Bahamas Things to Do and Attractions
Visitors to Grand Bahama Island can take a delightful, aromatic tour through the Bahamas' popular perfume factory, which produces some of the area's most popular colognes and perfumes such as Sand, Pink Pearl and Island Promises. Located in a finely
Visitors to Grand Bahama Island can take a delightful, aromatic tour through the Bahamas' popular perfume factory, which produces some of the area's most popular colognes and perfumes such as Sand, Pink Pearl and Island Promises. Located in a finely decorated plum-and-white replica of a 19th century Bahamian Mansion, Fragrance of the Bahamas offers a guided behind-the-scenes tour that demonstrates the process of fragrance production. Along the tour, visitors see how fragrances are hand-mixed by a small production staff that handles everything in the production and packaging process. The tour also gives guests the chance to mix and bottle their own special potion from a selection of oils. At the end of the tour, visitors can shop for perfume duty free or stroll through the neighboring International Bazaar.
Tours of the Fragrance of the Bahamas Perfume Factory run Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Tours are free. Group tours are available.
One of the world's largest straw markets, this bustling gathering place on Nassau's Bay Street offers visitors the chance to see one of the Bahamas' oldest industries at work. Straw vending began after World War II when Bahamian women started
One of the world's largest straw markets, this bustling gathering place on Nassau's Bay Street offers visitors the chance to see one of the Bahamas' oldest industries at work. Straw vending began after World War II when Bahamian women started crafting and decorating dried palm and sisal plant leaves to create hats, bags, baskets and dolls to sell to American tourists. Today, this mostly open air market of about 200 vendors is one of the most popular stops in Nassau. Visitors can pick up all manner of crafts including their famous straw items, jewelry and wood carvings. Straw Market is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Most vendors only accept cash as payment.
Dating back to 1937, the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center in Nassau are home to nearly 300 mammals, birds and reptiles and more than five acres of gardens populated by exotic fruit trees, coconut palms, bromeliads, orchids and hibiscus
Dating back to 1937, the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center in Nassau are home to nearly 300 mammals, birds and reptiles and more than five acres of gardens populated by exotic fruit trees, coconut palms, bromeliads, orchids and hibiscus blossoms. Guests of Ardastra are in for a rare treat, as many of the expansive zoo's residents are endangered species. Inhabitants such as Madagascar lizards, a Great Horned owl and a Vietnamese pot-belly pig named Lulubelle call the zoo home, and many of the animals, such as the flamboyant peacocks, roam freely throughout the grounds. A restorative sanctuary of natural wonders, the zoo invites visitors to take time out to stroll along the winding garden pathways, watch the tropical birds fly overhead or sit back on a limestone bench to enjoy the scenery.
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is US$7.50 for children ages 4-12 and US$15 for adults. Admission for children ages 3 and under is free. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more people.
With more than 700 islands bordered by sundrenched shores, the array of beaches in the Bahamas seems endless. On New Providence Island's lively Cable Beach visitors can soak up the sun on a four-mile stretch of snow-white sands to the tune of Calypso
With more than 700 islands bordered by sundrenched shores, the array of beaches in the Bahamas seems endless. On New Providence Island's lively Cable Beach visitors can soak up the sun on a four-mile stretch of snow-white sands to the tune of Calypso music that emanates from the many neighboring resorts and restaurants. Paradise Island's trendy Cabbage Beach offers two miles of glistening sands known for popular beach bars, slathered sunbathers and celebrity sightings. For an unforgettable experience, beach lovers can bask in a sea of pink at Harbour Island's Pink Sands Beach. The beach's coral reef safeguards the shores from breakers, making for some of the safest swimming in the Bahamas. Those looking for peace and quiet can travel off the beaten path to the quiet sands of Cat Island for a serene sanctuary of seclusion.
Located just three miles northeast of Paradise Island, Blue Lagoon Island is home to 18 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and six California sea lions. Several encounter programs are available that let guests get up close and personal with these amazing
Located just three miles northeast of Paradise Island, Blue Lagoon Island is home to 18 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and six California sea lions. Several encounter programs are available that let guests get up close and personal with these amazing and highly intelligent mammals. Visitors can try the exhilarating "footpush" at the Dolphin Swim, interact with a dolphin in the water at the Dolphin Encounter, or take advantage of the rare chance to kiss, hug, feed and play with a loveable sea lion as part of the Sea Lion Encounter. For those who would like to simply cheer from the sidelines, the Observer Program allows visitors to watch others interact with these friendly creatures.
While at Blue Lagoon Island, visitors might recognize some of the island's celebrity residents from movies such as Flipper or Andre. Also known as Salt Cay, the island is a secluded three-mile-long oasis featuring powdery white sands, a meandering lagoon, native palms, tropical birds and ripe, natural vegetation. Primarily untouched, this isolated hideaway provides a quiet sanctuary in which to while away an afternoon.
Blue Lagoon Island offers Dolphin Encounters daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. The rate for the Dolphin Swim is US$165 per person. The Dolphin Encounter is US$85 per person and the Sea Lion Encounter is US$80 per person. Rates for encounters include round-trip transportation by large catamaran from the departure dock located at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. Special group rates are available. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Dating back to 1787, Fort Charlotte is the largest of three forts located in the capital city of Nassau. Named after the wife of King George III, Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore to protect the western entrance of the harbor. Although the
Dating back to 1787, Fort Charlotte is the largest of three forts located in the capital city of Nassau. Named after the wife of King George III, Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore to protect the western entrance of the harbor. Although the fort never fired a shot in its history, it was outfitted at great expense with cannons, a waterless moat, drawbridge, ramparts and dungeons. The spectacular free tour, led by a costumed guide, takes visitors on a voyage into the rich history surrounding the famed fort. Visitors descend into the depths of underground passageways and visit the dungeons where prisoners were "stretched" by torture devices, which remain intact today.
In addition to its historical significance, Fort Charlotte provides excellent photo opportunities. From its hilltop perch, the fort and its surrounding 100 acres offer stunning views of the cricket grounds, Nassau Harbor and the lapping waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Tours run daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. Though the tour of Fort Charlotte is free, gratuities are appreciated.
Prominently located in the heart of bustling Nassau and housed in a lovingly restored 1860s villa, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas showcases the contemporary and historical artistic innovations of the Bahamian people. The gallery, which
Prominently located in the heart of bustling Nassau and housed in a lovingly restored 1860s villa, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas showcases the contemporary and historical artistic innovations of the Bahamian people. The gallery, which opened in 2003, focuses primarily on the work of contemporary Bahamian artists, but also includes some stunning pieces by such renowned expatriates as Winslow Homer. The collection of ceramics, paintings, sculptures, photography and textiles also includes work by such notable Bahamian artists as Amos Ferguson, Maxwell Taylor and Antonius Roberts.
The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas can accommodate groups for outdoor events. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is US$5 for adults and US$3 for seniors and students. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free. Group tours are available, but must be scheduled in advance.
Visitors can uncover the beauty of Grand Bahama Island on an exhilarating horseback adventure with the Pinetree Stables Eco Tour. Located between the International Market and Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, Pinetree Stables offers two-hour
Visitors can uncover the beauty of Grand Bahama Island on an exhilarating horseback adventure with the Pinetree Stables Eco Tour. Located between the International Market and Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, Pinetree Stables offers two-hour excursions with experienced tour horses and friendly guides. A unique and fun way to see Grand Bahama, the tour takes riders along winding wooded trails past historic sites such as Cooper's Castle, through the Hardwood Coppice, over dunes and onto a secluded beach. To top off the tour, riders take an unforgettable splash through the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea atop their horses.
Pinetree Stables Eco Tours run daily at 9 AM and 11:30 AM. Tickets cost US$85 per person. Minimum rider age is 8 years old. Reservations are required. Riders should wear long pants and plan on getting wet. Group discounts are available.
A Bahamian treasure, the Pirates of Nassau Museum provides an intriguing look into the so-called Golden Age of Piracy. The one-time heart of piracy, Nassau provided the perfect harbor for pirates to employ their hit and run tactics upon unsuspecting
A Bahamian treasure, the Pirates of Nassau Museum provides an intriguing look into the so-called Golden Age of Piracy. The one-time heart of piracy, Nassau provided the perfect harbor for pirates to employ their hit and run tactics upon unsuspecting merchant ships sailing through nearby shipping lanes. This interactive museum takes visitors on an exciting journey back to the 1700s when rogues such as the infamous Black Beard made Nassau their island hideaway. Guests of the museum become stowaways aboard a replica pirate ship and learn what life was like at sea, visit Nassau's former shanty town, find out how infamous pirates met their end, and see astonishing artifacts left over from the Golden Age. After learning about the true pirates of the Caribbean, visitors can browse for treasures at the gift shop or stop in for a taste of Pirate Punch at the famed Marlborough Arms Pirate Pub.
The Pirates of Nassau Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to noon. Admission is US$6 for children ages 4-17 and US$12 for adults.
Created by slaves between the years 1793 and 1794, the Queen's Staircase is one of Nassau's most popular architectural attractions. The recently renovated steps were not built, but rather carved from a solid limestone wall. Designed as an escape
Created by slaves between the years 1793 and 1794, the Queen's Staircase is one of Nassau's most popular architectural attractions. The recently renovated steps were not built, but rather carved from a solid limestone wall. Designed as an escape route from neighboring Fort Fincastle, the 102-foot-tall steps once served as a lookout for invading marauders and pirates. Later, the 65 steps were named the Queen's Staircase in honor of Queen Victoria's 65 years of reign.
Today, visitors can ascend the steps of this remarkably crafted monument and look out upon Nassau and the Caribbean Sea. An integral part of any walking tour of Nassau, the Queen's Staircase is a gateway to many of the city's major attractions including the Straw Market, Christ Church Cathedral and Pompey Museum.
The one-time site of slave auctions in the 18th century, this Nassau museum examines the history of slavery and emancipation in the Bahamas. Located on historic Bay Street, the Pompey Museum features a permanent collection of articles, photos and
The one-time site of slave auctions in the 18th century, this Nassau museum examines the history of slavery and emancipation in the Bahamas. Located on historic Bay Street, the Pompey Museum features a permanent collection of articles, photos and artifacts that chronicle the slave trade, daily conditions for slaves, the abolition movement and emancipation in 1834. Definitely worth a stop, the museum is located in the historic Vendue House, which takes its name from the French word meaning "sold." Visitors to the Pompey Museum should also take time out to visit the art gallery on the second floor, where they will find an impressive collection of work by renowned local Bahamian artist Amos Ferguson.
The Pompey Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM. Admission is US$1 per person.
Statues of historical and mythological figures adorn the finely manicured grounds of this stately formal garden on the eastern end of Paradise Island. Situated on the Ocean Club property just a 15-minute walk from Atlantis Resort, the garden offers
Statues of historical and mythological figures adorn the finely manicured grounds of this stately formal garden on the eastern end of Paradise Island. Situated on the Ocean Club property just a 15-minute walk from Atlantis Resort, the garden offers visitors a chance to meander up the majestic stepped lawns and through the grounds fringed with aromatic flowers. Guests can stroll amongst the imposing bronze visages of Hercules, Napoleon and Josephine, former U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and others, explore the columned temple, or stop by a lovely gazebo that overlooks Nassau Harbor.
At the summit of the garden is the gothic stone cloister, the ruins of a reconstructed French monastery. Dating back to the 12th century, the cloister was brought brick by brick from France during the 1920s by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. It was not until 1962 that the Augustinian structure was painstakingly reassembled at the request of A&P heir Huntington Hartford.
A popular setting for outdoor events, the Versailles Garden and French Cloister can be booked for private functions. The grounds are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Admission is free.
Modern sophistication and sumptuous cuisine mark this cutting-edge restaurant on Paradise Island. Located in the western wing of the stunning Ocean Club Resort, Dune is taking the islands by storm with its top flight cooking, sweeping views and
Modern sophistication and sumptuous cuisine mark this cutting-edge restaurant on Paradise Island. Located in the western wing of the stunning Ocean Club Resort, Dune is taking the islands by storm with its top flight cooking, sweeping views and ultra-chic dcor. Guests dine in an opulent setting inspired by British Colonial design and accented with rich charcoal hues. The open display kitchen offers diners a sneak peek at the culinary experts at work as they create a savory fusion that only Dune can deliver.
Putting a uniquely Bahamian twist on classic Asian and French cuisine, the menu features the freshest local seafood, duck, veal chop and chicken seasoned with herbs grown in Dune's organic garden. Favorites include coconut milk soup with shitake cakes and filet of grouper with spicy tomato sauce. After dinner, guests can stop in at the adjoining beach front bar, admire the views from the wraparound terrace, or stroll through the magnificent Versailles Gardens and French Cloister.
Dune features private event space for intimate gatherings of up to 20 people. The restaurant serves lunch daily from noon to 3 PM and dinner daily from 6 to 10:30 PM. Breakfast is served daily from 7 to 11 AM. Dinner entrees range from US$42 to US$60. Reservations are required.
The quintessential Italian restaurant in Nassau, Ristorante Villaggio Cocktail & Wine Bar brings an authentic taste of Italy to the islands. Guests can relax in the contemporary dining room complete with cherry wood floors and an eye-catching display
The quintessential Italian restaurant in Nassau, Ristorante Villaggio Cocktail & Wine Bar brings an authentic taste of Italy to the islands. Guests can relax in the contemporary dining room complete with cherry wood floors and an eye-catching display of multicolored bottles speckled over one wall, or sit al fresco on the candlelit terrace overlooking the piazza-style courtyard and ocean beyond. Evenings at Ristorante Villaggio frequently begin with a trip upstairs to the bubbly cocktail and wine bar for live music and libations such as the signature Godiva chocolate martini or the Villaggio Bellini. The experience continues with a sumptuous dinner menu that includes such favorites as risotto of golden pumpkin with rosemary and flash-seared King Scallops, or Tornados of Angus beef tenderloin and crawfish tail with olive oil crushed potatoes.
Groups of up to 150 guests can enjoy Ristorante Villaggio's private room, which features its own upstairs terrace offering spectacular views. For larger groups of up to 300 guests, the entire restaurant can be reserved. Ristorante Villaggio offers groups several prix fixe menus to choose from, live entertainment options and two dance floors. Ristorante Villaggio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 to 11 PM. Entrees range from US$26 to US$46. Reservations are strongly recommended.
For an authentic taste of Bahamian cuisine and culture, visitors should pay a visit to Arawak Cay. Just a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk from downtown Nassau, Arawak Cay is the site of the famous Junkanoo Festival and home to a culinary
For an authentic taste of Bahamian cuisine and culture, visitors should pay a visit to Arawak Cay. Just a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk from downtown Nassau, Arawak Cay is the site of the famous Junkanoo Festival and home to a culinary institution known as the Fish Fry. What was once a group of dilapidated huts in the 1960s has grown into a local darling that serves some of the most delicious seafood on the islands. Locals and tourists alike visit the pastel-colored waterside shacks for bona fide regional specialties, including conch, a Bahamian staple. Patrons can try the famous conch salad, conch fritters, cracked conch and even conch chowder. Other favorites include fried fish, grilled shrimp and fresh lobster washed down with the specialty Kalik beer brewed locally on New Providence Island. Beyond the delicacies, visitors to the Fish Fry will enjoy mixing with the locals in a spirited atmosphere often filled with live music.
The Fish Fry is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM. Entrees average US$7. Cash is the only accepted form of payment.
