $100 | $115 | $265 |
| Food & Drinks | $300 | $500 | $900 |
| TOTAL (per person) | $1,800 | $2,800 | $4,800 |
- Book ferry tickets on Wednesday for lowest prices ($198 vs $250+)
- Stay in Alice Town (Bimini) instead of Resorts World - save $100+/night
- Skip Atlantis day pass - Cable Beach is free and beautiful
- Book swimming pigs tour directly in Exuma vs. from Nassau - save $50+
- Eat at local spots like Arawak Cay - half the price, better food
What to Pack
Essentials
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Flight/ferry confirmations
- Cash (USD accepted)
- Credit cards
- Travel insurance docs
Beach & Water
- Swimsuits (2-3)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel gear (or rent)
- Waterproof phone case
- Underwater camera
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothes
- Cover-ups
- One nice outfit for dinner
- Flip flops & water shoes
- Sun hat
Practical Items
- Seasickness medication
- Insect repellent
- Small daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank
Best Time to Do This Trip
The Bahamas is beautiful year-round, but timing affects pricing and weather:
- Best Weather: December - April (dry season, 75-85°F)
- Best Prices: May - early June, November (shoulder season, 30% savings)
- Avoid: September - October (hurricane season, some attractions may close)
- Ideal: Late April - May for perfect balance of weather and value
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! A 5-day version works well: Skip Bimini and fly directly to Nassau (2 nights), then Exuma (2 nights). Or do a 4-day version with just Bimini (ferry, 2 nights) and Nassau (2 nights). The swimming pigs are harder to skip - that's the bucket list item!
Absolutely! Kids love the swimming pigs, Atlantis water park, and nurse sharks. The ferry ride is an adventure. For young children (under 5), consider a shorter 5-day version with more downtime. Kids 8+ will love the full itinerary.
Book ahead: Ferry tickets (2+ weeks), all flights, hotels, swimming pigs tour (sells out!), Atlantis day pass. Book on arrival: Restaurant reservations, golf cart rentals, local tours in Bimini/Nassau.
The ferry may be cancelled in rough seas (rare, usually 2-3 times per year). Swimming pigs tours run rain or shine unless there's a storm. Have backup plans: Atlantis/casino days for rain in Nassau. Book refundable rates when possible and get travel insurance.
Ready to Start Your Island Hopping Adventure?
Book your ferry to Bimini and begin the ultimate Bahamas experience
Book Ferry to Bimini Get Cheap Tickets