Water -- Technically, tap water is drinkable throughout The Bahamas. Still, we almost always opt for bottled. Resorts tend to filter and chlorinate tap water more aggressively than other establishments; elsewhere, bottled water is available at stores and supermarkets, and tastes better than that from a tap.

In 2026, you can safely drink the tap water at major resorts on the islands of New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport). These islands use modern desalination and municipal treatment systems that meet international safety standards. However, many visitors still notice a "salty" or heavily chlorinated taste that can be off-putting. On smaller cays and Out Islands (like Exuma or Eleuthera), the water quality is less consistent, as many properties rely on private cisterns or wells that are vulnerable to contamination, especially after heavy rains. For 2026 travelers, the "pro-tip" is that most high-end resorts provide complimentary bottled water or have filtered "hydration stations" throughout the property. While you can safely brush your teeth or shower with the water anywhere, most tourists prefer to drink bottled or filtered water for the better taste and to avoid the minor "stomach upset" that can occur simply from the change in mineral content between their home and the islands.