Once known for being a pirate stronghold for English Privateers who abandoned the Union Jack to instead hoist the Jolly Roger, Nassau is a Caribbean city with an illustrious history. However, today Nassau caters to a much different crew. Visitors from all over the world venture to the Bahamas for its sun-soaked beaches, crystal waters and rest and relaxation. Combine this with amazing restaurants, bountiful shops and salt-water fun and you are destined for the ultimate in tropical paradises.
What to Do
While the Bahamas offer serene beaches and sun-drenched skies, there are a lot of opportunities to mix in some adventure with relaxation.
It is no secret that the Caribbean is remarkable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, the waters around the Bahamas hold hidden secrets that makes it stand above the other islands. Due to trade routes and boat traffic, the Bahamian coast is riddled with shipwrecks that you can see first-hand! There are different levels of dives: shallow, moderate and deep, each growing progressively more technical. Shallow dives are the easiest and usually can be snorkeled, meaning everyone can explore these sunken vessels. Moderate and Deep dives require experience, but skilled scuba divers should be chomping at the bit to see what lies in the deeper water, such as wooden boats, tugboats, and 100-foot freighters! Beyond these sunken marvels, Bahamian marine life is vast and beautiful. While snorkeling in the Bahamas, you may encounter barracuda, lionfish, Nassau grouper and countless other gorgeous tropical species. Clownfish and blue tang are also native to Bahamian waters!
The Bahamas are well known for being a fishing hot spot. Nassau is home to the best fishing charters on the island. Countless anglers from all over travel to the Bahamas to chase big tropical game fish. However, you do not have to be an expert fisherman to enjoy! Charters will provide the gear and do the hard work for you, making fishing a fun activity for all, especially families. The waters off the Bahamas are home to several once in a lifetime catches, including tarpon, swordfish, blue marlin and the rare white marlin. Fishing also offers another great way to soak in the surf and sun while still taking a break from the beach.
For shoppers looking for a little retail therapy while on vacation, be sure to check out the Straw Market on Paradise Island for an authentic island shopping experience. Straw vending is considered one of the country’s oldest industries with organized markets in Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island and several of the Out Islands. At the market, you will find vendors selling beautiful unique crafts made predominantly out of straw and wood. Locals and visitors alike line the market’s alleys all day long, admiring the hand-crafted bags, hats, art pieces and much more.
If you are looking to treat yourself to some upscale shopping, head to the Crystal Court Shops on Paradise Island to treat yourself to an afternoon perusing the most well-known, high-fashion brands in the world. Whether you are hunting for name brands or want to throw some island spice into your wardrobe, you will find just what you are looking for.
What to Eat
Shellfish is a huge part of all Caribbean cuisine, and no other species rules the Bahamas quite like “conch,” a tropical marine mollusk whose shells are often seen next to the ears of people trying to listen for the ocean. Conch, pronounced “konk,” is served in a myriad of delicious ways, but cracked conch is what drives locals and tourists alike crazy. It gets the name “cracked” from the process of extracting and tenderizing the chewy meat with a hammer. The pieces of meat are then fried until golden brown and served with hot sauce, resulting in a light, savory, delicious bite of the sea. While there are many great seafood restaurants in Nassau, locals crave the Bahamian Cooking Kitchen, where you can get Conch however you’d like– but always cooked to perfection.
Foodies who are looking to take a deep dive in Bahamian cuisine should consider souse, an Island stew of potatoes, peppers, onions, carrots, lime juice and more. Seems simple, until meat is added, which could be anything from chicken and beef to ox tail and pig’s feet. But do not let the proteins throw you off, as souse is a staple for a reason. The flavor of the stew is complex and savory, where a wide range of ingredients shine together with every spoonful.
Where to Stay
While there are many great places to stay in the Bahamas, many visitors flock to Baha Mar for its modern beauty and elegance. Located on the famed Cable Beach, Baha Mar has only been open for three years and has already built up a reputation for impeccable service and hospitality across the three resorts in its complex. Comprised of the Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood, Baha Mar delivers accommodations for all styles and tastes to ensure that your Bahamian escape is everything you dreamed it would be. Away from the beach, Baha Mar also features 10 pools, a spa, a golf course and many other activities to keep the whole family having fun!
Another popular resort frequented by travelers is Atlantis Paradise Island, which is just a 15-minute drive from Nassau Airport on connecting Paradise Island. The entire resort was built with love for the ocean at its core and is well represented in Atlantis’ architecture. Most of the resort buildings are intertwined with an outdoor aquarium, which also happens to be the open-air marine habitat in the world! Atlantis features five different guest room towers spread across Paradise Island, each uniquely different to accommodate every style of traveler, along with many activities for guests. One of the more popular activities is spending the day at Aquaventure, Atlantis’ 141-acre waterpark. For a taste of night life on Paradise Island, head on over to the resort’s casino next to Marina Village. The casino has a wide range of classic gambling games, as well as a lounge and restaurants such as Japanese foodie favorite Nobu.
The best time to visit Nassau and the Bahamas is either March through May or October through November. The island lays in the Atlantic Hurricane Belt and hurricane season runs from August through early October, with September being the peak. By planning your trip for these months, you can avoid hurricane season and still enjoy glorious temperatures. If you are a traveler who likes it HOT, consider traveling in June, however, the mid-summer heat can pack a punch in the Bahamas.
Ready to hoist the colors on your own Bahamian adventure? Contact us today to get started!