Nassau & Paradise Island

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to elevated rates of violent crime, including armed robbery and sexual assault, government agencies (including the USA, Canada, and Australia) advise travelers to exercise increased caution or reconsider travel to specific parts of this region. Risks are highest in "Over-the-Hill" neighborhoods south of downtown and unpatrolled areas at night; resort zones are generally more secure. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.

Nassau and its neighbor Paradise Island form the vibrant heart of Bahamian tourism, offering the country's most extensive array of family amenities. While Nassau on New Providence Island buzzes with government activity, cruise ship crowds, and historical sites, Paradise Island is dedicated almost exclusively to leisure. The two are connected by toll bridges, making it easy to stay in one and explore the other. The climate is sub-tropical and humid, with a distinct hurricane season from June to November that families should monitor when booking.

The crown jewel for many visiting families is the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Its 141-acre water park, Aquaventure, features high-speed slides through shark tanks and a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids. Beyond the thrills, the resort's open-air marine habitat is one of the largest in the world, allowing toddlers to see manta rays and sawfish without getting wet. Across the bridge in Nassau, history comes alive at the Pirates of Nassau museum, which uses wax figures and sound effects to recreate the era of Blackbeard. For a gentler animal encounter, the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre is famous for its marching flamingos, a spectacle that has entertained children for decades.

Cable Beach offers a slightly more relaxed resort strip west of downtown, with calm waters protected by offshore rocks. Families looking to escape the mainland can take a ferry to Blue Lagoon Island for a private beach day or safe dolphin encounters. Dining options are endless, ranging from American fast food to the authentic Bahamian "Fish Fry" at Arawak Cay, where vendors sell fried snapper and conch fritters in a lively, colorful atmosphere. While the area offers convenience with direct flights from many major cities, traffic can be heavy. Visitors are advised to use licensed taxis or pre-arranged resort transport rather than walking in unlit or non-tourist areas after dark.