Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. It lies on the island of New Providence, with neighboring Paradise Island accessible via Nassau Harbor bridges. A popular cruise-ship stop, the city has a hilly landscape and is known for its beaches as well as its offshore coral reefs, popular for diving and snorkeling. Hidden among a group of islands between the Atlantic and Caribbean, and only a few hundred miles from the US’ Florida south coast, Nassau Paradise Island has sheltered everyone over the centuries. From pirates and freed slaves to blockade runners, rum smugglers, and runaway lovers. And although times are peaceful now, we still cherish a tradition of people making their own rules under sunny skies.

Must Experiences

• Rum Runners Passage takes you on a stroll through the heart of historic downtown Nassau where you will learn about all things rum on this 3-hour guided tour. This culinary journey will take you through the pirate plundering and rum-running days when rum and other spirits played a rich and colorful role in Bahamian history. The tour starts at the Pirate Republic Brewing Company with a tasting and tutorial along with delicious conch fritters. Then on to sampling rum-infused delicacies at Hillside House, boozy handcrafted chocolate treats at Graycliff Chocolatier, and a cocktail at Watling’s Distillery.
• The Snorkel Bahamas Adventure takes you to an undersea extravaganza of living coral and tropical marine life. In just minutes, you will be swimming with schools of colorful fish in the shallows of Nassau’s famous reefs, Hollywood movie sets, or mysterious sunken shipwrecks. Then if the weather permits and your fellow passengers have the nerve, it is off to snorkel with one of the most magnificent and misunderstood creatures of the sea – sharks! Sharks are one of the most fascinating marine animals you will ever see. Snorkel with your guide as the sharks swim calmly below you, or if you prefer, watch from the boat.
• The Pirates of Nassau interactive museum provides an opportunity for you to experience the Golden Age of Piracy. Providing a great mix of entertainment and history, your pirate adventure begins on a moonlit dock amidst the sounds of lapping water and pirates celebrating in a nearby tavern. Board a replica of the pirate ship “Revenge” and then enter into a world of cutlass-wielding bloodthirsty pirates. Arrr, matey!
• Speedboats to northern Exuma: This is a unique and exciting adventure including a little of everything, 50-minute speedboat runs to Ship Channel Cay, at the top of the Exuma Cays, swim with the pigs, feed iguanas and stingrays, watch the amazing shark wrangling show, enjoy a conch cracking demo and taste fresh conch salad, grab a cocktail or icy cold beer from the all-inclusive, all day premium bar. Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch, snorkel in the stunning Exuma waters, or just relax on your own endless beach.

Must eat: Named after the original West Indian inhabitants of the island and known locally as “The Fish Fry,” Arawak Cay dates to 1969, when Nassau Harbor was dredged. The sand taken from the harbor was used to build Arawak Cay, and since that time, the restaurants of this iconic area have served traditional Bahamian fare to millions of locals and visitors alike. With a nickname like “The Fish Fry”, it’s not surprising that Arawak Cay is home to a community of Bahamian restaurants that specialize in seafood delicacies. Enjoy everything from grilled shrimp, lobster tails and fried snapper, served with sides like cornbread and mac n’ cheese. One dish you must try is conch. Whether its cracked (battered and deep-fried) or scorched (spiced with lime, onions, and peppers), it can be prepared in a variety of ways and is one of The Bahamas’ most popular foods.

Best nightlife: Feeling jazzy? The Jazz Bar at Baha Mar Resort is an elevated piano bar (quite literally) serving up small-plate menu items and globally inspired cocktails with a side of live jazz! Sip on sophisticated drinks such as the Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Caipirinha, or choose an Island favorite like Bahamian Sky Juice paired with live jazz. Come for one drink or stay for a classy evening out!

Best time to visit: The Bahamas is beautiful year-round, but the northern hemisphere summer can get rainy with hurricane season. Plan your trip around December to June for best weather.

Top tip: Nassau Paradise Island is known for its beautiful beaches and sunshine all year round, but don’t stop there! There are so many activities you can engage in during your visit that take you beyond the sandy shores. A fun treat is to visit during the Junkanoo Carnival (26 Dec-1 Jan) and there are also shortened versions every Saturday in July.

Recommended DMC: Bahama Fantasies has the local knowledge and relationships with suppliers to make your travel and events to the Bahamas a great success.