Bahamas Activities

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre
A good day out for all the family can be had at the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre, where hundreds of mammals, birds and reptiles from various parts of the world can be viewed in a beautiful five acre park comprised of half jungle and half gardens. Bahamian boa constrictors, raptors and parrots are paraded by trainers throughout the day while opportunities for photographs are available with many birds and animals. 
Phone: +1 242 323 5806

Beaches
Armed with a bucket and spade as well as some other toys to keep them entertained, kids will simply love spending days on end at one of the many beaches found all across the Bahamas. There are plenty of activities such as banana boat rides, kids’ clubs and beach games to keep the kids busy while you take some time to relax and soak up the sun.

Dolphin Encounters
Kids and parents are given the chance to get up close and personal with dolphins with a series of different ‘encounter’ packages, each offering different levels of contact with these intelligent and fascinating mammals. During the ‘Swim with the Dolphins’ programme, visitors get 30 minutes of unrestricted access to the dolphinarium allowing them to touch, kiss and feed the creatures while the ‘Close Encounter’ program allows waist deep contact with the dolphins, similarly giving visitors plenty of chances to pet and feed them. Phone: +1 242 363 003

Pirates of Nassau Museum
Situated in downtown Nassau, this popular attraction takes kids and parents back to the year 1716 to the time when the islands were home to the likes of Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, Anne Bonney and similar bloodthirsty seamen. The museum offers tours from guides in traditional pirate costume, giving visitors the chance to get an in-depth perspective on the history of these colourful characters. A gift shop at the end, gives visitors the chance to buy souvenirs such as t-shirts and pirate hats, while a themed pirate bar is located next door for parents to grab a drink.

Stingray City
Stingray City is a four acre marine park which can be found at the west end of the Blue Lagoon Island. The kids will love this theme park as they will have the rare chance to snorkel and feed the gentle Southern Atlantic Stingrays. They are guaranteed a daytrip to remember and will certainly have something to ‘write home about’.

A large variety of local tour companies offer visitors the chance to check out the beauty of the coral reefs and the marine life in the waters off the shores of the Bahamas. Complete novices can take the basic training packages and enjoy supervised dives in the shallower waters while experts can make full use of their experience and get out into the depths to check out their wonders. Dolphins, sharks and giant turtles are among the marine life available for viewing.

Golf fans will be in their element in the Bahamas, as the moist tropical weather lends itself to the nurturing of lush courses overlooked by shady palm trees and set against some fantastic scenery. Golf enthusiasts can just turn up, hire clubs and a caddy and play for the day. There are courses available on Nassau and Paradise Islands, and Grand Bahamas Island.

The Happy Trail Stables on Nassau offers horse riding opportunities for both seasoned riders and complete novices aboard trusty steeds and across smooth and risk-free terrain. Get off the beaten track and discover deserted areas of the island where you will be dazzled by both the beauty and tranquillity.

The island’s of the Bahamas offer anglers a myriad of opportunities for indulging their passion. Private companies offer boats for half or full day charters, taking visitors to prime spots around Nassau and Paradise islands. Off-shore sport fishing offers the opportunity for catching mackerel, king fish, sailfish, shark and swordfish; while light tackle fishing can bring catches of amberjack, barracuda, bonefish and grouper.

Down at the islands’ most popular beaches, the opportunities to get sporty are plentiful with local beach-based companies providing all the necessary equipment and know-how to set holiday makers up for activities such as jet-skiing and water-skiing, surfing and wind surfing, snorkelling, sailing and parasailing and wakeboarding.

Grand Bahama Island has its own official cycle path which visitors and locals make use of throughout the year. Most major hotels rent bicycles at a flat daily rate (deposit required), giving holiday makers the chance to get out and about and see some of the local sights from a slightly different perspective.

The Bahamas boast an impressive birdlife collection with some 28 species that are exclusive to the islands. Grand Bahama has one of the highest concentrations and is considered something of a Mecca for ornithologists with 18 of the 28 species resident there. Grab your binoculars and head off the beaten track to be assured of seeing some truly stunning creatures of the winged variety.

Visitors to the Bahamas would be unwise to make a trip without sampling some of the local cuisine as the islands are renowned for producing some of the finest food in the Caribbean. Dishes are strongly and distinctly flavoured and invariably based around locally caught sea produce and tropical fruits and vegetables.

Among the popular dishes to put on a ‘must-try list is the tasty conch (pronounced konk) in it’s various forms; this large ocean mollusc is often served raw with lime juice and spices or can be dished up fried or steamed or served in soups, stews or salads.

Other seafood delicacies to check out include the tasty broiled rock lobster and baked land crab, both of which grace the menus of many a restaurant on the island. Fresh fish meanwhile, is equally popular and is served in stews with onions and other vegetables and broiled alongside grits.

The famous rice and peas dish is as popular on the Bahamas as on other Caribbean islands and is considered a staple to be served alongside meat or fish rather like some cultures eat potatoes or bread. Peas of the spit variety also make their way into soups with pea and ham soup and pea soup with beef and dumplings among the more popular creations.

The islands are full of places to eat out and visitors certainly won’t struggle to find a restaurant of an evening. Some holiday makers opt for all-inclusive holiday packages and the resorts at which they stay are often home to several different restaurants, giving them opportunities to try a variety of different dishes and styles of cooking.

The islands have a variety of places where visitors can pick up interesting items that would make good souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Port Lucaya Marketplace on Grand Bahama Island is a popular spot and offers no shortage of vendors selling locally made handicrafts, as well as restaurants and street performers. Stalls and shops at this market sell a variety of goods, but if it’s batik you’re looking for then this is definitely the place to head. Bay Street in Nassau on New Providence Island meanwhile, is perhaps the Bahamas’ busiest shopping centre, offering everything from souvenirs to cheap alcoholic beverages and perfume.

Locally made goods such as steel drums, straw hats and fabric items are also abundant on Bay Street. On Grand Bahamas, visitors shouldn’t miss the International Bazaar, a 10-acre large complex comprised shops, restaurants and ice cream stores. The shopping area is split into separate zones that are themed according to the country of origin of the goods on sale with Africa, India, Asia, France and South America among those on hand.