We aren’t going very far this week…for us at least. We live very close to the Bahamas, but it can feel like a world away.

The Bahamas has 700 islands. New Providence Island is the home of Nassau, the country’s capital. Almost three quarters of the population live on the island. There’s a laid-back Caribbean feel but it’s busy with tourism.

We’re not much for traditional tourism but this is a place worth exploring. The beaches alone are a beautiful enough reason to visit but there are also historical sites, markets, and some history to understand.

You can’t help but want to understand how such a small island has such a big personality. Nassau was founded as Charles Town in 1670 by the British after King Charles II. It wasn’t until 1695 that the city was rebuilt and called Nassau after being burned down by the Spanish. The name came from King Williams III’s dynasty, the House of Nassau.

England, Spain, and France battled over the island for years. It was known to be a place rich with resources and a frequently visited by many of the most well know pirates of the Caribbean.

In 1776, the Raid of Nassau played a pivotal role in the American War of Independence. It was eventually recaptured by the British in 1783. Fast forward to 1973 when The Bahamas gained their independence and you have modern day Nassau.

The first thing many travelers notice about Nassau is the color. Turquoise water glowing beneath white boats. Pastel buildings lining Bay Street. Bougainvillea spilling over stone walls. New Providence Island feels vibrant before you even leave the airport or cruise port.

But beneath the beach photos and resort pools is a place shaped by pirates, hurricanes, slavery, resilience, music, and centuries of seafaring history.

Nassau became one of the Caribbean’s most infamous pirate strongholds during the late 1600s and early 1700s.

Pirates like Blackbeard and Charles Vane once used the harbor as a base because of its shallow waters and hidden coves.

For a brief period, Nassau was known as a “Pirate Republic,” where pirates ruled with very little interference from European powers. Today, reminders of that era can still be found at old forts overlooking the harbor and inside the colorful streets of downtown Nassau.

One of the best ways to experience Nassau is simply by wandering.

Walk the streets around Parliament Square, climb the Queen’s Staircase carved from limestone by enslaved people in the late 1700s, and visit Fort Fincastle for sweeping harbor views.

In the evening, the waterfront comes alive with music drifting from restaurants and bars as cruise ships glow in the distance.

For travelers wanting beaches close to the city, Cable Beach offers calm water and soft sand, while Cabbage Beach on nearby Paradise Island feels wider and more energetic.

Paradise Island is also home to Atlantis Paradise Island, known for its massive water park, marine habitats, and casino.

Many visitors use Nassau as a starting point for exploring other Bahamian islands.

Day trips can take you to the Exumas, famous for sandbars and swimming pigs, or to Rose Island for snorkeling in remarkably clear water.

Harbor Island, known for its pink sand beaches, and Eleuthera’s dramatic cliffs and blue holes are also popular additions for travelers wanting a quieter side of The Bahamas.

No trip to Nassau feels complete without experiencing the spirit of Junkanoo.

Junkanoo is a celebration of music, dance, costumes, and Bahamian identity that fills the streets with goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles, and incredible energy. The tradition has roots connected to West African culture and enslaved Bahamians who celebrated during brief holiday periods centuries ago.

Today, Junkanoo parades are especially famous on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, though smaller performances can be found throughout the year. The costumes alone are worth seeing, with vibrant feathers, cardboard art, sequins, and towering designs moving through the streets to rhythmic music.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Getting to Nassau is relatively easy from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Many travelers arrive by cruise ship, with Nassau being one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports. Sailing into the harbor offers beautiful views of Paradise Island and downtown Nassau as ships pass turquoise water and historic fortifications.

Others choose to fly directly into Lynden Pindling International Airport, which has regular flights from cities across North America.

Once on the island, taxis are common and easy to find, though fares are usually fixed rather than metered. Rental cars are available, but remember that Bahamians drive on the left side of the road.

Ferries and water taxis also connect Nassau with Paradise Island and nearby excursions.

British Colonial Nassau - private beach

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar - on the beach and has 8 outdoor pools

Warwick Paradise Island - all inclusive, adult only resort

The Reef at Atlantis - 14 pools, water park, casino

Food in Nassau reflects the islands themselves.

Fresh seafood appears everywhere, often seasoned with citrus and spice. Conch is one of the country’s most famous foods and can be served cracked, fried, in salad, or in fritters.

Travelers should also try Bahamian rock lobster, peas and rice, baked macaroni pie, guava duff (spiced, sweet dough filled with guava pulp and fruit), and johnnycake (flatbread made with cornmeal, salt, and water).

Sky juice, made with coconut water, condensed milk, and gin, is one of the more unique local drinks.

Lightweight clothing is essential when packing for the Bahamas.

Breathable fabrics work best in the tropical humidity. Bring reef safe sunscreen, sandals, a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a light rain jacket for sudden tropical showers.

If you plan to visit churches, upscale restaurants, or resorts, pack at least one nicer outfit as evening attire tends to be more polished than many travelers expect.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in the Bahamas. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob