Eleuthera- It lays east of Nassua. Eleuthera is one of the "family islands" and it is approximaly 8,000 miles wide. Earlier the island was named Cigateo.The topography of the island varies from wide rolling pink sand beaches to large outcrops of ancient coral reefs. The eastern side of the island faces the Atlantic Ocean while the western side faces the Great Bahama Bank, one of the two Bahama Banks. What the island lacks in tourism infrastructure, is makes up for in natural beauty and authentic Caribbean island life. The island is 110 miles long and just 1-2 miles wide with plenty of secluded, white-sand beaches on either side. When the Bahamas became independent from Britain in 1973, new laws forced all of the large resorts and agricultural businesses to sell to government-favoured Bahamian interests. These repressive polices resulted in the flight of the most prominent and prosperous residents, resulting in a down turn in the economy as businesses were closed and abandoned. The Caribbean side is dotted with serene, tranquil turquoise bays, great for swimming, kayaking, and beach-combing.
Nassau- Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. It lies on the island of New Providence, with neighboring Paradise Island accessible via Nassau Harbor bridges. A popular cruise-ship stop, the city has a hilly landscape and is known for beaches as well as its offshore coral reefs, popular for diving and snorkeling. The city was named in honour of William III of England, Prince of Orange-Nassau. Nassau's modern growth began in the late eighteenth century, with the influx of thousands of American Loyalists and their slaves to the Bahamas following the American Revolutionary War. Many of them settled in Nassau (then and still the commerce capital of the Bahamas) and eventually came to outnumber the original inhabitants. As the population of Nassau grew, so did its populated areas. Today the city dominates the entire island and its satellite, Paradise Island. However, until the post-Second World War era, the outer suburbs scarcely existed. Most of New Providence was uncultivated bush until Loyalists were resettled there following the American Revolutionary War; they established several plantations, such as Clifton and Tusculum.
Walker's Cay National Park- Walker's Cay is the northernmost island in the Bahamas, part of the North Abaco district. Once a popular sport fishing location, the island has been deserted since 2004, following severe hurricane damage. Walker's Cay lies 53 miles to the northeast of West End, Grand Bahama, in the northern Bahamas. Its surface is only about 100 acres (40 ha). The island sits on the edge of the Little Bahama Bank, the bank containing shallow green colored water, averaging about 10 feet in depth. However, on the north side of Walker's Cay the water drops off sharply into deep blue ocean depths. The closest island is Grand Cay. Walker's Cay was named after Thomas Walker, a British judge exiled on the island in the early 1700s. After his death in 1721, the island remained uninhabited for over two hundred years, until Buzz Shonnard, a businessman from Palm Beach, Florida, leased the land from the Bahamian government in 1935 and built a small hotel, attracting anglers and tourists to the island. A 75-slip marina was built, and also an airstrip, Shonnard had connections with affluent American sport fishermen of the 1930s and promoted Walker's Cay as a location for billfishing. Blue marlin in excess of 500 pounds have been caught off Walker's Cay.Walker's Cay Airport, with a 2,500 feet-long runway suitable for light aircraft.
Amusement Parks
Paradise Cove- Paradise Cove’s unique eco systems offer some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. In addition to a natural coral reef that is home to hundreds of species of fish, the location also has the largest contiguous man made reef ball reef in The Bahamas. All this makes Paradise Cove one of the best things to do in Freeport and the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. An activity option at Paradise Cove is kayaking. Rentals and instruction are available with everything you need to cruise the beautiful aqua waters at your own pace. Kayaking offers a unique experience that gives you an opportunity to venture out in the calm seas that surround the area that are home to some of the most beautiful corals and aquatic life in the northern Bahamas. 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.
Waterscape- Atlantis, Paradise Island has a variety of freshly unique water experiences included in their 14-acre waterscape. Take a plunge on one of the nineteen slides, pools and aquatic escapades Atlantis offers its guests. Children's pools are dotted throughout the property. Guests must be 48 inches or taller to ride water slides. Fun for the whole family. Enjoy a relaxing and tropical ride. Sitting in a circular innertube, a gentle current slowly carries around a quarter-mile loop. Located outside the Beach Tower. Atlantis has six pools to offer their guests. Royal Baths Pool is a beautiful pool decorated with colorful tile design on the bottom. Palm trees line the pool for shade if you want it. Located at the Royal Towers. Atlantis guests can enjoy two postcard worthy beaches. Paradise Lagoon Beachis a 7-acre beach offering snorkeling, paddle boats and other water sports in a protected environment. South Paradise Lagoon is located outside the Royal Towers while the North Paradise Lagoon is located outside the Coral Towers. The newest addition to the Atlantis waterscape. Contains four thrilling waterslides. The Abyss which begins with a 50-foot almost vertical drop, the ride is about 14 seconds long and is 200-feet-long. You slide in and out of darkness and end in an underground lair. The Drop is accessible from the river.
Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis Paradise Island - Over 20 million gallons of water, 20 swimming areas, 11 pools including three kids pools, thrilling water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges. Are you ready to experience the Caribbean’s biggest water-themed attraction? Welcome to the 141-acre waterscape of Aquaventure, the incredible centerpiece of Atlantis, Paradise Island. It’s home to dozens of pools, rivers and slides—like the six-story Mayan Temple where you plummet down into a shark-filled lagoon—that will take your body, mind and spirit on a wild ride. Or take things a little easier at a lazy river ride, at the Royal Baths or a zero-entry pool, all with easy access to the sugar white-sands of Paradise Beach. Whatever your aquatic-loving heart desires, you can find it here at Aquaventure at Atlantis! The river rides at Aquaventure are specially designed so you never have to leave the comfort of your inner tube. Everyone in the family will enjoy the relaxing and scenic Lazy River, as you meander around a quarter-mile loop. The Mayan Temple at Aquaventure features five slides: the five-story corkscrew Serpent Slide; the Jungle Slide, where kids can take a thrilling safari slide through jungles and caves; and two Challenger Slides for challenging friends to a splashdown.
Adventures Resorts
DOLPHIN CAY, ATLANTIS- One of the largest and most sophisticated marine habitats and animal rescue-rehabilitation facilities in the world, Dolphin Cay at Atlantis is home to dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and tropical fish. Offering an intimate and one-of-a-kind experience, Dolphin Cay at Atlantis creates memories of a lifetime for you and your family. Enjoy an up close and joyful experience with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Cay in Atlantis, Paradise Island. Beginning with an initial orientation, this amazing dolphin interaction includes a 30-minute in-water interaction and is limited to just 10 participants per dolphin. Wetsuits, beach towels, personal lockers and non-alcoholic refreshments are provided, in addition to all-day access to Dolphin Cay’s private beach. This family-favorite water activity is open to all ages and swimming abilities; children under 10 years of age must have an adult family member or guardian participating with them in the shallow water. Children age 3 and under are free with a paid adult. A wonderfully unique aquatic adventure awaits you in the beautiful blue depths of Atlantis’s Dolphin Cay. This unforgettable interaction begins with an orientation and includes 30 minutes in the water with these amazing Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Experience Dolphin Cay’s signature “foot push”, where you’re propelled across the lagoon by two dolphins!
HAPPY TRAILS HORSEBACK RIDING- Learn basic riding techniques and get in touch with nature while horseback riding along a beautiful beach. In operation since 1977, Happy Trails Stables offers trail rides from its lovely location in Coral Harbour, about 25 minutes from downtown Nassau. Over the years, they’ve participated in the making of commercials, videos and even movies like James Bond’s Casino Royale, where their 17hh Holsteiner, Monster Max, had a cameo roll! Their stables are situated on 2.3 acres of prime property, about 15 minutes from the beach by horseback. In addition to the 19 stalls, tack rooms and stabling area, there’s also a large welcome bar, barbeque area and facilities to provide every comfort. (Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 200 pounds; children must be 12 years of age or older.) Happy Trails is the only trail-riding facility in Nassau, and offers a one-and-a-half-hour trail ride every morning, six days a week. Your group will be picked up from your hotel by the Happy Trails courtesy bus and brought out to their stables, where you’ll be given some basic riding instruction. Then it’s off to the trails, leading through the woods and onto a beautiful unspoiled beach. The various trails lead mostly to the beaches of Coral Harbour and Adelaide, a nearby village and alongside the natural lake of Corrie Sound. The pace is leisurely and no special experience is necessary to enjoy a wonderful horseback ride!
SHARK DIVE- One of the highlights for divers at Stuart Cove’s is the Extreme Shark Adventure—a two-tank dive trip that takes you on an underwater encounter with Caribbean Reef Sharks. On the first dive, you’ll participate in a free swim with the sharks, while on the second dive, watch as a professional shark feeder enters the water with a box of bait. Then be prepared to be in shock and awe, as the waters fill with Caribbean Reef Sharks! This could quite possibly be the most exciting dives you will ever do. Stuart Cove’s Shark Adventure™ is a 2-tank dive program which introduces thrill seeking divers to wild sharks and provides you a close up look at these magnificent and misunderstood creatures. There are currently four sites where we dive with the sharks. You will dive either the combination of "Shark Wall" and "The Arena" or the combination of "Runway Wall" and "The Runway". At either location encounter a gathering of Caribbean Reef Sharks on a consistent basis. Your first dive is a "Free Swim" with the sharks on a magnificent wall. The sharks will follow you throughout the dive because we are close to our feeding site and they know the dinner bell will ring soon. However, no bait is exposed on this dive. This keeps the sharks curious and creates a very natural encounter for divers - just as you would encounter a shark in the wild. Your second dive is a shark feeding dive. Unlike ordinary dives - you will spend this dive kneeling on the sand bottom. Divers form a semi-circle in front of our professional shark feeder who will place a bait box. Your feeder utilizes this bait box and a pole spear to control the release of food which influences the sharks behavior. While novice shark divers may not notice it - during the shark feeding dives your feeder tries to keep the sharks in a "polite" feeding posture. However be warned - the sharks will come close - very close - but they are more interested in the bait than you!
Places to Visit
Bimini- Located just 50 miles off Florida’s coast, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States, boasting miles of pristine beaches. Known as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite escape, Bimini is historically significant. Visitors from around the world enjoy its historical complexity and renowned past, including Bimini Road, which some believe is a remnant of the legendary Lost City of Atlantis. Bimini consists of two main islands—North Bimini Island and South Bimini Island—and numerous cays. The history of Bimini is as fascinating as the islands themselves. Just 50 miles from the United States, they served as a convenient offshore speakeasy and liquor store during prohibition. Rumrunners used to store their stash on the nearby shores. And speaking of rum, Ernest Hemingway called Bimini his summer home. Jimmy Buffett spent time here while writing his book, and Martin Luther King, Jr. even composed parts of his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech while sailing with local boat builder, Ansil, who still lives on the islands today. Bimini has three islands, North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini.The largest islands are North Bimini and South Bimini. The District of Bimini also includes Cay Sal Bank, more than 100 km (60 mi) further south, which is geographically not a part of the Bimini Islands but a separate unit.North Bimini is about 11 km (7 mi) long and 200 m (700 ft) wide. Its main settlement is Alice Town, a collection of shops, restaurants, and bars on a road known as "The King's Highway".
Cat Island- Pristine is the perfect word to describe Cat Island. From the weather to the water to the sand, every inch is breathtaking. Its untouched landscape is perfect for those looking to explore the island’s natural beauty, while its laid-back environment provides a unique destination to relax and unwind. And with 50 miles of rolling hills, endless nature trails and the eight-mile Pink Sand Beach, visitors can choose to do everything or absolutely nothing at all. Untainted and unspoiled, there is much to be discovered on Cat Island. Named after the infamous pirate, Arthur Catt, the island runs deep with history and culture. Its 150 square miles of natural landscape offer every traveler a rich Bahamian experience. You’ll find the plot of land where Sir Sidney Poitier’s boyhood home once stood. You’ll also discover the birthplace of The Bahamas’ indigenous rake and scrape music, along with numerous myths and folklore that still hold a place in Bahamian culture today. The island is also home to one of the best climates in The Bahamas. Its location near the Tropic of Cancer means temperatures range from the mid-60s in the short winters to the high-80s in the summer, which make it perfect for getting out and exploring Cat Island’s untouched landscape and rich history. The first European settlers were Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, who arrived in 1783. The island may have been named after Arthur Catt, a pirate, or the name may refer to its one-time large population of feralcats. Historically, the island gained wealth from cotton plantations, but slash and burn farming is now the main way of life for Cat Islanders. An economic crop is Croton eluteria (called also cascarilla) bark, which is gathered and shipped to Italy where it becomes a main ingredient in medicines, scents and Campari.
THE BERRY ISLANDS- The Berry Islands are a chain of islands and a district of the Bahamas, covering about thirty square miles of the northwestern part of the Out Islands. Miles of secluded swim-ashore beaches, invigorating dive sites, and championship sport fishing are just a few of the highlights that make The Berry Islands a desired destination. Composed of a cluster of 30 cays, a majority of these islands are uninhabited. It's not uncommon to stumble across a footprint-free beach or private cove. You could spend an entire day without seeing a single soul. The Berry Islands are also home to a number of cavern, reef, wall and wreck dive sites, as well as a 600-foot-wide blue hole, wonderful billfishing, and ancient churches. The Berry Islands are made up of a land mass that totals just over twelve square miles. Many of the 30 cays that comprise the islands are great for snorkeling, hiking, diving and beachcombing. Great Stirrup features a now-abandoned lighthouse built in 1863 during the reign of Prince William IV. Little Stirrup Cay is a private island that's used by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a one-day stopover. Chub Cay is known as The Billfish Capital of The Bahamas, as it borders the Tongue of The Ocean and attracts countless numbers of baitfish. And then there's Great Harbour Cay. It boasts seven continuous miles of magnificent beaches and one of the best protected harbors in The Bahamas. It once was a major golf resort for the rich and famous. In fact, there are more millionaires per square inch on The Berry Islands than most places on earth.The Berry islands are still relatively undeveloped, with no major airport, hotel or other attractions. Most of the islands are uninhabited, or owned by a single wealthy person as a second home. During the winter season the islands are visited by out-of-town guests and second home residents, but the difficulty of reaching the Berry Islands and the lack of infrastructure keeps things low-key. Due to seasonal residents, the Berry islands can say that they have more resident millionaires per unit area than any other place in the world.
Museums
Pirates of Nassau Museum- The interactive pirate experience in the heart of downtown Nassau. The year is 1716 and your adventure begins on a moonlit dock amidst the sounds of lapping water and pirates celebrating in a nearby tavern. Walk alongside the pirate frigate "Revenge" and enter the world of cutlass wielding, looting pirates. The Golden Age of Piracy lasted for thirty years from 1690 to 1720 and Nassau was at its heart. The era of piracy in the Bahamas began in 1696 when the privateer Henry Every brought his ship the Fancy loaded with loot from plundering Indian Empire trade ships into Nassau harbour. Henry Every bribed the Governor of The Bahamas Nicholas Trott with gold, silver and with the Fancy itself which was still loaded with 50 tons of elephant tusks and 100 barrels of gunpowder. This established Nassau as a base where pirates could operate safely, although various governors regularly made a show of suppressing piracy. The pirates became increasingly powerful and the era of true pirate control occurred when a combined Franco-Spanish fleet attacked Nassau in 1703 and again in 1706. The island was effectively abandoned by many of its settlers and left without any English government presence. Nassau was then taken over by English privateers who became completely lawless pirates over time. The Bahamas were well-suited as a base of operations for pirates as its waters were too shallow for a large man-of-war but deep enough for the fast, shallow draft vessels favoured by pirates.
Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation- The Pompey Museum is named in honour of a courageous slave, Pompey, who lived on the Rolle Plantantion on Steventon, Exuma, Bahamas. Historic Vendue House, or the Bourse as it was known, was built some time before 1769 and continued to function as a marketplace until the late 1800s. Enslaved Africans and other commodities were sold at Vendue House during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pompey became a museum in 1992. Open: Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Thursdays 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays Admission: Adults - $3:00 / Children - $1:00 This very interesting museum is located on Bay Street near the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau. It is a short walk from the harbor and water taxis. It is a permanent exhibit which illustrates the history of slavery, abolition and emancipation in the Bahamas. It's collection of artifacts is scant, however it has a very good collection of articles and photos which document the history of slavery in the Bahamas. There is no tour or guide for the museum, as you are left to examine the exhibits at your own leisure. The museum is extremely informative and the articles and exhibits are presented in a very well organized, interesting and clear fashion. The museum is actually located in a place called Vendue (derived from the french word meaning sold) House which served as the Bahamian locale for the slave auctions of the Eighteenth Century. The exhibit includes articles and reproductions of Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century letters which document the slave trade, daily slave conditions, the abolition movement, the Emancipation Act of August 1,1834 and the post emancipation era in the Bahamas.
Leo's Art Gallery- Vivid original paintings cover the walls of this small gallery. Leo, owner/artist and Nassau native, uses the space as a studio as well as a showroom, which somehow makes it more inviting. Leo has been painting since a very young age, and was officially discovered when the late GBPA Chairman, Mr. Edward St. George, saw his work and immediately offered him a scholarship to the school of his choice. Leo's paintings themselves depict exotic wildlife and religious scenes. As the artist is happy to explain, nearly every element of every painting is deeply symbolic, but even at first glance, the pictures are striking, colorful and complex. There is a small art gallery in the market place in Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama that is a must see. The artists name is Leo Brown. He is a wonderful and fascinating individual, very personable, willing to spend time with you explaining his art work. Over the last three years we have bought five of his prints and friends of ours have also bought from him. He depicts native island scenery and wonderful works of island culture. Colors are beautiful as well as the story the paintings tell. He has been called the Bohemian Van Gough. I had a small art gallery in the Port Lucaya Marketplace in 1989, two years after leaving high school, when a chance encounter changed the course of my life. One day, Lady Henrietta St. George was in the marketplace and was very impressed with my paintings. At the time, I had no idea who Lady Henrietta St. George was. She introduced herself and told me, “One of these days, I’m going to bring my husband to see your work.” About a month later she returned with her husband, Edward St. George, who offered to help me further my knowledge of art with a scholarship to the college of my choice. I studied for two years at the International Fine Arts College in Miami (now known as The Miami Institute of Fine Arts) and graduated with an Associates Degree in Commercial Art in 1991.
Historical significance
Fort Charlotte- The view of Nassau is one of Fort Charlotte’s best attributes. While standing on top of the imposing limestone structure, overlooking the waterless moat, dungeons, and draw-bridge, you can also watch cruise ships enter the harbor and imagine a time when pirate ships filled with looted gold or colonial vessels with Africans as cargo cruised in and out of the harbor. Fort Charlotte, which never fired a shot in battle, is the largest of the forts on the island. It has several interior rooms to explore and historical displays. If you’re a history buff, a guided tour might not do you justice. As a casual visitor the tour is quick, so it allows for time to roam independently. The overall experience will only set you back $3. Fort Charlotte is a British-colonial era fort built on a hill over-looking the harbor of Nassau, The Bahamas. The fort sits a short walk west of downtown Nassau and the cruise ship terminal. Fort Charlotte is a British-colonial era fort built on a hill over-looking the harbor of Nassau, The Bahamas. The fort sits a short walk west of downtown Nassau and the cruise ship terminal. The fort was constructed in the late 18th century by British colonial governor Lord Dunmore after the end of the American Revolutionary war. The fort has never been used in battle.
Rawson Square- This palm-shaded plaza is a meeting point for tours & close to Prince George Wharf & cruise ships. Two worlds collide at the adjoining Rawson Square and Parliament Square, central bearing points in downtown Nassau. Rawson Square houses a half body bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first governor-general in an independent Bahamas. Directly opposite in Parliament Square there is a provocative full-bodied statue of Queen Victoria sitting on a throne. Queen Victoria is a symbol of the country’s violent colonial past and Sir Milo is a symbol of the country’s promise of a new beginning. These public gathering grounds are primarily used as pedestrian thoroughfares and backdrops for great photo opportunities, but their true significance is in their socio-political history, as sites of protest, politics and governance. Rawson Square located in downtown Nassau, is the gateway to the city for cruise-ship passengers. It was named for Sir Rawson W. Rawson who was Governor of The Bahamas during the late 1860s. In the middle of the square is a bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first Bahamian Governor General in an independent Bahamas. A fountain in the square was named for Sir Stafford Sands, the first Bahamian Minister of Tourism.
Clifton Heritage Park- For Nassau standards, the Clifton Heritage Land and Sea Park is way off the beaten path. It is not even accessible by public transportation. Nevertheless, it is easy to get to by taxi or through a tour operator. It is best to make it a day trip, as you can explore the winding nature trails and historical ruins, picnic on your choice of three secluded beaches, snorkel off shore over an underwater sculpture garden, walk through the Bahamian equivalent of the Ghanaian “Door of No Return” and meditate in a sacred circle that honors the ancestral mothers who slaved and endured on this former colonial plantation. At Clifton Heritage you can find remnants of the historical and cultural legacy of three important groups that had an impact on the country: the Lucayans, the Loyalists and Africans. Managed by the Clifton Heritage Authority, Clifton Heritage Park was established in June 2004 to preserve this important area for the use and benefit of the people of The Bahamas. A walk along the winding trails throughout the park will reveal a variety of ecosystems, such as native coppice, cliffs, coastal wetlands, dunes, rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and offshore coral reefs. Local fauna include songbirds, wading birds, seabirds, and other wildlife. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, snorkeling, birdwatching, and picnicking in the Park, plus the Sacred Space is perfect for wedding ceremonies and spiritual retreats, and the panoramic views from the cliffs provide perfect photo opportunities The Park is closed for all activities after dark except boat launching and pickups.