If you have the time, visit some of these other places of interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

NASSAU HIGHLIGHTS and EXCURSIONS

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Fort Charlotte:    Fort Charlotte is the largest and most interesting of the three forts found in Nassau.  It was constructed by the British between 1787 and 1790 to guard the west entrance to Nassau Harbour. Situated about 200 feet above sea level, it looks out on the Eastern entrance to the Nassau harbor. Lord Dunmore, who built the fort, named it after the wife of King George III. At the time, it was known as "Dunmore's folly" because it cost eight times more than originally planned.  It includes a water-less moat, draw-bridge, ramparts and dungeons. Underground passages and dungeons lie underneath this old fort. While not yet in ruins, it is in poor repair.   Still, Fort Charlotte commands a fine view of Nassau Harbor.

     Take the local #10 jitney bus to/from the fort for $1.25 per person each way. Tours are given by guides dressed in period costumes every 30 minutes (Monday through Sunday, 8am to 3pm.). (Adults $5, kids 12 and under $2)  Directions: Fort Charlotte is located at the intersection of Nassau Street and Chippingham Road, just west of downtown Nassau.

The Cloisters:  One of the most unique historical tourist attractions in Nassau is The Cloisters, which is the remains of a 14th-century French monastery. This 14th Century French gothic stone monastery was brought over brick by brick to Paradise Island during the 1920s by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst where they remained in storage. Forty years later, Huntington Hartford, grocery-store (A&P)  heir bought The Cloisters and set up the monastery atop a hill on Paradise Island. Today these columns and structures stand amidst a beautiful formal garden. The nearby Versailles Gardens are most noted for their deliberate landscaping and ornate classical sculptures. The long shadows of late afternoon add drama to the Gardens, and it's a fine way to conclude your day before stopping for dinner at any of Paradise Island's many gourmet restaurants.  

The Cloisters                                                Versailles Gardens  

     The Cloisters and Versailles Gardens on Paradise Island is about 15 minutes on foot going east from the Atlantis Resort.  Today many couples in Nassau take their wedding vows at this historic Old World site. The Cloisters opens from 9 o'clock in the morning to 5 o'clock in the evening. Currently the Cloisters is the property of Ocean Club. But visitors are welcome to take a tour of The Cloisters free of cost. Across the road is Versailles Gardens of the Ocean club resort.

Versailles Gardens: Stroll along Versailles Gardens that surrounds the famous Cloisters. The beautifully landscaped gardens display statues of numerous historical and mythological figures; life-sized bronze and marble statues of Hercules and various other Greek heroes. Most of these statues were sculpted in Greece in the 12th century. The garden also has several fountains, waterfalls and sparkling pools scattered around the grounds. Amongst all of the artistic sculptures is a collection of exotic and beautiful flowering plants which add charm, formality and beauty to the garden and The Cloisters. This combination of natural beauty and architecture creates a unique romantic atmosphere all throughout the place. As you complete your tour around The Cloisters, stop at the gazebo and enjoy the relaxing ambiance and the splendid views of the sailing boats along Nassau Harbor. 

                                                                                                                               

Nassau Public Library and Museum:  

This 1797 building was once the Nassau Gaol (jail) and became the public library in 1873. Chances are, you will have seen greater libraries. But what's amusing here is that the small prison cells are now lined with books. Another item of interest is the library's collection of historic prints and old documents dating from colonial days. It's open to visitors Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.         Location: Shirley Street

 

 Ardastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Center:   One mile west of downtown Nassau, you'll find one of the area's most enduring tourist attractions.  There is something here for both kids and adults with it's variety of animals and marching flamingos at this 5 acre zoo. Yes, the flamingos are trained to march!  The flamingos were originally brought to Ardastra gardens by a wealthy conservationist. He decided to train them to march and the tradition has continued. The flamingos march, turn and stop under the command of their trainer. It's quite an interesting sight.  There is a variety of native and exotic wildlife from all over the world. Other attractions besides the  Marching Flamingos are the Lory (parrot) feedings, turtles, lemurs, monkeys and two jaguars.  The gardens feature native plants and flowers, exotic fruit trees, coconut palms, bromeliads, orchids, brilliantly colored bougainvillea and hibiscus blossoms of every hue.

Chippenham Rd off West Bay Street, Cable Beach  $12 adults

 

Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter: Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas is warm little island located about 30 minutes from Paradise Island and Nassau Island. At Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, tourists can participate in a number of interactive programs. Activities include Blue Lagoon dolphin encounters and the popular Stingray City Bahamas, where children and adults can swim with stingrays and other marine life.  Blue Lagoon dolphin encounter tours can be booked from both Nassau and Paradise Islands and aboard your ship.  Tour prices include roundtrip boat passage from Paradise or Nassau to Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas.  The dolphin encounter Bahamas is a full day trip, and travelers should plan to leave early in the morning and return in the evening.  There are two different options for a Blue Lagoon dolphin encounter Bahamas. 

The first is the Dolphin Close Encounter option.  Program participants will stand on a platform in the water as dolphins swim up to them for petting, feeding, and other supervised interaction.  As mentioned, this option includes your passage to and from Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, and is the less expensive of the two options. $98USD

The second option for a Blue Lagoon dolphin encounter Bahamas is the Swim with the Dolphins option.  As the name suggests, participants will not only have a chance to feed and pet the dolphins, but they will also be allowed to swim with the dolphins for about 30 minutes.  Participants of the swim with the dolphins program will also need to listen to an orientation before swimming with the mammals, which will provide information about how to interact with the dolphins.  The swim with the dolphins option is the more expensive option of the two.$185USD

Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day:  On the beach, all guests will be able to use the beach amenities which include hammocks, beach chairs, picnic tables, recreation areas and floating tubes or mats. You will receive complimentary lunch which includes a hamburger, hot dog, chicken sandwich or veggie burgers with chips, fresh fruit, and fruit punch. $45USD