Hiking in Bahamas
Places in Bahamas. On the map.
The vibe
Hiking in the Bahamas feels like wandering through a tropical archipelago, with mangrove trails and limestone cliffs rather than dense forests. The dry season from November to April offers the clearest skies and cooler temperatures for longer walks. Most hikes are informal, often guided by locals or organized by eco‑tour operators, and the trails are modest in length.
visitor permit for national parks
Andros West Side Trail – Andros Island
Andros Island
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A 12‑km wilderness trek crossing pine forests, mangrove swamps and remote beaches along the western coast of Andros. The trail is rugged in places, with wooden bridges and occasional steep sections, offering a true back‑country experience.
Access. Fly to Andros Town (ASD) and arrange transport with a local tour operator who provides a guide and a basic camp kit. A small park fee applies.
Notes. Carry mosquito repellent; the trail can be muddy after rain. Overnight camping requires a permit from the Bahamas National Trust.
Cat Island Historic Trail – The Hermitage
Cat Island
JanSolo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A moderate 8‑km trail that climbs gently from the coast to the ruins of The Hermitage, an 18th‑century plantation house. The route traverses coastal scrub, limestone outcrops and offers panoramic sea views.
Access. Fly into Cat Island’s New Bight Airport (TBI) and hire a local guide for the hike; a small fee supports the site’s preservation.
Notes. No water sources on the trail; carry sufficient supplies.
Clifton Heritage National Park – New Providence
New Providence
Oscar Flowers / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A historic coastal path that follows the shoreline past slave‑history sites, old forts and the iconic Clifton Beach. The trail is mostly flat, with interpretive signs and occasional boardwalk sections over dunes.
Access. Take a taxi or bus to the park entrance on Clifton Road; no permit needed, just a modest entry fee. The trailhead is clearly signposted.
Dean’s Blue Hole Trail – Long Island
Long Island
Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A short, rugged path that descends from the road to the world‑famous Dean’s Blue Hole, the deepest marine sinkhole on Earth. The trail includes a steep stairwell and a viewing platform overlooking the turquoise water.
Access. Drive from Clarence Town to the Dean’s Blue Hole parking lot; the trail is free and self‑guided. Parking fee may apply.
Notes. The stairwell can be slippery when wet; bring a flashlight for early morning visits.
Glass Window Bridge Trail – Eleuthera
North Eleuthera
Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A scenic coastal walk that spans the famous Glass Window Bridge, where the deep blue Atlantic meets the turquoise Caribbean. The trail follows the ridge with occasional viewpoints and easy steps.
Access. Drive or take a shuttle from Governor’s Harbour to the bridge parking area; the trail is free and self‑guided.
Notes. Strong winds can make the bridge feel exposed; wear sturdy shoes.
Great Exuma Trail – Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Exuma
Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A 7‑km coastal trek that traverses pine‑forested dunes, mangrove lagoons and pristine white‑sand beaches within the protected Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. The path includes occasional boardwalks and modest elevation changes.
Access. Fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT) and hire a local guide or rent a 4×4 to reach the trailhead at Moriah Harbour. No permits are required for day hikes.
Notes. Best visited during the dry season (November‑April) to avoid trail mud.
Lucayan National Park – Grand Bahama
City of Freeport
Pietro / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A short coastal boardwalk winds through mangroves to Gold Rock Beach, then continues to the world‑class Lucayan Cave system. The terrain is flat and sandy, with occasional wooden steps, making it an easy walk with striking sea‑views and limestone formations.
Access. Enter the park from the main gate on Highway 7 near Freeport; a small entrance fee is required. The trail is well marked and can be done without a guide.