When we think of the Bahamas, we picture beaches, sunbathing by the water on soft, white sand, but there are also beautiful excursions and activities for all ages, where the beauty of these islands charms us more each day. The Bahamas has about 700 islands, but only about 30 of them are inhabited. Our trip lasted just four days, including half-days for departure and return to Montreal, but we tried to make the most of it and explore as much as possible while sticking to a small budget. Here’s our itinerary:

Stay in Nassau – New Providence

We landed at the main airport in the Bahamas, in Nassau, on New Providence Island. For accommodation, we booked an Airbnb located between downtown and Junkanoo Beach, everything was within walking distance. Our room, with two large beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom, cost us CAD 570 for 3 nights for 2 people. We also used their airport transport service to the Airbnb, which cost USD 40 one way or USD 80 round trip. We didn’t want to risk taking any random taxi or bus since we didn’t know the island yet, so we prioritized comfort and safety above all.

What to do in Nassau?

The Beaches – We enjoyed Junkanoo Beach and Cable Beach. White sand and turquoise water were waiting for us. Junkanoo Beach is quite lively. You’ll need to move away from the restaurants and bars if you’re seeking tranquility. However, the atmosphere is very festive with music and food and drink stands. Sunbeds cost USD 10 per person, or you can sit on the sand for free.

Cable Beach is stunning! Very peaceful and vast, you’ll find a perfect spot no matter where you settle. It’s great for a walk by the water. The island is safe, we didn’t feel any danger or crime, and we left our belongings to take a nice stroll along the beach. Several activities are available, such as jet skiing, parasailing, or, for the more outgoing, renting a pink Barbie car-shaped speedboat.

What you need to know is that much of Cable Beach has been privatized by large hotels along the beach. You’ll need to either book a stay at a hotel or pay an entrance fee to access the beach. We took advantage of the public beach at Goodman’s Bay, which is open to everyone and free of charge.

Where to go out in Nassau?

Note that the shops, restaurants, and bars in downtown Nassau close surprisingly early during the week. Around 5 pm, the streets begin to empty. A few restaurants may stay open later, but it’s best to check their hours before going. We wanted to try the local cuisine, and we were recommended Fish Fry restaurant with its conch fritters, an authentic, local place we really enjoyed. This restaurant isn’t located in downtown, but it’s a 15-20 minute walk along the water, or you can take a taxi or bus. The restaurants and bars in this area, called Arawak Cay, stay open longer in the evening with a lively atmosphere.

History – Museums

You can learn more about the history of Nassau through its historic center, which traces its colonial past. Must-see sites include the Queen’s Staircase, carved into the limestone by slaves in 1793. There’s also the Pirate Museum, which tells the story of the real Caribbean pirates and has become a popular attraction in the city. The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation showcases the history of the island’s first people, the Lucayans. In short, many museums and art galleries are available depending on your interests. Don’t miss the Straw Market, Nassau’s market, with its colorful building that stands out. It’s more of a souvenir and clothing market than a food market.

Tips and Advice:

Transportation – Taxis are easily available all over the island. However, we wanted to try the local bus, which costs only USD 1.50. If you don’t have the exact amount, the driver can give you change in Bahamian dollars (when we were there, the exchange rate was the same: USD 1 = BSD 1). There are several bus numbers, and they usually all depart from downtown. Additionally, you can always ask or confirm your route with the driver or locals, who are happy to help.

Airbnb Accommodations – We found that Airbnb accommodations were more affordable than resort hotels. However, you won’t get the luxury that comes with them, such as a large pool or entertainment. Although some Airbnb properties do have pools, that wasn’t our priority.

Catamaran Excursion

We wanted to visit the islands around Nassau, and catamaran tours seemed like the best option. It cost us USD 150 per person for about 5 hours. It was one of the cheaper excursions, and the program included visits to Rose, Pearl, and Athol Islands, swimming with the pigs, snorkeling in coral reefs and Turtle Bay, lunch, and unlimited drinks (with or without alcohol). What wasn’t included were pick-up and drop-off from the hotel (but with the local bus, it costs just USD 1.50), tips, and the optional pig feeding activity. We found this excursion on getyourguide.com and highly recommend it.

Atlantis – Paradise Island

The famous luxurious Atlantis Royal Towers piqued our curiosity, as it’s a must-see in Nassau and a symbol of this destination. To access it, you can either pay an entrance fee or book a stay to access the water park and attractions during the day. However, in the evening, you can access the aquarium for free, and it’s really worth it! It’s quite large, and there’s a guided path to follow. Follow “The Dig” on the map to reach the aquarium. In the evening, you can also access the Marina to grab a bite and enjoy the interior amenities, like the casino. It’s a very vast hotel complex, and you’ll need a map to get around, but there are plenty of maps available.

We didn’t take the local bus this time but opted for a taxi. From downtown, it cost us USD 25. The return trip from Atlantis is at a fixed rate of USD 15, which you can request from any valet at the entrance.

Conclusion

You can absolutely have a great stay in Nassau without breaking the bank and without staying on-site. At least one great excursion is recommended. We had fantastic weather in October, and the locals are welcoming and friendly. So, don’t hesitate to go for it.

Have a great trip!