Out and About in Nassau

Mention the name The Bahamas and sparkling blueBlue and White) are found year round.
water with pink or white sand beaches spring to mind.For the landlubber, there is off-road cycling, away from
Conch fritters, Conch salad, 700 islands, duty freetraffic and noise. On all-terrain bicycles, you can enjoy
shopping and Junkanoo are all terms that area guided tour of shady woodland trails, open forest, the
synonymous with the Bahamas. This island nation hasseashore and mangrove creeks and visit the historic
a total land area of 5,300 square miles and consists ofvillage of Adelaide. You can have a relaxed, easy ride
700 islands plus 2,500 cays (low banks or reefs). Newor a longer route. For the seasoned cyclist there are
Providence Island on which Nassau (the capital) ismore challenging rides.
located is 21 miles by 7 miles. Paradise Island, which isThe Bahamas sits on the migration route for birds
5.5 miles long by 2/3 of a mile wide is connected tomoving north and south on their winter and spring
Nassau by a short bridge. Thousands of tourists visitmigrations. As such there are two opportunities to see
Nassau every year to enjoy the clear water or placemany northern species. Of course, no visit to the
their bets at the gambling tables at Paradise Island.Bahamas would be complete for a birder without
Nassau however has myriad outdoor recreationalviewing the Bahama Pintail duck (also known as the
activities that are perfect for burning off the poundsWhite-cheeked Pintail). These inhabitants of lagoons
gained from eating all those conch fritters or addingand mangrove swamps are widely distributed and the
some variety to your holiday. For the business personclear water of the mangroves makes viewing them a
who wants to catch some recreational activity on apleasure. Other species that are generally seen include
business trip or the individual who wants to get someeurasian collared doves, neotropic cormorants,
fresh air after all the time at the gambling tables,american coot, great blue herons, snowy egrets, great
Nassau's outdoor recreation can be all day or just aegrets, reddish egrets, green herons, white ibis, blue
few hours.winged teal, northern mockingbirds. Some of the
Those sparkling blue waters make Nassau an ideallocations for viewing various species include the
location for snorkeling. Some of the more popularParadise Island ponds, Clifton Heritage site and the
snorkeling destinations for excursions leaving fromHarold & Wilson ponds.
Nassau include Rainbow Reef, Blue Lagoon IslandFor those who want to be outdoors but simply want a
(home to Stingray City as well as other snorkelingwalking pace, Nassau has retained much of its older
venues), Blackbeard's Cay, Pearl Island, and Rosearchitecture and blended it with modern buildings so
Island Reef. Rainbow Reef is approximately 45that it creates a harmonious whole. The original part of
minutes from Nassau by catamaran or otherthe city is small enough that you can wander along
high-speed boat. The water at Rainbow Reef is aboutand see much of the historic architecture. Parliament
15 feet deep throughout the viable swimming andSquare with the Houses of Parliament, the Old Colonial
snorkeling area. Blue Lagoon is a circular islandSecretary's office, the Supreme Court and the Statue
encircling water. A narrow opening in the land leadsof Queen Victoria is definitely worth a visit. Nearby at
into a large pool of water. A 15-minute walk throughParliament and Shirley Streets is the Nassau Public
some of the most beautiful beaches and on bridgesLibrary that was originally a prison. Not far away at
spanning absolutely calm sparkling blue water leads toShirley and Elizabeth Streets is the Bahamas Historical
Stingray City. Another stingray encounter can be hadSociety with numerous exhibits.
at Pearl Island which is a 30-minute boat ride fromIf it is "action" and people watching you seek, Arawak
Nassau. Yellow tail snapper, Grouper, and many otherCay is not to be missed. This lively gathering spot has
tame fish make Athol Island in Athol Island Nationala row of small wooden restaurants fronted by a large
Marine Park at the eastern end of Nassau Harbor anpark and backed by the sea. You can sit on the
outstanding snorkel site.verandah of any of the restaurants or in the open air
Those sparkling blue waters also make Nassau aand watch the parade of people as they stroll by.
wonderful location for the sport fisherman. FishingHave a Kalik (Bahamian Beer) and enjoy the West
charters are available for half day or full day with aIndian atmosphere and when hunger strikes you can
choice of deep-sea fishing or reef fishing. Wahoo arehave a conch salad or conch fritters or fried fish
abundant between November to January and 100prepared before your eyes.
pounders are frequent. Dolphin fish (Mahi Mahi) areSo the next time you are in Nassau or if it is your first
found between April and June, while Sailfish can betime remember there is an interesting world to
fought during April and May and again betweendiscover beyond the beach.
October and November. Barracuda and Marlin (Black,