Posted by: travadmin on Jul 18, 2003 – 10:08 PM
excursions
The most important thing to decide is what kind of vacation you want: a quiet getaway or an action-packed excursion. If you want shopping, dining, and nightlife, head straight for Nassau on New Providence, where’s there’s plenty to do and lots to see. If it’s a tranquil trip you’re seeking, go to the Out Islands. Below are suggested itineraries for both areas.
Day 1
If you’ve opted for a lively three days on New Providence, spend your first morning in downtown Nassau visiting historic sights. Have a leisurely lunch and spend the afternoon shopping. Be sure to check out the Straw Market. Day or night, you can test your luck in the two casinos (one on Cable Beach, one at Atlantis resort on nearby Paradise Island).
If you’ve decided on a quieter trip in the Out Islands, the Exumas are a good choice for those with limited time. You can fly straight from the U.S. into the airport at George Town, the main town on Great Exuma. On your first day, wander through the town, stopping to chat with the ladies in the tiny straw market.
Day 2
On day two on New Providence, begin by exploring the sights on the island’s eastern side, including The Retreat and St. Augustine’s Monastery. Continue west around the island, perhaps taking time to visit the Bacardi Distillery or the Commonwealth Brewery. Head back toward Nassau and stop by Arawak Cay, a nice spot for a quick, local-style lunch. Or, alternatively, visit three sites: Fort Charlotte, the Nassau Botanic Gardens, and Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Centre, home to the famous marching flamingos. If you have any energy left after this, dance the night away in a club or see one of the glittery extravaganzas offered by the resorts.
On day two in the Exumas, pick up some goodies at Mom’s Bakery, a roadside van right in the center of George Town, before catching the ferry to picture-perfect Stocking Island, just a few minutes away and good for a half-day’s worth of shelling and tanning. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a car to explore the islands, from the tiny settlements of Barreterre and Rolleville in the north of Great Exuma all the way down to Williams Town at the southern tip of Little Exuma, which is connected to Great Exuma by a bridge.
Day 3
If you chose the Nassau vacation, spend your last day on Paradise Island wandering through the Atlantis resort, visiting Cabbage Beach or Paradise Beach, and spending a few minutes in the lovely Versailles Gardens. If you’re still in search of activity, water sports abound, and, of course, lounging on the beach can occupy the rest of your time.
If you chose the vacation in the Exumas, you may want to spend your last day bonefishing, diving, or snorkeling. There are operators in town (check with the local tourist office) who will gladly set you up. Another half-day possibility: a bush-medicine tour with a local flora expert, who will show you how various island plants are used medicinally.
When to Visit the Bahamas
The Bahamas are affected by refreshing trade winds generated by an area of high atmospheric pressure covering a large part of the subtropical North Atlantic, so the climate varies little during the year. The most pleasant time is between December and May, when the temperature averages 70°F-75°F. It stands to reason that hotel prices during this period are at their highest — about 30% higher than during the less popular times. The rest of the year is hot and humid and prone to tropical storms; the temperature hovers around 80°F-85°F.
Whether you want to join it or avoid it, be advised that Spring Break takes place between the end of February and mid-April. This means lots of vacationing college students, beach parties, sports events, and entertainment.
- Scuba Diving in the Bahamas – Diver’s Paradise (Aug 06, 2008)