When in the Bahamas

When you hear Bahamas it sounds expensive because it is. Even the residents can’t compete with the bigger stores for store front. Nassau is completely taken over by high-end retailers such as Gucci and Hermes. When visiting Nassau, there is no need to pay for any expensive excursions or tours. The island is completely walkable. Get a map

and visit

• Queen's Staircase (free)

• Water Tower (free)

• Fort Fincastle (US $3 pp) 

• Zion Baptist Church (free)

• Pompey Square (free)- Named after the slavery rebel Pompey, the Pompey square is one of the liveliest squares in the city. The famous Miss Bahamas Pageant Costume contest is hosted here along with the performances of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. During festivals like Christmas and New Year’s, the place is on fire with some of the best shows around the city including Kids’ festival, Caroling, Holiday Lunch Buffet and much much more.

• Lighthouse (can see from the beach or take a taxi to visit $5-10)- built in 1817 it is believed to be the oldest lighthouse in the West Indies. Located on Paradise Island, which was once called Hog Island and the lighthouse was called Hog Island Lighthouse. 

• Junkanoo beach (free)- The beach is walkable from the cruise docks which means it is overrun with cruise ship people in the middle of the day. You can enter from Margaritaville Resort or you can just stay on Bay Street til you see it. If you want loud and lively, this is the place for you. It can be over crowded and over priced in most of the shacks. If you want a quieter beach, keep walking down to Long Wharf which is the next beach up, but it isnt as nice. However, it is on the way to the Fish Fry to get more local dishes.

• Straw Market (free)- if you like craft items, this is the place to get it. Local vendors with handmade items. I didnt purchase anything, we collect stamps, not things. My husband bought t-shirts from vendors by the port ($10 each).

You can eat at the Fish Fry or try touristy spots like

• Margaritaville ($$)
• Senor Frogs ($$)

Atlantis Paradise Island | Atlantis Resorts | The Bahamas

The first time I went to the Bahamas, I visited Atlantis for free. Taking me down memory lane:

However they now require a day pass to visit and see the aquarium which is the best part. They also have a water park and you can see dolphins or stingrays for a pretty penny. Book here. 

There is also a new resort called the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar featuring a high-end resort featuring a spa, dining & golf, plus a casino, outdoor pools & a private beach.

The best place to do excursions in my humble opinion is at Half moon Cay. It isnt crowded, it is organized, they are separate beaches for each activity, and you are taken by a transport truck by group. Alyssa Simone and I did jet skiing

and the entire family did kayaking.

Other activities include dolphin and stingray interactions. Our Kayak instructor let us touch sea urchins,

sea cucumbers; legend has it if you kiss its mouth you get 7 years good luck and if you kiss its butt you get 14 years of good luck...

conch, a large sea snail which is pronounced “konk,” is a local staple and the national dish of The Bahamas. It can be eaten raw, fried, steamed, stewed and even as a salad! If you want to learn how they clean and cook it, check out this video. 

and upside down jellyfish. 

Thanks for reading our blog, we hope you enjoyed. Sound off in the comments about your favorite part or your personal experience in Bahamas.