Bahamas

Head to the heart of Nassau for a unique visit to the Ardastra Gardens Zoo & Conservation Centre. As the first and only zoo in The Bahamas, it features more than four acres of lush tropical gardens inhabited by a dazzling array of animal species—including the national bird of The Bahamas, the Caribbean flamingo. Hand-feed playful parrots, meet beautiful Bahamian boa constrictors and be sure to watch the world-famous marching flamingos in action. Originally created as a nature preserve by Jamaican horticulturalist Hedley Edwards in the 1950’s, Ardastra Gardens & Zoo has developed over the decades into a tropical garden, conservation centre, boutique zoo and now wildlife rescue & rehab facility. Today, thousands of visitors visit Ardastra annually to marvel at the tranquil, restorative gardens and enjoy close encounters with a wonderful collection of over 135 animals, complete with a petting zoo, secret garden and flamingo arena. https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/things-to-do/unique-tours/kid-approved/ardastra-gardens-zoo

Located just three miles northeast of Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island (also known as Salt Cay) is home to dolphins and sea lions at Dolphin Encounters, but it also offers everything that you would want on a private island getaway. You can swim in a hidden lagoon with clear blue water, snorkel right off the beach and see coral reefs teeming with numerous species of tropical fish, sunbathe on white-sand beaches surrounded by coconut palm trees, and walk through lush natural vegetation that is the habitat for nesting birds. You can purchase a package that includes round-trip boat transfer to Blue Lagoon Island, lunch, free access to the Inflatable Aqua Park, plus use of the facilities, beach sports and game equipment. Water sports equipment is also available to rent: paddleboards, kayaks, clear bottom kayaks, water bikes, underwater scooters, and snorkeling gear. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/blue-lagoon-island-beach

If you’re going to Paradise Island to shop, a great place to start is Marina Village next to Atlantis. With over 20 designer and retail shops spread over 65,000 square feet—plus dining options ranging from casual and fine dining restaurants to grab-and-go meals and Starbucks—you’ll love strolling around this vibrant outdoor marketplace as you try to narrow down your purchases by asking yourself, “Will this fit in my suitcase?” The retailers at Marina Village in Paradise Island are as varied as they are unique. So if you’d like to go a delightfully different kind of shopping adventure, head to Marina Village for such stores as Atlantis Signatures, Columbian Emeralds International, La Parfumerie, Pirana Joe Resort Wear, Carlo Milano, Paradise Blue Surf Shop, Pandora, The Plait Lady, and more. https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/things-do/shopping/marina-village

Downtown Nassau isn’t the only place known for a fabulous straw market! Conveniently located across the street from Marina Village on Paradise Island is The Bahamas Craft Centre. It features Bahamian handicrafts, conch shell jewelry, Junkanoo art, wooden carvings, clothing, straw work, souvenirs, and more. It’s also a place where you can both test your bargaining skills and watch local artisans work their magic. Located across the street from Marina Village and next to Anthony’s Grill and Dunkin’ Donuts, The Bahamas Craft Centre is quite recognizable, because even from the outside it has a style all its own. Noted architect Jackson Burnside of Doongalik Studios designed the large Art Deco building that is painted in many shades of pastel yellows, oranges, and pinks. Overall it has a more quiet and sedate atmosphere than its larger cousin on Bay Street in Nassau. The Bahamas Craft Centre features approximately 100 booths selling everything from clothing to woven straw goods and everything in between. You’ll find Bahamian handicrafts, paintings, sea treasures, blown glass, conch shell jewelry, rum cakes and candies, Junkanoo art, steel drums, candles, driftwood paintings, straw work, and pine seed dolls, as well as Androsia, a unique Bahamian fabric. https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/things-to-do/shopping/bahama-crafts-centre

The extraordinary 14-acre environment of Dolphin Cay at Atlantis, Paradise Island showcases one of the largest and most sophisticated marine habitats and animal rescue-rehabilitation facilities unlike anything in the world. In addition to caring for dolphins and sea lions and studying their behavior, Dolphin Cay offers unparalleled educational experiences. Visitors can participate in creative, non-disruptive “interactions” that build real awareness, stir emotion, and help fund our conservation efforts. Wearing a wetsuit and sitting in waist-high water, you will have the chance to get close to the dolphins, face-to-face, feeling that personal connection. What could be better than swimming freely with these extraordinary mammals in deep water? Underwater acrobatics and the rush of feeling the dolphins swim beside you are only a part of this magical encounter. https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/things-to-do/unique-tours/adventures/dolphin-cay-atlantis

This long stretch of white powdery sand beach is a great place to pack a picnic basket and spend a relaxing day at the beach swimming and snorkelling. At low tide, you can walk or swim to Gaulding's Cay, a small island with a few casuarina trees. There is a place to park and shade is also available. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/gaulding-cay-beach

The Guardian Blue Hole is said to have the second deepest cave in The Islands of The Bahamas, with a maximum explored depth of 436 feet (133 meters). The surface pond is fresh water, with a layer of hydrogen sulfide sometimes present at the halocline. The cave was named for a solitary barracuda that at one time inhabited the main entrance pond. Some of the walls of the cave are highly decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. Several deep pits within the cave drop from 45 m depths to more than 130 m. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/guardian-blue-hole

Hank's Place Restaurant is unlike any other in Andros, because of its unique dining room and bar built over the water, providing guests a stunning view of Fresh Creek's harbor. It has two dining areas, one inside and one outside, and it serves Bahamian and American cuisine. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/hanks-place-restaurant-bar

The Heritage Museum of The Bahamas, which opened its doors in July 2014, serves as the cornerstone of Graycliff's new Heritage Village. Nestled in the beautifully preserved Mountbatten House, right across from the charming Graycliff Hotel on West Hill Street, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the rich history and heritage of The Bahamas. From the dawn of prehistoric times to the lively present day, it's a treasure trove waiting to be explored. One of the highlights is the collection of Hamilton White, a distinguished British antiques collector. His impressive assemblage of fossils, relics, and treasures perfectly complements the storied past of West Hill Street. Among these captivating artifacts, you'll find a slice of a meteorite that's about 4.5 billion years old, a true testament to the wonders of our universe. The museum's timeline takes you through diverse eras: from natural history and the days of Columbus to the swashbuckling piracy era, slavery and plantation life, and the maritime adventures of the 18th century. It also delves into life in the Out Islands during the early 1900s, the era of the Duke of Windsor, the Royal Air Force, and the thrilling Bahamas Speed Weeks. For those with a keen interest in the past, this museum is a delightful mix of engaging stories and tangible history. The setting itself, with its historic charm, adds to the allure, offering a real sense of stepping back in time. It's a place where history fans can truly lose themselves in the captivating tales of The Bahamas. So, if you're ever near West Hill Street, make sure to stop by and let the Heritage Museum enchant you with its stories from centuries gone by.

This small beach, located just below the Stella Maris Resort on the Atlantic side, is partially protected by offshore rocks. Imagine sitting here on the pretty, coarse white sand, alternating with occasional natural rock pools, feeling the ocean breezes, and watching the wave action. Great for snorkelling! The rocks adjacent to the reef contain a wondrous assortment of marine life including parrotfish, gigantic spiny sea urchins, fan and brain coral, queen and grey angelfish, damselfish, grey and yellowtail snapper and butterflyfish. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/love-beaches

Indulge yourself with the best European-style spa treatments infused with tropical Caribbean flair. At Red Lane Spa, natural island botanicals soothe and invigorate the body, mind and soul for a journey of relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation. Discover for yourself why Condé Nast Traveler readers named Sandals Royal Bahamian “Top Caribbean Spa Resort.” For a real treat, escape to Red Lane® at Sandals Cay, our private offshore island, and enjoy a salt scrub on the secluded beach or a massage on a sea raft. From traditional stress-relieving Swedish massage like Tropical Bliss that will leave you island-style relaxed to Hot Stone Therapy and Feet First, which utilizes the ancient science of acupressure: Red Lane Spa will relieve tension and restore tranquility. Or for a different sensation, try the Scents of Love Couples Massage, which will take you on a side-by-side journey for two that will stay with you long after your vacation ends. https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/things-to-do/spas-relaxation/red-lane-spa

Right in the middle of the high-end and boutique shops on Nassau’s Bay Street you’ll find the world-famous Straw Market. It’s home to handmade Bahamian crafts, gifts, souvenirs, and items such as hand-woven straw hats, bags, mats, dolls, conch shell jewelry, and wood carvings—and all available at very reasonable prices, especially if you’re good at negotiating! Located on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, The Nassau Straw Market is an authentic representation of an industry that has been growing throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean since the early 1940′s. Originally, the craft and skills of plaiting, braiding, and weaving were useful when Bahamians led subsistence lifestyles, with baskets being used for carrying fruit and fishing traps. But following the end of World War II, many North Americans began visiting The Bahamas for their vacations, and straw craft souvenirs soon grew in popularity. https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/things-to-do/shopping/straw-market

Garden of the Groves on Grand Bahama Island is your ultimate nature escape! Picture yourself meandering along winding trails enveloped by lush greenery, with the gentle sound of cascading waterfalls and the sparkle of fountains adding a magical touch to your adventure. Don't miss the charming chapel, a consecrated gem that locals and visitors alike adore for weddings, moments of prayer, and peaceful meditation. It's like walking into a serene painting, with a sense of tranquility that makes it hard to leave. After soaking in the spiritual vibes, wander over to the Garden Shops for a little retail therapy. Here, you'll find unique treasures and keepsakes that capture the essence of this beautiful place. Then, take a stroll through the Labyrinth, a sacred spot that invites you to slow down and reflect—it's an experience not to be rushed. When hunger strikes, the Garden Café and Bar is your go-to for a delicious lunch or dinner. Imagine savoring Caribbean flavors surrounded by nature's beauty. And if you're visiting with kids, they'll love the newly expanded playground, a fun-filled area designed just for them. The Garden of the Groves is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Indigenous and migratory birds, along with delicate butterflies, flutter about, sipping nectar or feasting on insects from the many flowers and shrubs. These plants have been thoughtfully added to attract and sustain the local wildlife, making it a vibrant ecosystem. Did you know that the Garden of the Groves also offers guided tours? They're perfect for those eager to learn more about the unique flora and fauna of the area. It's a great way to deepen your connection with nature and discover the stories behind the garden's creation.

Paradise Cove offers direct access to Deadman’s Reef on the island’s southwest side, which is rated the best reef on Grand Bahama Island. The reef is within swimming distance of the beach and teems with tropical marine life. You can explore the reef in a glass-bottom or ocean kayak. A snorkel tour is available that includes transportation, equipment and floatation belts. Available Equipment: Snorkel Gear, Wet Suits, Ocean Kayaks, Glass-bottom Kayaks, Sea Scooters, Floats with window, Lounge Floats. Amenities: Volleyball, Lounge Chairs, Beach Umbrellas, Covered Deck, Games, Bar and Grill, Gift shop, Rest Rooms, Fresh-water Shower. Site is available for exclusive functions. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/paradise-cove

Oceanfront activity center offering floating bouncy slides, a bar & grill, banana boat rides, jet skiing, zip lining, and much more. One of the newest attractions on Grand Bahama Island, Pirate Cove sits on nearly 7.5 acres of beachfront property where there is an array of energizing and tranquil activities for the entire family. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/pirates-cove-waterpark-and-zipline

Imagine stepping into a world of opulence where the thrill of the Las Vegas Strip meets the serene beauty of Nassau’s Cable Beach. The casino at Baha Mar is a one-of-a-kind gem. Picture this: floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning ocean views as you explore a gaming paradise filled with lively table games, sleek slot machines, and exclusive gaming salons all spread across a massive 100,000-square-foot space. This isn't just the Caribbean’s largest casino; it might be its most breathtaking. The spirit of Las Vegas is alive and well in The Bahamas, inviting you to try your luck at 119 live tables featuring 18 exciting games including blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. With bets starting as low as $0.01 and going up to $100, there are more than 1,100 cutting-edge slot machines ready to make your next big win just a button away! The slot machines here feature everything from classic reel spinning to video reels, progressives, video poker, and electronic table games. Beyond the gaming excitement, Baha Mar is home to a vibrant nightlife scene and an array of dining options that cater to every taste. Whether you're indulging in gourmet cuisine or grabbing a quick bite, there's something to satisfy every craving. So, whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to soak up the dazzling atmosphere, Baha Mar offers an unforgettable experience in paradise.

Straw vending is considered one of the country's oldest industries with organized markets in Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island and a number of The Family Islands. Stroll down to the famous native Straw Market where you can find bustling activity with vendors who are willing to bargain with buyers. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/straw-market-1

The walls of this quaint gallery are a canvas of vibrant original paintings. Leo, both the owner and artist, is a Nassau native who infuses his personal charm into the space, doubling it as his studio. This setup gives the gallery a welcoming, intimate feel. Leo's passion for painting ignited at a young age, and his talent caught the eye of the late GBPA Chairman, Mr. Edward St. George, who was so impressed that he offered Leo a scholarship to any art school he wished to attend. Leo's artwork is a fascinating blend of exotic wildlife and religious themes. As he enthusiastically shares, each element in his paintings is rich with symbolism. Even at first glance, the pieces are captivating, bursting with color and complexity. If you visit, take a moment to chat with Leo; his stories about each painting add another layer of depth to his work. The gallery is not just a display of art but a window into Leo's world and the rich cultural heritage of the Bahamas. Don't rush your visit; there's a cozy corner where you can sit and soak in the creativity surrounding you.

Nassau Paradise Island is a dream destination for those who live for sun-soaked days by the ocean. Imagine yourself lounging on endless stretches of pristine beaches, where the sand is as soft and white as powdered sugar. It's the ultimate spot in The Bahamas to unwind, soak up the sun, and let your worries drift away. The island offers a beach for every mood, whether you're up for a lively scene or a secluded escape. Picture yourself sipping a refreshing coconut drink as the gentle waves serenade you. Beyond the beaches, Nassau is rich with history and culture. Explore the vibrant local markets, savor authentic Bahamian cuisine, or take a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets. It's an adventure waiting to happen, with something for every kind of traveler.

Coconut palms sway gracefully in the fragrant breeze, while crystal-clear turquoise waters gently kiss the shore. Here, you won't find any impatient crowds or the usual rush to snag beach chairs. Forget about dull dining experiences. At Grand Lucayan, we strive to strike the perfect balance between the luxuries of a modern resort and the enchanting allure of Bahamian culture. Nestled on the stunning Grand Bahama Island, this oasis offers a sense of tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere. Whether you're lounging by the pool or savoring the local cuisine, there's a sense of relaxation that permeates every moment. Beyond the resort, the island itself is a treasure trove of adventure, from exploring lush nature trails to discovering local markets brimming with vibrant crafts and flavors.

Crab Cay, also known as Cayo Cangrejo, is a tiny gem floating about one kilometer, or just over half a mile, off the eastern coast of Isla de Providencia. From Providencia, the sight of this little island is picture-perfect, practically begging for a snapshot. However, if you're a snorkeler, you'll likely be itching to hire a boat or rent a kayak and explore the stunningly clear waters around the cay. The sea here offers a breathtaking palette of blue hues that seem almost too beautiful to be real. The area is part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a protected haven for diverse marine life. You might spot colorful fish darting around vibrant coral reefs or even glimpse a graceful sea turtle gliding by. The view from the top of the cay is equally spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the Caribbean Sea. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a hidden paradise.

Nestled in the heart of the Bahamas, the Exumas boast a rich history that might catch you off guard with its scarcity of historical landmarks, especially in Georgetown, the capital. Much like Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos, the Exumas were settled by Loyalists. These were former American colonists who remained faithful to the British Crown after the Revolutionary War. Georgetown itself might not overflow with historical sites, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in charm and character. St. Andrew's Anglican Church is a gem you shouldn't miss. This quaint church is a testament to the island's colonial past and offers a peaceful spot to reflect on the journey of those who came before. The island vibe here is captivating. While exploring, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters that surround the island. The beaches are pristine, and the locals are always ready with a warm smile and fascinating stories. If you're lucky, you might even catch one of the local festivals, where the vibrant culture truly comes alive. Whether you're lounging by the shore or chatting with the friendly residents, the Exumas offer a slice of paradise that's hard to forget.

Imagine setting your own rhythm as you explore the stunning allure of Stocking Island. This self-guided adventure is perfect for those who crave a journey without the confines of a tour guide. You'll start your trip from George Town at the Government Dock, where a quick sightseeing cruise across the sparkling waters of Elizabeth Harbour will take you to the enchanting Stocking Island. Once you arrive, the island awaits with its pristine beaches and inviting turquoise waters. It's a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Be sure to visit the famous Chat 'N' Chill, a laid-back beach bar where you can savor fresh conch salad and mingle with fellow travelers. For those seeking a bit more adventure, hiking trails lead to some of the island's most breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you're lounging by the shore or exploring the island's natural beauty, Stocking Island offers a slice of paradise that's yours to discover.