Around Nassau
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Many of us are under the misguided perception that The Bahamas are in the Caribbean, but in actuality the island is in the Atlantic Ocean not far from the southern coast of Florida. Located on the New Providence Island, Nassau offers major historic and sightseeing opportunities along with some of the finest restaurants, casinos, world-class shopping and the opportunities to experience every water sport imaginable.
Nassau is in the heart of this chain of more then 700 islands. It has been the home of Amerindians, pirates, Spanish conquerors, British colonists and rumrunners during the Prohibition in the United States. Sixty percent of all of the Bahamians live in Nassau, so there are about 210,000 people living in Nassau.
Nassau has two very large casinos – the Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island and the Crystal Palace Casino on Cable Beach. You can play the slot machine at anytime day or night, but the gaming tables are only open from 10 am to 4 am.
All of the cruise lines offer a several types of shore excursions to Nassau, but if you wish you can do it on your own. Taking a ride on the horse drawn surreys waiting for passengers at Rawson Square is one way to take a quick tour of Nassau. Make sure to the statue of Queen Victoria at the Government buildings, which all date back to around the 1800s. You will love the British-style “Bobbies” you will see directing traffic. Try to save time to look at all the tempting shops on Bay Street.
Additional modes of transportation include buses, rental cars, motorbikes, bicycles, taxis and limousines. Taxis are available at all times. Jitney buses, which run from downtown and Cable Beach, are government controlled. Water taxis also make the trip from the port to Paradise Island.
Lunch
Everyone in the world does lunch. You will find ethnic foods from around the world. You will recognize some of the fast food chains, which are here in the Bahamas, such as Wendy’s, Pizza Hut etc., but don’t skip out on trying some of the local dishes. You might try a slice of guava duff, which is a pastry from a local bakery. Conch, a shell dwelling creature is a local staple and is delicious when prepared correctly. The Bahamian lobster, a clawless variety, is quite tasty. Fried fish and johnnycakes are other local treats. You will find many places where you can have lunch, and you can find just about any kind of food you might be looking for. All of it with a Bahamian twist.
Shopping
It’s great. If you are looking for jewelry or stones, along Bay Street are two shops bearing the green awning of Colombian Emeralds, where stones and jewelry are in all sizes, shapes and colors.
Little Switzerland is known for fragrances, jewelry and watches. You will also be able to find the local shops as well as the chains including Solomon’s Mines. Liquor shops are everywhere. For a souvenir you might want to get a bottle of Nassau Royale, which is a local liquor. Androsia features batik cotton clothing from the island of Andros, while the Straw Market offers hats, purses, bags and dolls.
Attractions
Paradise Island, once known as “Hog” Island, is now one of the Bahamas’ biggest tourist attractions in part because of the Atlantis Resort and Casino. An African developer whose name is Sol Kerzner and his Sun International created Atlantis. There is a “Discover Atlantis” Tours available, but you can get a better deal through your cruise line.
Golf
You can book a round at the 18-hole golf course at Cable Beach.
Water Sports
If you are interested in scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, para-sailing, windsurfing, shark diving, or just swimming on some of t h world’s best beaches like Cable Beach and South Ocean Beach. Any cab driver will be able to take you to any beach you would like to go or to any water excursion you might wish to try.
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