Visiting Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is just one of the most famous as well as one of the often congested ports in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Nassau is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

It is situated on a 21-mile long island of new Providence and is connected with a bridge to Paradise island, - which is also another popular attraction in the Bahamas.

It's just off the coast of Southern Florida and due to its central location, it makes it a very convenient mini-cruise port of call for all ships going towards Caribbean islands.

Typical sights you see in the city of Nassau are lavish casinos such as those you see in Vegas, streets lined with tropical trees, horse-drawn surreys with policemen wearing white starched jackets and colorful pith helmets, and ranges od duty-free shops. It's also an ideal  for catching ocean breezes or simply relaxing on soft-sanded beaches.

Those who love water adventures mostly head out to Atlantis in Paradise Island for boating, mini-cruises or dolphin encounters.

But just an important note to tourists in this area; - there is an increase in petty crimes, wallet lifting, etc...as there was a case in 2009 when cruise excursion groups were held at gunpoint and robbed of cell phones, cash, passports and personal items.

Ever since then, security officials are now focused on tourist safety.

But it's always good to be always aware and be alert. Know what to carry with you. Don't carry too much cash.

English is well spoken in the Bahamas. Currency accepted interchangeably is US dollar or Bahamian dollar.

If you're in a cruise, your ship docks at Prince George Wharf close to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Rawson Square. Here, you can get copies of maps, brochures, etc.

If you want to hang around further, you have to pass through Festival Place to exit the port facility. In here, you can see tourism staff who will help you if you need to go somewhere else or interested to do land tours, etc...

Past beyond the internet café is a small shopping mall where most are artisan boutiques, as well as a food court and some stalls selling local conch. If you prefer getting around by car, there are available car rental companies right at Prince George Wharf, as well as in Paradise Island, but take note...they are expensive. And by the way, they have this left-side-of-the-road driving which can be a hassle if you're not used to it.