Skim across the water - or dive deep into history.

Nassau is the home of Blackbeard and white beaches. And that means there is fun everywhere you look. When you're ready for an adrenaline rush, give para-sailing or waterskiing a try. There's great golf or tennis here too. If you feel like giving your wallet a workout, browse for local crafts or pick up some duty-free goodies. From Ft. Charlotte to the Queen's Staircase there are so many sights to see you may never want to leave. Experience as much as you can, but make sure you save some time to just lie on the beach and soak up the Caribbean sun.

Arts & Cultural

• Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts - features plays and performances from local and international artist.
• National Art Gallery - newly built in 2003.

Points of Interest

• Ardastra Gardens & Zoo - 5.5 acres that's now home to 300 birds, animals and reptiles.
• The Caves - located on the western side of the island, the Lucayans sheltered here.
• Christ Church Cathedral - combining Gothic architecture and local materials, it dates back to 1841.
• Fort Charlotte - built in the late 18th century to guard the entrance to Nassau Harbour.
• Fort Fincastle - built in 1793; the top of the fort is the Water Tower and Light House.
• Government House - the official residence of the Bahamas Governor General.
• A pirate of Nassau Museum - includes a recreated pirate ship the Revenge. pirates-of-nassau.com
• Parliament Square - the site of the chambers of Parliament and Queen Victoria Statue.
• Queen's Staircase - built by slaves; the 65 steps are carved into a solid limestone hill.
• The Retreat - 11 acres of well-kept tropical gardens maintained by the National Trust.

Shopping

• Straw Market - shop for hand-woven baskets and hats, plus other artisan-created goods.
• Duty-Free Shopping - Bay Street shops offer luxury shopping at unbelievable savings.
• Festival Place - pick up souvenirs, inexpensive T-shirts, and local crafts.

Sports & Amusement

• Boating - Charters Available
• Excursion Boats - check out Robinson Crusoe Shipwreck Cruises or Powerboat Adventures
• Fishing - Charters Available (chubasco@coralwave.com)
• Golfing - Cable Beach Golf Course, 18-Hole PAG approved golf course
• Horseback Riding
• Horse-drawn Carriage Rides - In downtown Nassau behind the Straw Market
• Kayaking - Pedal and Paddle Ecoventures, Ltd
• Para-sailing
• Racquetball Courts
• Scuba Diving - a variety of operators are available for the novice to the experienced diver (stuart@stuartcove.com).
• Swim With the Dolphins - swims in shallow or deep water, sea lion encounters also available.
• Tennis - National Tennis Center, a full service facility.
• Tours: Birding, Biking and Nature
• Waterskiing

Local Events

• January:
• Jankanoo - a Mardi-Gras style celebration of heritage with in music, art and dance
• June:
• Jankanoo in June Heritage Festival - traditional food, drink, music, dancing and storytelling
• July:
• Jankanoo Parade - a celebration of independence from British rule
• August:
• Fox Hill Day Celebration - street parties and dances, devoted to gospel concerts and native cuisine
• October:
• Great Seafood and Heritage Festival - traditional food, drink, music, dancing and storytelling
• International Cultural Weekend - 40+ embassies provide exhibits, entertainment, plus ethnic food and drink
• December:
• Jankanoo - A Mardi-Gras style celebration of heritage with in music, art and dance