Blue Hole & Cavern Diving

The Bahamas is home to an impressive collection of inland blue holes. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, a blue hole is a cave or underwater sinkhole. You will often seen them referred to as vertical caves, and they’re located all over the world, generally in low-lying coastal regions like the Bahamas. The largest concentration of blue holes in the Bahamas is actually found inland, in the shallows of Andros Island. Marine biologists and professional divers have recorded some 50 blue holes scattered through the island. This is sort of diving excursion is perfect for the advanced or intermediate diver seeking a challenge.

Reef & Wall Diving

Dive enthusiasts from around the world list wall and reef diving as one of the best things to do in the Bahamas. Home to the third largest barrier reef on the planet, the Bahamas offers up some of the most challenging dive sites. Wall diving is some of the most difficult, but once you’ve mastered your first few complicated dives, myriad escarpments, breathtaking vistas and mysterious trenches await.

Wild Dolphin Encounters

It’s one thing to jump into an aquatic enclosure and wade around with dolphins, but it’s another to swim alongside them when they’re free. There are few places in the world, where you have as many opportunities to swim with dolphins as you do in the Bahamas. If you’re truly lucky, you’ll encounter more than just dolphins when you’re out there on the reef. Reef sharks are in abundance and if you think you have what it takes, a 45 minute shark dive is exactly what you need to get the heart racing.

Wreck Diving

One of the best things to do in the Bahamas is to go on a wreck dive. With a wide array of natural and artificial wreck sites available to explore, many of the wrecks here are shallow and exposed to a significant amount of sunlight, attracting an abundance of color marine life. The wreck sites are perfect for novice divers, and for those with more experienced, there are plenty of deep sea wrecks available to explore.

The Bahamas, without question, is one of the most beloved dive sites in the world, and out of all the things to do in the Bahamas, it’s one of the most exciting activities. From the novice to the seasoned diver, the Bahamas promises to be a memorable experience for everyone. A great way to explore the coral reefs surrounding the islands is to do a scuba dive Bahamas!

Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving by Taxi

To get from your cruise ship to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, you can take a taxi from the Festival Place Welcome Center located in the cruise ship terminal. Many taxis will be waiting outside the welcome center and can quickly transport you to Paradise Island where you can join up with your tour group. If you have trouble navigating the cruise ship terminal, do not hesitate to ask someone at the information desk to point you in the right direction.

Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving by Ferry

Some cruise ship passengers choose to reach the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on a ferry from Prince George's Wharf located beside the Festival Place Welcome Center. Take a right out of the welcome center and follow Woodes Rogers Walk for a short while until you see the wharf on your right. This pleasant ferry ride brings you through Nassau Harbour, giving you nice views of the city and of Paradise Island. You can take the ferry round trip to and from Prince George's Wharf.

Hotel Guests on Paradise Island

Visitors staying in a hotel on Paradise Island can easily walk to the Paradise Island Terminal or take a taxi from outside the hotel. Just stroll toward the two big bridges to the terminal complex that sits between them.

Hotel Guests on New Providence Island

Shuttle services connect many hotel guests in Nassau and in other areas of New Providence Island to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. You may also opt to grab a taxi outside of your hotel, or you can hop on a ferry from Prince George's Wharf for a scenic trip to the terminal on Paradise Island. Privately hired water-taxis also make the trip from Nassau to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal.

Rental Cars, Motorcycles, and Scooters

Once you have landed in the Nassau area, you have various options to get around the town and island. New Providence Island is fairly straightforward to navigate, and several modes of transportation make it easy to get from place to place.

Rental Cars, Motorcycles, and Scooters

A number of rental car companies have offices in the Nassau International Airport, and you can hire a motorcycle or scooter from rental agencies around town. People drive on the left in The Bahamas, and main roads are usually well-maintained. Make sure you ask about the condition of offshoots from the main thoroughfares as they can sometimes be in disrepair. Renting a car is not a necessity in Nassau, but it can provide easier access to more remote areas of New Providence Island.

Taxi

Taxi is by far the most popular way to get around Nassau. Many taxis wait outside of important terminals, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs and can transport you all over New Providence Island. Some have meters, but others often charge rates fixed by the Bahamian government. It helps to establish a price with the driver before you leave for your destination because rates can go up with additional people and increased distances. All taxis are licensed and can be hailed from the street or called from your hotel.

Bus

The local bus system consists of private minibuses called jitneys. They are an inexpensive option for traveling to and from downtown Nassau. The jitneys follow standard routes and often wait to leave once the bus is full. Jitneys can transport you to surrounding beaches and other places of interest. Just ask the driver or locals which bus to take. These buses usually stop running in the late afternoon or early evening, so you must rely on taxis to get around at night.

Ferry

Frequent ferries leave from the downtown dock and transport visitors from Nassau to Paradise Island. These can be especially nice as the trip offers people a panoramic view of Nassau Harbour and the crew will often pass on interesting facts about the island. Ferries also connect Nassau with its more isolated neighbors in the Bahamas, but these services are sporadic.

Private Boat

Travelers arriving by private boat must check in with customs at the initial port of entry. There are several marinas in the Nassau area, and it is recommended that you reserve a slip in advance to ensure availability. Because transportation from island to island is not regular, private boats afford you more choice and flexibility while visiting Nassau and other islands in the Bahamas. You can also charter boats from agencies in the Nassau area.

Taxi

Taxi is by far the most popular way to get around Nassau. Many taxis wait outside of important terminals, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs and can transport you all over New Providence Island. Some have meters, but others often charge rates fixed by the Bahamian government. It helps to establish a price with the driver before you leave for your destination because rates can go up with additional people and increased distances. All taxis are licensed and can be hailed from the street or called from your hotel.

Bus

The local bus system consists of private minibuses called jitneys. They are an inexpensive option for traveling to and from downtown Nassau. The jitneys follow standard routes and often wait to leave once the bus is full. Jitneys can transport you to surrounding beaches and other places of interest. Just ask the driver or locals which bus to take. These buses usually stop running in the late afternoon or early evening, so you must rely on taxis to get around at night.

Ferry

Frequent ferries leave from the downtown dock and transport visitors from Nassau to Paradise Island. These can be especially nice as the trip offers people a panoramic view of Nassau Harbour and the crew will often pass on interesting facts about the island. Ferries also connect Nassau with its more isolated neighbors in the Bahamas, but these services are sporadic.

Private Boat

Travelers arriving by private boat must check in with customs at the initial port of entry. There are several marinas in the Nassau area, and it is recommended that you reserve a slip in advance to ensure availability. Because transportation from island to island is not regular, private boats afford you more choice and flexibility while visiting Nassau and other islands in the Bahamas. You can also charter boats from agencies in the Nassau area.

History of Nassau Bahamas

The first people to make their home around Nassau were the Arawak Indians, also called Lucayans, who migrated from South America and established themselves as adept fishermen in the abundant waters of the islands. Christopher Columbus arrived in what was to become The Bahamas in 1492 and quickly introduced the Spanish and other Europeans to the vital shipping lanes that connect ports in Central and South America to the Atlantic Ocean. The primary city of New Providence Island was first founded as Charles Town in 1666 and later, in 1695, renamed Nassau in honor of King William III of Orange-Nassau.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Nassau and New Providence Island witnessed occupation by the Spanish, British, and lawless pirates who sought to control the important waterways that brought gold and other goods from the Americas to Europe. Nassau's infamous pirates, including Blackbeard, Mary Read, and Calico Jack Rackham, set up a pirate republic and worked to intercept passing ships by luring them with lanterns placed in dangerous shallow waters and rocky reefs. Even while the British crown attempted to keep order, New Providence Island became a refuge for vagabonds, runaway slaves, and rebels. The arrival of Woodes Rogers in 1718 helped calm the pirate activity but did not end the defiant nature of Bahamians. Many locals helped smuggle guns into the Confederacy during the America Civil War, and Bahamian rumrunners facilitated the black-market booze trade during U.S. Prohibition. The Bahamas obtained its independence from Britain in 1973, but the chain of island still belongs to the British Commonwealth.

With the influx of global banks and investment firms, Nassau has been the seat of a dramatic rise in the economy and tourist industry of the Bahamas. The capital now boasts some of the world's most exclusive resorts and hotels, including the famous Atlantis complex that sits atop the lovely white beaches of Paradise Island. Nassau's cosmopolitan appeal and its location in breathtaking tropical environs are sure to continue enticing visitors from around the world for years to come.

Located on lovely New Providence Island, Nassau is a great place to explore the history and culture of the Bahamas. The sunset-hued government buildings, the impressive historic forts, and the quaint plazas attest to the city's prosperous colonial past while the carefree spirit of the Caribbean exudes from the informal shops and boutiques lining Bay Street. The Pirates of Nassau Museum contains interesting exhibits on the town's swashbuckling past, and the area's several botanical gardens and parks allow visitors to relax in the refreshing climate amid local flora and fauna. During certain times of the year, you can watch a Junkaroo procession, during which locals in brilliantly colored costumes fill Nassau's streets with traditional dancing and music. This colorful custom is alive and well in the capital city, and you can see its influence in the town's traditional straw market and at the Junkaroo Expo. The island also prides itself on its unique, tropical cuisine and fresh, local delicacies that are sure to please any palate.

In addition to rich history and culture, Nassau offers visitors the ideal setting for thrilling outdoor activities. The waters around Nassau boast some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. Visitors can choose from among several boating and water sports opportunities, including sailing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing. With both public and private beaches, the island gives you the chance to meet new people or simply escape the cares of everyday life. The pearly white sand beaches, clear water, and dramatic coconut trees strengthen the tropical appeal of this island paradise. There is also plenty of fun to be had on Nassau's sister, Paradise Island, where the fabulous Atlantis resort features an exciting water park, concert hall, and casino. All ages thoroughly enjoy the enchanting setting and friendly atmosphere of Nassau and New Providence Island.

About Port Lucaya

Port Lucaya is a full-service marina that is home to the Grand Bahama Yacht Club. Sailing vessels up to 170 feet long are welcome to dock in Port Lucaya. The marina's services include free wireless internet and fuel and pump-out facilities. The Marina offers 106 berths. You can choose to dock your vessel in one of two wings of the marina. The Marketplace Wing features excellent restaurants, fabulous duty-free shopping, a variety of bars, and venues for dancing and live music. The quiet Sea Garden Wing features tropical gardens and is adjacent to the Olympic-size pool of the Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club. The resort offers special room rates for visiting boaters.

Boaters docking in the marina can also enjoy telephone, fresh water, cable television, and metered electric services. The marina's facilities include a coin-operated laundromat, however professional laundry services are also available, as well as catering and maid services. The marina also provides free transportation to and from the Grand Bahama International Airport, to local grocery stores, and to area golf courses.

Port Lucaya offers a variety of activities both on land and in the water. UNEXSO, one of the Caribbean's top dive centers, is adjacent to the marina. Besides diving experiences, UNEXSO also offers opportunities for dolphin encounters. Treasure Bay Casino, a 20,000-square-foot facility, is across the street from the Marina. Port Lucaya is also home to the famous Count Basie Square at the center of the city's entertainment district. The square is named for the famous jazz and big band musician, composer, and bandleader who spent many years on Grand Bahama Island. This open-air venue hosts festivals, limbo dancing, calypso music, and parades. You can enjoy the Native Show or dance under the stars to live music. If you want off land, take a short cruise in the crystal-clear waters around the island or enjoy a reef tour.

The Port Lucaya Marketplace is located on a five-acre peninsula overlooking the marina. In the Marketplace's 12 buildings, you will find 80 specialty stores, restaurants featuring island cuisine, and indoor and outdoor cafes and bars. You will find name brand, high-end jewelry, perfume, apparel, crystal, and china at amazing duty-free prices. Port Lucaya Marketplace is home to one of the largest straw markets among the Caribbean islands. At the Marketplace, you will find one-of-a-kind straw hats, sandals, jewelry, and bags. The Marketplace also offers unique woodcarvings and other authentic handcrafts made by native Bahamians.

If shopping makes you hungry, stop by any of the casual or fine-dining establishments. The restaurants at the Marketplace offer the freshest seafood. The Marketplace offers local and international cuisine. There are more than 13 international and native restaurants. In addition to Bahamian cuisine, you will find Greek, American, Italian, Thai, Chinese, British, Mexican, and Irish dishes as well.

Port Lucaya has everything a visitor to the Caribbean islands is looking for - live entertainment, fabulous shopping and restaurants, and a slew of water activities.

Getting Around Freeport Bahamas

Freeport is home to the Grand Bahama International Airport, so getting to your island paradise vacation is a breeze and relatively inexpensive. Flights run daily from the North American mainland continent.

Freeport offers bus transportation, which is a great way to travel around the city during the day. The buses, called jitneys, are private minibuses, but they have pre-established routes that they travel every day. Routes are maintained from the downtown area of Freeport to Port Lucaya every day, as well as from downtown to the outlying areas of the east and west sides.

For night-time travel, taxis keep people in the city moving. A cab ride in Freeport is quick and cheap. The rates, which have been pre-determined by the government, are based on distance.

If you would rather be your own driver, rental establishments offer cars, motorcycles, and motor scooters. Driving around Freeport and Grand Bahama Island is safe and easy. Drivers on Grand Bahama Island are friendly and cautious, and the main roads are kept in good condition. Having your own means of transportation is a perfect way of exploring the island or hunting out a special secluded spot on the island to enjoy the beach or watch the sun set at your own leisure. You may rent a car with your home license for up to three months. If you plan to stay longer, it is recommended that you obtain an international driver's license. Don't forget - you'll be driving on the left-hand side of the road.

Some of the island's resorts offer bicycles for rent. Lucaya even has a designated bicycle path along Midshipman Road. Remember, like motor vehicles, bicyclists ride along the left side of the road.

Ferries can transport you along the island's waterways. A free government-owned ferry offers daily transportation between McLean's Town and Sweetings Cay. A for-profit ferry service travels daily between Grand Bahama Island, McLean's Town, the Abacos, and Crown Haven.

About Freeport Bahamas

Freeport is known for the colonial charm common to the Bahama Islands, but it has all of the modern amenities mixed with adventure and fun needed for a carefree vacation. The city sprung up in the 1950s to cater to tourists looking for a tropical oasis. Freeport, along with neighboring Port Lucaya, is home to first-class resorts. You can browse through quaint duty-free shops or the downtown International Bazaar. Enjoy excellent tropical cuisine. A popular stop for cruise ships, Freeport offers enough diversion for anyone stopping for the day or for a family spending their entire vacation on the island.

The tranquil beaches around Freeport and the Grand Bahama Island are perfect for lounging quietly in the sun. The west and east coasts of the island offer a veritable hideaway from the bustle of the city. You can also enjoy all of the other great activities a Caribbean vacation has to offer, such as snorkeling among breathtaking reefs, swimming in the warm crystal-clear waters, and fishing for big game like marlin, wahoo, and even sharks. On land, take an eco tour and explore the scenic island. Spend the evening out enjoying live entertainment, or relax on a romantic dinner cruise. Try your luck gambling at the island's casinos.

Grand Bahama Island is also home to Earth's oldest underwater caves, and as a result, attracts divers from around the world. If you are into water sports, Freeport has everything you need, from sailing to jet skiing to parasailing. Whether you crave the bustle of the city, the adventure of water sports, or the seclusion of the beach, Freeport and Grand Bahama Island can accommodate you.

History of Freeport Bahamas

The Spanish took over the island in place of the Lucayans, but their desire to live in that island paradise was short lived. The dangerous coral reef that surrounded the island discouraged occupation by the Spaniards. The island, instead, became a haven for pirates. In 1670, the British claimed control of the island.

From 1670 to the mid 20th century, few people inhabited Grand Bahama Island. In the mid 19th century, former Bahamian slaves formed three towns on the island: Williams Town, Pinder's Point, and Russell Town. The seclusion of the island also attracted company of another sort. During the American Civil War, blockade runners used the island to smuggle sugar, weapons, and cotton to the Confederate states. Bootleggers used the island to smuggle alcohol during the American prohibition.

The development of tourism has transformed the island to what it is today. In the 1950s, an American named Wallace Groves pictured Grand Bahama Island as an oasis for travelers from around the world. He developed and built the city of Freeport to be the focal point of the island. In 1962, Port Lucaya was added to the island. Today Freeport and Grand Bahama Island is known for its first-class resorts, mild temperatures, water sports, and secluded beaches. The Lucayan National Park, located 25 miles east of Freeport, is home to one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world.

The bustling city of Freeport holds all of the excitement of any tourist attraction, including shops, casinos, and live entertainment. The island still remains a paradise for anyone seeking the beautiful beaches and crystal clear water of the Caribbean.

Travelers from all over the world make it down to the sunny Caribbean islands of the Bahamas to experience the laid-back and inviting island atmosphere that the Bahamas are known for. With tourism as the number one industry in the Bahamas, tourists who make it to the islands are treated like royalty. And this includes making sure everyone who comes here is having a fun, relaxing, and unforgettable experience. While the Bahamas might not have the party reputation of other vacation hot spots such as Cabo San Lucas or Cancun, the nightlife scene in both Nassau Bahamas and Freeport Bahamas has lots to offer. For one thing, gambling is legal for tourists in the Bahamas, and the islands are home to four massive casinos. Jumping aboard a boat for a sunset cruise or a Bahamas booze cruise is another great way to start off your night surrounded by music, good people, and plenty of tasty Bahamian drinks. Then there are of course the clubs and lounges, many of which can be found in the ground floors of luxury Bahamas resorts. Here is our quick guide to Bahamas nightlife.

Casinos in the Bahamas

One of the biggest attractions in the Bahamas for a lot of people is the fact that gambling is completely legal here (for tourists and foreigners only, that is). The islands boast four massive casinos and gambling establishments, two located on New Providence andtwo in Grand Bahama. On New Providence, one of the casinos is located on Cable Beach (the Crystal Palace Casino) and the other is located on the luxury resort Atlantis on Paradise Island (called the Atlantis Casino). The Atlantis Casino is the most popular casino in the Bahamas, featuring stunningly gorgeous and elegant decor as well as live entertainment in the casinos several lounges. You can truly get lost and spend hours in this casino. The other two casinos in the Bahamas are located on Grand Bahama: The Casino at Bahamia is found on Freeport Bahamas and tropical-styled Our Lucaya is found in the Lucaya area of Grand Bahama. Out of these two, Our Lucaya is the more popular featuring live shows and entertainment on most nights.

Clubs, Bars, and Lounges

Both Nassau and Freeport Bahamas have excellent options for nightclubs, bars, and lounges. If you are spending the day or the night in the Atlantis Resort and checking out their amazing Atlantis Casino, take some time to check out the fantastic Dragons nightclub. Here, you will find nightly DJs spinning popular dance, pop, and electronic tracks as well as live entertainment on top of the 10-foot tall bandstand stage. Back on the main island (New Providence), you can find amazing nightly dance parties at Club Waterloo, complete with a huge dance floor and five convenient bars. In downtown Nassau, check out The Drop Off (a popular nightlife spot with energetic dance parties and live entertainment in a popular basement setting) and Club Fluid (featuring two dance floors playing top hits in world music, hip hop, and R&B as well as nightly themes such as Girls Night Out Thursdays and Reggae Sundays). On Grand Bahama island, check out Club Amnesia, the Safari Lounge, and Studio 69.

Bahamas-Style Entertainment

Aside from the bars, clubs, and resort lounges, the two main islands of the Bahamas are jam-packed with great entertainment for people of all ages. Bahamas sunset cruises and Bahamas dinner cruises, provided by Best On Bahamas, are an excellent way to start off your night and be thoroughly entertained by live dance and theatrical acts, dancing, and great interactions with local crew members. The Country Club at Bahamia in Freeport puts on a great production titled the Goombaya Show, showcasing the island's unique history and culture. The show includes a delicious Bahamian buffet. Many of the resorts in both Freeport and Nassau Bahamas feature nightly entertainment for guests and others who want to join in on the fun. Pretty soon you will be doing the limbo, dancing the dollar dance or the electric slide, and taking part in the fun and celebration of life that is characteristic of the Bahamas.