The Bahamas
If you count every reef and rock, there are approximately 700 islands and 2,000 cays in the Bahamas. These are scattered over 90,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. In total they are considered by many to be one of the great get-away-from-it-all destinations.
Nassau/Paradise Island may be the most popular tourist stop, but it is the sum of the Bahamian ways that is the real attraction to visitors. Nassau is the Bahama’s capital and chief port of entry. It is located on the island of New Providence, only a 45 minute flight from Miami. Nassau has been a favored destination for visitors since the time that pirates plied the waters there. It remains a genuine site of character and excitement.
Nassau has more historic buildings and museums than any other town in the Bahamas. It also has super-exclusive residential neighborhoods, grand Georgian homes, historic forts, Botanical Gardens, and lots of shopping. But, the quintessential Bahamas are found in the year-round sunshine, sea excursions, island hopping, sport fishing, lazy walks on the beach, scuba diving, luxurious resorts, photography, snorkeling, island life, and the Bahamian people themselves.
One of the best ways to see Nassau is to stay at one of the large all-inclusive resorts. Families can get the most bang for their buck by paying one price up front for accommodations, food, drinks, entertainment, and activities for the whole group. This is a convenient way to ensure a relaxing vacation—no surprise costs, no wondering where you are going to eat, no worrying about the family’s comfort and enjoyment. All-inclusive prices for families generally include food, drink, activities, water sports, and, most importantly, relaxation for everyone in the family.
When it’s time to explore the city of Nassau it is best to have a plan of attack. Fortunately, much of Nassau is walkable, but you’ll want to have a city map or a copy of a walking tour. Maps are available in town. You can start a walking tour from Rawson Square in the center of town. (Water taxis to Paradise Island, as well as, horse and buggy tours of the city also start from here). Nearby is Parliament Square and further down the road is the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. Finish your walking tour at the popular Straw Market.
Whether exploring Nassau with the family, island hopping to the hundreds of Out Islands surrounding New Providence, enjoying the casinos and resort entertainment, playing with the kids in the clear, warm waters, or simply sunning yourself on a pristine beach, this is the Bahamas.
TRAVEL TIPS
Although the Bahamas are warm and pleasant year-round, the best weather is during the peak winter season (December to April). Hurricanes may occur from June through October. The hottest days are in June and July. Travel during the off-season and shoulder seasons for fair weather, lower costs, and smaller crowds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
See The Islands of the Bahamas website at http://www.bahamas.com/
Nassau/Paradise Island may be the most popular tourist stop, but it is the sum of the Bahamian ways that is the real attraction to visitors. Nassau is the Bahama’s capital and chief port of entry. It is located on the island of New Providence, only a 45 minute flight from Miami. Nassau has been a favored destination for visitors since the time that pirates plied the waters there. It remains a genuine site of character and excitement.
Nassau has more historic buildings and museums than any other town in the Bahamas. It also has super-exclusive residential neighborhoods, grand Georgian homes, historic forts, Botanical Gardens, and lots of shopping. But, the quintessential Bahamas are found in the year-round sunshine, sea excursions, island hopping, sport fishing, lazy walks on the beach, scuba diving, luxurious resorts, photography, snorkeling, island life, and the Bahamian people themselves.
One of the best ways to see Nassau is to stay at one of the large all-inclusive resorts. Families can get the most bang for their buck by paying one price up front for accommodations, food, drinks, entertainment, and activities for the whole group. This is a convenient way to ensure a relaxing vacation—no surprise costs, no wondering where you are going to eat, no worrying about the family’s comfort and enjoyment. All-inclusive prices for families generally include food, drink, activities, water sports, and, most importantly, relaxation for everyone in the family.
When it’s time to explore the city of Nassau it is best to have a plan of attack. Fortunately, much of Nassau is walkable, but you’ll want to have a city map or a copy of a walking tour. Maps are available in town. You can start a walking tour from Rawson Square in the center of town. (Water taxis to Paradise Island, as well as, horse and buggy tours of the city also start from here). Nearby is Parliament Square and further down the road is the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. Finish your walking tour at the popular Straw Market.
Whether exploring Nassau with the family, island hopping to the hundreds of Out Islands surrounding New Providence, enjoying the casinos and resort entertainment, playing with the kids in the clear, warm waters, or simply sunning yourself on a pristine beach, this is the Bahamas.
TRAVEL TIPS
Although the Bahamas are warm and pleasant year-round, the best weather is during the peak winter season (December to April). Hurricanes may occur from June through October. The hottest days are in June and July. Travel during the off-season and shoulder seasons for fair weather, lower costs, and smaller crowds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
See The Islands of the Bahamas website at http://www.bahamas.com/
