Just off the Florida coast lies the closest that heaven ever gets to earth. Amid a chain of over 700 islands you will discover the magical mingling of traditional British Colonial formality blended with the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean. The crown jewel of Bahamas is New Providence Island, where Nassau is located with its miles and miles of pristine white beaches stretching out to the endless turquoise sea with the world’s clearest waters. But besides the great beaches, the Nassau resort experience also offers you such fun adventures as the opportunity of swimming with dolphins, kayaking on the calm waters, or taking an exciting cruise in a power boat. Nassau also features gourmet dining, a glamorous nightlife, world class casino gaming, scuba and snorkeling, championship golf. You can shop in the famous straw market of Nassau, with its colorful bustle of outdoor fruit and vegetable stands and fresh-fish market; or, the visitor can browse in the exclusive international luxury designer boutiques on Bay Street all within easy walking distance. The dazzling casinos jump with music, color, and the thrill of gaming: craps, slot machines, blackjack, baccarat, and sports book-betting.
The Nassau area offers a host of interesting tourist attractions, such as climbing the 66 steps of the Queen’s Staircase up to Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower which is the highest point on the island. Versailles Gardens on Paradise Island is also a sight not to be missed. The Gardens feature elegant terraces with statues and fountains, and a French Cloister. For aficionados of sailing and boating, Nassau harbor offers a huge range of rentals and custom charters at all prices. The many choices and packages available include fully-crewed and catered sailing excursions; day cruises, small sailboat and bareboat rentals for sailors with experience, motorboats, submarine rides, as well as jet skis. Sailing trips are organized around diving, snorkeling, and barefoot picnicking on remote tropical beaches or with onboard dining and cocktails. Nassau Junkanoo festival is often compared to Curacao all inclusive resorts Carnival for fun and celebration. Junkanoo is held from the end of December to the first week of January every year, and it is a huge party-in-the-streets of elaborately-costumed dancers who parade to the music of whistles, cow bells, and goatskin drums.
Visitors to Bahamas should bring comfortable, casual clothing and sneakers or sandals for beach days. Also plan to bring a pair of smart, casual shoes if you favor restaurants which require formal attire. All of the islands offer guided tours, and the visitor can choose one that perfectly suits his or her interests, from bird watching in the lush forest to shopping sprees in town to gourmet sampling tours. Tours conducted by professional guides who are experienced and friendly can be arranged at any hotel. For the adventurous visitor, all of the major islands have frequent jitney service which runs every day until 8 pm. Fares for most one way destinations are 75 for adults, 50 for children. Taxis can be called or flagged down on the city streets. Every large hotel and all inclusive Bahamas resort has a cab stand. The metered rates are low and reasonable and a 15% tip is recommended.
