Top 3 Must-Do’s in Nassau, Bahamas

Top 3 Must-Do's in Nassau, Bahamas

I first visited Nassau when I was just 15 years old and I immediately fell in love with this Caribbean paradise. It is just a short cruise or flight away from the Eastern US and can be very affordable to get to. Nassau also happens to be wheelchair accessible for the most part and the people of Nassau are always willing to help in any way that they can. My incredible first visit at the age of 15 inspired two more trips, one as recent as last year. Over these three trips to Nassau, Bahamas, I have explored nearly everything that the island offers and discovered the best things to do in Nassau. Here are my three must-do things when in the pristine paradise of the Bahamas:

1) Atlantis Resort

The beautiful Atlantis Resort is on Paradise Island, Atlantis' private island which is only a fifteen minute drive from the Nassau cruise port. Finding a wheelchair accessible taxi to get over to the Atlantis has never been a problem for me, as there has always been an accessible van available and I have never pre-booked this service. Once you make it over to the Atlantis, you are truly in for an awesome experience. There is a huge water fountain upon pulling in that is composed of golden horses, exuding elegance immediately. You then make your way into the lobby and start the Atlantis experience. It is free to visit Atlantis, but many areas are strictly for guests that are staying in the resort. However, you can purchase a day-pass that will allow access to the beaches and Aquaventure, Atlantis' very own water park complete with slides, pools and rapids. The day pass is quite expensive and can be up to $135 per adult during peak season. While the water park isn't very wheelchair friendly, the passes also include access to the aquarium and the Dig, both of which are accessible. If it's your first time to the Atlantis, then I would suggest to go all out and see everything. There is also a large casino with loads of slot machines and table games that are available to everyone, regardless if you are staying at the resort or not. I always spend way too much time and money in the casino though, probably because they give out free cocktails as long as you're playing - a definite way to keep me from leaving the casino. Many high end boutique stores are in the resort also, as well as souvenir shops and eateries. Plan at least a few hours to spend at the Atlantis, and longer if you get a day pass. You'll be planning your next trip to Atlantis before you even leave because it is so fantastic, I guarantee it.

 2) The Straw Market

Even though navigating the thin aisles of the Straw Market can be extremely challenging in a wheelchair, I always make sure to visit. You can actually walk here from the cruise port so it is always full of tourists, but what makes it special is that it is full of locals as well. The local Bahamian people that work in the Straw Market are always in a cheerful mood while trying to sell their goods. Many of them have been selling in the Straw Market their whole life. I once met an elderly lady that had worked there for over sixty years, and she was still smiling while telling me all about her life experiences at the market. If you are looking for souvenirs, then the Straw Market has everything that you could possibly want: t-shirts, toys, and purses to name a few. However, the coolest and most unique items are the handmade straw purses and fans that the sellers make themselves. They will even offer to engrave these (with the straw color of your choice) for free. Everything here is fairly cheap also, but always be sure to negotiate. I have asked how much an item was before and they said $20, but after negotiating I got it for half the price. The Straw Market is a one of a kind experience that you shouldn't miss when in Nassau.

3) Señor Frog's

This happens to be one of my all time favorite restaurants and probably one of my all time favorite places in the world, period. It's an open air restaurant, bar and souvenir shop that sits right by the crystal clear water and within walking distance of the cruise port. Señor Frog's is, for lack of a better word, "crunk" at all times. It is a bit more family friendly during the day, with the staff making balloon animals and balloon hats for everyone at your own table. Then at night, it becomes a club. There is a DJ and different contests and games where you can win free shots. The whole environment is wildly fun and aside from the vast selection of great drinks, they also have good food. The nachos with chicken are terrific and a Bahama Mama (drink) to wash it down with is perfection. Señor Frog's is the most fun you can have in paradise!