Nassau New Providence, The Bahamas Travel Guide
The clear waters and sunny skies of Nassau extend an invitation to many outdoor pursuits.
Excellent coral reefs and wrecks near Rose Island and Tongue of the Ocean. Numerous dive operators offer guided trips. Consider bringing your own Snorkel set.
Available on popular beaches like Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach. Negotiate prices before riding. Parasailing offered at major beach resorts.
Several operators offer guided cage-free shark dives for certified divers. Excursions available for targeting marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dorado.
Always choose reputable operators for water sports. Confirm safety equipment and follow all instructions. Bargain for prices for jet skis and other rentals.
Connect with Bahamian culture through workshops, performances, and community interactions.
The national cultural festival. Experience it best on Boxing Day (Dec 26) and New Year's Day (Jan 1) with parades, music, and elaborate costumes. Smaller "rush outs" occur throughout the year.
A series of cultural events and performances held throughout July and August. It showcases Bahamian music, dance, and food.
Find local bands playing Rake 'n' Scrape in local bars. Sailing regattas are popular events, especially the National Family Island Regatta.
Staying in locally owned accommodations or visiting places like Potter's Cay Dock offers more direct engagement with Bahamian communities.
Nassau features many options for rest and rejuvenation, mainly through spas and beach clubs.
Experience Nassau's lively evenings, from live music to casinos and nightclubs.
Nassau provides many options for rest and rejuvenation.
Some independent yoga studios in Nassau offer classes. Luxury resorts may offer private yoga sessions or group classes. Dedicated multi-day retreats are less common on New Providence.
Many resorts offer day passes to their beach and pool facilities for non-guests (e.g., Baha Mar, Atlantis, though Atlantis passes can be expensive).
"Bush medicine," or traditional herbal remedies, forms part of Bahamian culture, but is not typically a tourist offering.
Arawak Cay (Fish Fry) features Rake 'n' Scrape bands on weekends. Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts hosts local plays. Atlantis and Baha Mar have various live entertainment.
Aura Nightclub (Atlantis) and Bond Nightclub (Baha Mar) are high-energy clubs. Arawak Cay becomes a lively bar strip at night. Resort areas have numerous bars and lounges.
Casinos at Atlantis and Baha Mar are open late. Nightclubs operate until 2 AM to 4 AM. Some 24/7 fast-food outlets exist for late-night dining.
Find unique souvenirs and gifts in Nassau's diverse shopping spots.
Bay Street (Downtown Nassau): Duty-free shops for international luxury brands (jewelry, watches, perfumes). Marina Village (Atlantis) and The Shops at Baha Mar feature high-end fashion and goods.
Support Local Artisans: Purchase directly from local craftspeople. Avoid Illegal Wildlife Products: Do not buy items made from endangered species, like certain corals or sea turtle shells.
At the Straw Market, polite bargaining is part of the experience. Always maintain respect.
Many shops arrange international shipping for larger purchases. Be aware of shipping costs and customs duties in your home country.
Be aware of your country's duty-free allowances for goods purchased abroad. For US citizens, the personal exemption is currently $800. Declare all purchases upon re-entry.
Restrictions may apply to certain items, like large quantities of alcohol, tobacco, or Cuban cigars. Check specific regulations for your destination country.
Embrace the local pace. While resorts offer structured fun, venturing into local areas for dining or cultural events delivers a truly Bahamian experience.
