Plank Runner

Ahoy vagabonds. As you read in the last Kyle & Halley Update, a couple weeks ago I was able to check out the Bahamian Island of New Providence on a freelance gig. Finally, I am ready to share my insights with y’all.

Despite my beliefs, The Bahamas are actually composed of 700 islands. Only 30 of the islands are inhabited and 70% of the country’s population live on the island of New Providence. Crazy right?!

What’s even more crazy is the water. Known for its spectacular blues, vast, rich reefs and highly active marine life, the Bahamas are the place for scuba diving, snorkeling and feeding pigs on beaches?? Ya, funny.

Nassau

We’ll begin with Nassau because that is where you’ll most likely visit as there is an international airport (always fly JetBlue, not Bahamas Air!) and cruise ship port. There is quite a lot you to do while in Nassau regardless how long you got.

Atlantis obviously is the glaring tourist attraction. Though, I got to give it to them, I loved it there. The waterpark is enormous with waterslides and tube rides that are wickedly thrilling. There are so many different attractions inside as well like a man made beach where you can water bike, paddle board, snorkel, have an immersive sting ray experience and dozens of aquariums with exotic marine life to look at.

I’d recommend sneaking in, but man it was surprisingly difficult. On the contrary, for $250 you can pay to visit for the day. In that case, it might be best to check out the casino first.

A comparable place to visit is Baha Mar; A newer, classier, less kid filled resort. If you’re looking for a nice dinner, casino and place for the sunset, I’d give this one the cake. We didn’t try to sneak into the pool at this one, but walking around the resort for free was equally as pleasant.

Okay, now for everyone looking for a more authentic Bahamian experience, you need to check out the shacks under the bridge.

There witness locals crack fresh conch for salads, fritters and chowder. Don’t mind the occasional offer of drugs, just Bahamian hospitality. Junkanoo beach offers a similar experience as well while staying closer to the cruise ship port and beach.

Like tourists, Kyle and I also visited Clifton Heritage National Park home to the famous Ocean Atlas statue. The park itself charges a $16.50 entry fee though it goes towards the preservation and promotion of Bahamian culture, history and reef ecosystems. The reefs themselves however, are approximately 20 feet down making it tough to see sea life sometimes.

Next? Rose island. I didn’t actually get to go. Sad. Yet, I learned that it’s the closest place to visit the renowned island pigs. Not actually from the island, though; They were just put there. Plenty of companies offer day charters to snorkel with turtles, feed pigs and best of all, take a boat ride!

After all of this if you still have time and maybe a car, I propose you take a trip to the caves, pirate staircase and Montagu beach. All of these attractions are free by the way if you’re one of those people like me.

The caves are not a long stop, as they are not very big. Yet, it is remarkable to see the dozens of fruit bats that dwell inside. Another quick trip and near Clifton if you’re also visiting is the pirate staircase. I couldn’t find much history on if it was actually used by pirates, still it is a breathtaking place for pictures and tide pool exploration. Finally as for Montague beach, it was my go-to relaxation spot while there. Whether you want to sit under a palm tree or swim in the crystal clear water it is a great low-key beach.

Nevertheless, there is so much more to the Bahamas than just Nassau. If you could even compare, just about every yachtie I’ve talked to says the Exumas are by far their favorite. Still, always remember to do your own research before trusting this random girl online and her opinions. Comment below if you’ve had the chance to visit, have done any of these recommendations or have any other Nassau suggestions!