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Attractions
NASSAU is the capital and largest city in The Bahamas. Nassau is loaded with places to see and things to do.
ATLANTIS RESORT AND CASINO is a great place to start.This 14 acre resort has small islands, waterfalls and lagoons in walking distance from the hotel. Enjoy the Aquaventure, Atlantis' water park that sends 20 million gallons of water from Athantean themed towers to high speed water slides over one mile of long rolling rapids and wave rides.Tour the 100 foot clear underwater tunnel submerged in the lagoon. Watch sharks, barracudas,rays and sawfish swim right in front of your window.Enjoy table games inside the largest casino in the Caribbean or play outdoor table games and watch the scenery.From delectable dining to ocean side golf. Atlantis has it all for you!
ARDASTRA GARDENS AND ZOO is home to the famous flamingo show daily from 11:00am to 2:00pm.It houses 300 mammals, birds and reptiles- many of them endangered species.
BACARDI DISTILLERY is the perfect tour for those who love the taste of Bacardi Rum.The refinery has up to 60 selections for sampling.
BALCONY HOUSE is an 18th century landmark, recognized as the oldest wooden residential structure in Nassau.
CRYSTAL CAY has a zoo, an aquarium, and one of the world's best underwater parks.You can go 100 feet above the surface and walk 20 feet below and look at the reef.
FORT CHARLOTTE was built in 1789 by Lord Dunmoore and is the largest fort in Nassau. It was named after King George 111's wife. Fort Charlotte faces Nassau Harbor.
FORT FINCASTLE is located at the top of the Queens Staircase and was built in 1793 as a lookout for pirates.The fort has a126 foot water tower that is the highest point on the island.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE is the official residence of the Governor General since 1801. A statue of Christopher Columbus stands on the steps of the pink and white mansion.
JUNKANOO FESTIVAL EXPO is a museum that honors the Bahamas Junkanoo Festival which is held on Dec. 26. The festival is about Bahamas Music and Culture.
PARLIAMENT SQUARE was built in the 1800's and has a statue of Queen Elizabeth erected in 1905. The square is home to the Magistrate Courts and the Assembly of the Supreme Court.
PIRATES OF NASSAU is a must see for all you land lovers.The entrance to the museum is a dock setting with a pirate ship containing wax figures and pirate artifacts.Go inside the ship for a view of a pirates life in this interactive museum.
ROYAL VICTORIA GARDENS is located on Paradise Island showcasing beautiful gardens and statues.
QUEENS STAIRCASE has 66 steps that connect Fort Fincastle to the Princess Margaret Hospital. It is a popular tourist sight and was built in the 18th century to commemorate 65 years of Queen Victoria's reign.
GRAND BAHAMAS ISLAND is the fourth largest island in the Bahamas. In 1950 Millionaire Wallace Groves built a tax free port that tourists could shop, dine and relax. Today FREEPORT is one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships.
LUCAYAN NATIONAL PARK is a 40 acre park with the worlds largest underground limestone cave. Enjoy touring 7 miles of underground caves ,mangrove swamps and a hiking trail run by Bahamas National Trust.
FREEPORT INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR and PORT LUCAYA MARKETPLACE are the major shopping areas in Freeport. Freeport International Bazaar is the oldest shopping area in Freeport and is divided into several sections. The shopping area has Mideast ,French,Oriental, Scandinavian and South America shopping and dining from each region.Port Lucaya is a duty free open air marketselling all types of goods from clothing to gifts.
BONFIRE ON THE BEACH should be your late afternoon stop for all you can eat buffet and drinks at sunset while watching a bonfire and dancing to your favorite tunes.
PCASSOS GALLERY is your snorkeling connection in The Grand Bahamas. Enjoy colorful coral and fish as you dive in one the Bahamas great national treasures.
LUCAYA CRICKET CLUB is where you need to be in the Bahamas to watch or play cricket.
CASINO AT BAHAMA is the Bahamas 20,000 sq. ft. casino for gaming,drinking and relaxing.
RAND NATURE CENTRE is 100 acre tropical forest with wildlife, beautiful pools, and forest greenery operated by the Bahamas National Trust.
Nightlife
PARADISE ISLAND offers a selection of flashy music and dance clubs, bars, casinos, and theater opportunities for those interested in the arts. The hottest nightclubs in this area are AURA, located upstairs in the Atlantis casino, and FLUID LOUNGE in the capital city of Nassau. If you prefer plays, concerts, or ballets, then make a trip to the box office for the DUNDAS CENTRE for the Performing Arts.
When staying in Grand Bahama Island, check out the casino at OUR LUCAYA BEACH AND GOLF RESORT – and then, perhaps, splurge at the shopping and dining complex across the street at PORT LUCAYA with some of your winnings.
The Abacos, Eleuthera, the Exumas, and the Out Islands are more renowned for their gorgeous beaches than a hopping club scene after hours – though each offers a small selection of bars and music clubs.
History
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas (as the Bahamas are known) has an estimated population of 330,000. The Bahamas is an English speaking country in the Alantic Ocean north of Cuba. The Ethnic population is 85 percent Black, 12 percent European and 3 percent other.
The original settlers were known as Lucayans during Christopher Columbus' visit in 1492. The Spaniards followed Columbus and carried many of the Lucayans off into slavery. Smallpox and other diseases wiped out much of the remaining population.
In 1648, English puritans established the first permanent European settlement. In 1670, King Charles allowed Lord Proprietors of the Carolinas to rent the islands with rights to trade,etc. Blackbeard and his fellow pirates thrived during proprietary rule. In 1718, The Bahamas became a British colony.
The British abolished the salve trade in 1807 which led to the forced relocation of thousands of freed salves.Today, the govenment is fully independent and retains membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.
CABBAGE BEACH has more traffic throughout the year than any other beach on Paradise Island. It is ideal for swimming, beach walking, and sunbathing. In spite of being one of the most crowded beaches in the Bahamas, the only means of accessing public restrooms or changing facilities is to be a customer of one of the nearby restaurants or businesses. Families traveling with children would likely benefit from having lunch in one of the cafes for the opportunity to utilize the restaurant bathroom.
WESTERN ESPLANADE, sometimes referred to as Junkanoo Beach by the locals, is a convenient ten-minute walk from downtown Nassau. This area caters to tourists, as one will find plenty of public restrooms, changing areas, and restaurants serving snack-type food and drinks. Locals frequently host cookouts and other events here on the weekends.
CAVES BEACH, about 7 miles away from the Bahamas’ capital of Nassau, is ideal for a day at the beach away from the crowds. As a beach frequented by fewer tourists, there are no public facilities – so be certain to plan ahead.
MONTAGUE BEACH, just east of Paradise Island, is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century to protect the eastern entrance to Nassau Harbor. Here, one can find local vendors selling fresh goods such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
CABLE BEACH, on New Providence Island, is the perfect spot for travelers who desire close proximity to shops, bars, and gambling facilities on the island. Due to the conveniences of nearby restrooms, hotels, and restaurants, families with children may also prefer Cable Beach.
XANADU BEACH, located on Grand Bahamas Island, is a great place for families with younger children since the water is calm compared to other areas. This beach has convenient access to restaurants in addition to other facilities in nearby Freeport. Water sport opportunities are usually offered here. Due to these advantages, Xanadu Beach is usually more crowded than other beaches on the island.
To escape the crowds, one may choose to visit the more remote beaches on The Abacos, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Harbor Island, The Exumas, or Long Island.
TAHITI BEACH is one of the quietest beaches in the Abacos. It is ideal for couples hoping to escape throngs of tourists. Abacos is also a haven for sailing enthusiasts, since it is a popular sailing port equipped with a gorgeous beach. It is not accessible by cars, which explains the tranquil atmosphere.
PINK SANDS BEACH on Harbour Island was one of ten beaches to be featured in The Travel Channel's “World's Best Beaches” segment in March 2005. It is most renowned for its pale pink sand beaches some three plus miles long and 50 to 100 feet wide. The pink sand spreads along the coast of Eleuthera, most notably French Leave Beach and Winding Bay Beach, which also exude a gorgeous, blushing appearance.
Dining
THE LANDING, in Harbour Island, is a haven for the Bahamas’ rich and famous visitors. Many of the dishes display Southeast Asian flavors, such as the panfried grouper with red Thai curry, and a vanilla cheesecake with mango syrup. Noted as one of the Caribbean's top dining destinations, the Landing also offers an impressive wine selection. Be sure to take advantage of the romantic outdoor seating, if weather permits.
Also in Harbour Island, one may enjoy a more reasonably priced meal at SIP SIP (Bahamian for gossip), a green house overlooking the beach. Here, travelers and locals enjoy the gossip and cuisine alike. Julie Lightbourn, chef and owner, uses fresh local ingredients to create dishes best described as "Bahamian with a twist.” Because of this, menu items change daily – however, notable dishes include conch chili, lobster quesadillas, and carrot cake with ginger-caramel. Sip Sip only serves lunch, from 11:30 to 4.
TIPPY'S in Governor’s Harbour combines a casual atmosphere (for example, the use of old window shutters as tabletops, and a general “beach shack” feel), with a sophisticated menu combining traditional Bahamian and European cuisines, changing daily based on the fresh local products available. In other words, don’t be deceived by the outward appearance of the place. Expect delicious, ingenious variations of such dishes as lobster salad, fresh fish, or specialty pizzas. Tables are available on the outdoor deck, providing a breathtaking view of the beach.
SABOR RESTAURANT AND BAR in Lucaya is located at the Pelican Bay Hotel. This restaurant is known for its novel preparations of seafood dishes. Some delectable examples include curry mussels and tiger shrimp wontons with jalapeño sauce. Additionally, a wide-ranging martini, margarita, and mojito menu caters to guests who want to keep things interesting on the beach.
Although the original CAFE MARTINIQUE, a restaurant on Paradise Island made famous by the James Bond film Thunderball, has been demolished for some time, the capable hands of international chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and New York designer Adam D. Tihany have resurrected it. Combining an atmosphere set by décor that is the pinnacle of sophistication, first class service, and a classic French gourmet menu – prepared by a top-notch chef with the finest ingredients at his disposal, no less – creates assurance that visitors will not leave unsatisfied.
CAFE MATISSE in the capital city of Nassau serves eclectic cuisine in a refined atmosphere. Enjoy a meal under large white umbrellas with a view of the garden, or dine inside the century-old house. Be sure to try one of the freshly made pasta dishes such as duck-filled ravioli and shrimp in a spicy red curry sauce, or the pizza frutti di mare – topped with fresh, local seafood.
Also located in Nassau, you may enjoy an ultra refined meal in the mansion of GRAYCLIFF where, beginning in the parlor over live piano music, drinks are served and orders are taken. At this exquisite restaurant, cuban cigars and cognac await guests after dinner. Signature dishes include lobster wrapped in prosciutto with roasted pepper sauce, Kobe beef, and Kurobuta pork. Included in the extensive wine cellar, containing over 200,000 hand-picked bottles, is the option of buying the world's oldest bottle of wine, a German vintage 1727.
There is endless entertainment awaiting on land and water. The weather is perfect for watersports, such as sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and kayaking, as well as for fishing, boat tours, and even swimming with dolphins.
Only you decide if you want to relax or get your party on. The Bahamas have endless entertainment to offer, indluing mouth-watering food and beverages. The Bahamas are home to a vast array of wildlife, including 324 species of birds which you can spot throughout the islands.
The Bahamas are known for their glorious beaches- almost always as clear and bright as the sky above.
Resorts
THE COVE and THE REEF, both part of the mega-resort Atlantis, opened in 2007. The key descriptive word for the Cove is absolutely exclusive (from its poolside cabanas stocked with gourmet treats and a Bobby Flay restaurant onsite to the availability of en suite spa treatment), while visitors adhering to more of a budget may wish to stay next door at the Reef, where each suite contains a complete stainless steel kitchen or kitchenette.
For more affordable, but by no means disappointing accommodations on New Providence Island, stay at A STONE'S THROW AWAY. Here, visitors relax in a three-story, colonial style inn on a limestone cliff overlooking the beach, enjoying isolated public beach access and a friendly staff.
OLD BAHAMA BAY, on Grand Bahama Island, combines the intimate service associated with smaller hotels with the amenities of a full-fledged luxury resort. It is part of the developing 2,200-acre Ginn Sur Mer, including a spa, expanded marina, water park, two golf courses, and thousands of rental condos and homes. Other perks include a private airstrip, and the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course opening in 2010.
POWELL POINTE RESORT, opened in Cape Eleuthera in May 2007, is certain to win over its visitors. More than 20 beaches are accessible along the resort’s stunning, 18 mile long shoreline. Here, you can enjoy being away from the crowds while enjoying your stay in a luxurious suite.
For those who want to even more of an escape, wanting little more than to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of secluded beaches, DOLPHIN BEACH RESORT in Great Guana Cay may be the place for you. Here, you can enjoy walking through nature trails leading to miles of secluded beach. Excellent opportunities for fishing, diving, and snorkeling are nearby, and guided tours can be easily arranged.
The Bahamas have many luxury resorts just a short walk away from the crystal blue water.
Check out these links to some of the hottest hotels and resorts that the islands of the Bahamas have to offer:
http://www.tiamoresorts.com/ Tiamo Resorts (South Bight, Andros Island, accessible by boat only)
http://www.atlantis.com/ The Cove Atlantis & the Reef Atlantis (Paradise Island)
http://www.astonesthrowaway.com/ A Stone’s Throw Away (New Providence Island)
http://www.oldbahamabay.com/ Old Bahama Bay at Ginn Sur Mer (Grand Bahama Island)
http://www.ourlucaya.com/ Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort (Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island)
http://www.pelicanbayhotel.com/ Pelican Bay at Lucaya (Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island)
http://www.exumabeachinn.com/ Beach Inn of Exuma (George Town, Great Exuma Island)
http://www.thecoveeleuthera.com/ The Cove Eleuthera (Gregory Town, Eleuthera Island)
http://www.grandisleresort.com/ Grand Isle Resort and Spa (Emerald Cove, Great Exuma Island)
http://www.capeeleuthera.com/ Powell Pointe Resort at Cape Eleuthera (Cape Eleuthera, Eleuthera Island)
http://www.rockhousebahamas.com/ Rock House (Harbour Island)
http://www.abacoresort.com/ Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbor (Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island)
http://www.bluffhouse.com/ Bluff House Beach Hotel (New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay)
http://www.dolphinbeachresort.com/ Dolphin Beach Resort (Fisher's Bay, Great Guana Cay)
http://www.hopetownlodge.com/ Hope Town Harbour Lodge (Hope Town, Elbow Cay)
http://www.treasurecay.com/ Treasure Cay Hotel Resort and Marina (Treasure Cay, Great Abaco Island)
Weather
The Bahamas has a tropical climate with the temperature averaging 75F in the winter and 84F in the summer. Relative humidity is fairly high averaging 65 percent with abudant sunshine. The rainy season starts in May and ends in October. The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November.
Looking for ultimate relaxation? Nothing compares to basking in the sun on a beachside hammock.
