Nassau on New Providence Island has Atlantis resort, colonial forts and a lively harbor, while boat trips to the Exumas reach swimming pigs and sandbars. It is a short flight from Florida.
Good to know
- Book day trips to the Exumas early; they sell out in high season.
- Cruise ships crowd downtown on peak days, so go early.
- Atlantis sells day passes to non-guests for the waterpark.
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Places the planner can use
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Largest of Nassau's forts, with dungeons and ramparts overlooking the harbor and a short tour.
66 steps carved by hand into limestone by enslaved people, with a waterfall and tropical garden at the top.
Catamaran cruise at golden hour with rum punch and views of the Nassau skyline.
Long white-sand beach on Paradise Island with calm water, loungers and water-sports rentals.
Huge waterpark with slides, a lazy river and a marine habitat, open to day-pass visitors.
Interactive museum with life-size ships and exhibits on the pirates who made Nassau their base.
Carnival music, goombay drums and costumes on display at the Junkanoo Beach Club.
Speedboat to Big Major Cay to swim with pigs and feed nurse sharks, with stops at sandbars.
Colorful seafood shacks serving cracked conch and conch fritters, with local beer and music.
Handwoven baskets, hats and crafts in a covered market near the harbor; bargaining is expected.
Half-day boat trip to a calm reef and quiet beach just off Nassau, with a beach lunch.