Whether you dream of sunbathing, golfing, or scuba diving on your island vacation… the islands of The Bahamas may be your ideal destination!

We reviewed the best all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas—but first, we included five important tips so you can confidently plan the best Bahamas vacation.

5 Tips for Planning the Best Bahamas Vacation

Fun fact: the islands of the Bahamas are not technically a part of the Caribbean.

Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, and the other “Out” Islands of the Bahamas are located in the South Atlantic Ocean, with close cultural ties to Caribbean nations and the Caribbean community.

So, what does that mean for your dream vacation?

Let’s check it out!

1. Pick the right time to vacation in the Bahamas

High season in the Bahamas is similar to other Caribbean countries. So that’s mid-December to mid-April if you’re planning when to take that sunny island vacation.

But since the Bahamas aren’t quite as far south as Caribbean islands, the high season temps are often cooler than you’ll find in the tropics. That could mean a light jacket on some days between late December and February and definitely a coverup at night.

The humid rainy season starts in late June, and hurricanes are a greater risk from summer to late fall anywhere you might go in the Bahamas.

Still, very comfortable water temperatures and underwater clarity can make for fantastic snorkeling on summer days, and you’ll often experience more favorable winds for golfing in the Bahamas between spring and early summer.

Here are more handy Bahamian weather tips.

2. See if transfers are included in your Bahamas vacation

We’re using a recent trip to Nassau as an example here. 

Although Nassau is a smaller island and close to Lynden Pindling International Airport, we still would have preferred the convenience of staying at an all-inclusive resort where airport transfers are complimentary.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is conveniently located close to the airport, and your transportation to and from the resort will definitely make your vacation more relaxing.

Fun fact: Rolls Royce luxury transfers are included with top-tier suites at Sandals Royal Bahamian!

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: check out our Sandals Royal Bahamian In-depth Resort Overview and a comparison of the historic but beautifully modernized Sandals Royal Bahamian Windsor vs. Balmoral Towers.

3. Consider your favorite things to see and do in the Bahamas

Nassau (and its touristy little sister, Paradise Island) is the commercial hub of the Bahamian islands.

You’ll find good shopping and island crafts in and around downtown Nassau, while Paradise Island offers fun casino action and the sprawling mega-resort of Atlantis Paradise Island.

You’ll enjoy spectacular views golfing at Ocean Golf Club Course, although it’s not inexpensive to play (about $250 per round + golfing expenses).

Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is the second-largest residential area in the Bahamas. It’s known among tourists for Port Lucaya Marketplace, and for nature enthusiasts, Freeport offers exceptional opportunities for bird-watching. 

Both Nassau and Freeport have good opportunities for diving, and Sandals Royal Bahamian offers scuba for certified divers. If you’d enjoy having access to a private island off Nassau on your vacation, check out Sandals Barefoot Cay. 

Out Islands like Great Exuma are famous for fun excursions on nearby cays, including swimming with the pigs.

Because Great Exuma gets great ocean breezes, looking for an all-inclusive that offers unlimited watersports is a great idea.

Great Exuma offers a more relaxed pace, and you can get a direct flight to Exuma International Airport from many departure cities in North America, which is very convenient!

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: Sandals Emerald Bay is a top-rated all-inclusive on the spectacular Bahamian island of Great Exuma. Check out Sandals Emerald Bay for Your Golf Honeymoon!

4. Are you a foodie? Even if you’re not… all-inclusive restaurants aren’t created equally

The most memorable parts of your all-inclusive vacation will be what you eat and where you lay your head at night.

At the best all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas, it can be comforting to know that there are quality Midwestern steaks to savor as you would at a fine-dining place at home, as well as great pub food and a delicious breakfast buffet to start your morning right.

We can also recommend authentic Italian and French restaurants, a fun Japanese-style eatery, fresh seafood or vegetarian options that defy boring, and outstanding and flavorful local Bahamian dishes and yummy snacks.

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: you’ll want to see the link to all restaurants at Sandals Royal Bahamian and Sandals Emerald Bay. There are fantastic photos, restaurant FAQs, and delicious menus (word of warning: those menu items can make you hungry!).

5. Your room should be your castle at an all-inclusive resort

You might not need a lavish room at an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas, but the point is that you should be content and comfortable with your selected accommodations.

Another question to ask is… do you want a family-friendly property, or would you prefer romantic accommodations for couples only?

You should always enjoy unlimited luxury food, beverages, and amenities at the best Bahamian all-inclusive, whether you decide on a budget-friendly junior suite in the Beach House with green fees included or a magnificent oceanfront suite with Butler Elite service.

Don’t forget to check for Special Deals to save at the best-known all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas!

Wedding Pioneer Travel Tip: We compared Breezes to Sandals in Nassau to see the difference between an average and top-quality all-inclusive in the Bahamas!

Your Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Bahamas

Under each resort description, we’ll tell you what makes it the best, and click on the image links to imagine yourself there.

We use the five tips to help our couples plan the best vacation in the Bahamas, and our all-inclusive resort selections include Nassau, Freeport, and the Out Islands.

Let’s review the best all-inclusives in the Bahamas!

Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau

Sandals Royal Bahamian is the premier beachfront, all-inclusive resort in the entire Bahamas, with an offshore island for guests of this couples-only property in Nassau.

You can choose from over 400 suites in 33 categories, including swim-up suites and rooms with private plunge pools. 

There are two beautiful resort pools and the recently added Coconut Grove lounge and dining area with two fun food trucks for your snack attacks!

Best for premium dining and drinks, unlimited activities throughout the year, and accommodations to suit all budgets.

Prices start at $316 per person per night.

Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma

Sandals Emerald Bay is home to a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman, and unlike other golf courses in the Bahamas, your green fees are included in your all-inclusive stay.

There are 249 rooms in 18 categories and nearly half of the accommodations feature Butler Service. When you stay at this couples-only all-inclusive, you’re either on the beach or just a quick walk away.

One of the three freshwater pools at the resort is a zero-entry pool with a fire pit. If you like tennis, try the six Har-Tru courts and a sunken stadium court, or get your workout in at the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Best for a good selection of dining and drinks on a quieter island, golf and tennis throughout the year, and watersports in warmer (less windy) weather.

Prices start at $353 per person per night.

Warwick Paradise Island

Warwick Paradise Island welcomes guests aged 16+, and the resort has a small manmade beach in the middle of a busy harbor. Taxis are available from the airport for an additional fee (guest reviews note that cabs are expensive).

You can access decent meals, strong drinks, and daily snacks at five restaurants and two bars (open at different times), with a pretty standard resort pool and activities like beach volleyball.

There is also a small workout room with reservations required to use machines and weights, and some reviewers note that you shouldn’t expect a health club quality experience.

Best for a moderately priced all-inclusive resort with limited amenities, close proximity to downtown for shopping, and clean rooms offering great views of Paradise Island throughout the year.

Prices start at $406 per night.

Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island

It’s best to start with the positives at Hotel Riu on Paradise Island.

This property for guests 18+ sits on a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach, and all-inclusive amenities like drinks, snacks, and room service should be available 24 hours a day.

Many reviewers note that the buffet restaurant offers the best quality food for all meals. The rooms are described as dated, but overall, this appears to be a decent budget all-inclusive if you’re flying into Nassau.

The Riu also claims to offer a shuttle service to the airport, which is a bonus because taxis are pretty expensive.

However, reviewers strongly advise you to double-check shuttle arrangements throughout your stay, and some reviewers were disappointed that the shuttle didn’t show up at all. 

Best for budget sea-view rooms with balconies, decent food and drink service available 24 hours, and a good stretch of public beach (beware of the vendors).

Prices start at $1,990 for a minimum four-night stay.

Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

As one of two all-inclusive properties in Freeport, reviews for Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach are quite varied.

The positives include activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, pickleball, paintball, and even trapeze lessons. PADI diving excursions can be booked at an additional cost. 

Reviewers said the buffet was decent, and some reviews mention that the Mexican a la carte restaurant is fantastic. Bar service and snacks should be available around the clock.

Accommodations are not rated highly here, and there’s no airport transportation included.

The property is family-friendly, and guests seeking relaxation should be able to enjoy downtime here.

Best for a quiet beach vacation during warmer parts of the year and a good range of daily activities.

Prices start at $222 (non-refundable rate) per night for a basic garden view room.

Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort, Freeport

Lighthouse Pointe is a decent all-inclusive in Freeport with four new restaurants exclusively available to guests. Rates include meals, gratuities, service charges, and taxes, and according to their website, at least some premium beverages should be available.

Reviewers note that the rooms here are dated but have private balconies and complimentary Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a fitness center, fitness classes, and karaoke on Friday nights.

Best for great access to popular tourist attractions in Freeport, including Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Prices start at $236 per night for an island-view room.

Club Med Columbus Isle

Club Med Columbus Isle sits on 89 secluded acres, and the views of sandy beaches and electric blue waters are lovely. 

The emphasis here is on fresh and healthy living, and you’ll taste that in the all-inclusive meals and beverages at this resort. Guests speak highly of the land activities and watersports you can participate in at Club Med. 

Rooms are basic but clean, and the resort is family-friendly.

We thoroughly reviewed and compared Club Med resorts vs. Sandals, providing a great overview.

Best for an adventurous holiday and vacationing with strangers who become friends.

Prices start at $3,898 (regularly $6,300) for one-week off-season, including airfare.

Small Hope Bay Lodge

If you genuinely desire a very secluded getaway, Small Hope Bay Lodge in Andros Town could be the primitive escape you’re looking for.

This highly-rated property is not easy to get to (although their website offers transportation packages), and your accommodations are described as “rustic beachfront cabins” where technology like phones or TVs is non-existent.

The quiet vibe continues on the beach, and when you feel the need for activities, there are scuba diving lessons and watersports rentals available.

Your rate includes meals, snacks, and drinks set in open-air or indoor dining and bar areas, and the resort is family-friendly.

Best for off-beat excursions, including fishing tours and exploring this extraordinary island during warmer seasons.

Prices start at $650 per room per night.