The Bahamas is a huge dreamland with endless exotic places exuding tranquility, serenity, and peacefulness while providing visitors with unique experiences and areas that pamper the eyes and please the soul. Among the uncountable things to see in The Bahamas, these seven have rightfully earned their way on every bucket list including a trip to The Bahamas.
The Lucayan National Park at Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama Island is home to three magnificent national parks. However, the 40-acre Lucayan National Park definitely stands out from the rest of its siblings for numerous reasons. One is its spellbinding landscape adorned with pine trees, palm trees, and mangroves. Secondly, Gold Rock Beach within its land has appeared in two movies of the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel. Plus, it dazzles with the overall beautiful setting, lack of crowds, and crystalline waters. A third pole of attraction is the Burial Mound Cave which keeps the remains of indigenous Lycayans like a valued treasure. The same appeal is exuded from Ben’s Cave, also within the park’s premises. And, let’s not forget the elaborate underwater limestone cave system that enables divers to see all six Bahamas vegetation zones. You will find the park northeast of downtown Freeport. An entrance fee of $5 is required.
The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort at Paradise Island
The Atlantis Paradise Island resort complex covers a large portion of Paradise Island and is where you will find a plethora of facilities, including multiple restaurants, a golf course, a casino, top-tier accommodations, an open-air marine habitat full of eels, rays, sharks, and more, and, perhaps, the most impressive water-related amenities, featuring 11 swimming pools, 8 waterslides, a Mayan-themed water playground, and a 141-acre water park spread across 5 miles of pure white sand. Aquaventure is definitely a place to visit in The Bahamas, especially if you love aquariums, aquatic animals, and the like. A day pass should be obtained ($90 per adult and $50 for children) from the Atlantis Adventures desk or the Atlantis website to have access to all slides and attractions.
The Queen’s Staircase at New Providence Island
This is a historic staircase named for Queen Victoria also referred to as 66 Steps that was carved in the late 1700s by roughly 600 slaves as a means to connect Nassau, the capital of the island, to Bennet Hill’s Fort Fincastle. Queen Victoria is said to be responsible for formally putting an end to slavery in The Bahamas, which gives the beautiful staircase an even larger historical significance. Besides that, though, the place is totally magnetic, with tall limestone features, a waterfall, and palm trees. The landmark is accessible all 24 hours and only a short distance from other popular local attractions like John Watling’s Distillery.
Clifton Heritage National Park at Nassau Paradise Island
Nestled in the eastern part of New Providence Island, the Nassau National Park provides an exceptional mix of outdoor and historical offerings. The Clifton Heritage National Park is home to lush walking trails, significant cultural ruins (i.e., 18th-century slave quarters and an indigenous Bahamians’ village), lots of snorkelling opportunities, and sandy beaches, such as the spellbinding Jaw Beach, where the famous movie Jaws (by Steven Spielberg) was filmed. As for those who love snorkelling, the park welcomes them with lots of marine life, the adorable Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, and Ocean Atlas (the largest underwater sculpture in the world).
To get access to Clifton Heritage National Park, you will need to book a guided tour, such as the Heritage Tour or the Snorkelling Tour, whose prices range from $5 to $88, depending on which you choose and what premium add-ons you select (i.e., private transportation).
Versailles Gardens at The Ocean Club
The Versailles Gardens were first named Shangri-La and bewilders with its pristine architecture, terraced garden European-style design, and lush foliage, which make it appear like a miniature of the glorious French Versailles Palace. As you stroll its lavish landscape, you will come across beautiful statues crafted by famous Italian sculptors, while also getting the chance to admire Bahamian tropical scenery and superb views of Nassau Harbour. However, please note that this is a privately-owned property intended for the guests of The Ocean Club and its staff members. The only way to be able to access all locations within the gardens freely is to use any of the paid amenities available at the resort, such as the spa or restaurant.
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve at Eleuthera
This is a 25-acre verdant oasis distinguished by amazing and well-maintained grounds and flora consisting of cactuses, palm trees, mangroves, orchids, and everything in between. It can be found at Eleuthera and greets visitors with miles of trails, such as the Medicinal Plant Trail and the Mangrove Boardwalk, which highlight plants used for medicinal purposes and various ailments and takes visitors through an otherwise inaccessible mangrove forest, respectively. Just ensure you bring some insect repellent with you (or wear pants and long-sleeved clothes if the weather allows it) as insects are present here.
The Preserve is open daily at specific hours and there is an entrance fee of $10 for adults, $6 for children below 13 years of age, and $8 for seniors.
The Glass Window Bridge at Eleuthera
The Glass Window Bridge is the place you need to be to see the most beautiful and amazing views featured on either side of the bridge. To enhance the overall experience, though, you could consider hiking around the area. The Glass Window Bridge is on the north end of Eleuthera and connects the Lower Bogue with Gregory Town. On its southern side, expect to be pampered with vistas of the turquoise waters of the Eleuthera Bight, while its northern side opens to panoramas of the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Free to access around the clock, it is a local site worth visiting even to take in the glorious views that very few human eyes get to see in a lifetime.
The Bahamas is a huge dreamland with endless exotic places exuding tranquility, serenity, and peacefulness while providing visitors with unique experiences and areas that pamper the eyes and please the soul. Among the uncountable things to see in The Bahamas, these seven have rightfully earned their way on every bucket list including a trip to The Bahamas.
The Lucayan National Park at Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama Island is home to three magnificent national parks. However, the 40-acre Lucayan National Park definitely stands out from the rest of its siblings for numerous reasons. One is its spellbinding landscape adorned with pine trees, palm trees, and mangroves. Secondly, Gold Rock Beach within its land has appeared in two movies of the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel. Plus, it dazzles with the overall beautiful setting, lack of crowds, and crystalline waters. A third pole of attraction is the Burial Mound Cave which keeps the remains of indigenous Lycayans like a valued treasure. The same appeal is exuded from Ben’s Cave, also within the park’s premises. And, let’s not forget the elaborate underwater limestone cave system that enables divers to see all six Bahamas vegetation zones. You will find the park northeast of downtown Freeport. An entrance fee of $5 is required.
The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort at Paradise Island
The Atlantis Paradise Island resort complex covers a large portion of Paradise Island and is where you will find a plethora of facilities, including multiple restaurants, a golf course, a casino, top-tier accommodations, an open-air marine habitat full of eels, rays, sharks, and more, and, perhaps, the most impressive water-related amenities, featuring 11 swimming pools, 8 waterslides, a Mayan-themed water playground, and a 141-acre water park spread across 5 miles of pure white sand. Aquaventure is definitely a place to visit in The Bahamas, especially if you love aquariums, aquatic animals, and the like. A day pass should be obtained ($90 per adult and $50 for children) from the Atlantis Adventures desk or the Atlantis website to have access to all slides and attractions.
The Queen’s Staircase at New Providence Island
This is a historic staircase named for Queen Victoria also referred to as 66 Steps that was carved in the late 1700s by roughly 600 slaves as a means to connect Nassau, the capital of the island, to Bennet Hill’s Fort Fincastle. Queen Victoria is said to be responsible for formally putting an end to slavery in The Bahamas, which gives the beautiful staircase an even larger historical significance. Besides that, though, the place is totally magnetic, with tall limestone features, a waterfall, and palm trees. The landmark is accessible all 24 hours and only a short distance from other popular local attractions like John Watling’s Distillery.
Clifton Heritage National Park at Nassau Paradise Island
Nestled in the eastern part of New Providence Island, the Nassau National Park provides an exceptional mix of outdoor and historical offerings. The Clifton Heritage National Park is home to lush walking trails, significant cultural ruins (i.e., 18th-century slave quarters and an indigenous Bahamians’ village), lots of snorkelling opportunities, and sandy beaches, such as the spellbinding Jaw Beach, where the famous movie Jaws (by Steven Spielberg) was filmed. As for those who love snorkelling, the park welcomes them with lots of marine life, the adorable Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, and Ocean Atlas (the largest underwater sculpture in the world).
To get access to Clifton Heritage National Park, you will need to book a guided tour, such as the Heritage Tour or the Snorkelling Tour, whose prices range from $5 to $88, depending on which you choose and what premium add-ons you select (i.e., private transportation).
Versailles Gardens at The Ocean Club
The Versailles Gardens were first named Shangri-La and bewilders with its pristine architecture, terraced garden European-style design, and lush foliage, which make it appear like a miniature of the glorious French Versailles Palace. As you stroll its lavish landscape, you will come across beautiful statues crafted by famous Italian sculptors, while also getting the chance to admire Bahamian tropical scenery and superb views of Nassau Harbour. However, please note that this is a privately-owned property intended for the guests of The Ocean Club and its staff members. The only way to be able to access all locations within the gardens freely is to use any of the paid amenities available at the resort, such as the spa or restaurant.
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve at Eleuthera
This is a 25-acre verdant oasis distinguished by amazing and well-maintained grounds and flora consisting of cactuses, palm trees, mangroves, orchids, and everything in between. It can be found at Eleuthera and greets visitors with miles of trails, such as the Medicinal Plant Trail and the Mangrove Boardwalk, which highlight plants used for medicinal purposes and various ailments and takes visitors through an otherwise inaccessible mangrove forest, respectively. Just ensure you bring some insect repellent with you (or wear pants and long-sleeved clothes if the weather allows it) as insects are present here.
The Preserve is open daily at specific hours and there is an entrance fee of $10 for adults, $6 for children below 13 years of age, and $8 for seniors.
The Glass Window Bridge at Eleuthera
The Glass Window Bridge is the place you need to be to see the most beautiful and amazing views featured on either side of the bridge. To enhance the overall experience, though, you could consider hiking around the area. The Glass Window Bridge is on the north end of Eleuthera and connects the Lower Bogue with Gregory Town. On its southern side, expect to be pampered with vistas of the turquoise waters of the Eleuthera Bight, while its northern side opens to panoramas of the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Free to access around the clock, it is a local site worth visiting even to take in the glorious views that very few human eyes get to see in a lifetime.