Find cheap flights to Nassau

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, a coral-based archipelago in the Atlantic ocean east of Florida, where tourists from all over come to enjoy the sunny, warm climate, beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. With year-round warm temperatures, it’s always pleasant to visit here, but the busiest period is between December and February, when people are escaping from cold winter weather at home. Spring is the second busiest time, so book your flights and accommodation well in advance. As with all eastern Caribbean islands, the Bahamas are vulnerable to hurricanes, so you should know that they could strike anytime between June and November. If you plan your visit during this period, you should always book refundable tickets. You’ll find more affordable flights and rooms during the months of September – November, when fewer tourists visit.

The best way to get around in Nassau is on foot, the downtown area is quite compact, and many of the attractions within walking distance of each other. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, you can even walk across the bridge to Paradise Island. Here are some other transport options for getting around in Nassau.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available throughout Downtown Nassau, at the wharf, cruise port and hotel entrances. Talk to the driver and set a price before getting in, as taxis are not metered. Fares are usually based on 2 passengers, and you will be charged about $3.00 USD for each additional passenger.

Public Transportation

There are numerous public jitneys providing transport across the city. Flag one down and you can ask the driver to stop and let you off anywhere. The jitneys do not cross the bridge onto Paradise Island. Pay the fare of $1.50 USD per adult and $1.00 USD per child as you exit the bus. They generally run from 6am – 6:30pm daily. You may also take a ride on one of the traditional horse-drawn carriages. You can enjoy an historic and scenic tour of Nassau for $10.00 USD per person for a 20-minute tour. These colorful carriages are a great way to see the sights and give your tired feet a break from walking.

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Nassau, but you must present a valid passport and fill out an immigration form, which can be obtained at travel agencies, airlines or at the point of entry to the Bahamas. For foreign nationals, please check the this website.

Things to do and places of interest in Nassau

Nassau is a tropical paradise, and with its own Paradise Island right alongside. Steeped in colonial charm, you can see the city’s old-world elegance in its majestic candy-colored buildings, historical forts and grand hotels. Here are a few sights and activities you should add to your itinerary.

• One of the top attractions in the Bahamas is the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Children of all ages will enjoy playing in the exhilarating water park, visiting the marine habitat to see native tropical sea life, and swimming with the dolphins.
• Spend a day, or a few days, relaxing on Cable Beach. The soft white sand and clear turquoise waters invite you to kick back and let your worries fade away, as you laze until sunset.
• Downtown Nassau and Bay Street is where you can find the best duty-free shopping, restaurants, and the straw market.
• One mile west of the city you’ll find Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre, the only zoo in the Bahamas. It’s worth a visit just to see the 60 trained flamingoes perform their march, 3 times daily.
• Check out the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where you can see a replica of an 18th-century pirate ship, and learn about notorious Caribbean pirates, including Blackbeard and Calico Jack, and the only known female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
• Take a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island, which is about 5 kilometers from Nassau. Here you can enjoy a range of watersports as well as encountering dolphins and sea lions at the island’s 3-acre marine mammal facility.

Tips and tricks for visiting Nassau

There is a Bahamian dollar, and Bahamian currency notes, but you needn’t bring any, US dollars are widely used.

The Aquaventure waterpark at Atlantis resort is pricy, at $120.00 USD for an adult day pass or $80.00 USD for a child under 12. Guests of the resort receive complimentary passes, and so do the guests of the nearby Comfort Inn, which is so affordable that, depending on the time of year, you may be able to get a room and waterpark admission for less than the cost of day passes to the park.