The more than two-mile Cable Beach is west of Nassau. For those who prefer to spend time indoors, the Crystal Palace Casino is located at this beach. Another favorite is Cabbage Beach, a great spot for relaxing. On Grand Bahama Island, try Fortune Beach for sunbathing. Gold Rock Beach is a great place to visit during low tide. It's near the Lucayan Caverns, the longest underground surveyed cave system on the planet.
The islands' coral reefs make great spots for diving and snorkeling. See the Rose Island Reefs, the Goulding Reef Cays and the Booby Rock Channel. Divers have a plethora of choices: caves, reefs, wrecks and unusual marine life. The Fish Hotel, a reef, boasts the largest number of fish of any reef in The Bahamas. The Last Blue Hole is a cave favored by many divers. To explore a wreck, check out The Graveyard, a site featuring four sunken freighters, including two oil tankers.
Other water activities include canoeing. Lake Nancy is an excellent spot for this. Jet skis can be rented for visitors who want a speedier tour through the water. Adventurers can try parasailing or kite boarding. Sail to Blue Lagoon Island to take advantage of programs designed to let humans swim with dolphins. This attraction is about a 20-minute sail from Nassau.
Families can enjoy the Ardastra Gardens zoo in Nassau. Grand Bahama Island offers many natural exhibits, including the Bahamas National Trust Rand Nature Centre. This area has self-guided nature walks that wind through a 100-acre nature preserve with art and island exhibits. It's a great area for bird-watching and includes educational exhibits.
The Fern Gully and Josie Trail Tour was once used by residents to escape hurricanes. The cave is behind a nightclub. More than 200 feet in diameter, the cave produces freshwater at low tide and saltwater at high tide. Nature trails to and from the cave showcase vegetation used as herbal cures.
Nassau has plenty of shopping opportunities. Bay Street is a popular spot. Lined with shops, cafes and bars, this historic street is The Bahamas' equivalent of a Main Street.
For a vacation more off the beaten path, visit one of the Out Islands. These islands are quieter and ideal for fishing, diving and other eco-vacations. The islands also are ideal for those who wish to mingle with natives.
