Points of Interest Attractions

Blue Lagoon Island

Published on by troybook

Explore_The_Island_header1Is one of my favorite places to take visiting friends. Nassau can seem like a lot of hustle and bustle, yet a short boat ride away all the world melts away to the beauty of Bahamian waters and beaches.

Boat Ride

Blue Lagoon Island operates a ferry from Paradise Island to the island. To be able to take advantage of a full day on the island the boat leaves Paradise Island at 8:30 a.m. A short ride through Nassau’s historical harbour and about a mile outside the harbour is the beautiful Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay).

Activities

Besides the beautiful beaches other activities include:BeachDay_Header-1

  • Snorkeling
  • Ocean Kayacing
  • Water Bikes
  • Paddle Boards
  • Volley Ball
  • Ping Pong

There are hammocks and picnic tables located under a canopy of palm trees. The island is set up for total enjoyment.

Lunch

There is a grilled lunch provided. As you can see all bases are covered. The menu includes both American and Bahamian cuisine for your enjoyment. The menu includes hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken, veggie burgers, peas n rice and more.

Who Is This Activity For

The people that I have taken to Blue Lagoon Island are a divers bunch ranging from those who can’t stand being with out some activity going to those who would rather curl up in a corner with a book. Of all of them not one has had a bad day on Blue lagoon Island. There is enough to keep the busy person busy, and hammocks enough to satisfy the person who’d rather sit. Kids I can tell you have a blast. The Lagoon is so calm and tranquil that they become quickly comfortable with the water.

You can visit the official web site here

Nassau Points of Interest/Attractions Overview

Published on by troybook

Most points of interest, or local attractions in Nassau are reachable by foot from the Cruise Ship terminal.

Forts

There are three standing forts in Nassau and a few batteries. These were built to defend against foreign invaders which would have included the Spanish, French navies and Pirates who made Nassau their base of operation for a time. These attractions are found interesting by those interested in history and photography. The views of Nassau and the harbour from the forts are really good. I suppose this was why they were built in these locations.

Fort Montagu

The only existing fort in Nassau to have seen action. Fort Montagu was constructed between 1741 and 1742.

Fort Montagu was constructed to defend the eastern end of Nassau Harbour.

Fort Fincastle

Built on Bennett’s Hill in 1793 with the purpose of defending Nassau from foreign invaders. The fort overlooks the Harbour and is within a 5 minute walk from the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Admission to the fort is free. There are knowledgeable guides on location. Fort Fincastle is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.m daily.

The Queen’s Staircase

Built to make quick access to Fort Fincastle. The Queen’s Staircase was renamed to honour Queen Victoria. There are 65 steps each said to represent a year of her reign.

Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte was built as a military complex and actually consists of three forts. Construction began in 1787 and the complex was completed in 1819.

Fort Charlotte stands today as a museum. The fort is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. There are guides on site.

Admission: Adults $5.00, Seniors $3.00, Children 6-12 $ 2.00, Children 5 and Under Free

Fort Charlotte is a 10 – 15 minute walk from downtown Nassau.

Ardastra Gardens

Ardastra Gardens is the only zoo in the Bahamas. The zoo’s main focus is on the national bird of the Bahamas, the Flamingo. The Ardastra Gardens is always a great hit with the young ones. There is a Flamingo show each day.

The Ardastra Gardens is open daily.

There is an admission charged at the gate.

Ardastra Gardens is about a mile from the port.

Guide

Download our free Guide. It is an epub file. The guide includes much more information including a map and restaurants all in comfortable walking distance of the port.

Nassau Guide2

Nassau Guide (zipped)

Birds of a Feather

Published on by troybook
A Flamingo at Ardastra Gardens Zoo Nassau Bahamas.
A Flamingo at Ardastra Gardens Zoo Nassau Bahamas.
A Flamingo at Ardastra Gardens Zoo Nassau Bahamas.

“Birds of a feather flock together” is what I have always been told.

At Ardastra Gardens Zoo you have an opportunity to literally get face to face with the magnificent Flamingo. The Flamingo is definitely the star of the Show at Ardastra Gardens. Twice a day the parade them around the small arena showing off their incredible beauty. Visitors get a chance to take photos in the ring with these gorgeous birds. I ask, Where else can you go to get a pic with live flamingos? One of my favourite photos of my kids is in this little arena with the Flamingos and my two now almost grown kids standing on one foot. Priceless!!! I have not posted that image to save them the embarrassment.

There are many other indigenous bahamian animals as well as a collection of exotics at the zoo to enjoy. Ardastra is a definite hit with the young ones. You may not want to take the teens there unless they are animal buffs.

Another rare opportunity at the Ardastra Gardens is the opportunity to meet up close and personal the Bahamian Boa. Opportunities are given for anyone who wishes to have a photo opportunity with a Boa draped over your shoulders. It’s quite an experience as some of these snakes are 40 lbs plus.

Ardastra is a great little zoo, and in my book worth the trip.

There is a small concession stand where snacks and drinks can be purchased. The gift shop next to the concession stand is sure to please with gifts not found anywhere else.