10 Incredible Souvenirs to Collect During Your Visit to The Bahamas

A cruise to The Bahamas offers a truly memorable adventure, and what better way to cherish those moments than by selecting unique souvenirs? Whether for yourself or someone special, these items will help you remember your trip long after you've returned home. Shopping in The Bahamas is an enjoyable way to experience the islands. You can choose a sightseeing and shopping shore excursion, spend hours exploring the outdoor markets of Nassau and Freeport, or make a spontaneous stop at a roadside vendor. The best part? Prices are duty-free. Here are 10 fantastic items to consider bringing back.

1. Handwoven Straw Items

Creating baskets, hats, purses, fans, and more from dried palm fronds and sisal is a traditional Bahamian craft, and you’ll find these products for sale everywhere. The Nassau Straw Market derives its name from these iconic souvenirs, while Freeport’s Port Lucaya Marketplace features over 100 vendors selling straw goods. Opt for a wide-brimmed straw hat to protect you from the sun while lounging on the beach or deck, a vibrant purse embroidered with your initials, or a spacious shopping basket to help carry even more treasures home.

2. Local Rum

Nothing beats the feeling of enjoying a refreshing rum punch at an open-air bar on Half Moon Cay or a casual beach shack on Grand Bahama. To recreate the signature cocktails of the Bahamas at home, consider bringing back a bottle or two of rum. Don’t hesitate to ask your friendly bartender for the recipe of a local favorite like the Bahama Mama or Yellow Bird, or mix your own drink using coconut or pineapple rum. Not a fan of cocktails? Opt for a rum cake instead — it’s a beloved island treat that's wonderfully sweet.

3. Jewelry Made from Conch Shells

The conch is not just a tasty dish in The Bahamas. Its lovely pale pink shell is polished and transformed into stunning jewelry available in numerous souvenir shops. You’ll find bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that cater to various styles and budgets. For a special treat, consider splurging on pieces made with rare pink pearls, which also come from the conch.

4. Artisan Jams and Jellies

Savor a sweet piece of The Bahamas when you get home by packing some jars of tropical local jams and jellies in your suitcase. Flavors like guava jelly and pineapple jam are popular choices and make for delightful spreads on bread or ingredients for cooking and baking.

5. Fine Cigars

For true cigar enthusiasts, a visit to the cigar factory in Nassau is a must, and be sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out. Bahamian cigars make excellent gifts and are a souvenir worth saving for a future celebration.

6. Vibrant Batiks

Available by the yard, vibrantly colored batik fabrics crafted into clothing, table linens, and accessories are a hallmark of The Bahamas. Be sure to look for Androsia — batiks handmade on the island of Andros for over 40 years and available throughout the islands. Their designs showcase local motifs like seahorses, corals, and hibiscus flowers, helping you remember the stunning sights of the islands long after you've left.

7. Pine Seed Dolls

This local craft utilizes the cones from the native Bahamian pine tree, which thrives in the forests of Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, and New Providence. These cones are transformed into charming dolls, each uniquely crafted. They make wonderful gifts for children and delightful decorations to brighten your home, bringing back joyful memories of your time in the Bahamas.

8. Junkanoo Artwork

Junkanoo, a lively street festival, is The Bahamas' annual national celebration. The vibrant dance costumes embellished with feathers and beads, along with elaborate headdresses and masks worn during the parade, are recreated in model and miniature forms, available in gift shops throughout the year. You can also discover Junkanoo-themed artwork, ornaments, jewelry, and much more.

9. Local Music

Grab some local music CDs, and every time you hit 'play,' you'll be transported to The Bahamas in your mind. With melodies filling the air wherever you go, it doesn't take long to understand why the archipelago is known as 'The Islands of Song.' Influenced by American blues, local church choirs, and West African drumming, Bahamian music boasts its own unique rhythm. Traditional styles include the lively goombay and the instrumental rake 'n' scrape, with steel drum music being quite popular as well.

10. Handcrafted Woodcarvings

Artisan woodcarvings are another popular find in the markets and gift shops across The Bahamas. You'll often catch artists at their stalls, skillfully crafting new pieces with their knives while offering a variety of carved ornaments and practical items. For a useful souvenir, consider a beautifully carved bowl paired with matching salad servers. Local wildlife frequently inspires these creations, with carvings of marine life such as turtles and tropical fish being particularly common. How about taking home a wooden carving of a stingray or starfish as a reminder of your snorkeling adventure?