The Bahamian spirit

Just over the Nassau Harbor bridges, Paradise Island beckons with its world-famous Atlantis Resort, where you'll find a thrilling water park, a dazzling casino, and a sprawling golf course. But this winter, Nassau & Paradise Island offers something truly special—December’s Junkanoo Festival. Join thousands in celebrating Bahamian culture with lively street parades, rhythmic beats of goatskin drums, and costumes adorned with feathers and shimmering sequins, with the festivities starting in the small hours after midnight on Boxing Day. The largest Junkanoo celebration takes place on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, but Bahamians across the 16 islands celebrate this joyful tradition, and you as a visitor are more than welcome to take part.

Blissful beaches

When it comes to the great outdoors, Cable Beach is one of the most popular in Nassau and home to some of its best all-inclusive beach resorts, shops, and restaurants. Love Beach, near downtown Nassau, has around 40 acres of protected coral, making it perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Junkanoo Beach, near the cruise ship port, is always bustling with colourful beachfront shacks, as well as being within walking distance of the famous Straw Market. Cave Beach is named after the limestone caves that run along its edge, and Jaws Beach – part of Clifton Heritage Park, a protected area along the western side of New Providence – is named after the infamous film shot there. While you are unlikely to see sharks here, you will find a coral reef and lots of marine life.