Although you might not realize it when you’re traveling within the Sunshine State, the Bahamian archipelago is right off the coast of Florida. That means that the country’s beautiful beaches, rich history, and unique attractions like the Swimming Pigs should are accessible on a 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami. But should you fly or travel by boat?
As you’ll soon see, flying is by far the best way to enjoy a one day trip to Bahamas from Miami. We’ll explain why in this article, as well as highlight some of the attractions you can look forward to seeing.
Keep reading to learn about a 1 day cruise from Miami to Bahamas by plane!
1 Day Trip to Bahamas From Miami: Fly to Pig Beach
Day Trips to Bahamas From Miami by Plane
When most people talk about the 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami, they refer to tours that travel by ferry. These depart from Miami early in the morning for Freeport or Bimini.
Both Freeport and Bimini are beautiful islands, but they’re also two of the most popular islands in the 700-island country. That makes parts of them feel like tourist traps and makes it difficult to get a true taste of the country.
Besides being touristy, a 1 day cruise from Miami also involves hours of transit time. While the ferries leave Florida at the crack of dawn, they don’t arrive on either island until the early afternoon. That, combined with the crowds of people at each destination, limits what you can do upon arrival.
Nothing beats the views from the plane when you travel with Bahamas Air Tours.
Thankfully, opting for day trips to Bahamas from Miami by plane lets you avoid all of these issues. Traveling with Bahamas Air Tours lets you cruise in comfort in a private-class plane while enjoying stunning views from the sky. Likewise, as flying is faster, you’re also not stuck visiting two of the closest islands. Within two hours, a Bahamas day trip from Miami by plane lets you visit Exuma, a secluded part of the country home to stunning natural beauty and unique attractions like the famous Swimming Pigs.
While the 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami by boat is popular, air travel is the ideal mode of transportation.
One Day Trip to Bahamas: What to See
The beautiful beaches of Exuma are just a short plane ride away from Miami.
Staniel Cay
When you travel on a 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami, you’ll land at an airport on Staniel Cay. Known as the Gateway to Exuma, Staniel Cay is close to many local attractions, including Pig Beach. On the island, you’ll switch over to a boat and begin your day tour.
While Staniel Cay serves as your entry and departure point to the Exuma Cays, it’s also a stunning island. You’ll have some time there after your tour for lunch and sightseeing before making your way back to Miami.
Pig Island
The Swimming Pigs are one of the most popular sites on a 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami.
If you’ve ever seen images of pigs on beaches, these are most likely the Exuma Pigs on Pig Island. Officially known as Big Major Cay, the island has become such a famous destination that imitation Pig Beaches have popped up throughout the Bahamas. Nevertheless, Exuma is home to the original Swimming Pigs.
When your 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami approaches Pig Island, you’ll see the Exuma Pigs swim out to greet you. From there, you’ll have time to wade onto their beach, see their island home, and interact with them some more.
From bottle feeding the young pigs to learning about their history, the excursion is a highlight of a Bahamas day trip from Miami.
Sandbars at Pipe Creek
Another highlight you’ll see on a 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami is Pipe Creek. Home to sandbars that you can walk on top of at low tide, the area is one of the most picturesque spots in the region.
As you sink your toes into the soft sand and wade through the warm, crystal-clear water, you’ll thank yourself for signing up for a 1 day cruise from Miami that travels by plane.
Bitter Guana Cay
The northern Bahamian rock iguana lives on Bitter Guana Cay.
The Swimming Pigs may be a highlight of a 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami, but they’re not the only animals you get to see when you travel by plane. On your day tour, you’ll also get to observe iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay.
In recent years, the Bahamian northern rock iguana has seen its population decline. Thankfully, the local government has taken steps to protect the animals, and today, you can see them on full display on different islands like Bitter Guana Cay.
As your boat approaches the island, you’ll see the colorful lizards slither out from the nearby vegetation to greet you. While you shouldn’t feed or touch them, seeing them is still an incredible experience, particularly given the species’ conservation status.
Thunderball Grotto
Are you a fan of James Bond? If yes, you’ll want to visit Thunderball Grotto. If not, you’ll still want to visit Thunderball Grotto!
Another site near Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto is a system of underwater caves. At low tide, the area is perfect for snorkeling, as you can enter the tunnels with just a mask and goggles.
Having served as a filming site for the film Thunderball, the site is recognizable to any James Bond fan. However, as it’s home to tropical fish, coral, and other marine species, it’s somewhere that you’ll love visiting regardless of your feelings towards the international super spy.
An Underwater Plane Wreck
Another underwater attraction is a plane wreck near Staniel Cay. One of several in the region, the plane crashed during a drug smuggling run from South America. Filled to the brim with marijuana, it’s since sat in its water depths for decades.
As those years passed, nature took over, and today, the underwater plane wreck is home to fish and other creatures. The shallow water around the plane makes it another great snorkeling destination on a 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami and travel by plane.
Compass Cay
Another island you’ll visit on a Bahamas day trip from Miami is Compass Cay. Home to the Exuma swim with sharks experience, the island is famous for its resident nurse sharks.
Cross swimming with sharks off of your bucket list after visiting Compass Cay.
Years ago, the owner of the island’s marina befriended a school of nurse sharks. They’ve remained in the waters around the piers ever since, and today, travelers come from around the world to get in the water alongside them. The island is so well-known, it’s been featured in various animal programs.
While you don’t have to get in the water with the sharks, it’s a worthwhile and exhilarating experience. Seeing massive fish up to ten feet in length swimming by your feet is something you won’t soon forget!
1 Day Trip to Bahamas From Miami: The Ultimate Day Trip
If you’re looking for the ultimate day trip, sign up for a 1 day trip to Bahamas from Miami that travels by plane. Flying offers a much more comfortable experience than boating and lets you visit the islands of Exuma.
When you travel with Bahamas Air Tours, you can look forward to seeing the Exuma Pigs and other highlights in the region. That said, if you want full customization over your itinerary, you can book a private tour or even charter your own plane.
Start planning your dream one day trip to Bahamas from Miami today!
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