The Atlantis Resort is amazing. Breathtakingly spectacular and filled with things to do, I highly recommend it when planning to stay in Nassau. Having spent a few nights at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island, I had full access to the resort’s facilities during my Bahamas …
I had so much fun during my stay at Atlantis Resort in The Bahamas. The Aquaventure Water Park was a major part of that. Covering 141 acres, this water playground is the signature attraction on Paradise Island (and the largest water park in the Caribbean, …
Only got time to do one thing in the capital of The Bahamas? Make it the Pirates of Nassau museum. On my recent trip to New Providence, I was really impressed by this immersive experience, right in the heart of Downtown Nassau. The Pirates Museum might seem like a tourist trap, but its actually a really interesting attraction that transports you back to the days of Nassau being its own Pirate Republic. There’s no better way to experience this era of Bahamian history. Admittedly, I didn’t know what to expect from my visit. In this post, I’m going to take you through the Museum so that you don’t have that issue.
The Pirates of Nassau Museum chronicles the rise and fall of the Pirates’ Republic of Nassau. The so called Golden Age of Piracy took place in the region from the late 1600s to early 1700s and saw Nassau’s population of privateers and swashbucklers significantly dwarf the civilian population. It all started when Henry Every arrived in Nassau in 1696 aboard a ship loaded with loot from the Indian Empire. Bribing the governor of the time, Nicholas Trott, Every’s precedent would lead to the outpost becoming an established base for buccaneers.
The pirate power base in Nassau became stronger following French and Spanish attacks in 1703 and 1706, which resulted in many English settlements being abandoned. Lawless bands of pirates took over in their absence and were able to maintain a presence, protected by the shallow waters of The Bahamas, which weren’t deep enough for large Man-o-War ships to traverse. From their outpost, the pirates carried out hit and run attacks on merchant shipping routes, though they would avoid attacking English navy vessels early on. As more and more privateers joined the ranks of the Pirates’ Republic, that restraint would fade. As attacks on naval frigates became more common, the English sent out a cry for help. King George I dispatching Woodes Rogers in 1718 was the beginning of the end for the Pirates of Nassau.
Your journey at the Pirates of Nassau Museum begins at the height of the Golden Age of Piracy. A plaque at the entrance sets the scene, telling you that you’re about to travel back in time to 1716. Through a set of doors, you immediately enter a set that blew my mind. Stepping into a recreated Nassau wharf one 18th century night, you’re in an actual pirate shanty town. Hearing the sounds and sights, its like stepping onto the set of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Alongside the wharf is a life-sized replica of the pirate ship, Revenge, which your path takes you aboard.
The Revenge was a captured French corvette ship. At 130 feet long and bolstering 16 guns, it would be commandeered by 200 pirates at a time. In its earlier life as a merchant vessel, it would only have had 35 men aboard, however pirate crews were significantly larger, which proved advantageous both in overpowering other ships and plundering their loot. On board the Revenge, you get some insight into life aboard a pirate ship. Perhaps not surprisingly, daily life aboard was filled with lengthy periods of gambling and drinking, but a crew would hustle quickly to arms when it was time for action. While moving through the hull of the vessel, you’ll see recreated living quarters and information about things such as food, surgery and general conditions at sea.
Leaving the vessel behind, your Pirates of Nassau experience continues upstairs into a series of halls. Filled with dioramas and other displays, the next section of the Museum focuses on the female swashbucklers. While not traditionally the pirates that most will think of, there were actually quite a few legendary female pirates, the most notable being Anne Bonney and Mary Read. Both were originally mentored by Henry Jennings, an adversary of Benjamin Hornigold, a pirate that would play an instrumental role in the downfall of the Pirates’ Republic. Both Read and Bonney joined the crew of Jack Rackham in 1720, but were captured a short time later. They were both pregnant at the time and received suspended sentences for their crimes, with Read dying in custody.
The next section of the Pirates of Nassau experience takes you through the all important rules that governed life aboard a pirate vessel. Most pirate captains adopted articles that regulated the behaviour of their crews. While pirates were a lawless bunch, they had to be disciplined in order to survive while sailing and navigating the treacherous waters of the Caribbean. A few examples of these pirate codes are displayed throughout the exhibit. I was surprised to learn that walking the plank was never actually a thing! The ultimate punishment for a pirate was instead being marooned – left alone to fend for themselves. This was often referred to as becoming “Governor of your own island”.
Once you’ve learnt a bit more about life at sea, its time to come face to face with one of the most fearsome pirates of all. Setting the scene before entering the next section, a plaque indicates that you’re aboard a vessel bound for Antigua on December 5, 1717 while a black flag looms on the horizon. Stepping through the doors ahead, you come face to face with Captain Edward Teach himself. Better known as Blackbeard, the pirate leading an attack on your vessel is arguably the most famous swashbuckler to ever sail the seas. There’s actually excellent use of lighting in this exhibit, as the figures of his crew just appear out of the shadows. It would have been an occurrence feared by many at sea in Blackbeard’s day!
Blackbeard’s reputation was unmatched in the Pirate’s Republic. Part of the “Flying Gang”, he actually became the ‘magistrate’ of Nassau, with carte blanche to enforce a lawless state of law and order as he saw fit. He was a force abroad as well, being involved in a blockade of Charleston in the Carolinas, successfully repelling an attack from the Royal Navy. He met his end on November 22, 1718 however, when he was cornered by the English at Ocracoke Inlet. Legend has it that his headless body circled his vessel three times before vanishing following his death!
The last few halls of the Pirates of Nassau Museum take you through the fall of the Pirates’ Republic. It all began with the arrival of Woodes Rogers in 1718. He arrived with a Royal Pardon for all pirates to give up their ways and refrain from further plunder. While many did give up their ways, it was his calculated use of Benjamin Hornigold that accelerated the end of piracy in New Providence. When Hornigold accepted the pardon, Rogers commissioned him to hunt down and capture any of his fellow swashbucklers that had turned down the offer. Well versed in their ways, Hornigold brought down many of the most famous pirates in the region.
There’s a series of displays in this section that document the fates of the various pirates you’ve already learnt about on your journey. There’s also a section dedicated to Hornigold’s most significant accomplishment. When Hornigold captured 10 pirates who were all executed the following morning on 12 December 1718, the Republic fell and the English re-established control over Nassau. The events are followed from the perspective of Dennis McCarthy, who met his fate at the gallows that day after being convicted of piracy.
Despite being instrumental in stamping out piracy in Nassau, Hornigold didn’t live much longer. He was supposedly wrecked on a reef and drowned the following year. Meanwhile Woodes Rogers fell ill and died in Nassau on 15 June 1732.
Your journey with the Pirates of Nassau ends with a few displays of pirate artefacts and a small gift shop, followed by a courtyard filled with cannons and pirate models. Overall I was really impressed by the exhibits. I was honestly expecting a few rooms with information about pirates, but the immersive nature of the experience really takes you through the years of Nassau’s Pirate Republic comprehensively. You learn about all the key players and come out understanding this time of Caribbean history. While a trip to the Pirates of Nassau only takes around 45 minutes, its quite affordable and something I highly recommend doing on a trip to The Bahamas.
Have you been to the Pirates of Nassau? What was your favourite part?
Perched atop Bennet’s Hill, the highest point on New Providence Island, Fort Fincastle is one of the many forts watching over the capital of The Bahamas. Most visitors to Nassau will stop by the Queen’s Staircase. If you continue up that staircase, you’ll reach the …
When looking up things to do in Nassau, one of the suggestions that always comes at the top of the list is the Queen’s Staircase. I know what you’re thinking – what’s so special about a set of stairs? To be honest, that was my …
The Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the Caribbean, especially those coming from the United States. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Florida, its no wonder so many people come to this island nation every year. Pristine beaches, exciting resorts and a whole ton of unforgettable experiences await guests. I visited The Bahamas after having spent some time on other islands in the Caribbean. I definitely noticed just how touristy this nation was by comparison. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. I had an amazing time in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. I experienced luxury, culture and stunning serenity all in a brief stay. While you could easily just stick to one of the amazing resorts during your Bahamas vacation, in this itinerary for 3 days in The Bahamas, I’m going to show you why you should also venture out!
The Bahamas is a chain of 700 islands and cays just north of the Caribbean Sea. Only around 30 of those islands are actually inhabited. Technically part of their own archipelago, for all purposes The Bahamas is considered a Caribbean nation. At some points, the archipelago is as close as 50 miles to the US state of Florida. The various islands are made of limestone and are surrounded by the clearest waters in the world.
Christopher Columbus landed on San Salvador in The Bahamas on 12 October 1942. He claimed the islands for Spain, and this marked the very first landing of Europeans in the New World. At the time of Columbus’ arrival, The Bahamas were inhabited by the Lucayan people. When the Spanish left, disappointed by the lack of gold on the islands, they forced the natives into slave labour. This left The Bahamas devoid of any human population until settlers arrived from the British colonies of Bermuda and New England.
Over time, the Bahamas would bounce between the British and Spanish, with raids between the two powers commonplace. When European conflict calmed down in the region, the Bahamas were neglected and became a haven for pirates by the late 1600s. By 1713, estimates indicate at least 1,000 swashbucklers were based at Nassau. It wasn’t until 1718 that the British, under Woodes Rogers, took control of the ‘Pirate’s Republic’, turning it into a Crown colony.
Following the American Civil War, the Bahamas became home to many wealthy British loyalists. During Prohibition, the islands became involved in the illicit liquor trade. Tourism also boomed, particularly as the US embargo against Cuba in 1961 forced travellers to look for a new holiday hot spot. The economy subsequently prospered. On 10 July 1973, The Bahamas was granted independence, ending British rule. To this day, it remains an extremely popular destination for travellers.
When deciding what time of year to visit The Bahamas, you should think about the weather. As with many countries in the Caribbean region, The Bahamas is impacted by hurricane season every year. Peak hurricane season runs from August to October, with September being the worst month. They can occur any time from June to November however. I visited The Bahamas in July. Unlike other islands I visited in the region, I got a fair bit of rain during my stay. It wasn’t the end of the world, and prices were good, but if you want the best of The Bahamas, you might want to avoid the storm season.
High season in The Bahamas runs pretty much all the way from late November until early May, with especially large numbers of American tourists flocking to the islands during the holidays and spring break. You’ll pay more at this time of year, and you’ll definitely want to book your hotels well in advance.
Most arrivals by plane (myself included) come to The Bahamas through its capital, Nassau. Located on New Providence Island, it is serviced by Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), which is easily the largest airport in the country. I flew to Nassau from Miami in the United States, and it was a very quick (and scenic) flight – we would have only been in the air for about half an hour. The airport receives flights from a ton of major cities in the US, and there’s also direct connections from Toronto and London. I was surprised by the limited number of Caribbean flights to The Bahamas, though there were connections to a few countries such as Jamaica, Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Panama in Latin America.
Most travellers from Western nations won’t need a visa when visiting The Bahamas, though as always you should check official requirements before travelling. You’ll need at least 6 months validity on your passport as with most nations.
The airport terminal is fairly easy to navigate and customs doesn’t take long to clear in my experience. Once you’ve got your bags, you’ll need to get a taxi or rent a car to get to your hotel or resort. The airport is in the western part of New Providence, and there’s no public transport connecting it to Nassau. Uber also hasn’t yet arrived in The Bahamas. A taxi will cost about $45 USD into Nassau (20 minutes) or $55 USD to Paradise Island (30 minutes). In the case of the latter, expect to pay a $1.00 toll (in cash) to cross the bridge.
While you can stay on the various groups of islands that make up The Bahamas, as a first time visitor, you want to stay near Nassau. There’s definitely more serene and isolated beaches and cays elsewhere in the country (we’ll see some, don’t worry), but Nassau is the tourist hub, offering the most things to do. On a first time visit, I feel like you have to stay at one of the Atlantis resorts on Paradise Island, connected to New Providence by causeway bridges. They’re massively touristy, but are packed to the brims with restaurants, pools, activities and more. You could spend your whole time in The Bahamas on Paradise Island, though I definitely don’t advocate it.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. The Bahamas is an expensive country. In high season, you can expect to pay the following prices per night:
If you’re planning on staying at the Atlantis Resort complex, expect to pay a pretty penny. I actually stayed nearby at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island. This mid-range option is significantly cheaper than staying in the Atlantis towers. Breakfast is included with your stay and the rooms are spacious. Best of all though (and the reason I stayed here), you get complimentary access to all of the Atlantis Resort, including its Aquaventure Water Park.
The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar ($BSD), though US Dollars are used interchangeably. You will find that you get a combination of both in your change, as the currencies are set at a 1:1 exchange rate. This makes travelling in The Bahamas extremely easy as you don’t need to worry about currency conversions. ATMs are readily available and credit cards are accepted in the major tourist areas of Nassau and Paradise Island, however if you’re travelling further to the Out Islands, you’ll want to have some cash available.
As a a former British colony, the official language of The Bahamas is English.
The Bahamas is an extremely safe destination for tourists. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. When leaving the resorts, you’ll want to use normal common sense when exploring Nassau, though with so many tourists around, you shouldn’t be worried while wandering around the main areas. As with anywhere in the world, some parts of Nassau can be dicey, and you’re advised to avoid the quieter areas of Nassau (south of Shirley Street) at night (though most crime tends to be directed at other locals).
Just exercise normal precautions and you’ll be fine, whether you’re spending 3 days in The Bahamas or more.
In this itinerary for 3 days in The Bahamas, you’re going to see multiple aspects of the country. Naturally, you’ll enjoy the facilities of the big resorts of Paradise Island. You’ll also get a sense of the nation’s culture and history by crossing over to Nassau. Then you’ll go further afield by discovering some of the more isolated cays in the country, getting a whole new perspective of life in The Bahamas (along with its natural beauty). Unless you’re doing more travel in the Caribbean region, chances are you’ll want to spend than 3 days in The Bahamas. That’s fine – the first day of this itinerary can easily be repeated as often as you like, particularly if you’re staying in Paradise Island!
If you’re staying in Paradise Island, you’re going to want to see everything this mega-resort island has to offer. Paradise Island is dominated by the Atlantis Resort, and while its everything but authentically Bahamian, you can’t deny that its home to a whole lot of fun. With dining options, beach activities, shopping, casinos and more, there’s tons to do. For your first of 3 days in The Bahamas, I’m not even going to try to make you leave this slice of commercial paradise.
If you’re staying at Atlantis (or the Comfort Suites), chances are breakfast will be included in your hotel package. Have a leisurely morning as you load up on food to sustain you for the action packed day ahead.
Once the park opens for the day, you’re off to Aquaventure. Chances are, you’ll be spending the better part of your first day in The Bahamas here. This massive water park is part of the Atlantis Resort complex, and is one of the reasons many tourists come to Paradise Island. Covering 141 acres, I can see why – its everything you would want a water park to be. Artificial Mayan temples and shrines are covered in water slides, with thrills aplenty.
The most intense slide is arguably the Leap of Faith – a free fall that shoots right through a shark aquarium! In addition to the slides, Aquaventure contains 11 swimming pools and lagoons to splash around in, and even a private beach to relax on. In my view though, the best part of the park is the Rapid River – spanning over a mile, its one of the longest types of these raft rides that I’ve been on. Definitely ride it from one end to other at least once during your stay.
If you’re staying at any of the resorts that make up Atlantis, admission to Aquaventure Water Park is free. You’ll be given a wristband on check in, so just wear it and you’ll be waved right through the entrance seamlessly. Normally the same applies to the Comfort Suites, though they were out of wrist bands when I checked in. In that case, all I had to do was show my room keycard (which is water proof). Considering a day pass to Aquaventure is extremely expensive, this is one of the main reasons I recommend staying at an Atlantis Resort for your 3 days in The Bahamas.
When you’ve had enough fun in the sun, its time to explore everything else that Atlantis has to offer. I’ll write about the resort in more detail in a future blog post (there’s too much to cover here), but there’s tons to do away from the water park. One of my favourite things about Atlantis was the way the resort weaves aquatic animal exhibits throughout the property. Wander around and you’ll come across pools containing turtles, stingrays, sawfish and so much more. It really is like an open air aquarium. Speaking of aquariums, The Dig is an actual aquarium (again free to resort guests) that you can spend a bit of time checking out fish, eels and so much more. While I’ve been to better aquariums, for what it is (a free walk-through diversion), The Dig definitely warrants a stop.
Another spot to spend time in Atlantis is the Marina Village. This artificial shopping and dining precinct (think a smaller scale Disney Springs on an island) is filled with places to eat. While its not the most authentic place in the world (we’ll have some real Bahamian food later), Frankie’s Gone Bananas is the Caribbean themed restaurant, and they do a great jerk chicken. There’s restaurants to suit all palates and budgets though – from take away pizza to fine dining.
Atlantis also brings the Vegas vibes with a massive casino inside the main resort complex (complete with surrounding retail outlets). I’m not a big gambler, so I didn’t spend much time here, but if its your thing, go for it. As the night wound down, I actually spent most of my time outside – the towers of Atlantis Resort are beautiful at night!
On your second of 3 days in The Bahamas, you’re leaving the splendour of the resort behind you as you experience a more authentic side of the country. After a lazy start and feed, you’ll need to make your way across the bridge back to New Providence. While you could get a taxi into Nassau, I actually enjoyed the walk – the bridge is well set up for pedestrians (and you don’t have to pay the toll if you’re walking either). Once you’re across, its a brief stroll west to get into the heart of the capital.
Your tour of Nassau begins at the iconic Queen’s Staircase. Quite literally a set of 66 steps, this stunning landmark was carved out of limestone by slaves in the late 16th century. Surrounded by palm trees and other foliage, the bottom of the staircase is a tranquil alcove off the busy streets of Nassau. The Queen’s Staircase’s significance goes back to the days of British colonisation. The staircase formed a direct passage to the fort above, and therefore provided an important route in the event of an attack.
The Queen’s Staircase is a 10 to 15 minute walk south from the heart of downtown Nassau. You won’t spend a huge amount of time there, but its an important landmark in Nassau. It also provides ready access to the next stop of your itinerary, the aforementioned fort. While admission to the Staircase is free, there’s a strong chance you’ll run into a local guide that will be willing to tell you about the history of The Bahamas and the Staircase. They’ll ask for a small tip afterwards, so keep that in mind.
At the top of the Queen’s Staircase, its a short walk to Fort Fincastle, which dates back to 1793. Built under Lord Dunmore to protect Nassau harbour from naval attack, the fort never saw combat, unlike many others throughout the Caribbean. Its the youngest of the three major forts standing in Nassau today (the others being Fort Montagu and Fort Charlotte), but sitting atop Bennet’s Hill, it offers sweeping views across the island.
The exhibition inside is nothing mind-blowing, but I still recommend paying the small admission fee to access the interior. There’s a number of displays that chronicle the fort’s history, along with a brief film inside. I found the most fascinating part of touring the fort to be the vents that let wind blow inside, cooling down the otherwise warm stone interior. Good thing too – I got caught at Fort Fincastle during a tropical downpour so spent a fair bit of time getting acquainted with the inside of the fort!
With the age of piracy playing such a key role in Bahamian history, it makes sense that there’s a museum dedicated to the swashbucklers that called Nassau their home centuries ago. What I didn’t expect is just how mind-blowing this museum’s displays would be. Its a really immersive experience from the moment you enter the first hall. You’re instantly transported to a recreation of a Nassau dock, with a pirate ship in port. Your path takes you aboard the ship, where you can see how pirates would have lived at sea. From there you step into a series of halls filled with dioramas and other displays that take you through pirate history. At one point, you’ll even be subject to a pirate ambush!
I was really impressed by the Pirates of Nassau museum. If you go through and read everything, it won’t eat up more than an hour of your time, but I walked away with far more knowledge about the likes of Blackbeard, Anne Bonney and Mary Read, just to name a few of the captains that once plundered the waters around Nassau. The museum is an easy walk from Fort Fincastle. Getting there will only take around 15 minutes, as the museum is in the heart of town.
You’ll probably be hungry by the time you’re done with the Pirates Museum, so grab lunch somewhere in town before spending the rest of the day exploring the rest of Nassau. As the capital of The Bahamas, there’s a few more museums and other attractions that you can check out in the area, depending on what you’re interested in. The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas ($10 BSD; closed Mondays) has an excellent collection of Bahamian art housed inside the historic Villa Doyle, just a few blocks further west. Another popular spot is the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre ($18 BSD), home to the largest population of West Indian pink flamingos in the world. The area is also filled with heritage buildings, such as Government House, notable for a statue of Christopher Columbus out front (though it had actually been desecrated at the time of my visit).
If you end up visiting all the places I’ve just listed, you’ll easily eat up your second of 3 days in The Bahamas, and that’s not even spending time checking out the various souvenir stalls and tourist shops along the main road. When you’re ready for dinner, go local. In The Bahamas, that means fish fry. While the most famous fish fry in Nassau is out at Arawak Cay, I didn’t get there during my stay. Instead, I stopped by a local restaurant called McKenzies Fish Fry in Potter’s Cay. Being just underneath the bridge to Paradise Island, it makes for a great option when winding up a day in Nassau. The fish and conch fritters are a must-try, and go down particularly well with the local Kalik beer. Watch the sunset over dinner as you wind down your second day in The Bahamas.
I’ve left the best part of your 3 days in The Bahamas for last. Today you’re headed to the fabled Out Islands, specifically the Exumas. The Exumas are a string of 365 islands stretching across tranquil blue waters. They’re a fair way out from Nassau, so that means an early start today. You’ll definitely want to pre-book your tour in advance and set that alarm for a day you won’t soon forget!
While there’s a number of operators that run Powerboat tours to the Exumas, if you can afford it, I highly recommend booking a tour with Staniel Air. Operating out of the Jet Aviation Airport (a short drive from the international airport), this company runs day trips out into the Exumas. You’ll fly in a very small plane (think around 10 people aboard with no aisle). I was picked up from my hotel at 7.20am and was in the air by 9.00am. The flight to Staniel Cay, a small village in the heart of the Exumas is only about 40 minutes (as opposed to the hours you’ll spend over rough seas getting out there by boat).
Upon arriving, we boarded a small boat and were whisked around the most famous sights in this isolated island chain. Most famous of all are the Swimming Pigs, but you’ll also see Iguanas, swim with sharks, and snorkel among colourful fish in the Thunderball Grotto. Your tour will also include a stop on a sandbar, a brief pass by a plane wreck, and a lunch break at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Its definitely an experience that I’ll write about in more detail in the future, as it was the most memorable experience I had during my stay in The Bahamas.
A trip to the Exumas by plane is expensive, but I can’t recommend it enough. If you can afford to splurge, this is an essential experience in this beautiful part of the world. Its the perfect cap on 3 days in The Bahamas!
I absolutely LOVED my time in The Bahamas. While its always hard to compare destinations, I think it may be my favourite place that I’ve been to in the Caribbean. There’s just so much to do, and this itinerary for 3 days in The Bahamas has only just hit the tip of the iceberg. With so many islands to explore, so many beaches to bask on, and so many resort activities to enjoy, the possibilities for a vacation in The Bahamas are endless. If you’re a first time visitor, now you have a plan. Have you got an upcoming trip to The Bahamas in the works? Already been? What are your favourite things to do in the country?
Barbados is so famous for its beaches and natural beauty, but one of my favourite places I visited in the country was far away in the country’s rural north. St Nicholas Abbey is one of the best places to get a sense of Barbadian history. …
With so many things to do in Barbados, it can often be difficult to decide how to spend your time on the island, particularly if you’re on a short trip. One thing you absolutely MUST do however, is swim with turtles in Barbados. Barbados is …
Any trip to Barbados is going to involve some beach time. With the crystal clear waters and white sands surrounding the island, you’d be mad not to get the most out of them. While I saw a few beaches during my time in Barbados, none matched the breathtakingly picturesque sands around Carlisle Bay. The tourism industry tends to agree, with the beaches in this part of the island being the most popular among travellers. While in the area, I stopped by The Boatyard, a beachfront club that offers plenty for all kinds of beachgoers. Read along to find out more.
Carlisle Bay was actually named after the first Earl of Carlisle, James Hay, who claimed Barbados for the English Crown in 1627. It is is a wide harbour on the southern side of Bridgetown, and is the most popular swimming spots in Barbados (many cruise guests won’t leave the Bay during their time on the island). The Bay is lined by the smooth, white sands of a number of beaches. It can get very crowded in peak season. The waters of the bay are calm and shallow, making them perfect for all age and ability levels, particularly as some of Barbados’ beaches further afield have a reputation for rougher currents. The Bay is also renowned as a snorkelling and scuba destination, with a number of shipwrecks further out in its waters.
Its extremely easy to get to Carlisle Bay. If you’re in Bridgetown, you’re basically already there – just head south until you reach the sandy shores. If you’re coming from further along the south coast of the island, you can either get on a bus or take a leisurely stroll along the main road. I was staying near St Lawrence Gap and was able to walk to Carlisle Bay in just under an hour – just stay hydrated if you plan on doing the same.
Lets be clear: you don’t have to come to the Boatyard to enjoy Carlisle Bay. All of Barbados’ beaches are open to the public, and the waters are just as pristine and warm around the rest of the bay as they are in the area forming this beach club’s zone. If you’re on a budget in an already expensive country, you’ll have a great time at Carlisle Bay without paying to enter the Boatyard. With that said, by signing up for a day pass (you can come and go as you please), you’ll get a bunch of perks.
Your wristband admission grants you complimentary access to the club’s beach chairs and umbrellas, inflatable beach trampolines and ball games. You can also line up to ride a really fun swing at the end of the club’s pier, which launches you out over the water. Its a guaranteed fun day in the sun. The Boatyard also runs free snorkelling tours further out into the Bay, giving you the chance to swim with turtles. Spots fill up quickly, so you should reserve a time slot as soon as you arrive if you’re interested. I didn’t do this as I had actually been swimming with turtles earlier in the day, but if you haven’t had the chance during your stay in Barbados, I highly recommend it.
I actually came to the Boatyard looking for something to eat. Therefore, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Sharkey’s Bar and Restaurant. With ample sheltered seating overlooking the Bay, you can dine on sandwiches, fish, pasta and more. In fact, this was actually the place I first tried flying fish – the national dish of Barbados! Prices off the menu range between $20 to $60 BBD, while drinks (rum punch much?) go between $6 to $20 BBD each. As I mentioned, you get credit to use at the bar with your admission, and I found that it was affordable enough for a few rounds of beverages here.
It was a matter of pure chance that I came across the Boatyard during my stay in Barbados. I was hungry after coming back from my turtle experience and was keen to spend some time on the beach. It just so happened that the Boatyard, with all its bright colours and fun music caught my attention and I investigated further. Spending a few hours at the Boatyard won’t be for everyone – its definitely tourist central, but sometimes tourists go to these places because they offer a good time. I had a wonderful time at the Boatyard. I would have experienced Carlisle Bay’s beaches whether I came here or not, but I think overall this club is worthwhile, especially considering the meal and drink credit.
If you’ve been to the Boatyard, how do you feel about it? Are there other spots along Carlisle Bay that you recommend instead?
One of the most unique things you can do when visiting Barbados is taking a trip to Harrison’s Cave. This popular tourist attraction sees thousands of guests each year and is something you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. A site of unmatched wonder, …