Bahamas Coat of Arms & National Symbols: Meaning Explained
A guide to the marlin, flamingo, Santa María, rising sun, conch shell, palm fronds and motto that make up the national coat of arms of The Bahamas.
What is on the Bahamas coat of arms?
The national coat of arms is deliberately packed with references to the islands’ geography, wildlife, maritime history and aspirations. The 1973 Flags and Coat of Arms (Regulation) Act gives the legal description of the arms, crest, supporters and motto.
Santa María
The ship on the shield is legally described as a representation of the Santa María, linking the arms to the history of European exploration in the region.
Rising sun
A golden half-sun appears above the ship, commonly read as a symbol of a new national era and the bright climate of the islands.
Conch shell & palm fronds
The crest combines a conch shell with palm fronds, two visual references closely associated with Bahamian marine and island life.
Marlin & flamingo
A marlin and a flamingo support the shield, representing marine life and the country’s wildlife.
Bahamas coat of arms symbols and meanings
| Symbol | Meaning / connection |
|---|---|
| Santa María | Historical maritime connection and the story of European exploration. |
| Rising sun | Associated with a bright future and the country’s sunny environment. |
| Conch shell | Marine life and the importance of the sea to Bahamian identity. |
| Palm fronds | The tropical landscape and vegetation of the islands. |
| Blue marlin | Marine wildlife; the blue marlin is also recognized as a national symbol. |
| Flamingo | Bahamian birdlife, especially the major flamingo population on Great Inagua. |
| Sea and swampland | The supporters stand on environments characteristic of the islands. |
| Motto | “Forward, Upward, Onward Together.” |
What does “Forward, Upward, Onward Together” mean?
The national motto appears beneath the coat of arms. The Embassy of The Bahamas describes it as expressing the direction and manner in which the Bahamian nation should move: forward, upward and onward together.
Unlike the colonial badge, which carried wording tied to the suppression of piracy and restored commerce, the modern motto is future-facing and national in character.
What does the Bahamas coat of arms look like?
The central shield shows the Santa María sailing on stylized blue-and-white waves with a golden rising sun above it. Above the shield is a helmet and crest featuring a conch shell in front of palm fronds. A marlin stands to one side and a flamingo to the other, while the lower compartment combines sea and swampland.
Other national symbols of The Bahamas
The coat of arms is part of a wider group of national symbols promoted by Bahamian diplomatic and government sources.
National flag
Aquamarine, gold and black, adopted at independence in 1973.
Blue marlin
A national symbol strongly associated with Bahamian waters and sport fishing.
Flamingo
The flamingo is closely associated with Great Inagua, home to a major nesting population.
Yellow elder
The yellow elder is the national flower and blooms throughout the year.
Lignum vitae
The lignum vitae is the national tree of The Bahamas.
March On, Bahamaland
The national anthem was composed by Timothy Gibson.
How is the coat of arms different from the old colonial badge?
The colonial badge used on British-era ensigns centered on a maritime anti-piracy scene and was accompanied by colonial heraldic elements. The modern coat of arms is a broader national composition combining history, wildlife, landscape and a new national motto.
Can the Bahamas coat of arms be used commercially?
Use of the national coat of arms is regulated by Bahamian law. The 1973 Act and 1991 regulations provide for licensing in certain commercial contexts. Government guidance therefore should be checked before placing the coat of arms on products, advertising or other business materials.
FAQ
What animal is on the Bahamas coat of arms?
Two animals support the shield: a blue marlin and a flamingo.
What ship is shown on the Bahamas coat of arms?
The legal description identifies the ship as the Santa María.
What is the Bahamas national motto?
“Forward, Upward, Onward Together.”
What is the national flower of The Bahamas?
The yellow elder.
What is the national tree of The Bahamas?
The lignum vitae.
What does the conch shell represent?
It is a prominent marine symbol and forms part of the crest above the shield, reflecting the country’s close relationship with the sea.
