Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
edifices and sites, such as the Queen's Staircase, were constructed using the manual labor
of former slaves.
The American Civil War and Prohibition further enhanced Nassau's fortunes; many fine
hotels and homes were erected on the proceeds from blockade- and rum-running. The
'winter season' of visiting socialites set the pattern for the Bahamian peak tourism season.
National Parks
the
Retreat
(
Click here
) is tucked away in the center of Nassau and has a vast collection
of palms and tropical plants plus the
Bahamas National Trust
(BNT;
Click here
). Enjoy a
stroll through the garden's 11 acres and collect some detailed information on regional sites
of interest.
Harrold
and
Wilson Ponds
are perfect for a spot of hiking or birdwatching, with more
than a hundred listed bird species, including herons, egrets and cormorants to be viewed
here. Birdwatchers should also head for the reserves of Paradise Island, Cable Beach Golf
Course, the Caves, Lakeview, Red Sound, Twin Lakes, Westward Villas, Lake Cunning-
ham, Lake Waterloo, Adelaide Creek, Goulding Cay, Prospect Ridge, Waterworks and
Skyline Heights. For the details on where to find these and other Wild Bird Reserves con-
tact the
Department of Agriculture
(
Click here
).
See
Click here
for details of other national parks.
Getting There & Away
Most travelers to New Providence and the Bahamas fly into Lynden Pindling International
Airport, which lies 10 miles west from downtown. Others arrive at Nassau's Prince George
Wharf on international cruise ships or on private boats.
Getting Around
You can easily navigate your way around downtown Nassau and Cable Beach by foot.
They are joined by a regular stream of jitney buses (private minibuses), which also run
around the island, making exploration pretty easy. Pedestrians can either take the regular
ferries between Prince George Wharf and Paradise Island or walk across the Paradise Is-
land bridges to/from downtown. Keep in mind that there is a walk of almost a mile from
the bridges into Nassau's tourism center.
Car-rental agencies are located at the airport and in all tourism areas, as are scooter-hire
operators.
There are tons of tourism and dive operators who visit surrounding cays and other Bahami-
an islands, as do mail boats and Bahamas Ferries services.
See
Click here
for information on getting to/from the airport.
