While geographically the smallest island in the Bahamas, New Providence and the nation’s capital, Nassau, have become a hot spot for two-day cruises. Ships generally arrive at port at night giving vacationers an entire day in the city. Prince George Wharf, conveniently located within walking distance from downtown, makes duty free shopping convenient and affordable.
Shopping for Diamonds in Nassau, on a Bahamas Vacation
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then the ladies should get ready to mingle. Downtown Nassau offers a multitude of shops selling diamonds at a fraction of the price one would pay in nearby Florida (Nassau is located a mere 150 miles from Fort Lauderdale). Shops include Diamonds International, Jeweller’s Warehouse and Effy Jewellers, all located within walking distance from the main wharf.
Other items available duty free include Tanzanite, Silver and Emeralds at Tanzanite International, Prestige Silver and Colombian Emeralds International respectively.
If in search of something a little more ‘local’ head over to the Straw Market at the end of the pier. This tiny but bustling market features handicrafts from the island’s local people. Here, savvy bargain hunters can finds anything from wooden carvings to weave baskets as well as cookie-cutter souvenirs like tacky t-shirts and key chains, perfect keep sakes for a Bahamas vacation.
Aqua-adventures at Atlantis Beach Resort, Paradise Island
The biggest hotel, dining and entertainment experience to be found in Nassau lies just across the bay at Atlantis. Based on the mythical water city, the Atlantis Beach Resort boasts 20 swimming areas including children’s pools and a seven-acre protected Paradise Lagoon as well as the six storey tall faux Mayan Temple water slide and the 120 foot tall Power Tower.
Marine life lovers have a chance to meet dolphins up close and personal at Dolphin Cay, an 11 acre state-of-the –art home for these marvellous sea creatures.
The Dig, an underground aquarium in the belly of the ruins at Atlantic, tosses tourists into a maze of subsurface passages surrounded by sea animals. The Dig boasts over 50,000 marine animals from 200 species including sharks, stingrays and flesh-eating piranhas.
Land-lovers can shop away the day at the duty free stores or test their luck at the Atlantis Casino, while Climbers Rush brags 11 different walls for rock climbing experiences of all levels.
Of course Atlantis also contains one of the world’s most beautiful beaches overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Ocean. Chairs and towels provided.
Generally included in day excursions offered by cruise ships, it’s also possible to explore Atlantis by taking a ferry taxi to Paradise Island for 3 dollars one way.
Ideally it takes two days to explore Nassau with one dedicated to Atlantis, beach time and diamond shopping with another to tour the city’s rich museums and other must see attractions. But if one day’s all there is, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Nassau to make the trip back.
James W. Coates - A nomad at heart, James W. Coates has been combining his passion for music, writing and traveling ever since his father packed the family ...
