The Bahamas welcomes thousands of honeymooners every year, thanks to its colorful local traditions, postcard-perfect beaches, adventure-centric activities, and ideal location off the coast of Florida.

The Bahamian archipelago stretches some 100,000 square miles (from south Florida to Haiti) and is comprised of more than 700 islands and 2,000 cays. The country fronts the third-largest barrier reef in the world, just off the coast of Andros, and has approximately 900 square miles of coral reefs throughout.

The most developed islands are New Providence Island, Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama. There you’ll find mega-resorts (chances are you’ve heard of the Atlantis), Bahamas all-inclusives, casinos, and bustling downtown areas. Cable Beach, on New Providence Island, for example, is lined with glitzy resorts that have set up shop along the sugar-soft sand for decades. The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, is also located on New Providence. Chockfull of colonial charm and history, the city is well known for its Mardi Gras-style New Year’s festival, called Junkanoo. The tradition features parades and parties complete with colorful costumes, choreographed dances, and Bahamian music.

Outdoorsy couples should consider visiting Grand Bahama’s Lucayan National Park, the site of one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Whether on land or underwater, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor exploration and to learn about the many native species and ecosystems. If you’re more of an escapist couple, consider heading to one of the “Out Islands,” such as Andros, the Abacos, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, or the Exumas. In these remote spots, it’s possible to have an entire beach to yourselves—and isn’t that every honeymooner’s dream, really? Read on for our guide to the ideal Bahamas honeymoon, including the top Bahamas resorts and more for your Bahamas vacation.

When to Go

The Bahamas is a popular year-round destination, with average temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to avoid travel during the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November), as well as peak tourist months (mid-December to mid-April). This is typically when snowbirds from the U.S. flock to the Bahamas, and heightened demand drives up hotel and flight costs. During the off-season, couples can catch discounted rates at hotels and generally more romantic surrounds (i.e. uncrowded beaches).

Getting There and Around

With its location just off the east coast of Florida, it's quite convenient to fly to the Bahamas. Nassau is the busiest and most popular point of entry. The main airport here is Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). It's also where you can make connections to many other remote Out Islands. Nassau has direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, and Philadelphia, among many other destinations. It's only about a half-hour flight from Miami to Nassau.

Most travelers won't need a rental car to get around in the Bahamas. You can easily get around via public transportation or taxis on the main islands. Also, check to see if your hotel or accommodation provider has pick-up and drop-off options.

What to Do

• Beaches - It's easy to see why the beaches of the Bahamas are such a big draw. Cable Beach on New Providence Island boasts a four-mile strip of sandy shores and plenty of water activities for newlyweds. Pink Sands Beach at Harbour Island/Eleuthera measures out at three miles and offers pink sands and some of the best swimming anywhere. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island and Xanadu Beach on Grand Bahama Island (close to Freeport) are also fine choices to relax on the soft Bahamian sands.

• Diving - Divers will certainly be impressed with the country's wreck sites and coral reef formations. About 10 miles from New Providence's southwestern coast, start your diving tour by exploring Shark Wall. Be amazed at the colorful fish and the chance to swim with sharks. Meanwhile, Lucayan National Park is home to a six-mile underground cave system that even features spiral staircases.

• Fishing - The Bahamas is a magnet for fishing enthusiasts thanks to its abundant sea life. Cast your line with Reef Tours on Grand Bahama or Born Free Charters on New Providence and look to reel in some mahimahi, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and barracuda. Or better yet, make your way over to the island of Bimini, best known as the "Big-Game Fishing Capital of the World." Swordfish, sailfish, and marlin also frequent the waters here.

• Snorkeling - Whether through your hotel or a local outfitter, it's not too difficult to set out on a snorkeling excursion. And with dozens of phenomenal snorkeling spots around the country, couples can easily find a trip that best suits them. There are some great sites at Paradise Island and New Providence. For example, the Goulding Reef Cays and Rose Island Reefs are quite accessible and relatively easy to explore. On Grand Bahama Island, don't miss out on the discoveries at Gold Rock Beach.

• Kayaking - Home to the lovely Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the Bahamas is a fantastic destination for kayakers. This protected marine sanctuary – home to more than 350 cays – has tremendous sea, bird and plant life, plus gorgeous reefs and white-sand beaches.

• Sailing - Filled with hundreds of islands, turquoise waters, and active marine life, a trip to the Bahamas isn't complete with a sailing excursion. Whether it's a sunset sail, half-day catamaran cruise, or multi-day island-hopping adventure, you'll be in for the experience of a lifetime. Set out with Seahorse Sailing Adventures and choose from a variety of tours such as snorkel and sunset cruises.

Where to Stay

• Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas - This 2,300-room mega-hotel offers 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, a casino, and more activities than you can count. First, there’s the other-the-top water park (who doesn’t love the chance to act like kids again?), then there are the three beaches and 12 pools (plenty of room to spread out). Those seeking an upscale, private stay should book a room at The Cove, an all-suite section of the resort situated between Cove and Paradise beaches.

• Coral Sands - This Harbour Island classic recently unveiled new beachfront cottages and bungalows, adding to its impressive sable of accommodations fronting the island’s famed pink-sand beach. Couple that with an oceanfront pool, a low-key beach bar/restaurant, and a shop you’ll want to bankrupt yourselves in, and Coral Sands is a honeymoon home run.

• SLS Baha Mar - When Baha Mar, a three-hotel mega-complex, finally opened on Nassau in 2017, honeymooners everywhere gained a sophisticated stay just minutes from the airport. The hippest hotel, the SLS, is the ideal getaway for couples. It offers trendy accommodations and sophisticated dining outlets, such as a Katsuya (designed by Philippe Starck), top chef Danny Elmaleh’s Cleo Mediterráneo, and Fi’lia, by James Beard Award-winning Michael Schwartz. Not to mention you have access to Baha Mar’s casino, pools, beach, and more.

• The Dunmore - It’s hard to top this boutique hotel, situated on the famous pink-sand beaches of Harbour Island. Amenities include a heated oceanfront swimming pool, a tennis court, concierge service, and classic Mediterranean fare at the on-site restaurant and bar, The Clubhouse. Each of the spacious guest rooms is tastefully outfitted with contemporary furnishings in calming shades of blue, accented by natural fibers, warm woods, and woven textures.

• Kamalame Cay - You don’t have to fly all the way to the Maldives to honeymoon at a private-island resort. This exclusive resort, located on a 96-acre cay near Andros, offers every kind of luxury: secluded villa accommodations, an over-the-water spa, a full-service marina and dive center, and more.

• The Cove - Not to be confused with the Paradise Island version, this luxe hideout on less-traveled Eleuthera island is where in-the-know couples go to escape. Whitewashed bungalows are just steps from two secluded beaches—and a delicious plate of lobster or sushi at the on-site restaurants, Gregory Town Grill and Freedom Restaurant and Sushi Bar.

Where to Eat

• Cafe Matisse - Indulge in eclectic Italian cuisine at this noteworthy spot in Nassau. The ambiance is also fabulous, from the yellow walls to the Matisse prints and charming garden courtyard setting.

• Nobu - Arguably the most sought-after restaurant in the country, especially considering the success of chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s New York spot. From the inventive menu to the spectacular sake cellar, this will be a Japanese dining experience like you’ve never had before.

• Queen Conch - This colorful snack shack is a best bet for local Bahamian cuisine. On top of terrific sea views from the deck, the other main attraction is the super fresh conch salad, which is diced and prepared right before your eyes. 

• Mahogany House - Sophisticated and simple is the calling card of this Cable Beach favorite. Between the wood-fired pizzas and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, this is surely to be one satisfying honeymoon dining experience.