Just off the coast of Florida is the closest heaven gets to earth. In the middle of a chain of more than 700 islands, you will discover the magical mix of traditional British colonial formality combined with the relaxed lifestyle of the Caribbean. The jewel in the crown of the Bahamas is the island of New Providence, home to Nassau with its miles and miles of white sandy beaches stretching out to the endless turquoise sea with the clearest waters in the world. But in addition to the great beaches, the Nassau resort experience also offers such fun adventures as the chance to swim with dolphins, kayak the calm waters or take an exhilarating cruise on a motor boat. Nassau also boasts gourmet dining, glamorous nightlife, world class casino gaming, scuba diving and snorkeling, championship golf. You can shop at the famous Nassau Straw Market, with its colorful bustle of open-air fruit and vegetable stands and fresh fish market; or, the visitor can browse the exclusive international luxury designer boutiques on Bay Street, all within walking distance. The dazzling casinos jump with the music, color and excitement of the games: craps, slots, blackjack, baccarat and sports betting.
The Nassau area offers a number of interesting tourist attractions, such as climbing the 66 steps of Queen’s Staircase to Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower, which is the highest point on the island. Versailles Gardens on Paradise Island is also a sight not to be missed. The gardens feature elegant terraces with statues and fountains, and a French cloister. For fans of sailing and boating, the Port of Nassau offers a wide variety of rentals and custom charters at all price points. The many options and packages available include fully crewed and catered sailing excursions; day cruises, small and bareboat charters for experienced sailors, motor boats, submarine rides, as well as jet skis. Sailing trips are organized around scuba diving, snorkeling and barefoot picnics on remote tropical beaches or with dinner and cocktails on board. The Nassau Junkanoo festival is often compared to the carnival at Curaçao all-inclusive resorts for fun and celebration. Junkanoo takes place from late December to the first week of January each year, and is a huge street party of elaborately costumed dancers parading to the music of whistles, cowbells, and goatskin drums.
Visitors to the Bahamas should bring comfortable, casual clothing and slippers or sandals for beach days. Also plan to bring a pair of dressy-casual shoes if you prefer restaurants that require formal attire. All the islands offer guided tours, and the visitor can choose one that perfectly suits their interests, from bird watching in the lush forest to shopping in the city and gourmet tasting tours. Guided tours by experienced and friendly professional guides can be arranged at any hotel. For the adventurous visitor, all the main islands have a frequent jeepney service daily until 8:00 pm Fares for most destinations one-way are 75 adults, 50 children. Taxis can be called or flagged on the city streets. All of the large all-inclusive Bahamas hotels and resorts have a taxi rank. Metered rates are low and reasonable and a 15% tip is recommended.
