Tag: to do

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.

April 18, 2025
Rock Sound Cave

The Cave at Rock Sound is located just outside of the settlement going south toward Green Castle. There is a white church building

Way to Boiling Hole and the cave

on the opposite side of the road so it’s easy to find. You will need to park along the side of the road. It used to be almost impossible to find, but recently the locals have build this kind of rough set of stairs down to the blue hole and put up the stone wall to make the way down.

Boiling Hole

This blue hole is not that deep. It is called boiling hole because there

Boiling hole one of two blue holes in Rock Sound.

are always bubbles coming to the surface. There is not enough water exchange to keep the water from stagnating. It is still a very pretty location but not much to do there.

Keep on the path that leads around the side of Boiling Hole off to the left. You

Poison Wood don’t touch.

continue through the low scrub type bush common to the Bahamas. On the way be careful not to touch the tree with the black tar looking sap coming from it’s trunk. It is called Poison Wood. It is like poison ivy on steroids so please avoid it.

The Cave

Not too far on is the entrance to the cave. It is a top entrance,

Cave Entrance

making getting into it a bit of a challenge if it weren’t for the makeshift ladder placed there. I suppose it’s time to say that I don’t recommend that anyone go into the cave. It’s best to view it from the top.

On the way in we saw a bit of the local wild life. Some of the locals

Lizard on ladder.

may serve as a deterrent to some. but we found them to be quite hospitable. The first was this little lizard kind of being a ladder hog.

At the bottom we found a resident of the cave. It was a Brown Racer, one of the local species of snake. He didn’t seem to like his home being

Snake in cave.

invaded so he took off to a dark corner somewhere. They are harmless. There are no poisonous snakes in the Bahamas, but there are a few toxic bugs.

The cavern at the entrance of the cave is rather small but a passage leads to a pretty large cavern that makes me think the cave

Small passage to next cavern.

floor may be below sea level. There was evidence of an owl off to the right in the form of some poop and bones of small critters such as mice. The owl was not there.

Through the passage the cave opens up into a surprisingly large cavern. It is cool the way the roots from the

High cave ceiling with roots from trees on the surface.

trees above come through the ceiling and all the way into the floor. I am stunned at the size of the roots considering the small trees above. My kids can be seen at the bottom of the roots, they are totally dwarfed by the height of the ceiling of the cave. There were other caverns at one time but the ceiling has collapsed making those caverns inaccessible.

February 19, 2016
Ocean Hole

Ocean Hole

Ocean Hole Eleuthera.

Was something that we totally took for granted growing up. It was simply the local swimming hole. Some of the local fishermen had put a few local fish in the hole, which do very well and have become themselves an attraction. The come it seems to the sound of foot steps on the steps leading down to the water. Many people bring old bread or other scraps along to cast to the fish competing for as much as they can get. It was my thinking that the tourists came to see the fish, not realizing the greatness of the ocean hole itself.

The attached video offers a great view of the ocean hole and the surrounding village.

Local Lore

Of course surrounding such a dark mysterious hole in the centre of the village stories and legends abound.

We all knew for example that Ocean Hole had no bottom, and there were very large animals living in it’s depths. These legends were almost confirmed when scuba diving legend Jacques Cousteau and his team made an attempt to pierce it’s depths. They were met with darkness so great that as I remember it they made it to only 65 feet before being forced to abort the dive.

Swimming

Each time we went swimming in ocean hole we would begin to challenge each other to make the swim across to the other side. We would eventually venture out into the depths with our hearts pounding in our chests swimming on top of what seems like an endlessly deep ink black depth. It felt as if we were paring into space itself. The really weird part is that the water is crystal clear on the top, and you can see light shafts disappearing into nothing. It makes me feel really small.

When you visit this great location, you must make the swim out into the depths, let us know what your impressions are.

February 16, 2016
Blue Lagoon Island
Is 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:
- 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
February 9, 2016
Eleuthera Fishing

One of my favourite ways to spend time on the island of Eleuthera is fishing. How ever you like to fish, it can be done on Eleuthera.

The island has quite a following of fly fisherman who frequent the island. The draw of Eleuthera for the fly fisherman is the fact that there are a number of great flats that can be reached by car. One needs only to google diy fly fishing eleuthera to discover how and where to cast a fly.

While fly fishing is great fun on Eleuthera, I also like to take a spinning rod and stop along the rocks on the eastern side of the island. I have had great fun with a cheep rattle lure about an inch long off the rocks. Cast the lure out and reel it in. I have caught Grouper, Mutton Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Jacks to name a few. This lure will do, get the blue one. I have also cast those lures at shoals of Jack charging the beach driving bait fist to the shore. What a blast!

There are charter boat captains too. They will be very happy to get you hooked up on what ever is running. There are times when the Exuma sound is so glutted with Mahi that one can just about walk from Eleuthera to Exuma! There are lots of bill fish too.

When the sun gets hot it’s always solo refreshing to slip into the gin clear, refreshing sea. After all people come to Eleuthera to vacation. The main thing is, Have Fun!

September 23, 2014
Birds of a Feather

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.

September 2, 2014
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.

July 16, 2014
East Villa Restaurant

Table set at East Villa

The East Villa Restaurant is a bit of a walk from Paradise Island. It can be done! If you are not up for the walk, it is one of the Restaurants that is a must in Nassau. So get a Cab.

This is one of my favourite restaurants in Nassau. Not only is the food good, but the atmosphere is also good. I enjoy being able to sample foods that I may not have ordered as they are set in the centre of the table. My kids also enjoy going here, they seem to think it’s great fun.

The East Villa has been serving it’s mouth watering dishes for more than 20 years. They have a reputation not only for great Cantonese, and Szechuan food, but the also do a mean steak. The duck is out of this world. I know if you like duck you’d appreciate the duck at the East Villa.

The restaurant is a family style setting. Order several Entrees and a few appetisers. They all go onto the lazy Susan in the centre of the table. This is a lot of fun because of the variety that can be enjoyed at one meal.

There is also a full bar. The bar tender will be happy to make those wonderful tropical drinks that slide down much too easily. The Bar Tender will also be able to make any of your normal drinks.

Pricing ranges from $15.50 to about $32.00 per Entree.

Bring your appetite and enjoy.

July 14, 2014
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.

February 7, 2014