Adventures In Nassau Bahamas
Taking in the beauty of the alabaster sands on Cable Beach is an unmissable Nassau Bahmas activity. Stroll the strip and you’ll soon realize why it’s a top tourist destination.
Get your shopping fix at the Straw Market, where you’ll find straw hats and baskets but also wooden sculptures, branded clothing, beaded jewelry and more. You’ll also find an incredible selection of duty-free shops!
” I just returned from a trip to Nassau and I got the amazing opportunity to feed stingrays and a shark! The experience is exhilarating and exciting. At first I was a little scared, but I quickly realized these creatures were very comfortable and friendly knowing we were there to give them food. I had the most wonderful time in the Bahamas. This should be on everyone’s Bucket List.” – Jacqueline Maddison, Edtor-in-Chief
1. Snorkeling With Nurse Sharks
Although swimming with sharks may sound terrifying, these bottom-dwelling fish are more interested in their surroundings than you and can actually be quite friendly. There’s a spot on Campus Cay where you can dive into the water and swim around with these well-fed sharks. They’re very interesting and can be quite photogenic as they move gracefully through the clear water.
Whether you’re looking to add an extra thrill to your Nassau Bahamas vacation or simply want to tick the shark encounter off your bucket list, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is sure to impress. Swim in a shallow area of the coral reef in small groups, and be guided by a trainer to meet mild mannered native Bahamian Nurse Sharks. You can even touch them and feel how their skin feels like sandpaper.
If you’re a movie buff, this is also a great opportunity to see some of the locations that were used in movies such as ‘Thunderball’ and ‘Never Say Never Again’. The beach at Clifton Heritage Park is a particularly good option for snorkelers as it’s sheltered and has calm waters that make it perfect for beginners.
2. Meet The Swimming Pigs
The pigs of Big Major Cay have become a tourist attraction and they are very popular on Instagram, where people post photos of their encounters. They have also been featured on TV shows and in a book by Todd Smith. You can meet them during a tour from Nassau, or you can fly into Staniel Cay and take a day trip there.
You can expect to spend about half an hour with the pigs on your tour, which is less time than when you stay on the island. It’s not unethical for tourists to visit the pigs, but they should not feed them bread or any other food that has gotten sand on it. (Sand can make the pigs sick.)
If you go to see the pigs, you’ll have to book a tour. Some are more flexible than others and can accommodate families. I recommend booking a private boat if you’re visiting in a group of three or more and can afford to pay the extra cost. This will give you more personal space and save money on costs.
3. Visit Compass Cay
The island of Compass Cay is not only an antidote for adrenaline junkies who want to swim with sharks in the Bahamas but it’s also a beautiful destination packed with 13 pristine beaches, stunning luxury hotels, and a handful of bungalows. It’s an essential stop for anyone who wants to get off the beaten path and experience the Bahamas in a more authentic way.
As you walk around this island, take in the beauty of different tropical ecosystems and admire the coral reef sculpture garden or sunken film wrecks. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also follow an underwater snorkel trail or go scuba diving to encounter marine life under the sea.
After walking around this island, make your way to the Straw Market for a look at how Bahamian women once made a living by braiding and weaving palm and sisal leaves into baskets and fishing traps. It’s a fun and educational place to learn more about the islands’ rich cultural heritage while picking up a souvenir to bring home with you. Book your flight on Jet Blue to Nassau Bahamas on your next Caribbean vacation.
4. Visit Atlantis Bahamas
This massive hotel, aquarium, and water park is a must-see for anyone visiting Nassau Bahamas. You can take a guided tour, ride the Mayan Temple water slide, and see dolphins in their habitat at The Dolphin Cay.
You’ll also find a variety of restaurants here, from the high-end to the cheap. Crabs and Ting is a popular spot that looks like a beach shack, but it’s one of the best seafood places in Nassau.
For a taste of the Bahamas’ history, you can visit Fort Fincastle, which was built in 1793 and is shaped like a boat. It was once a place to protect the island from pirates, but it never saw any action and is now a historical landmark.
If you want to learn more about rum-making, the John Watling’s Distillery is worth a stop. It has a tavern, tasting room, and gift shop and offers tours of the facilities. You can even sample some small-batch rum. If you’re looking to spend a lot of money, head to Marina Village and Crystal Court, which has the likes of Dooney & Bourke and Cartier.
5. Take A Tour Of Nassau
With swaying palm trees, crystalline water, and plenty of pristine beaches, Nassau Bahamas is a beach lover’s paradise. But there’s much more to discover here. From ruins of a colonial settlement to the only marine conservation park in The Bahamas, you’ll find endless things to do here.
On your Nassau Bahamas cruise you can also learn about island history and culture at the Heritage Museum. Located in the Mountbatten House across from the hotel, this museum is a great place to explore the islands’ past, from pirates and slavery to plantations and more.
Another way to learn more about the island’s history is to visit Fort Fincastle. Originally built to protect the city from pirates, this fort’s massive walls and dozens of rusty cannons now serve as a humbling reminder of the country’s past. Just beyond the fort is a famous staircase that was hewn from solid limestone by slaves to give soldiers protected access to the fort above. It’s now called the Queen’s Staircase in honor of Queen Victoria for her role in abolishing slavery in the British Empire.
