As you would expect from a collection of islands, the Bahamas’ approach to life naturally revolves around the sea and the various adventures that can be had in, on and around it. Thanks to the gin-clear waters and colourful seascapes, scuba diving should definitely be on your list of things to do on your Bahamas trip. You can discover all types of sea life, coral reefs and magical caves. Andros Reef, just off the east coast, is the third-largest in the world and offers an unforgettable diving experience.

Away from the beach, Nassau is very different scene. Thumping nightlife, eclectic dining and a varied shopping experience are all part of the experience here. Climb up to the 18th-century Fort Fincastle and admire sweeping views across the Bahamas’ capital city, then return to level ground and find out more about the nation’s history at one of Nassau’s interesting museums.

Beaches and the Bahamas go hand in hand – this place has more than 700 islands and islets. Whether you’re a sun-worshipper or a watersports enthusiast, you’re sure to find a beach that caters to your needs.

It’s easy to while away the hours on the Bahamas’ pristine coastline. You can go banana-boating by Goodman Bay’s Beach, get comfy in a deckchair on Cable Beach, or unwind on the secluded sands of Gold Rock Beach. And no holiday to the Bahamas would be complete without a visit to Pink Sands Beach where, as the name suggests, you can expect to find rose-hued sands. Whichever beach you choose, you can wrap up the day in a seafront bar or restaurant, sipping a signature cocktail.

Sprawled across its very own island, Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas is a vast area of non-stop entertainment encompassing a 140-acre water park, magnificent beaches, an 18-hole golf course, and the iconic Atlantis casino. It’s also home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, featuring 14 lagoons and seven million gallons of saltwater, which is home to more than 50,000 aquatic creatures.

Dining options at Atlantis Paradise Island are seemingly unlimited, with everything from typical conch salads at McKenzie’s to award-winning Japanese cuisine at Nobu. And, if you want to continue the fun after dark, head over to one of the island’s trendy bars and lounges. You can sip cocktails at Dragon’s, try different craft beers at Moon Bar, or dance all night at renowned club, Aura.

December to February is the best time to go on holiday to the Bahamas. You can expect sunny days and comfortable nights, while daytime temperatures rarely fall below 25°C. As you would expect, though, this perfect weather comes at a price. As visitors flock from Europe and America to make the most of the Caribbean’s warm weather, this is also the most expensive time to go to the Bahamas.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider going in the shoulder season. Between March and August, humidity is higher and temperatures hover around the 30°C mark. But you can certainly make the most of the quiet beaches, while Spring Break visitors turn Nassau into party central. It’s best to avoid going to the Bahamas between September and November, as the hurricane season sees strong wind and heavy rain.

Visa: British citizens are allowed entry to the Bahamas for up to 21 days
Language: English
Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD)
Time difference: GMT -5 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight takes nine hours and 30 minutes
Capital city: Nassau