7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Nassau

As a digital nomad living in Nassau, you're already in a tropical paradise that many people dream of visiting. But even in paradise, the urge to explore and change scenery is natural. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway to recharge your batteries or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the islands surrounding Nassau offer a variety of experiences. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, here are seven destinations that are perfect for a weekend escape.

Exuma Cays

The Exuma Cays are a stunning archipelago of 365 islands and cays, known for their sapphire-blue waters and endless sandbars. A popular activity is swimming with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay, but you can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park offers a protected area for some of the world's most beautiful marine life.

How to Get There: The best way to get to the Exuma Cays from Nassau is by a small plane, with flights taking around 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat or a ferry service for a more scenic route.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to snorkel in Thunderball Grotto, a marine cave that was featured in the James Bond movie "Thunderball."

Where to Stay: Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers charming bungalows and an opportunity to rent your own boat for exploring. For a luxurious stay, consider the Grand Isle Resort & Spa with its stunning ocean views.

Where to Eat: The Staniel Cay Yacht Club restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and Bahamian specialties. Try their conch salad, a local favorite.

Harbour Island

Harbour Island is famous for its pink sand beaches and laid-back luxury. This charming island is a blend of New England architecture and Caribbean color. Spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring the quaint Dunmore Town, or taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

How to Get There: To reach Harbour Island, take a short flight to North Eleuthera, then a taxi to the dock and a water taxi over to the island.

Travel Tip: Rent a golf cart to explore the island at your own pace; it's the primary mode of transportation and a fun way to see everything.

Where to Stay: The Pink Sands Resort offers luxury cottages along the famous beach, while The Dunmore provides a boutique hotel experience with a touch of history.

Where to Eat: Sip Sip, with its ocean views, is the go-to spot for lunch and is famous for its lobster quesadillas and rum punch.

Andros Island

Andros Island is the largest yet least explored island in the Bahamas, offering a serene escape for nature lovers. It's home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world, blue holes, and lush forests. Diving, bonefishing, and bird watching are popular activities here.

How to Get There: Andros is accessible by a short flight from Nassau or via a ferry service.

Travel Tip: Visit the Androsia Batik Works Factory to see the creation of the island's vibrant, hand-crafted batik fabrics.

Where to Stay: Small Hope Bay Lodge is an all-inclusive resort that caters to divers and nature enthusiasts, with cozy cabins right on the beach.

Where to Eat: The lodge's dining area offers a variety of local dishes, including fresh fish and Androsian specialties.

Blue Lagoon Island

Blue Lagoon Island, also known as Salt Cay, provides a perfect day trip or weekend getaway with its tranquil lagoon, white sandy beaches, and a variety of water activities. It's a great spot for families and couples alike, with opportunities to interact with dolphins and sea lions at the marine park.

How to Get There: A short boat ride from Nassau will take you to Blue Lagoon Island, with several departures available throughout the day.

Travel Tip: Take advantage of the VIP beach day package for a more exclusive experience, including a private beach and amenities.

Where to Stay: While there are no overnight accommodations on Blue Lagoon Island, nearby Paradise Island offers a range of hotels, such as the Atlantis Resort with its famous water park.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a tropical drink and a light meal at the Blue Lagoon Island beach bar, which offers a picturesque view of the lagoon.

Eleuthera

Eleuthera is a slender slice of paradise known for its colonial villages, pineapple fields, and pink sand beaches. Surfers and beachcombers flock to Eleuthera for its waves and secluded coves. The Glass Window Bridge, where the dark Atlantic meets the turquoise Caribbean Sea, is a must-see.

How to Get There: Eleuthera is accessible by a short flight from Nassau or by a fast ferry service.

Travel Tip: Explore the island's many caves and cliffs, including the Preacher's Cave, where the island's first settlers found shelter.

Where to Stay: The Cove Eleuthera offers a boutique experience with stunning views and a private beach. For a more historic setting, stay at The Buccaneer Club in Governor's Harbour.

Where to Eat: Tippy's Restaurant and Beach Bar is a favorite for its eclectic menu and beachfront dining experience. Their fish tacos come highly recommended.

Spanish Wells

Spanish Wells is a small, tight-knit fishing community on St. George's Cay, just off the northern tip of Eleuthera. It's known for its lobster fishing, pastel-colored houses, and pristine beaches. The pace of life is slow here, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and cultural immersion.

How to Get There: Reach Spanish Wells by taking a flight to North Eleuthera and then a short boat ride to the island.

Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the island's charming streets and meet the friendly locals.

Where to Stay: There are several vacation rentals and guest houses on the island, such as the comfortable and homey Spanish Wells Rentals.

Where to Eat: The Shipyard Restaurant & Bar is a local hangout with fresh seafood and a view of the harbor. Their lobster dishes are a highlight.

Rum Cay

Rum Cay is one of the lesser-known islands of the Bahamas, offering unspoiled beauty and a true off-the-beaten-path experience. With its rich history, including several shipwrecks and ruins, as well as its vibrant coral reefs, Rum Cay is a haven for divers and history buffs.

How to Get There: The most common way to get to Rum Cay is by chartering a flight from Nassau, as there are no scheduled commercial flights.

Travel Tip: Visit the ruins of the 19th-century St. George's Anglican Church and the nearby cemetery for a glimpse into the island's past.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are limited, but you can find a few guesthouses and rental homes, such as the Rum Cay Retreat, which offers a peaceful and rustic stay.

Where to Eat: Dining options are scarce, but the local marina often has a restaurant or bar open where you can enjoy fresh catch and island staples.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these weekend getaways from Nassau offer something for every digital nomad. Each destination provides a unique glimpse into the diverse beauty and culture of the Bahamas, ensuring your weekends are as enriching as your workdays.