Bahama Mama: A Travel Guide to Nassau

Caribbean

Aug 6

Guest Blog Written By: Emma Martin

Each year, my family and I indulge in our love for beaches by taking a much-anticipated vacation. This year, we couldn't resist the allure of Nassau, Bahamas, home to some of the world's most stunning beaches. Here you will find our favorite experiences, top restaurant picks, and a few helpful tips to make your trip unforgettable.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

We visited Nassau in late April/early May, just as the peak season—from December to April—was winding down. It's advisable to steer clear from June to November due to hurricane season. During our stay, the weather was ideal: clear skies, abundant sunshine, and temperatures ranging comfortably in the low 80s without a drop of rain. We caught an early morning flight to Nassau on Sunday and landed by lunch. Everything went smoothly and we never felt unsafe. We did book a car for us that was right by baggage claim. This was a more expensive option, but we weren't trying to flag down a taxi with 8 people! Lol. Our driver even stopped at the liquor store before we got to our resort!

MARGARITAS… I MEAN, WHERE WE STAYED:

We checked into the Margaritaville Beach Resort and were immediately captivated by its stunning views and the resort was gorgeous! Although not an all-inclusive resort (as we hilariously discovered the night before leaving LOL), Margaritaville made dining and drinking convenient by allowing us to charge everything to our room and settle the bill upon checkout. While the prices for food and drinks were on the higher side, the food was excellent, with many options and surprisingly, it worked out to be comparable in cost to an all-inclusive option. The resort does cater primarily to families, offering attractions like a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool. We spent most of our time in the adult pool, however if you prefer a kid-free environment, this is not the resort for you. But the lazy river was still fun to float around in! The only downside to the resort was it’s next to the cruise port, which attracted additional crowds. Cruise passengers could purchase day passes to Margaritaville, using the beach, lazy river, water slides, and pool. Fortunately, since we visited towards the end of the peak season, both the resort and the cruise traffic were relatively quiet. However, during peak season, this proximity could lead to larger crowds and may not be ideal.

STORYTIME: A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR TRIP

After settling into our rooms, we wasted no time. We quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed straight for the beach. Here, one of the most memorable experiences of my life happened! While standing on the deck overlooking the ocean, my sister, friend, and I noticed some commotion on the beach below. We hurried down to find a manatee swimming near the shore! Without hesitation, we got in the water beside him as he playfully rolled onto his back, clearly wanting belly rubs. (which of course we did!) He was so cute and it was an unforgettable moment!

During our stay, we rented cabanas for two out of the five days. One day, we chose a cabana on the beach, and the other day, one by the lazy river and pool. The cabanas were a fantastic addition to our experience! It provided a private, comfortable spot without the need to rush down early to secure a place. Plus, having servers bring us food and delicious tropical drinks made the days even more relaxing and enjoyable! On our beach cabana day, we spontaneously decided to ride jet skis in the ocean, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice! We rented the jet skis for an hour and had the freedom to explore at our leisure. We had such a great time!

Something I, personally, enjoyed was taking morning walks through the streets of Downtown Nassau. It’s filled with narrow streets of centuries old buildings, vibrant murals by local artists, and numerous shops. I also walked along the shore line and soaked up the sun and the breathtaking views! I never felt unsafe walking around by myself but I was smart, sticking to busier areas and staying aware of my surroundings.

BUT OUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE WAS..

Our absolute favorite experience was the boat excursion that took us snorkeling and swimming with pigs! You've probably heard of the famous swimming pigs on Exuma Island, and it was every bit as fun as it sounds. The pigs were used to humans and eagerly approached when we held out sticks with fruit. Even the piglets allowed us to hold them! The guyS on the island were incredibly friendly and so much fun! Our two captains led us to some stunning snorkeling spots with beautiful turquoise waters. It was an unforgettable adventure that we all loved!

NOW FOR THE FOOD

Outside of the resort restaurants, we went to two restaurants that were outstanding. Navigating Nassau isn’t difficult, but you'll need to use taxis as Uber and Lyft aren't available. My tip? Befriend a taxi driver and stick with them during your stay. We did this with our driver, Julius, and it was fantastic. We got to know him well, and he even recommended our first restaurant: Glodies at the famous all-day Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. This strip of beachfront seafood restaurants and street food offers amazing local cuisine. The restaurant served incredible authentic Bahamian food. I had the jerk chicken, which was a bit spicy for me but a hit with everyone else. We also tried the conch fritters, which were delicious and a favorite among our group.

Another night, we went to Latitudes, and it was phenomenal! The food here was expensive but so worth it. I had steak with mashed potatoes and vegetables, which was to die for! Everyone else enjoyed their meals as well. My brother and sister raved about the Japanese Curry Chicken, calling it one of the top five meals they've ever had

Our trip to Nassau was everything we hoped for and more. From the stunning beaches to the unforgettable manatee encounter, and our evenings savoring delicious meals at local restaurants, every moment was filled with joy and adventure.. We loved our days spent in cabanas soaking up the sun. The boat excursion, snorkeling in turquoise waters, and swimming with the famous pigs were experiences we'll cherish forever!

If you're dreaming of a memorable getaway, Nassau should be at the top of your list. Its beauty and unique experiences make it a top destination for any beach lover. Here's to many more beach adventures in the future!

Written By Emma Martin