Long before the first tourist stepped foot on its golden sands, The Bahamas were the playground of pirates, explorers, armies and entrepreneurs, whose influences can still be found throughout the islands. But the native Bahamian people have a history all their own, woven into a colorful tapestry that blankets the islands in sunny warmth.

Discover Nassau / Paradise Island’s wealth of cultural offerings, most of which make for an easy break from
the beach or a short side trip from an afternoon
shopping excursion, and learn a little bit about the
history and mystery of this Bahamian island.

Over the centuries, our protected harbor – hidden
among a tangle of islands poised between the
Atlantic and Caribbean, and only a few hundred
miles from the United States’ southern coast – has
sheltered religious dissenters, ship wreckers,
pirates, freed slaves, blockade runners, rum
smugglers and runaway lovers. Times are peaceful
now, but we still cherish a tradition of people making their own rules under sunny skies.

For a true Bahamian experience, relax. On our island, life is easy. English is spoken, and American dollars are on par with Bahamian dollars. In this section you’ll find other practical, good-to-know-before-you-go information. Which leaves you plenty of time to read about our culture and the Arawak Indians, Spanish invaders, pirates, British Colonialists, West Africans and local folk who’ve all been part of our interesting history. Learn a little about being Bahamian. And get excited about your trip – we’re looking forward to having you.

Couples, families, nature lovers and night owls can
create their own idyllic vacations on Nassau / Paradise Island. Stroll our cobblestone streets, splash around
in our clear turquoise waters, shop for traditional
Bahamian handicrafts, reel in a bonefish or sip
cocktails overlooking the ocean.