Nassau's streets and shopping arcades are often mobbed with visitors, but you can see most of the city's historical sites on foot. If you don't feel like walking, a pleasant way to get oriented is to take a surrey ride around town. There are several lined up along Woodes Rogers Walk. However you tour Nassau, you'll see lots of picture-perfect late-18th, 19th- and early-20th-century buildings—from pink neoclassical government edifices on the central Rawson Square to pastel-colored houses with inviting balconies. Following Main Bay Street will take you past several squares and the Straw Market.
There are several forts in Nassau, reminders of the days when the island was attacked by pirates. Of the 12 old fortifications on New Providence and Paradise Island, three—Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle and Fort Montagu—are of major historical interest and are worth a visit. Nassau's heritage is best explored through its architecture and forts. There are, however, a few interesting museums, including the Pirates of Nassau.
This 50,000-sq-ft/4,650-sq-m casino has large windows looking out to sea. It features more than 1,000 slots and close to 80 tables, as well as many shopping and eating establishments just a few feet/meters away. The casino also maintains the Pegasus Race & Sportsbook, with wagering on major sporting events. Tables are open 10 am-4 am and the slot machines buzz 24 hours a day. On Paradise Island, Nassau. Phone 242-363-3000. Toll-free 800-285-2684 from within the U.S. http://www.atlantis.com.
This casino is located in the Wyndham Nassau Resort. You can play the slot machines 24 hours a day, and the gaming tables are open 10 am-4 am. If you're not an experienced gambler, staff at the casino will teach you the basics and attempt to put you at tables with other trainees. On Cable Beach, Nassau. Phone 242-327-6200.
| Historic Sites | Top  |
This is one of the oldest wooden houses in Nassau, and it is well-preserved. On Market Street (off Bay Street), Nassau.
This church was founded in 1840 on the site of an older church built in 1670. It was designated a cathedral in 1861. On George Street, Nassau.
The largest fortification on New Providence, Fort Charlotte is named after the wife of King George III. The site also comprises Fort Stanley and Fort D'Arcy. Construction was completed in 1789, and the fort was restored in the early 1990s. Inside you will find exhibits of everyday life from the fort's heyday. The fort boasts a nice view of the harbor and the white lighthouse on the western tip of Paradise Island. Daily 8 am-4 pm. Free. West Bay Street (opposite Arawak Cay), Nassau. Phone 242-325-9186.
This fort, oddly shaped as a paddle-wheel steamer, was built in 1793 atop Bennett's Hill. Because no attacks occurred after its construction, it served as a lighthouse until 1817. The views from the fort include the docks, Cable Beach and Paradise Island. Leading up to the fort is the Queen's Staircase—66 steps carved out of limestone by slaves in the late 18th century. Free. Sands Road and North Street (off East Street), Nassau.
This is the oldest and the smallest of Nassau's forts. It was built in 1742 to guard the eastern entrance to the harbor. Free. East Bay Street, Nassau.
This regal yet very pink building is the residence of the Governor General, the queen's representative in the Bahamas. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived there when the duke was Governor of the Bahamas during World War II. On the front steps stands a statue of Christopher Columbus. Modeled in London, the statue was presented to the Bahamas by one of its governors in 1830. Duke Street (on top of Mount Fitzwilliam), Nassau.
South of the Supreme Court, the public library is located in an octagonal building, in the only park downtown. It served as a prison in the late 1700s before being converted to its present function in 1873. Its triangular reading rooms, filled to the ceiling with books, are cozy and bear little resemblance to a jail. Open Monday-Friday 10 am-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-4 pm. Shirley Street, Nassau. Phone 232-322-4907.
A statue of Queen Victoria presides over the Georgian-style government buildings that were erected in this square between 1805 and 1813. The buildings include the Senate, the House of Assembly, the Treasury and other government offices. The Supreme Court and the Remembrance Garden are located behind these buildings. Parliament Street and Bank Lane, Nassau.
This museum holds artifacts from the Lucayan, Taino and Arawak people. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 am-3 pm. US$1 adults, US$0.50 children. On the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Shirley Street, Nassau. Phone 242-322-4231.
This reconstruction of a port with a replica pirate ship takes a step back to the time when Nassau was under the rule of piracy. The instructive walk-through is interesting for children and adults. Open Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. US$12 adults, US$6 children younger than 18. Children younger than 12 are free with a paying adult. King and George streets, Nassau. Phone 242-356-3759. http://www.pirates-of-nassau.com.
This museum has an extended collection of Bahamian art including paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed-media works. It also displays contemporary Bahamian artists in varying exhibits. It organizes interesting workshops, forums and film evenings year-round. The gallery is located in the restored 1860s Villa Doyle. Open Tuesday-Friday 10 am-4 pm (Thursday till 6 pm). Admission US$3 adults, US$1 children younger than 14. West Hill and West streets (opposite St. Francis Xavier Church), Nassau. Phone 242-328-5800. http://www.nagb.org.bs.
In the 18th century, this building served as a trading place of slaves. It remained a market place for cattle and imported goods until the 1900s, when it became the Pompey Museum—dedicated to the history of slavery. It is undergoing renovations after a fire destroyed the nearby Straw Market and damaged the museum's interior. Bay Street, Nassau.
| Parks & Gardens | Top |
Located in the garden of Parliament Square, a stone cenotaph honors fallen soldiers from World Wars I and II. Parliament Square (off Bay Street).
Nassau is home to one of the world's largest collections of rare and exotic palms. They grow at The Retreat, once a private estate and now a Bahamas National Trust park, located a few miles/kilometers east of downtown. Guided tours for groups by appointment only. Maps for self-guided tours are available. Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm. US$2. Village Road, Nassau. Phone 242-393-1317. http://www.thebahamasnationaltrust.org/nationalparks_theretreat.html.
If you like formal gardens, visit this complex on Paradise Island. In 1962, Huntington Hartford, an heir to the A&P fortune, reassembled a 13th-century Augustinian cloister that had been purchased and brought to the U.S. by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s. Hartford had it set in a terraced formal garden in the European style and threw in an eclectic assortment of statuary. The garden's serenity makes it a popular wedding spot for locals and visitors alike. Free. Paradise Island, Nassau.
| Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries | Top |
A one-hour tour will increase your knowledge of Bacardi's distilling process. Tours are Monday-Friday at 11 am and 2 pm. Visitor's pavilion open Monday-Friday 9 am-4:30 pm. Bacardi and Carmichael roads, Nassau. Phone 242-362-1412.
| Zoos & Wildlife | Top |
This garden and wildlife center features one of the most bizarre sights in the Caribbean—a flock of 50 trained flamingos that "obey" drill commands. The entire place is rather offbeat. Walk along the crisscrossing paths and you'll encounter peacocks, monkeys, parrots, iguanas and a snake house. Many of the animals are endangered species from the Caribbean. Daily 9 am-5 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm). The flamingos "perform" at 10:30 am and 2:10 and 4:10 pm. US$12 adults, US$6 children, free for children younger than 4. Off West Bay Street (1 mi/1.5 km west of town), Nassau. Phone 242-323-5806. http://www.ardastra.com.
Take a guided tour of the impressive aquarium at Atlantis. The highlight is a giant outdoor saltwater habitat filled with sharks where you can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by the toothy creatures. Daily 9 am-4 pm. One-hour tours begin every 20 minutes. US$29 adults, US$21 children ages 4-12. On Paradise Island, Nassau. Phone 242-363-3000. http://www.atlantis.com.
Programs emphasize interaction with the dolphins, as well as awareness of the animals and their environment. The Swim with the Dolphins program allows you to swim with a dolphin in open water. The highlight of the program is the foot push (women are advised to wear a one-piece swimsuit). The Close Encounter program entertains groups in waist-deep water. A tour lasts about three hours. Two programs are offered, four times daily. Make reservations as far in advance as possible. Swim with the Dolphins program US$165 (children must be at least 6 years old); Close Encounter program US$85. Round-trip by boat to the facility on Blue Lagoon is included. Boats leave from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. Blue Lagoon Island (northeast of Paradise Island), Nassau. Phone 242-363-1003. http://www.dolphinencounters.com.
| Other Options | Top |
This children's club has supervised activity programs for age-appropriate adventure, play, exploration and education. Programs vary and reservations are recommended. Open to children ages 3-12. Paradise Island, Nassau. Phone 242-363-3000. http://www.atlantis.com.
See how this company makes colorful Bahamian fabrics, which are hand-printed. Open Monday-Friday noon-4 pm. Island Traders Building, Ernest Street, Nassau. Phone 242-394-4111. http://www.bahamahandprints.com.
Once a scrubby feedlot known as Hog Island, Paradise Island is one of Nassau's thriving resort areas. The center of it all is Atlantis, which South African developer Sol Kerzner has turned into one of the most complete resort-casino complexes in the world. The huge property includes a 123-acre/50-hectare waterscape with cascades, a lazy river for tubing and a lagoon for snorkeling. Some attractions are off-limits to those not staying at the resort, but nonguests are welcome in the casino and restaurants.
Most Cable Beach and Paradise Island hotels have complete watersports centers that rent equipment for sailboarding and waterskiing and often offer lessons as well. Windsurfing is especially popular, thanks to the reliable ocean breeze and shallow waters. Parasailing is available through independent operators on the beach.
The best-known beaches with public access are Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, Junkanoo Beach or Western Esplanade just west of downtown, and Orange Hill Beach located 8 mi/13 km west of downtown.
If you want to splurge on a trip to the beach, buy a day pass for US$60 at the SuperClubs Breezes resort. The pass entitles you to unlimited food and drink and use of the tennis courts, as well as the resort's sailboarding, sailing and kayaking equipment.
Another worthy option is the lovely beach outside the British Colonial Hilton hotel on Bay Street—just a short walk from the cruise-ship wharf. A US$15 day pass there includes lounge chairs, poolside facilities and paddleboats.
Of all the beaches, Cabbage Beach is considered the most captivating. Its white, powder-like sands stretch along the northern shore of Paradise Island. Access to the beach is along a path over the dune next to the RIU Hotel, within walking distance of Atlantis. On Paradise Island, Nassau.
The Cable Beach area is best known for its big 1970s resorts. The beach is reserved for the hotels and private houses, extending west to Sandyport. The few public beaches in this area, Saunders Beach and Goodman Bay, are bustling with activity during the summer weekends when Bahamian families go bathing and picnicking in the shade of the tall casuarina trees.
Just west of the British Colonial Hilton, Junkanoo Beach is a beloved and lively suntan spot for spring-breakers and locals alike.
Farther west than the other beaches, Orange Hill Beach is adjacent to the main ocean shore road. It's ideal for walks or solitary sunbathing. If you visit, have a look at the large limestone caverns, called "The Caves," which were once refuges for the early Lucayans.
| Boating & Sailing | Top |
A sublime way to escape the beaten path is to indulge yourself onboard the catamaran
Anticia, which sails in the secluded tropical Exuma Cays. Trips range from one-day excursions to full weeks or even longer. Snorkel gear, a kayak, spear fishing, windsurfing and diving equipment are included. Charters are available December-July. Phone 242-359-0503. http://www.bahamascatamarancharters.co.uk.
This company offers one-day excursions to the quaint and beloved Harbour Island, famous for its pink-sand beach. A two-hour ride from Nassau. The package includes the boat ride, a historical tour on a golf cart and a lunch voucher. Daily (but avoid Sunday, since most places in Harbour Island are closed). US$159 adults, US$99 children younger then 12. Phone 242-323-2166. http://www.bahamasferries.com.
The
Flying Cloud, a 57-ft/18-m catamaran, sets sail for a variety of themed boat trips. Located 8.5 mi/14 km northeast of Paradise Island, you can sail to beautiful Rose Island on a half-day sail-and-snorkel adventure. Or admire the harbor lights on a 2.5-hour evening cruise that sails through Nassau Harbor or around Paradise Island. On Sunday, a five-hour cruise to Rose Island includes lunch on board and activities such as beach lounging, snorkeling, volleyball and other watersports. Trips include transportation, snacks, two drinks and snorkel gear. Cruises leave daily at 9:30 and 10 am and 2 and 6 pm. US$60-$75. Phone 242-363-4430. http://www.bahamasnet.com/flyingcloud.
This company provides well-organized excursions (weather permitting) with a powerboat to the splendid island group of the Exumas. You can feed the sharks and the stingrays, take pictures of iguanas or just relax. Lunch and beverages, as well as snorkel gear, are included. Daily 9 am-5 pm. US$190 adults, US$140 children younger than 12. Charters are also available for US$4,200 per boat. The price includes island excursions, food and beverages, activities and hotel transfers for a group of 28 people. Phone 242-363-3333. http://www.islandworldadventures.com.
This long-standing operator offers a package to a beautiful cay in the Exumas. Daily, weather permitting. US$190 adults, US$120 children younger than 12. Phone 242-363-1446. http://powerboatadventures.com.
In addition to a variety of daily short excursions, this operator offers a narrated historical sightseeing cruise Wednesday noon-1:30 pm. The crew points out the historical points of interest that are found around Nassau's harbor and nearby cays. US$25 adults, US$15 children ages 3-11. The boat leaves from Woodes Rogers Walk, Nassau. Phone 242-325-3910. http://www.seaislandadventures.com.
Deep-sea fishing is a popular sport everywhere in the Bahamas. Many varieties of game and food fish are found throughout its waters, such as blue or white marlin, kingfish, amberjack, grouper, mahimahi and wahoo—depending on the season and the location.
Three charter boats comprise the fleet for this deep-sea fishing adventure company. Half-day (four-hour) and full-day (eight-hour) trips are available for groups of up to six people. Bait, tackle and ice are included. Departure times and prices vary. Phone 242-393-4144. http://www.bornfreefishing.com.
Fish for big game in deep water on one of this company's four boats. It supplies all the tackle, ice, fishing and snorkeling equipment. For fishing trips onboard the luxury boat
Chubasco III, you can choose from the half-day (four-hour) charter or a full-day (eight-hour) charter. Prices vary, depending on length of trip and destination, but expect to pay US$675-$1,350 per person. Phone 242-324-3474. http://www.chubascocharters.com.
Takes groups out for deep-sea fishing. Phone 242-393-3739.
This company specializes in big-game sportfishing trips. It also organizes private beach parties or long-range trips to the Out Islands. Prices depend on number of persons and type of boat: US$550-$750 half-day trip; US$1,100-$1,550 full day. Phone 242-363-4458. http://www.paradise-island-charters.com.
If you watch golf on television, chances are you've seen this course, one of the most beautiful on the island. Located in the Ocean Club Resort, it is open only to registered guests of Ocean Club, Atlantic, Harborside Resort and the Atlantic Marina. Reserve tee times through your hotel. Greens fees are US$150-$195. Phone 242-363-6680 or 242-363-6682. http://www.oceanclub.com.
This course's 18 holes were redesigned in 2000, but retain their challenging features. Greens fees start at US$75 for hotel guests. Guests staying at other hotels in the Cable Beach area pay pay a rack rate of US$180 November-April. Summer rates (May-October) is US$120. Phone 242-327-6000. Toll-free 800-214-4281 or 800-432-0221 for group reservations. http://www.radisson-cablebeach.com.
| Spas and Health Clubs | Top |
A luxury spa that combines ancient techniques from Asia with a traditional European spa, the Mandara Spa is highly sought-after by American celebrities and European royalty. Popular pampering treatments include a coconut rub and ritual milk wraps inspired by Cleopatra, and the Caribbean coffee body scrub. Prices vary depending on the type of spa treatment. A 50-minute Swedish massage is US$110. Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Nassau. Phone 242-363-3000. http://www.mandaraspa.com.
This island yoga retreat offers a variety of programs, and you can opt for the popular one-day stay when you book a room. The room price includes all yoga sessions, two vegetarian meals, workshops and special programs. The hideaway is only accessible by boat. Sessions begin at 8 am and 4 pm. Single rooms are US$89. Children 3-12 are US$44.50 and children younger than 3 are free. Paradise Beach on Paradise Island, Nassau. Phone 242-363-2902. Toll-free 800-441-2096. http://www.sivananda.org/nassau.
| Horseback Riding | Top |
Offers two guided trail rides—early morning and late morning. Transportation is provided to and from Paradise Island, downtown hotels and cruise ships. Riders must be 12 or older and weigh 200 lb/90 kg or less. Prices vary. Private instruction available. Coral Harbour, Nassau. Phone 242-362-1820. http://www.bahamahorse.com.
| Scuba & Snorkeling | Top |
The clear, warm waters surrounding Nassau often tempt the most timid travelers to take a peek beneath the surface. But even experienced divers are surprised by the quality of Nassau's underwater scene: Its diversions include shark feeds, wrecks inhabited by giant grouper and some amazingly pristine outer reefs and walls. You can also check out the underwater "Bond Wrecks," left over from the James Bond flicks
Thunderball and
Never Say Never Again. To go scuba diving, you must be a certified diver and present your C card.
"What-to-do" guidebooks and maps at the port have coupons good for discounts on dives. If you don't want to book in advance, many dive trips can be booked at the dock. If going from your ship, take a towel.
Trips include blue-hole and wreck diving, as well as snorkeling on shallow reefs off Rose Island. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Snorkel tours US$39, scuba diving with two tanks is US$89, and one tank is US$55. East Bay Street, Nassau. Phone 242-393-5644. http://www.bahamadivers.com.
This company operates charter-only, tailored dive packages. Coral Harbour, Nassau. Phone 242-362-1492. http://www.divecustomaquatics.com.
This leading operator on New Providence offers scuba and snorkeling trips to more than 30 sites. Free transportation to and from your hotel is provided. South Ocean, Nassau. Phone 242-362-4171. Toll-free 800-879-9832. http://www.stuartcove.com.
| Tennis & Racquet Sports | Top |
All major hotels have tennis courts, and because Nassau has more than its share of hotels, you'll have many courts to choose from. The Nassau Beach Hotel has six tennis courts, four indoor racquetball courts and two squash courts nearby. US$10 per hour with rackets provided. Phone 242-327-7711.
Nassau is a relatively small town and has not maintained an appealing nightlife over the years. Cozy spots once enlivened Bay Street, but there are fewer now. The downtown area has become a commercial center, and the hotels and casinos offer the major entertainment.
The liveliest evenings are on weekends, when people meet in bars for happy hour and move on at a later hour to the nightclubs.
| Bars, Taverns & Pubs | Top |
Go there for the fiesta atmosphere, dancing and live band every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Other evenings karaoke and DJ. Terrace on the harbor. Prince George's Dock (behind the British Colonial Hilton), Nassau. Phone 242-323-1777. http://www.senorfrogs.com/bahamas.
This is considered the most casual spot on Paradise Island. Residents and tourists gather there on Friday and Saturday evenings. Waterfront open-air bar and restaurant overlooking the harbor. Hurricane Hole Marina, Paradise Island, Nassau. Phone 242-363-3633. http://www.greenparrotbar.com.
| Comedy Clubs | Top |
Local and visiting comedians perform. Shows Tuesday-Sunday at 9:30 pm. US$20. Coral Towers of the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Nassau. Phone 242-363-3000.
| Dance & Nightclubs | Top |
This high-tech club features live music every night, except Tuesday. Daily 8 pm-2 am. Cover charge US$40. Atlantis, Nassau. Phone 242-363-3000.
The two floors offer different sounds and a VIP bar. Definitely for the young partygoers. Daily 10 pm-4 am. Cover charge US$10. Bay Street, Nassau.
This place lives up to its name with comfortable sofas and island disco music. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9 pm-2 am. Cover charge US$10. Nassau Beach Hotel, Cable Beach, Nassau. Phone 242-327-7711.
Expect live music at this nightclub that has its own house band. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9 pm-1 am. Cover charge US$10. British Colonial Hilton Hotel, Bay Street, Nassau. Phone 242-302-9044.
This place offers an elegant and refined ambience with piano or live band with a jazzy vein. Open Friday and Saturday 6 pm-2 am. Live music starts at 9:30 pm. Cover charge only when band performs. Caves Village, West Bay Street (above the Villaggio restaurant), Nassau. Phone 242-327-0965.
| Performing Arts | Top  |
If you're interested in folkloric shows, concerts and plays, check with the Dundas Theatre and the National Centre for the Performing Arts—both stage seasonal shows. A number of cultural groups are active in Nassau, such as the Bahamas National Youth Choir, which has performed in various parts of the world; the National Dance Company; and the Nassau Renaissance Singers. For more information, phone 242-393-3728.
This group stages internationally acclaimed artists in different locations, featuring mainly a classical repertoire. Season runs October-May. Phone 242-327-7668 for tickets. http://www.nassaumusicsociety.org.
In Nassau's duty-free shopping area, you'll find storefronts for major manufacturers on Bay Street or the side streets that run into it from the south. Good buys include English china and crystal and—if you really want to lug it home—liquor.
The renowned Straw Market on Bay Street burned down in 2001, taking with it the island's main tourist office. Until it's rebuilt, the market has been temporarily relocated next door, between the port and Bay Street. It's still a fun place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs and to watch local craftspeople weave hats, handbags and placemats. Straw dolls have been the typical Bahamian souvenir for years. Beware, however, of the T-shirts offered for "3 for US$10"—they tend to turn into dust rags after one or two washings. Bay Street offers everything cruise shoppers seek. Keep an eye out for Nassau Royale liquor, rum cake and Androsia-batik clothing.
Camera equipment and electronic gear, which used to be best buys, often aren't discounted greatly. Before purchasing, check to see if the warranty will be honored in your country. If you're contemplating a major purchase, price shop at home first and take along the make and model number of items that interest you.
Excellent shopping is assured in the arcades of Atlantis and some major hotels. On Paradise Island there is the Hurricane Hole Shopping Plaza. A Bahamian settlement-style Marina Village, next to the Atlantis Marina, opened in August 2005. It contains 19 retail stores and four restaurants.
Prices in the stores are fixed, and prices at the markets can be negotiated. Be kind when you haggle. Don't disparage the craftsmanship of the article—just debate the price.
| Shopping Hours | Top |
Generally Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, though some shops close for an hour or so at noon. Some stores open briefly on Sunday if a ship is in port.
The only bookshop downtown has an ample selection of books about the Bahamas, as well as travel guides of various countries. Bay Street (on the second floor above Island Shop), Nassau. Phone 242-322-1011.
This gallery has a significant collection of historical photographs and prints of Nassau in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Open Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm. 5 Madeira St., Palmdale, Nassau. Phone 242-325-1771.
This place carries local and Caribbean art objects, paintings and photography. Parliament Street, Nassau. Phone 242-325-7662.
For island curios and original handcrafts, this is the place to shop. Although it is in a temporary location, the market continues to be a center point for tourists who wish to buy island crafts, knockoffs and loads of cheap trinkets. Just as the name implies, there's plenty of items made from straw, such as hats, baskets and bags, as well as art pieces. Lots of local color. Be prepared to haggle and have fun. It's always a treat to drop by. Beginning of Central Bay Street, Nassau.
| Shopping Areas | Top |
Between Rawson Square and the British Colonial Hilton, this is where you'll find a plethora of shops to choose from. Big-name fashion stores, exclusive island boutiques and an assortment of family-run shops can be found here. Clothes, jewelry, handcrafts and china are plentiful.
Considered a shopping mecca among the locals, this megamall is where people can shop for just about everything. Countless stores cater to your every whim. Be sure to visit Kelly's Department Store, where you'll find housewares, linens, sporting goods, luggage and toys but no clothing. Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-9 pm. Robinson Road, Nassau.
| Specialty Stores | Top |
This renowned jewelry boutique showcases a selection of coin jewelry and mounted conch pearls, as well as fine pieces from Europe. The shop is located in a former gunpowder magazine for Fort Nassau. Charlotte Street (off Bay Street), Nassau. Phone 242-322-4862. http://www.coinrealm.net.
This lady's boutique was founded in 1956. It offers high-end resort and beachwear, accessories and evening wear. There are four different locations, including one on Parliament Street. Bay Street, Nassau. Phone 242-328-7157. http://www.colesofnassau.com.
Besides elegant dining at this island mainstay, the tony venue houses the island's largest collection of hand-rolled cigars. There is a factory on the premise open for tours. 8-12 West Hill St., Nassau. Phone 242-322-2796.
This place, which started as an English tobacco shop in 1929, now sells prestigious brands of watches (it is the official Rolex retailer for the Bahamas), jewelry, handbags, perfumes and cameras. There are four different locations. Bay Street, Nassau. Phone 242-322-4252. http://www.johnbull.com.
There you'll find high-end gift items and accessories for interior decoration, such as candles, picture frames, china and linens. Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm, Sunday 9 am-5 pm. Parliament Street, Nassau. Phone 242-323-6145.
The shop stocks designer wear from Tommy Bahamas to Tori Richards' tropical attire collection. Local batik designer Androsia also has a clothing line, home line and accessories for women, men and children. The fabric, available by the yard, is hand-waxed and hand-dyed, taking inspiration from the islands. Bay Street (Downtown), Nassau. Phone 242-322-5131.
This upscale jewelry boutique has the finest collection of Lalique crystal, china, watches and other precious stone jewelry. At the Atlantis location, the Lalique shark is an exclusive item that can only be purchased at that location on the island. Bay Street, Nassau. Phone 242-356-6920 or 242-363-3616. http://www.solomons-mines.com.
This place offers a wide range of perfumes and cosmetics. Excellent service. On the corner of Bay and Frederick streets, Nassau. Phone 242-325-3649.
Because of New Providence Island's compact size and good public transportation, many cruise passengers opt to tour independently or to make their own arrangements with tour operators. The local tour companies may offer less-expensive options than the ship's shore excursions. Most will gladly pick you up at the wharf or at Rawson Square. But if you book your own tour, keep in mind that it will take some time to contact the operators, compare options and make a booking. Most of the tours offered are similar to those arranged by cruise ships.
As an alternative, approach a cabdriver with the sites you wish to see and have him or her give you a price (including waiting time, if necessary) to take you around.
The People-to-People Program is a cultural exchange between visitors and Bahamians. There are more than 300 volunteers in Nassau who will act as your host or guide. The Ministry of Tourism promotes it, and visitors and volunteers are matched based on age, interests or occupations. Contact the Ministry of Tourism, phone 242-323-1853.
Bird-watching, nature trips and off-road biking tours are excellent ways to experience the island away from the crowds. Prices start at US$59 per person for half-day tours. Phone 242-362-1574. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
This company offers motorboat rentals from one to four hours, as well as snorkeling tours. Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 12:30-5 pm. Motorboat rentals: US$120-$200. Snorkeling tours: US$30 (including equipment). At the Nassau Beach Hotel, Cable Beach, Nassau. Phone 242-327-6365. http://bahamasvacationguide.com/bluehole.
Helicopter tours give you a bird's-eye view of the islands. US$120 adults, US$85 children younger than 12. Phone 242-363-4016. http://www.island-helicopters.com.
One of the more established tour operators, Majestic offers a variety of tours. Tour desks located in the major hotels. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-5 pm for phone reservations. Cumberland Street, Nassau. Phone 242-322-2606. http://www.majesticholidays.com.
A favorite sightseeing cruise is aboard the glass-bottom boat. Groups will have a chance to view the island's tropical fish as they sail around Nassau. US$25.00 per adult. Cable Beach, Nassau. Phone 242-327-5122. http://www.sunshinecruises.net.
Most cruise ships spend a day or so in Nassau. To help you make the most of your time in port, we've designed two different itineraries specifically for cruise-ship visitors.
PLAN A
The Real Nassau
Mornings are the coolest time, so do a walking tour of the historical port early in the day. From Rawson Square, go south on Parliament Street. You'll see the House of Assembly, the courthouse and the octagonal library (once a jail). Next, head to the Queen's Staircase (on Elizabeth Street) and climb up the mossy steps to Fort Fincastle.
On your way back to town, stop by Christ Church Cathedral on George Street, or head for Bay Street to pick your way through the stores and Straw Market. Have lunch in town. Afterward take a cab or a jitney to Arawak Cay and the Ardastra Gardens for the flamingo show. Have a stroll through the lush gardens.
Return to the ship to refresh and dress before heading to one of the many fine restaurants on the island for dinner.
PLAN B
A Trip to Paradise
Take the water taxi to Atlantis on Paradise Island for a tour of the impressive aquarium exhibits. You'll feel as though you're underwater, amid the sharks and sea turtles, without any of the dangers.
Have lunch at the resort, and then stroll over to the Versailles Gardens and French Cloister for a look at the terraced gardens and sculptures. On your way back, make a stop at Cabbage Beach. Before returning to the wharf, either drop in at the casino or visit the Marina Village.
For dinner, stay on Paradise Island or pick one of the waterfront restaurants on New Providence.