Spotlight on The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a stunning collection of over 700 islands and 2400 cays, glistening like jewels in the Atlantic. The capital, Nassau, is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, welcoming over one million passengers a year and almost all of the cruise line’s private islands are part of this breathtaking archipelago. Technically The Bahamas are not in the Caribbean, but most Eastern Caribbean itineraries will make a stop here and given it’s close proximity to the coast of Florida, it’s fantastic as a short add on cruise of 3,4 or 5 nights as part of a longer cruise and stay holiday. You can cruise to The Bahamas all year round, but it’s best to avoid hurricane season – September to Mid November. High season is from December to April but there are still some fantastic deals to be found, like this great 10 night trip with Celebrity Cruises. You can cruise to The Bahamas over and over and still find something new to do, but here are some of our highlights of things to do in the main port of Nassau…

1) Cable Beach

This beach in Nassau is one of the best in The Bahamas, with stunning white sand and warm, crystal clear water, it’s like relaxing in a bath rather than swimming in the sea. A lot of the resorts have stretches of the beach you can relax on, but their is also a wide expanse for public use. You can also go kayaking or jetsking and there are lots of local vendors selling crafts. Don’t be afraid to barter on prices. Top Tip: You can pay for a day pass for some of the hotels, which will give you use of loungers, towels and some drinks thrown in too.

2) John Watling’s Distillery

If you want to live like the old magistrate of Nassau’s ‘Pirate Republic – the famous Blackbeard, you’re going to have to get yourself some rum, so what better place to do it find it than at the distillery for the ‘Spirit of the Bahamas’ rum. Set on the famed Buena Vista Estate in historic downtown Nassau, you can find out how this handmade rum is made, using old English rum-making methods. Of course, you get to sample the produce and sit in the beautiful ground and enjoy a rum cocktail or two.

Top Tip: The Mango daiquiris are to die for

3) Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre

This a cute and charming little zoo, with quiet and serene gardens, a perfect stop off the beaten track when you fancy a change of pace. You can interact with the animals and there is a bird feeding experience where you can feed Lory Parrots slices of apple and a fantastic Marching Flamingo show, which is without a doubt the highlight of visit.

Top Tip: Make sure you look out for the stunning white Peacock

4) Aquaventure – Atlantis Paradise Island

Want to plunge down a water slide and through a tank of sharks? Then Paradise Island is the place for you! It can get busy if lots of ships are in port, so make sure you get there early. As well as slides, there is an aquarium with a chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of the marine life and also a shopping mall and casino, something for everyone

Top Tip: Sometimes it can be cheaper to pay for a hotel room for a night than pay for daily admission, so compare the prices

5) Versailles Garden & The Cloisters

The Cloister is actually a 14th Century French Monastery brought to the island in the 1960s and it is now a green paradise teaming with wildlife, amongst the lush gardens there are koi ponds and a gorgeous gazebo. It won’t take you long to explore to the gardens, but the views to the sea and over the habour are worth the visit alone.

Top Tip: The gardens are split in two; make sure you visit both of them.

Have we missed off your favourite place? Be sure to let us know!