Matthew TownMatthew Town at a Glance
Costs: One of the more affordable Bahamian outposts - roughly $70-$120 per day for simple lodging, park tours and meals.
Safety: Safe but isolated - very remote and quiet; wildlife and weather are the primary concerns, not crime.
Best Time: Visit during dry season (Nov-Apr) - november-April for comfortable weather and best wildlife viewing conditions.
Why Visit Matthew Town?
At the southern tip of the Bahamas, Matthew Town is prized by wildlife lovers who want to see one of the largest West Indian flamingo colonies in Inagua National Park. Salt ponds and a century-old salt industry create dramatic pink lagoons, while rustic lodges and local guides offer close-up birding and snorkeling. Quiet streets, conch-based cuisine and community festivals reveal the island’s resilient culture.
Best Things to Do in Matthew Town
Matthew Town Bucket List
Don't Miss
Inagua National Park (Lake Rosa) - Observe tens of thousands of West Indian flamingos at Lake Rosa’s flamingo colonies.
Matthew Town Settlement - Explore the island’s main village for local eateries, shops, and Bahamian friendliness.
Windsor Salt Works ruins - See remnants of historical salt production that shaped Inagua’s economy and landscape.
Hidden Gems
Cape Inagua Lighthouse - Visit the rugged southern lighthouse and surrounding shoreline for dramatic ocean views.
Little Inagua boat excursions - Take a guided trip to nearby Little Inagua for pristine beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Local birdwatching spots - Seek out salt pond edges and scrub for resident and migratory bird species sightings.
Day Trips
Inagua National Park (Little Inagua) - Boat to protected cays and remote beaches teeming with seabirds and wildlife.
Salt ponds and southern coastline - Drive or walk coastal tracks to see salt flats and coastal birdlife up close.
Best Time to Visit Matthew Town
Matthew Town (Inagua) is warm year-round but most comfortable November-April when temperatures drop slightly and humidity eases. Southern location means milder winters and a long, hot hurricane-prone summer.
Cool Season
Mild and very pleasant - southern Inagua stays warm but comfortable, excellent for wildlife watching and relaxed beach days.
Hot Season
Hotter and more humid with afternoon showers possible; mornings are the best time for exploring salt ponds and beaches.
Hurricane Season
Warm, muggy, and storm-prone - great for bargain travel and solitude if you’re flexible, but watch tropical forecasts closely.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (739 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 57 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 3.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
| February | Ideal | 20° - 27° | 24° | 42 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 4.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 25° | 37 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 4.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 22° - 29° | 26° | 43 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 3.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.5h |
| May | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 27° | 84 mm | some cloud | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.0h |
| June | Excellent | 24° - 31° | 30° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.2h |
| July | Excellent | 24° - 32° | 32° | 26 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 4.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.1h |
| August | Excellent | 24° - 32° | 32° | 47 mm | mostly sunny | 79% | 4.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.7h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 96 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Excellent | 23° - 31° | 27° | 123 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 26° | 87 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.1h |
| December | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 24° | 45 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 4.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.8h |
How to Get to Matthew Town
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS): International visitors usually fly into Nassau and then connect to Great Inagua (Matthew Town) on a domestic service or charter.
Matthew Town / Great Inagua (regional airport): Great Inagua’s small airport serves Matthew Town with scheduled or charter flights from Nassau. Transfers from the airstrip into town are short; local taxis will handle luggage and final-mile transport. Flight times from Nassau are typically under an hour and fares depend on carrier and season.
Train: There is no rail on Great Inagua.
Bus / Local Shuttle: There is no formal bus network on Great Inagua; local travel is by taxi or pre-arranged transfer. Distances on the island are manageable and taxi or host-arranged pickup is the practical option.
How to Get Around Matthew Town
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- Walking - Walking
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Where to Stay in Matthew Town
Budget
Matthew Town - $50-120/night
Matthew Town (Great Inagua) has very limited lodging - a few guesthouses and local inns; services are basic and seasonal.
Local guesthouses (Airbnb listings) - Few guesthouses, basic accommodations
Local inns mentioned via Bahamas tourism listings - Small family-run accommodations in Matthew Town
Mid-Range
Matthew Town - $90-180/night
Mid-range options are scarce; expect modest lodges or private cottages rather than resort-style hotels.
Regional lodge listings (Inagua) - Small lodges listed by Bahamas tourism
Larger guesthouses (Airbnb) - Private homes and cottages available
Luxury
Matthew Town / Great Inagua - $150+/night (limited)
Luxury hotels are essentially non-existent on Inagua; higher-end visitors typically arrange private villas or bespoke island stays booked in advance.
Private villa rentals (regional listings) - Few high-end options; often private rentals
Select boutique stays via short-term rental platforms - Higher-end cottages when available
Nightlife in Matthew Town
Nightlife in Matthew Town is minimal. Evenings are quiet and community-oriented, with few if any bars or music venues-most visitors relax at their lodgings after a day of exploring.
Shopping in Matthew Town
Shopping is very limited-small grocers and a few local vendors supply essentials. There aren’t tourist-focused shops, so bring specialty items or buy them in Nassau before traveling here.