Nassau Travel Forum

There to renew my US Visa so will be there during the week.. looking for accomodation and things to do while waiting for my visa processing.. arrive Sunday Nov 30 depart Wednesday Dec 3

Leave nassau and visit one of the family islands. Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera can all be reached by ferry from Nassau. No passport is required and you will see the real Bahamas.

If you have to stay in Nassau, I'd suggest the Orange Hill Beach Hotel. It's clean, reasonably priced, and in the safe West Bay Street area, not far from the airport. We stay there a lot if we get stuck in Nassau trying to get to the Family Islands. The Casuarinas Hotel in Cable Beach is a bit scruffy, but it would do if you want to be closer to town. From the Casuarinas you can walk to the Cable Beach casinos or take the jitney (mini-bus) to downtown or Paradise Island.

Attractions: Potters Cay where the fishing boats come in, Ardastra Gardens for the flamingos, Arawak Cay and/or the Straw Market for a tacky but fun taste of Bahamian street life, the Junkanoo (like Carnival) Museum, Atlantis on Paradise Island has a nice underwater walk-through aquarium. One of the colonial forts to pretend you're a pirate. Downtown Bay Street if you need a new watch, some cologne or perfume, etc. Ask your hotel about parasailing, tours, jet boats, etc, if that appeals to you. You might also check into the "People to people" program whereby you get to spend a day or evening with a Bahamian family.

Otherwise, I agree with the previous reply. Take a commuter flight (try Western Air) to one of the other islands, which are VERY different from Nassau. Most of the inter-island airlines have inclusive deals with Family Island (also called Out island) hotels. The Bahamas Fast Ferry system, which leaves from the base of the Potters Cay bridge in town, sails to many of the out islands and I think also has some trip-hotel deals.

On the island of Andros (my home and just a 15 minute flight), I can HIGHLY recommend Small Hope Bay Lodge. Family owned and run, so it's just you in a stone cottage right on the beach, all meals and drinks included.