Bahamas

Why the Bahamas

The Bahamas offers turquoise waters, resilient communities, and welcoming hospitality—ideal for donor retreats, alumni gatherings, student teams, and coastal recovery work. Nassau provides historic context and cultural immersion, Exuma and Eleuthera invite small-group rest, and Out Islands connect to reef restoration and hurricane recovery partners. With flexible, vetted itineraries, leaders can focus on storytelling and generosity—supported by our travel commissions guide.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Nassau & Paradise Island: Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Straw Market, Junkanoo culture, and partnership with urban nonprofits.
• Exuma Cays: boat excursions to sandbars and swimming pigs, Stocking Island retreats, snorkeling, and coastal reflection time.
• Eleuthera & Harbour Island: Glass Window Bridge, pink sand beaches, pineapple farms, and boutique retreats.
• Grand Bahama & Andros: Lucayan National Park, blue holes, reef restoration, and ecotourism organizations.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Nassau & New Providence

• Base in Nassau for cultural tours, historic sites, and community partners.
• Visit Pompey Museum, John Watling’s Distillery, and Graycliff for artisan workshops.
• Partner with nonprofits on youth outreach, disaster recovery, and community development.

Exuma & Out Island Retreats

• Short flight or ferry to Great Exuma; charter boats to Staniel Cay or Stocking Island for downtime and donor appreciation.
• Engage with conservation projects, local leaders, and school programs across the cays.

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

• Fly or ferry to North Eleuthera; explore Glass Window Bridge, The Cow and the Bull rock formations, and Dunmore Town.
• Host small-group retreats in oceanfront villas, combine with Pineapple Fields farm-to-table experiences.

Grand Bahama & Andros

• Work with hurricane recovery efforts, reef restoration, and community centers.
• Lucayan caves and blue holes offer naturalist talks; Andros’ marine base supports research-focused teams.

Trip Length & Pacing

6 Days

• Arrive Nassau; orientation, welcome dinner, and cultural tour.
• Service project with partner organization; afternoon at Queen’s Staircase and local markets.
• Fly to Exuma for boat excursion, coastal outreach, and downtime on sandbars.
• Return to Nassau for leadership workshop, donor dinner, and departure.

8 Days

• Adds Eleuthera or Harbour Island retreat with facilitated small-group sessions and community visit.
• Includes additional service day or reef restoration project.
• Provides buffer for relaxed morning or donor storytelling training.

11 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Nassau, Exuma, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, or Andros.
• Adds hurricane recovery partnerships, marine conservation, and multiple donor appreciation evenings.
• Allows relaxed mornings, beach events, and strategic planning with Bahamian leaders.

Best Time to Go

• November–April offers dry season, pleasant temperatures (70s–80s°F), and calmer seas.
• May–June is shoulder season with brief showers; hurricane season (June–November) requires flexible planning and close monitoring.
• Summer heat/humidity demand hydration and midday rest; we schedule mornings/evenings for outreach and storytelling.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Nassau (NAS), Exuma (GGT), North Eleuthera (ELH), Marsh Harbour (MHH), and Freeport (FPO).
• Transport: charter coaches, vans, ferries, charter boats, and small flights between islands; we work with trusted operators.
• Lodging: partner guesthouses, boutique resorts, sustainable lodges, and beach villas sized for teams and donors.
• Meals: Bahamian cuisine—conch, jerk, fresh seafood, fruit, and desserts; safe water and dietary needs handled with partners.
• Mobility: light to moderate—boat ladders, beaches, and uneven docks; we provide accessible options for team members with varied abilities.
• Fundraising moments: seaside receptions at sunset, boat briefings, artisan dinners, and rooftop storytelling nights.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Florida or Dominican Republic for Caribbean circuits.
• Add Jamaica or Cuba for cultural comparisons.
• Combine with Mexico (Cancun) or Puerto Rico for multi-island journeys.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need passports? A: Yes—U.S. citizens need a valid passport; some nationalities require additional documentation.
• Q: Are visas required? A: Not for U.S. travelers staying under 8 months; we guide other nationalities as needed.
• Q: Can donors join service-focused trips? A: Absolutely—we design itineraries that balance hands-on engagement with downtime and coastal hospitality.
• Q: How do we manage supplies? A: We coordinate with partners for priority items and handle customs guidance for donations and tools.
• Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Reserve 6–9 months ahead for winter/spring travel, retreat venues, and hurricane-season contingencies.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add the Bahamas to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.