Top 3 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas

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

1) Atlantis Complex

The beautiful Atlantis Resort is located 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 to Atlantis has never been a problem for me as there has always been an accessible van available and I have never booked this service. Once you arrive at Atlantis, you are in for an incredible experience. There is a huge water fountain as you enter that is made up of golden horses, immediately exuding elegance. He then heads to the lobby and begins the Atlantis experience. It’s free to visit Atlantis, but many areas are strictly for guests staying at the resort. However, you can buy a day pass that will give you access to the beaches and Aquaventure, Atlantis’ own water park complete with slides, pools and rapids. The day pass is quite expensive and can cost 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 this is your first time at Atlantis, I suggest you go all out and see everything. There is also a large casino with many slot machines and table games that are available to everyone, regardless of whether you are staying at the resort or not. However, I always spend too much time and money in the casino, probably because they give out free cocktails while you play, a definite way to keep me from leaving the casino. Many luxury boutiques are also located in the complex, as well as souvenir shops and restaurants. Plan on at least a few hours to spend at Atlantis, and longer if you get a day pass. You’ll be planning your next trip to Atlantis before you even leave because it’s fantastic, I guarantee it.

2) The straw market

Even though navigating the narrow aisles of the Straw Market can be extremely challenging in a wheelchair, I always make it a point to visit. You can actually walk here from the cruise port, so it’s always packed with tourists, but what makes it special is that it’s also packed with locals. The local Bahamian people who work at the Straw Market are always in a good mood as they try to sell their wares. Many of them have spent their entire lives selling at the Straw Market. I once met an old lady who had worked there for over sixty years and still smiled as she told me all of her life experiences in the market. If you’re looking for souvenirs, Straw Market has everything you could want – T-shirts, toys and handbags to name a few. However, the coolest and most unique items are the handmade straw bags and fans that are made by the vendors themselves. They will even offer to engrave them (with the straw color of your choice) for free. Everything here is pretty cheap too, but always make sure you bargain. I asked how much an item was earlier and they said $20 but after negotiating I got it for half the price. The Straw Market is a unique experience not to be missed when in Nassau.

3) Mr. Frog

This is one of my all time favorite restaurants and probably one of my all time favorite places in the world, period. It is an open air restaurant, bar and souvenir shop that is located 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’s a little more family-friendly during the day, with the staff making balloon animals and balloon hats for everyone at their own table. Then at night it turns into a club. There are DJs and different contests and games where you can win free shots. The whole atmosphere is tremendously fun and in addition to the wide selection of great drinks, they also have great food. The chicken nachos are great and a Bahama Mama (drink) to go with it is perfect. Señor Frog’s is the most fun you can have in paradise!