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The Bahamas in April: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Considering a trip to the Bahamas in April and need to know what to expect or what to do? We can help!

To sum it up, April in the Bahamas has moderate crowds and comfortable weather with less humid days and breezy nights. Some of the best things to add to your itinerary in April include boat tours, scuba diving and fishing inshore and offshore. Since April is part of the shoulder season for the islands, rates can be a little lower for vacations this month.

Since April is the start of shoulder season, it’s possible that you’ll be able to enjoy the great weather without fighting the crowds for a spot on the beach.

Planning to visit the Bahamas in April and want to know the best things to do? We’ve done all the work for you! Take a look at all the fun things the Bahamas has to offer in the month of April and plan the best trip possible!

Bahamas Weather in April

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas
Atlantis / Agent Wolf / Shutterstock

April in the Bahamas happens to be the least humid month of the year, while also being one of the sunniest months. This makes conditions extremely ideal for beach, water and underwater activities and tours.

April has really nice temperatures throughout the month, with daily highs hovering around 80°F and the lows around 70°F. The weather will be mostly warm day or night with occasional breezes and extremely low chance of rain or thunderstorms. Water temperatures are around 77°F which makes scuba diving even more pleasant in April.

Overall, April can be described as comfortable to warm, with clear skies, low winds and ideal temperatures in and out of the water. Despite the beautiful forecast, the only downside to April is that it’s the start of sea lice season.

Sea lice season sounds worse than it actually is. Sea lice is the term for jellyfish larvae which are prevalent in the months of April through July. They come in waves and can become trapped in swimwear, giving you a rash or a possible allergic reaction. This isn’t a worry for most visitors, it’s still worth paying attention to any local warnings on the beach or via health advisory.

Bahamas April Weather Cheat Sheet

Average Low Temperature69°F (20.5°C)
Average High Temperature81°F (27°C)
Average Sea Water Temperature77°F (25°C)
Humidity66%
Average Rainfall1.6 inches (40.6 mm)
Average Days with Rain5 days
UV Index10 (Very High)
Day Length~12 hours 45 minutes
Sea ConditionsGenerally calm to moderate
VisibilityTypically good, 8-10 miles
Dew Point~66°F (19°C)
Air Quality IndexGood
Likelihood of HurricanesVery Low

Bahamas Affordability & Crowds in April

Coco Cay Bahamas
Coco Cay / Solarisys / Shutterstock

April is still part of the high season in the Bahamas, although crowds do begin to thin out toward the end of the month as Summer is fast-approaching. Spring Break is over at this point, but many golf and fishing tournaments, as well as snow birds and retirees keep the crowd levels higher in April.

Since this is the busy season, you can ensure that restaurants, tours and hotels will be open and available this month. If you don’t mind fighting a few crowds or paying a little extra for certain experiences, April is a gorgeous month to visit the Bahamas.

Rates for all aspects of your trip will be pretty high this month, including transportation, flights, hotels, attractions and tours. The expense is definitely worth it if you prefer the great weather. However, if you would rather save the money and don’t mind hotter conditions, Summertime offers lower rates and fewer people.

Traveling to the Bahamas in April

Royal Caribbean Cruise Bahamas
Solarisys / Shutterstock

Traveling to the Bahamas in April is a breeze where weather is concerned, but can be pricey and full of tourists. One of the best ways to get a full, all-inclusive and relaxing experience is to take a cruise. Cruises are ideal for anyone living in Florida or along the Atlantic Coastline since cruises often give you the choice of a 2 to 7 day long trip.

You’ll spend most of your time at sea, but many cruises have dedicated islands and activities for passengers when they arrive at the Bahamas. You can choose the cruise based on the number of days you want to visit, as well as the experiences they offer on board and ashore.

Ferryboats are another fun way to travel to the Bahamas this month, especially if you live in Florida. The ferry rides can be quite busy in April, but the weather should not cancel or delay trips from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to the islands. These rides last about 2.5 to 4 hours and will transport you to Nassau, Freeport or Bimini. The ride can be scenic but not as enjoyable as a cruise.

Lastly, guests can opt to book a flight to the Bahamas from just about anywhere. This may be the more expensive option, but it guarantees smooth and quick travel to your destination. To save money, book a direct flight to Nassau and then take another form of transportation to neighboring islands. If money is no object and you want to skip the busy city, fly into the beautiful Abacos or directly to North Eleuthera.

Best Bahamas Islands in April

All the islands in the Bahamas experience shoulder season in April, so it’s a little easier to plan a trip to any of them this month. However, if you love the idea of visiting the more popular islands without all the crowds, April is a great time to see Grand Bahama.

Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama / Massimo Mariani / Shutterstock

Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is the second most popular island in the Bahamas, located only 52 miles off the coast of Florida. You can get to Grand Bahama in three hours from Palm Beach, Florida, take a cruise from anywhere on the Atlantic Coast or fly into Grand Bahama International Airport. Freeport serves as the main city and tourist hub, so most transportation will lead here.

Grand Bahama is an island known for water sports like boating and kite surfing, as well as snorkeling, fishing, sightseeing and shopping. If you’re looking for the ultimate tourist adventure, book with Bahamas Jeep Safari to get a quick history and tour of Freeport and surrounding areas. If you prefer to have a more relaxing day on foot, head over the Port Lucaya Marketplace for a grand shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

If a diving excursion is more your speed, Grand Bahama is full of great locations for your next trip. Tiger Beach in particular is great for diving with tiger sharks, especially in the Spring. There also several blue holes along the coastline, in addition to expansive underwater caves. Deadman’s Reef is another great dive, located on Paradise Cove: the storied pirate haven.

For those looking to stay on land, nothing beats sunbathing at Lucaya, William’s Town, Xanadu, Paradise or Taino Beach. There are often plenty of things happening on the shores of Grand Bahama, including beach jams and parties, bonfires, fish fries and more. The friendly residents of Grand Bahama are welcoming to outsiders, so popping into an impromptu party is no big deal.

Grand Bahama is also famous for it’s cinematic scenes like Golf Rock Beach at Lucayan National Park, which was featured in several Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The National Park is located on a 530-square-mile island northeast of Freeport and is home to a 40-acre mangrove forest that houses 18 different bird species unique to this island.

In general, Grand Bahama is perfect for outdoor adventurers who also enjoy nightlife, great dining and active forms of recreation. From snorkeling to swimming with dolphins or roaming miles of secluded beaches, Grand Bahama has the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

Best Things to Do in the Bahamas in April

The Bahamas are beautiful in April which allows you to do just about anything you want to do in the islands. The weather is pretty mild this month, the water is calm and the season is busy so lots of things will be available to do. As a matter of fact, there is so much to do in April that we’ve narrowed it down to only the best things you should plan on doing this month.

Explore the Coastline

Coco Cay Bahamas
Coco Cay / Solarisys / Shutterstock

While in the Bahamas you have to go parasailing, especially in the idyllic Springtime. Parasailing is an experience like no other where guests can soar to heights of up to 500 feet above water. Parasailing tours set sail from Nassau, Cabbage Beach, Freeport and a few other smaller islands in the area. On the journey, you’ll head out to deeper water right off the coast and strap into the parasail.

After liftoff, you’ll get breathtaking views of the islands and see deep into the clear blue waters. We’ve spotted lots of creatures from the sky, including rays to sharks. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the guides will reel the balloon back into the boat and sometimes dip your toes in the water on the way back in. Overall, it’s a very adventurous way to see the coastline.

You can get an undersea adventure by renting the Personal Underwater Subs for in Nassau. These unique single-person submarines take you on a short dive to the local reefs where you can find fish, coral and other creatures. Renters don’t need any previous diving experience to operate these underwater vehicles, so anyone can do it.

Other rentals are available from local island shops or at your resort. You’ll find anything from snorkel gear, jet skis, banana boats and glass bottom boats for rent on the beach. Any one of these rentals can enhance any beach day, especially if you want to spend less on an excursion and go at your own pace.

Book a Catamaran Tour

Catamaran Tours Bahamas
Ingus Kruklitis / Shutterstock

Catamaran tours are a fairly relaxing way to get out on the water at a leisurely pace. Catamarans give a more immersive experience than the typical sailboat cruise, so prepare to get wet and possibly help the captain on your journey. Some tours offer snorkeling stops and lunch, while others take you to specific islands for interactive swimming with pigs or turtles.

The Bahamas have lots of interesting tours to choose from, it can be difficult to pick one or multiple to fit in your vacation. The best strategy is to determine what your group wants to see and what level of activity or adventure they want to have. Some of the best tours in April include exciting sailing or driving excursions, but also include slow-paced walking or food tours.

Beach buggy tours are probably one of the most fun outings your group can do. They seat between 4 and 6 people and most companies have varying rental lengths. The rentals will allow you to explore the island on your own time if you choose, or you can opt to follow a guide on a tour of different sites around Nassau including the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle and natural landscapes like the dunes and caves.

There are even fancier dinner cruises available if you’re looking for a more romantic outing. The catamaran tours are priced lower than other tours, so this is a great opportunity to save a buck on an otherwise expensive trip.

If you’re looking for a cultural experience after days of island hopping, Nassau Food Tours is the way to go. There are several different tours available that combine different aspects of the island along with local food, including historical sites, wine tasting, rum distilleries and chocolatiers. For more historical sites at a slower pace, sign up for a regular walking tour of Nassau to see all the history up close.

Dive Reefs and Wrecks

Steel Forest Bahamas
Steel Forest / Sven Hansche / Shutterstock

April is a perfect month for diving in the Bahamas. The mahi begin to arrive in droves this month and it happens to be mating season for fish and lobster. The Bahamas are known for shark sightings year round and different species can be seen in different seasons. In April, you’re likely to find the usual Reef, Lemon and Nurse sharks, along with Oceanic White Tips, primarily near Bimini and Grand Bahama.

The sharks will circulate through the many different ship wrecks around the islands, as well as the coral reef formations just off the coasts. Some of the best diving sites include Sugar Wreck, known for bustling sea life, Steel Forest of three wrecks, and the Exuma Land and Sea Park.

In April the water will warm up so shallow dives are great in just a swim suit, but deeper dives may still require a full wet suit. There are many different options available to amateur or professional divers including lots of local dive operators to book with and liveaboard tours. Liveaboard excursions are several days to a week long and will take you to many different sites, so this option is often best for those who are strictly looking to dive in the Bahamas.

Fish Inshore and Offshore

Mahi Dolphin Dorado Bahamas
Dorado / Jason Richeux / Shutterstock

The Bahamas are very well known as a bone fishing haven year round, so many anglers will want to fish inshore for these prized fish. Bahamian residents and charter captains claim that the Abaco Islands are the best place for bone fish along with Andros Island, New Providence Island or Yamacraw Beach. You could try it on your own inshore, but we recommend hiring a charter to guarantee a good catch.

There are a fair number of other species in season this month including Amberjack, Barracuda, Dorado, Grouper, Mackerel, White Marlin, Permit, Sailfish, Shark, Snapper. Many of these will be available inshore, so you can easily take your own boat out or hire a charter for several hours.

However, you’ll want to book with the professionals if you’re looking to catch billfish like White Marlin this month. Marlin and Sailfish are in season but can only be found in deep waters far offshore. These impressive fish can be difficult to catch and require lots of heavy gear and a steady hand. Marlin in particular are known for jumping and diving. Despite the imposing danger of the bills on these fish, they are really fun to hunt for and catch.

Swim with the Dolphins

Freeport Dolphins Bahamas
Freeport / Petro Shkvarok / Shutterstock

Swimming with the Exuma pigs is one of the top experiences in the Bahamas and there are many tours that offer this as an option, including the aforementioned catamaran tours. While this can be a really unique excursion, we guarantee there will be many people vying for the pigs’ attention in April. As a matter of fact, there will be many people at many of the natural experiences this month, but we’ll mention a couple things that can be truly magical in April.

Swimming with the Dolphins is a really incredible experience that you can do any time of year in the Bahamas. What makes April special is that the water is warm enough to thoroughly enjoy the fun. The other good thing about a swim with the dolphins is that you can choose from multiple different venues including Blue Lagoon, Dolphin Cay, and Balmoral Islands.

The dolphins have really great personalities and love visitors. Some of the experiences will even include trick shows from the dolphins and trainers or will allow guests to feed the dolphins fishy treats.

Another fun way to experience the Bahamas’ natural wildlife in April is to find the iguanas. Allen Cay, otherwise known as Iguana Island, is one of the preferred places to spot these large reptiles. You’ll need to book a tour or have your own private boat to visit this island on the Northern end of the Exumas, but it’s well worth it for a trip in April when fewer people will be visiting the cay.

Hit the Links

Bahamas Golf Club
Andrii_K / Shutterstock

Golf is lovely in the Spring and the conditions are outstanding for a full round. The weather can get windy, but there’s little chance of rain so most days will be great for the sport. There are many places to go golfing in the Bahamas in March, and it’s likely that your luxury resort has an 18-hole championship course on the grounds.

One of the most luxurious options is Baker’s Bay Golf Club designed by Tom Fazio. Baker’s Bay is a members-only resort located between Abaco and the Atlantic. Despite the grandeur and elevation of the resort, this club is famous for “barefoot golf” where players can play the beautiful greens shoeless. This is an 18-hole course that can accommodate all levels and features refreshment areas just off the greens.

Albany is less exclusive but equally as beautiful, offering players an 18-hole championship course, elite practice facilities and an extensive clubhouse. The Hero World Challenge is held at Albany each year as part of the PGA Tour, making the course even more special. Albany was designed by Ernie Els and comes equipped with high dunes and desert features, along with uniquely distinct scenery you won’t find anywhere else in the Bahamas.

April Events in the Bahamas

White Marlin Fishing Bahamas
White Marlin / lunamarina / Shutterstock

National Family Island Regatta

This fun family event features a traditional island sloop race that’s considered one of the greatest in the world. The best sailors in the Bahamas gather for four days to race their hand-built boats starting at Elizabeth Harbour on Exuma Island. In addition to the race, beach activities like markets, parties and various competitions take place for anyone to join.

Bahamas Billfish Championship

The Bahamas Billfish Championship follows up the Bacardi Rum Billfish Tournament in March, held at the same Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. Teams compete with dead bait and artificial lures to catch the most Blue Marlins by pound. At the end of the championship, funds are donated to the Bahamas Billfish Championship Scholarship Fund to support students studying marine related fields.

Conclusion

April in the Bahamas is a great time to plan a more relaxed vacation without too much fuss. It’s a little easier to plan a trip this month on shorter notice and also get to all the things you’d like to do. Since April is the first month after high season, it’s good for planning trips on a lower budget. The lower tourist crowds allows for better rates on transportation and accommodations.

There’s no shortage of things you can do in an April trip to the Bahamas. Tours and excursions are still open and available and should be easier to book this month, but it’s also a great time to go exploring on your own. Everything from snorkeling and diving to shopping and golfing is perfect this month.

Top locations like Grand Bahama are a lot less busy in April, making it a great month to for those who want a quieter vacation.

If you love to save money and appreciate a little more wiggle room in your itinerary, April is the perfect month to plan a vacation to the Bahamas!

This article is part of Roundtript’s series of expert Bahamas travel guides for every month of the year.


Spring in The Bahamas

Summer in The Bahamas

Fall in The Bahamas

Winter in The Bahamas
MarchJuneSeptemberDecember
AprilJulyOctoberJanuary
MayAugustNovemberFebruary

For a summary of each Switzerland month & season all in one place, check out our big guide to the Best Times of the Year to Visit The Bahamas.

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