New Providence Island: Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island

Parliament Building, Nassau

New Providence Island is a very popular tourist destination. It is a short journey by plane from Florida making if very accessible for both U.S. and Canadian travelers. The Bahamas have an idyllic climate making the islands extremely popular tourist destinations.

The last census was performed in 2000 and the population of New Providence was 212,432.

The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, houses the parliament, Supreme Court and many government offices. A visitor to Nassau will quickly recognize the cosmopolitan/urban aspect of the island and city. Hardly the sleepy, quiet pace that the rest of the Bahamas Isles are famous for, but nevertheless a charming and picturesque locale. The business and commerce center provides for a stiff pace in the heart of Nassau.

Bay Street, the main throughway of Nassau, houses shops of all types, restaurants, banks, a variety of other businesses, as well as the Parliament Buildings and Rawson Square. Bay Street is a shopping paradise with the row to row shops and huge straw market (the original burned to the ground in 2001 and was relocated a block away on the waterfront). Quaint in many ways, horse and buggy (surrey) rides readily available. From Bay Street you can access Prince George Wharf at Nassau Harbour, where you may see a parade of cruise ships and a new visitors center which is quite attractive.

A short trip over the bridge or a brief ride by water taxi brings you to the Internationally famous Paradise Island. Formerly know as Hog Island, Paradise Island has become known as the as the upscale center. While it is more than adequately equipped with fine hotels and entertainment, the Atlantis-Paradise Island resort and casino expanded to include more aquariums housing salt water fish, underwater walks, and sharks, and a new 50,000 square foot casino was built. The project added 150,000 square feet of public space. A second bridge from Nassau Harbour was installed to accommodate increased traffic demands.

West of Nassau is the Cable Beach resort area. Another famous vacation spot and housing Breezes Bahamas, a Super clubs Resort, Sandals, Nassau Marriott Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, as well as other fine resorts all on lovely beaches and with tons of restaurants. (outline map of Nassau, Bahamas)

To the southwest, is the South Ocean Beach resort area with many fine facilities and a world class golf course.

Some of the attractions of New Providence include Botanical Gardens, Andastra Gardens, Cruises, Deep-Sea Fishing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Dolphin Encounter, golfing, tours, horseback riding and beautiful beaches.

Some of the historically rich sites include The Caves which were believed to have been inhabited by the original settlers of the Bahamas, The Arawak Indians (Lucayan). Later the site was recorded as being well visited by pirates who would hide the ill gotten threasure within their intricate layers. The close proximity of the caves to the sea provided the perfect access to pirates.

They now provide a wonderous place to visit and explore. They are located west of cable beach. You will recognize the site by the small parking area and the chair by the sea which is inlaid with seashells.

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