Lying between the north Atlantic ocean and Florida's eastern coast, the Bahamas consists of more than 700 islands and 2400 cays, most uninhabited, all fringed by spectacular coral and fathomless ocean trenches. From the bustle of funky Nassau to the vast mangroves of Andros, there's an amazing array of beaches, reefs, forests and historic towns to be discovered, all within an hour's flight.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
World-famous among divers, this 283-sq-kilometer expanse of reef, cay and sea is the world's first land-and-sea reserve, founded in 1958. To keep it protected, it's only accessible by private boat or charter. Mooring is only permitted in four locations; fees apply, and can be paid at the visitor centre on Warderwick Wells Cay.
Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
If you’re into food tasting and walking, then culinary treats and cultural treasures are yours to enjoy on this tour of Nassau’s historical neighbourhood. You’ll enjoy delicious tastings at six unique venues, from family-owned eateries to speciality food stores. You could try classic conch fritters, savoury Bahamian macaroni and cheese and locally sourced teas. As you stroll the charming, tree-lined streets, you’ll get an insight into the local culture and architecture of Nassau, the capital and commercial centre of the Bahamas. The tour is limited to 12 people, which means you’ll get personal attention from your expert guide, who will meet you at a central location and take you through the charming streets of downtown Nassau, often away from the tourist path to popular venues that the locals frequent.
You might pick up a few secrets of the trade from the charismatic entrepreneurs, chefs and local artisans who prepare and preserve these cultural traditions.There’s the family-owned Bahamian restaurant serving soul-warming traditional classics; a charming downtown boutique hotel mixing up speciality cocktails; a brasserie that’s popular with the locals for its creative Bahamian/Greek fusion; and an organic, fair trade chocolatier featuring hand-made truffles by an award-winning pastry chef. Between tastings at one-of-a-kind restaurants and speciality food stores, you’ll pick up insights and fascinating titbits from your guide about the historical, architectural and cultural significance of Nassau, as well as recommendations on local attractions, from colonial relics to hidden venues featuring the best live music and dancing! With appetite assuaged, you’ll now have the know-how to explore the hidden gems of Nassau’s charming neighbourhoods by yourself.
Garden of the Groves
This 12-acre botanical garden is a lush tropical refuge on an island that’s otherwise mostly scrub pine and asphalt. A walking trail meanders through groves of tamarind and java plum trees, past artificial waterfalls, a placid lagoon and a tiny 19th-century hilltop chapel. The spiritually minded will enjoy a meditative stroll through the limestone labyrinth, a replica of the one at Chartres Cathedral in France. Kids will love the raccoon habitat, where trapped specimens come to retire.
The gardens are several miles east of Freeport on Midshipman Road. There’s a minibus to take you there for a modest charge.
Clifton Heritage National Park
Saved from the demolition bulldozers in 2000, this coastal site is testament to the history of human habitation in the Bahamas. There’s coppice wood, wetlands, beaches, historical remains, a replica Lucayan hut and an underwater sculpture garden centred on a giant underwater Atlas. A wonderful place for birdwatching, history buffing, picnics, swimming or just dallying in a philosophical kind of way.
Dolphin House
This could be Gaudí's tropical hobby. An astonishing house, it’s the lifelong labour of historian and poet Ashley Saunders, who was born on the site. Saunders was touched after swimming with wild dolphins and has been building this 'tribute' piece by piece since 1993. The house is plastered with dolphin mosaics, sea glass, shells, Lucayan artifacts, coconut rum bottles, pickled sausage jars and every conceivable type of flotsam and jetsam. Amazing, unique and arrestingly beautiful.
Downstairs, there’s a museum filled with salvaged randomness such as a brass naval cannon from an 18th-century British wreck, photos of Hemingway having his hair cut, copper from a pirate ship and countless other pieces. There's also a gift shop, where you can get both volumes of Ashley's history of the Bimini district.
Title Image Credit: BID Ciudades Sostenibles (Image Cropped)