Bahama Book

Tag: nassau

  • A Tale of Two Bahama Vacations: Nassau vs. The Out Islands

    When most people think of a vacation in the Bahamas, turquoise waters and white sand beaches instantly come to mind — and rightly so. But what many travelers may not realize is that the Bahamas isn’t just one experience. With over 700 islands and cays, this tropical paradise offers two very distinct types of vacations: the bustling energy of Nassau, and the peaceful escape of the lesser-known Out Islands.

    Whether you’re dreaming of shopping sprees and dancing under the stars, or long days of solitude and underwater adventures, the Bahamas has something to offer. Let’s explore the differences between these two types of Bahamian getaways to help you decide which one is right for you.

    Nassau: The Heartbeat of the Bahamas

    Nassau, the capital city located on New Providence Island, is the most well-known and most-visited destination in the Bahamas. With its international airport and frequent cruise ship arrivals, it’s also the easiest island to get to. But convenience isn’t the only thing Nassau has going for it.

    What to Expect in Nassau:

    • Activities & Entertainment: From jet skiing and parasailing to visiting historical landmarks like Fort Charlotte and the Queen’s Staircase, there’s no shortage of things to do.

    • Shopping: Head to the Straw Market for local crafts, or explore luxury boutiques at Atlantis Paradise Island or the downtown district.

    • Dining & Nightlife: Enjoy a wide range of dining options, from local seafood shacks to high-end restaurants. As night falls, the city comes alive with bars, lounges, casinos, and live music.

    • Family-Friendly Resorts: Nassau is home to large resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar, which offer something for everyone — including waterparks, golf, and spas.

    Who It’s Best For:

    Travelers looking for convenience, a wide range of amenities, plenty of social interaction, and a vacation that blends beach time with culture, dining, and nightlife.

    The Out Islands: The Bahamas Off the Beaten Path

    Venture away from Nassau, and you’ll find a completely different side of the Bahamas. The Out Islands — including Exuma, Eleuthera, Long Island, Andros, and many more — are where you’ll discover the untouched, serene beauty that the Bahamas is truly known for.

    What to Expect in the Out Islands:

    • Unspoiled Nature: Think empty beaches, clear blue waters, and starry skies. Perfect for those looking to disconnect.

    • Adventure & Exploration: Try world-class fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking through mangroves, or beachcombing on miles of deserted shoreline.

    • Authentic Island Life: With fewer tourists, you’ll get a taste of local culture and hospitality. Many accommodations are boutique inns, vacation rentals, or small eco-resorts.

    • No Crowds, No Rush: Time slows down in the Out Islands. You’re more likely to encounter a goat in the road than a traffic jam.

    Who It’s Best For:

    Couples, solo travelers, or families seeking peace, nature, and a more intimate connection with the environment. Great for digital detoxes or anyone looking to escape the hustle of everyday life.

    So, Which One Is Right for You?

    The good news is — there’s no wrong choice. The even better news? You can experience both! Many visitors choose to spend a few days in Nassau enjoying the action, then hop a short flight or ferry to an Out Island for a more relaxed ending to their trip.

    Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a beach lounger, the Bahamas can deliver a vacation that feels tailor-made for you. By understanding the different vibes of Nassau and the Out Islands, you can plan a getaway that fits your travel style, mood, and goals.

    Tips for Planning Your Bahamian Adventure:

    • Flights: Nassau has the most international connections. From there, regional airlines like Bahamasair and Western Air offer short flights to Out Islands.

    • Ferries: Consider Bahamas Ferries for a scenic (and more affordable) journey to islands like Eleuthera and Harbour Island.

    • Best Time to Visit: The Bahamas enjoys warm weather year-round, but the peak season runs from December to April. For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit in the shoulder seasons.

    • Pack Accordingly: If heading to the Out Islands, pack for self-sufficiency — think snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and any personal essentials.

    Final Thoughts

    Choosing between Nassau and the Out Islands isn’t about better or worse — it’s about what kind of experience you’re craving. Do you want to be in the center of the action, or would you rather find your own private stretch of sand where the only sounds are the waves and the breeze?

    Whatever your answer, the Bahamas welcomes you.

  • Checkers Cafe, Local Bahamian Food

    Bahamian food is such a diverse rich experience. It would be a real shame to visit the Bahamas and not experience the food of the locals.

    The unfortunate thing is that the main restaurants in Nassau do not pay tribute to the local palate.

    The fortunate thing is Checkers Cafe serves many local dishes the way locals like them at the price that locals like.

    Because Checkers Cafe caters to the local people, it is a little off the beaten path. To get there a taxi ride will be in order. Bahama John is a local taxi driver who is recommended by many as a good driver with good knowledge of the island.

    Checkers Cafe servers the dishes that most bahamians grew up on in the more rural parts such as the other inhabited islands of the Bahamas.

    Lots of the food has it’s roots in the Cajun parts of the USA. There are foods that resemble such things as Gumbo. One of my favourites is called Stew Conch. It is a bahamian gumbo cooked with the meat of Conch. They will serve other things such as “Steamed Pork Chops,” Peas-n-rice,” “Steamed Chicken…” The Steam food is not at all steamed as you would think, but is cooked in a rich tomato gravy sometimes with potatoes and carrots as well as the meat. I suppose it is more like a stew.

    Breakfast is also rich. Bahamians don’t traditionally eat eggs and bacon. Rather things like “Stew Fish” or “Steam Fish and Grits” There is even one called “Fire Engine.” I have taught many friends from different countries how to cook this traditional breakfast, and years later they cook it more than I do.

    So please step out and experience a little of the Bahamas while in Nassau. Check out Checkers Cafe.

  • Beaches Overview

    Beaches Overview

    There are a few beaches on the Island of New Providence. Most of the beaches consist of the typical powdery white sand that the Bahamas is famous for.

    The sea in the Bahamas is almost pool clear and the ocean temperatures vary from 73 – 85 degrees f.

    Cabbage Beach

    Located on Paradise Island. Cabbage Beach is about a mile and a half long. For most of the year it is calm and great for swimming. At the centre of the beach the water gets deep rather quickly so for young children or people not to comfortable swimming it is best to avoid the middle part of the beach and swim on either end.

    More on Cabbage Beach.

    Junkanoo Beach

    Junkanoo Beach is sheltered inside the harbour entrance so it is almost always calm. Junkanoo Beach is also an easy walk from the cruise ship terminal on Bay Street. There are vendors of food and drink in Tiki Hut type places on the high side of the beach. There is also a volleyball net.

    Saunders Beach

    Saunders Beach is a favourite among bahamians. It is easy to get to and sheltered for easy swimming. Across the street are a few fast food restaurants, and a gas station that sells refreshments. There is a small park located at the western end of the beach and seating along the roadway.

    Goodman’s Bay

    Another bahamian favourite! There is a park between the road and the beach that attracts runners and others looking for a quiet place to workout. There is good parking at the eastern end of the beach.

    Cable Beach

    Cable Beach is a nice stretch of beach occupied by a few hotels. It is a few miles of powdery white sand, and almost always calm for swimming due to the barrier reef that runs along it’s length. There are generally water sports operators there for Para Sailing and other fun water activities.

    Caves Beach

    This is a beautiful small cove just off the side of the road. Bring your snorkelling gear. There are small coral reefs just off the beach. Usually calm and good for swimming. There is a lunch and open air bar across the street so it would be easy to make a day of it.

    Orange Hill

    White sand beach just over the dune from the main road. Parking is a bit dicy but the beach is good for swimming and possibly snorkelling.

  • Birds of a Feather

    Birds of a Feather

    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.

  • Top Hotel Value

    The Hilton BC
    HIlton, on historical Bay St. Nassau Bahamas.

    In my travels I have come to realise that a diversity of activities on a vacation are important. I’m not sure if it’s the rebel in me, or just the need to see what a country or state is really about. The thing that bothers me most about travel today is the drive of resorts to keep us on their properties. They can be at times remote, or at other times made to seem remote thus causing us to stay in the boundaries of the resort.

    I am always looking for the local experience, or the history of a location, or local specialities. The challenge in finding these things is two fold. 1. actually getting the information about them. 2. Getting to them.

    To see the best of Nassau, the British Colonial Hilton in my opinion is the best of the hotel/resorts to do this from. It is located on historical Bay Street. It actually stands on the location of what was Nassau’s largest fort, Fort Nassau. Fort Nassau being long gone, the BC Hilton has risen in it’s place.

    The amenities of the hotel include a private beach a pool and a few restaurants and bars. The real treat though is it’s location. When one needs a break from beaching, simply step out the from door of the Hilton and you’ll be standing on Bay St. Just a few steps from the Hilton’s front door are most of the attractions of Nassau, including, shopping, site seeing, great restaurants, even a Rum Distillery.

    Click here for hotel details.

  • Life’s a Beach

    In the Bahamas it can be said that life is a “beach.” Some of my favourite memories growing up were in the summer vacation. We would all meet at a friends house pretty early in the morning in anticipation of what we may do for the day.

    There were always those in the group who slept late, or got going really slow, so we’d busy ourselves what ever came to hand. Life was good!

    Most of the time we’d end up finally making our collective minds up to go to PI (Paradise Island). P I beach was easy to get to and not too far from where we were gathered. Quickly we’d eat a sandwich or scarf down whatever else was available, jump on our bikes, and take off like wild things.

    We had many adventures on the bridge, most of which my mom cringes at when she hears the stories. At that time there was one bridge on and off PI. We’d go directly to a dirt road that led to Cabbage Beach. I can still see the magnificent blue water in my mind’s eye as we approached the dune. It still leaves me in awe to see this gorgeous beach, the stark white sand and cool blue inviting waters are forever etched in my mind.

    There are many great things about beaching at Cabbage Beach. One that I really like is the depth of the water. A few steps into the sea, and you’re at neck depth. Perfect for cooling down. The water of the Bahamas is at just about the perfect temperature for relaxing. In the winter it can get as cool as 73 degrees, much too cool for us bahamians, but in the summer it can go into the mid 80s, perfect! One can stay in the water the whole day if desired. The hands and feet get a bit wrinkly but that’s okay.

    There are a few hotels built on Cabbage Beach. The Rio, Atlantis to name two.

    Take a visit to Cabbage Beach. I’m sure your mind and body will thank you for it. That is living!

  • Golf In The Bahamas

    Some of us simply can’t think of going somewhere so savage as to not have at least one Golf Course. So what about the Bahamas?

    Let’s face it, some of the bahamian islands are a little behind the eight ball on this one. But some boast really nice courses that call for your tee time.

    Today there are 4 islands that are home to courses. The good news is that they are all worth playing.

    Nassau

    At the moment there is one operational course in Nassau. It is actually on Paradise Island. The Ocean Club Golf Course. Newly redesigned and in pristine condition it meanders through the Ocean Club estates. Tel: 888-528-7157, 242-363 2501. Web Site: http://oceanclub.oneandonlyresorts.com/activities/golf.aspx

    The Blue Shark Golf Club is a Greg Norman design. It is currently closed for upgrades.

    The Cable Beach Golf Course is also undergoing a major redesign and I believe that will reopen by the end of the year. By the way it looks fabulous!

    Freeport

    There are three golf courses that await your play. Freeport to boot is so close to the shores of Florida that one can hope over just for a quick nine on the weekend.

    Fortune Hills Golf and Country Club

    A nine hole course set up to be played from various tees. The course can be played twice from different tees to make 18 holes. Visitors are welcome Tel: (242) 373-2222 , (242) 373-4500

    Lucayan Course

    This 18 hole course is suitable for players of all levels. It’s open to visitors so come on down and play. Tel: 866-870-7148, 242-373-2003.

    Reef Course

    This RTJ course is considered by some to be the toughest play in the Bahamas. Tel: 866-870-7148, 242-373-2003.

    Abaco

    Treasure Cay Golf Course is a pleasure to play. It is designed by Dick Wilson. There are no sea side fairways. Tel: (800) 327-1584, (954) 525-7711, (242) 365-8045 Website: http://treasurecay.com/golf

    Exuma

    Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club is a blast. The wind offers challenges and the setting is out of this world. Tel:(242) 336-6800 Website: http://www.sandals.com/golf/

    Eleuthera

    The beautiful RTJ Cotton Bay Golf Course is there. It has fallen to both disrepair and felt the wrath of a couple of powerful hurricanes. There are still hard core RTJ followers who find their way there to play this once exquisite course. There is another supposedly under construction just to the north of Cotton Bay, but no course yet. There are also a group of locals from the Harbour Island area trying to build an 18 hole course on the mainland, but they are facing opposition that needs to be overcome before realising their dream of a course.

  • Cruise Ship Passengers in Nassau Free E-book

    Cruise Ship Passengers in Nassau Free E-book

    So you’re going on a cruise and one of the stops is Nassau. What do cruise ship passengers do in Nassau?

    The question is, as always, do we do the tours offered on the ship, or do we do our own thing and really see Nassau? The problem generally with going doing our own thing is knowing where to go or what is available to do. I am confident that bahamabook can give you the information needed to have a successful, independent day in Nassau.

    The city of Nassau is very old so most of the significant sites are concentrated around the harbour. In the past people walked everywhere so the city of old Nassau is all reachable by foot.

    There are taxi drivers who are very knowledgeable about Nassau and all the spots that are of interest. They will be excited to share the island with you. A couple of them are listed in the free e-book.

    Within a mile of the port one can walk to and from most of the historical sites of Nassau, see the only zoo in the Bahamas, enjoy true bahamian food, and swim in the amazing waters of the Bahamas.

    There are a few restaurants close by that serve good ol bahamian food. These restaurants cater more to local people. As a result the food is more affordable and will give a great idea of the food culture of the Bahamas.

    We have prepared a guide in the form of a free e-book for those of you that would like to go “do your own thing.” The guide is in the epub format and once downloaded it should appear in the library of your e-reader. It includes all the information you need to really enjoy Nassau. Please download your copy by clicking on Nassau Guide below.

    Click to download.

    Nassau Guide (zip epub file)

    Nassau Guide2 (epub book not compressed. Should work on most e-readers.)

    Please leave a comment if the guide is helpful on your trip.