As a port city that used to be a major hub for transport between Europe and the West Indies, the Bahamas city of Nassau was once a haven for pirates and merchants. However, in the last fifty years, Nassau has become one of the largest tourist sites of the Caribbean. With a large international airport and the recent construction of the Paradise Island Bridge — a bridge that connects the city with Paradise Island — the number of visitors to the city each year has grown considerably. Beyond the distinct Caribbean attributes that Nassau shares with its island neighbors is its distinct colonial appeal. While much of the city has been modernized for tourist comfort, much of it also retains the architectural appeal of its late-1700s-early-1800s development, allowing its visitors to experience a vibrant mixture of both natural and man-made beauty.

Sightseeing Attractions

Paradise Island is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction of the city. With its modern comforts, white beaches, and turquoise waters, Paradise Island is aptly named. For a more historical outing, stroll the streets of Old Town. Here you’ll find an interesting array of colonial buildings, abandoned structures, and buildings painted in typical-Caribbean vibrant colors. To experience some of Nassau’s history as a port town, visit the Pirate Museum.

Outdoor Recreation

Most of the outdoor activities that occur in Nassau are water-related, naturally. Visitors can find ample opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing. The main diving district is Coral Harbor; however, you’ll find long, deep reefs and drop-off walls on the southern coast and shallow reefs on the western coast. The premier spot for fishing is in the waters around New Providence where grouper, snapper, deepwater amberjack, blackfin tuna, bonito, and blue marlin fish species are common. Sailing is a common pastime among Nassau’s natives, and boats are available for rent at all of Nassau’s harbors.

Nightlife

If you’re interested in shopping, there is, of course, an ample selection of malls to choose from in Nassau. However, for a richer shopping experience, check out the Straw Market instead. The dining opportunities in Nassau are also internationally diverse; however, if you can afford to splurge on at least one expensive meal, you’ll want to visit a restaurant that prepares the island’s freshly-caught seafood. Most of these will be found of the waterfront. As far as drinking, Nassau is known as a spring break hotspot. Every hotel on Cable Beach has its own disco, but visitors should expect to pay a substantial cover charge wherever they decide to go. Nassau bars and nightclubs are steadily busy throughout the week.

Mention the name The Bahamas and sparkling blue water with pink or white sand beaches spring to mind. Conch fritters, Conch salad, 700 islands, duty free shopping and Junkanoo are all terms that are synonymous with the Bahamas. This island nation has a total land area of 5,300 square miles and consists of 700 islands plus 2,500 cays (low banks or reefs). New Providence Island on which Nassau (the capital) is located is 21 miles by 7 miles. Paradise Island, which is 5.5 miles long by 2/3 of a mile wide is connected to Nassau by a short bridge. Thousands of tourists visit Nassau every year to enjoy the clear water or place their bets at the gambling tables at Paradise Island.

All of the Bahamas however has myriad outdoor recreational activitiesthat are perfect for burning off the pounds gained from eating all those conch fritters or adding some variety to your holiday and Nassau is no exception. For the business person who wants to catch some recreational activity on a business trip or the individual who wants to get some fresh air after all the time at the gambling tables, Nassau’s outdoor recreation can be all day or just a few hours.

Those sparkling blue waters make Nassau an ideal location for snorkeling. Some of the more popular snorkeling destinations for excursions leaving from Nassau include Rainbow Reef, Blue Lagoon Island (home to Stingray City as well as other snorkeling venues), Blackbeard’s Cay, Pearl Island, and Rose Island Reef. Rainbow Reef is approximately 45 minutes from Nassau by catamaran or other high-speed boat. The water at Rainbow Reef is about 15 feet deep throughout the viable swimming and snorkeling area. Blue Lagoon is a circular island encircling water. A narrow opening in the land leads into a large pool of water. A 15-minute walk through some of the most beautiful beaches and on bridges spanning absolutely calm sparkling blue water leads to Stingray City. Another stingray encounter can be had at Pearl Island which is a 30-minute boat ride from Nassau. Yellow tail snapper, Grouper, and many other tame fish make Athol Island in Athol Island National Marine Park at the eastern end of Nassau Harbor an outstanding snorkel site.

Those sparkling blue waters also make Nassau a wonderful location for the sport fisherman. Fishing charters are available for half day or full day with a choice of deep-sea fishing or reef fishing. Wahoo are abundant between November to January and 100 pounders are frequent. Dolphin fish (Mahi Mahi) are found between April and June, while Sailfish can be fought during April and May and again between October and November. Barracuda and Marlin (Black, Blue and White) are found year round.

For the landlubber, there is off-road cycling, away from traffic and noise. On all-terrain bicycles, you can enjoy a guided tour of shady woodland trails, open forest, the seashore and mangrove creeks and visit the historic village of Adelaide. You can have a relaxed, easy ride or a longer route. For the seasoned cyclist there are more challenging rides.

The Bahamas sits on the migration route for birds moving north and south on their winter and spring migrations. As such there are two opportunities to see many northern species. Of course, no visit to the Bahamas would be complete for a birder without viewing the Bahama Pintail duck (also known as the White-cheeked Pintail). These inhabitants of lagoons and mangrove swamps are widely distributed and the clear water of the mangroves makes viewing them a pleasure. Other species that are generally seen include eurasian collared doves, neotropic cormorants, american coot, great blue herons, snowy egrets, great egrets, reddish egrets, green herons, white ibis, blue winged teal, northern mockingbirds. Some of the locations for viewing various species include the Paradise Island ponds, Clifton Heritage site and the Harold & Wilson ponds.

For those who want to be outdoors but simply want a walking pace, Nassau has retained much of its older architecture and blended it with modern buildings so that it creates a harmonious whole. The original part of the city is small enough that you can wander along and see much of the historic architecture. Parliament Square with the Houses of Parliament, the Old Colonial Secretary’s office, the Supreme Court and the Statue of Queen Victoria is definitely worth a visit. Nearby at Parliament and Shirley Streets is the Nassau Public Library that was originally a prison. Not far away at Shirley and Elizabeth Streets is the Bahamas Historical Society with numerous exhibits.

If it is “action” and people watching you seek, Arawak Cay is not to be missed. This lively gathering spot has a row of small wooden restaurants fronted by a large park and backed by the sea. You can sit on the verandah of any of the restaurants or in the open air and watch the parade of people as they stroll by. Have a Kalik (Bahamian Beer) and enjoy the West Indian atmosphere and when hunger strikes you can have a conch salad or conch fritters or fried fish prepared before your eyes.

You can learn more about Bahamas vacations at the Caribbean Outdoor Life web site and the next time you are in Nassau or if it is your first time remember there is an interesting world to discover beyond the beach.

Look for All-Inclusive Resorts in the Bahamas

If you are new to all-inclusive vacations, you may be unaware of their benefits. All-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas make planning a trip easy and stress-free. They also make the trip picture perfect. See, when you book a stay at an inclusive resort, you get more than just a room or a suite. Your stay should include your snacks, drinks, food, tips, and some forms of onsite entertainment too. Basically, you preplan and prepay for most of your Nassau Bahamas vacation upfront.

What are the benefits of going for inclusive resorts? Not only is your trip easier to plan, but the actual trip will be fun and stress-free. Since most of your activities are listed as inclusions, you don’t have to worry about going over your budget. By opting for a resort with lots to do right onsite, you never need to leave the grounds. This eliminates the extra time and costs associated with unnecessary travel.

Look for All-Inclusive Resorts with Lots of Inclusions

By opting to stay at an all-inclusive Nassau Bahamas resort, you are on the right track. However, all-inclusive resorts vary greatly. Choose yours wisely. Get started by examining the list of inclusions. These don’t cost extra, as they were already included in with the cost of your stay. In general terms, your room or suite, food, snacks, drinks, tips, and some forms on onsite entertainment are included. This is a good list to go by, but break it down more. Exactly what types of drinks are included?

In terms of inclusions, examine all aspects of your trip, but focus the most on onsite entertainment. When you have a lot to do right onsite, you won’t experience a moment of boredom.

Look for Inclusions That You Will Use

Not only is it important to choose a Nassau Bahamas resort with many inclusions, but ensure they are inclusions you will use. For example, you may prefer to stay on land, as opposed to the water. In this case, snorkeling, scuba diving, and wind surfing don’t mean much too you. So, focus on the land activities. Look for resorts with onsite golf courses, tennis courts, gyms, spas, and more. You get the most out of your trip and the better value for your money when you opt for an all-inclusive resort with inclusions you will use.

Be sure to consider you other traveling party members too. Although you may not like to golf, your husband or son might enjoy a game. Remember, if you choose an all-inclusive resort in Nassau Bahamas that has a lot to offer, they can enjoy a game of golf while you lounge around the beach or visit the spa.

Price Compare Last

You might assume that it is best to price compare Nassau Bahamas resorts first. It can be if you are traveling on a strict budget, but it can also make choosing the right resort difficult. Of course, we want to get a good deal. However, many of us seem to forget that a good deal doesn’t always translate into the lowest price. This is clear when you compare all-inclusive resorts and traditional hotels. Hotels give you just a roof over your head and hardly any more. All-inclusive resorts include the cost of your room, food, drinks, snacks, tips, and some onsite entertainment. You get more, so expect to pay a little bit more.

Since the best resort in Nassau Bahamas isn’t necessarily the resort with the lowest rates, price compare later. If after closely examining resorts in the Bahamas and you still have a few favorites, then price compare. Don’t, however, make costs you main deciding factor from the get-go, as you may later find yourself disappointed.

The activities you can do in Nassau, Bahamas are limitless. All over the world Bahamas is famous for water sport activities. You will find many companies with experience instructor giving tourist sea tours for under water caves exploration or deep scuba diving instructions. This place is also famous for dolphin encounters, swimming with dolphins in closed enclosure or in open water is truly life time experience. The beaches filled with white and pick sand add beauty to islands, with empty beaches and no one to bother you is perfect for your honeymoon and romantic couples.

Nassau is gateway to Bahamas and its chain of islands. All the international flights land here at Nassau, being hub of Bahamas you will see maximum tourist in this city. Very few flights (private) go to smaller or other surrounding islands. This place is best to start your Caribbean vacation and explore Bahamian culture.

The Nassau being the national capital of Bahamas is hub for economic and travel industry, most of the government buildings and private companies operate in Nassau. The place is hybrid of natural beauty and modern architecture, surrounded with beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants catering world class cuisine. The Nassau, Bahamas is famous among travelers for secluded beautiful beaches, water sport activities and big sport fishing.

The island serves as base camp for visiting other beautiful islands, the access to remote islands is through either boats or through private small planes. In order to maximize the travel experience, boat journey is recommended by many experience travelers. However if time is the criteria and you want maximize the travel enjoyment than air travel to islands is recommended. Some of the islands take 8-10 hours to reach the destination by local boats.

Because of long travel by boats, travel by air is the popular choice among travelers to save the precious time on vacation. However there are people, who have time and love for sailing, to them boat option is the best. If you are in Nassau then don’t miss world famous Paradise Beach, the beach is linked to Nassau by bridge, the Paradise beach is famous for stunning views, water sport activity and golf course.

The island is also kids friendly; many companies operating in Nassau specialize in water sports geared towards kids and college students. The world famous “Dolphin Encounter” program is based in Nassau. The instructors working at Dolphin program are certified and have extensive experience in handling the dolphins and humans in close vicinity. Under the watchful eyes of trained staff kids get opportunity to touch and swim with Dolphins.

The other attractions for kids and families are Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and beaches for beach activities. The Nassau, Bahamas is great place to be with family and friends and this island is perfect location to create family bonding.

Another attractive point about Nassau, Bahamas the food variety you get here. The Bahamas culture is inspired by British, Spanish and West Indies culture, the blend of mix culture has resulted into a fine cuisine. The choices are endless. The restaurants combine main stream dishes with native dishes to create exotic taste. The fresh caught grouper, snapper and other fishes are served in local delicacy with fruits and vegetables in a splendid ambiance. There are many restaurants on Nassau which provide local and international cuisines, one thing can be assured that you will taste best sea food in world.

The climate is Nassau, Bahamas is another great thing; the weather here on average is warm and sunny. With turquoise-colored water the ocean views are breathtaking; the best part is that the Nassau is that it is open year around for travelers.

Things to do in Nassau Island, Bahamas

• Looking for reasons why you should visit Nassau, Bahamas
• If you are tired of walking on dirty brown sand beach and want to walk-on white sand beach then Nassau or other Bahamas island is the choice.
• Looking for some lady luck, try your luck at casinos.(Shows, Magic Acts , Acrobatics )
• Great place to show marine life to kids, encounter with Dolphins is great attraction.
• Party like a celebrity at Aura, our new 9,000 square foot nightclub.
• Visit “Aquaventure” a water sport area , great rides and slides.
• Visit 5 star restaurant
• Best snorkeling and diving spots.
• Play Golf
• Sail to near by islands.
• Bone fishing
• If you are certified Scuba diver, then scuba diving or snorkeling the coral reefs is another option for you.
• Visit Paradise island in Bahamas
• Explore local straw market, largest in Carrieban
• Have interest in shopping, great place to buy duty free items such as perfume, jewelry, crafts and liquor etc.
• These are just few reasons, to get ready and visit Nassau, Bahamas

Where to stay in Nassau Island, Bahamas

You will find beach resorts and hotels on island and in some cases private villas. Couples of listings are given below, please note this is not the complete list.

• Hotels and real-estate in Nassau and Paradise Island, Bahamas
• Sheraton Cable Beach Resort – Starwood’s newest Caribbean resort is now open!
• Paradise Island Harbour Resort – All inclusive resort on Paradise Island
• Nassau Palm Resort – Overlooking Nassau Harbour
• Coldwell Banker Bahamas
• H.G. Christie Ltd.
• Mosko Realty
• Private Villas

Plan your trip in advance, The Nassau is on world map and there are direct flights from South America and North America. The Nassau Island also serves as gateway to other Bahamas islands.

Nassau in Bahamas – Gateway to Bahamas and its Beautiful Islands