Fun Things to Do in Nassau

Here are two our favorites; both offer Trainer for a Day options:

• Dolphin Encounters on Private Blue Lagoon Island - Owned and operated by locals, Dolphin Encounters is the oldest dolphin facility in Nassau. Offering award-winning education and entertaining dolphin and sea lion interactive programs and a full range of experiences from encounters to swims to trainers for the day in their all-natural ocean habitat. Add on a Blue Lagoon Beach Day package and you can make the fun last all day. There is an experience for all age groups. Includes transportation from the resort and scenic boat trip to Blue Lagoon Island.
• Atlantis Bahamas Dolphin Cay - Located in the heart of Atlantis, this 14-acre facility is a cutting-edge marine habitat and animal rehab facility, offering a wide range of interactions. If you have a limited amount of time, Atlantis’s location is more convenient and the experience can be incorporated into other experiences at Atlantis like visiting the Dig or the waterpark.

In addition to scuba diving, Stuart Cove's offers:

• Shark diving trips - Calling all thrill-seekers. Stuart Cove’s 2-tank shark dives provide an up-close encounter with wild sharks, including a shark feeding time dive. There are currently four sites where we dive with the sharks. You will dive either the combination of "Shark Wall" and "The Arena" or the combination of "Runway Wall" and "The Runway". At either location encounter a gathering of Caribbean Reef Sharks on a consistent basis.
• Discover Scuba Diving – Certified Stuart Cove Scuba Diving Instructor’s teach you basic scuba skills in the resort pool and then take you on your first ocean dive.
• Snorkeling excursions – Half-day snorkeling trips that's fun for the whole family. Featuring multiple stops at shallow reefs or shipwrecks, including Nari Nari, Little Elvis and Goulding Cay.
• Snuba trips – It’s not snorkeling! It’s not Scuba! Fun for the whole family, no lesson required or certification required! Stuart Cove's offers twice-daily SNUBA trips along a shallow coral reef or wreck with a certified instructor.
• Bubble Sub – Pilot your own submarine around the beautiful reefs with colorful fish swimming along with you. No snorkeling or diving experience necessary.
• Scuba Certification – stay with us and get PADI certified through Stuart Cove’s.
• Day Trips – We also offer excellent half and full day trips that include snorkeling.
• Complimentary Snorkeling Gear – available from the Front Desk for exploring that water right off our own beach.

Highlights from the menu of services include:

• Half-hour foot massages and Swedish massages
• Hour-long Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue and Athletic Massages
• Chair Massages
• Birthday, anniversary, retirement and celebration massage packages

Mini Massages

• Foot Massage (½ hr) | Soothes aches and foot pain, featuring deep concentration on calf muscles

Massages

• Cool Swedish Massage (1 hr) | Light,relaxing full-body massage
• Cool Swedish  Massage (½ hr) | Back and leg massage
• Therapeutic Massage (1 hr) | Rejuvenating and invigorating massage
• Athlete’s Massage (1 hr) | Pure muscle manipulation with relaxation
• Deep Down Under (1 hr) | Full focus on problem and painful areas, concluding with a hot towel wrap
• Chair Massages (10 and 20 min)
• Neck and Arm Massage

Packages

• Spa Parties
• Birthday Packages
• Anniversary Refresher Massage | with fresh fruit and wine/cider
• Retirement Massage | includes wine and strawberries
• Promotional and Celebratory Massage Packages

Massages can be arranged in the Ocean Gazebo, at The Lookout overlooking the ocean, by the pool, or in the privacy of your guest room or suite.

• Powerboat Adventures – an unforgettable once in a lifetime full day experience by high speed boat to the Exuma Land and Sea Park where you will feed Iguanas, Stingrays and sharks and experience amazing snorkeling. The reviews for this trip are exceptional – check out TripAdvisor. You definitely want to book this one ahead of time if you are coming in high season.
• Blue Lagoon Beach Day – Spend the day relaxing on this private island just off New Providence. Say hello to the dolphins, relax in the hammocks, play in the inflatable water park and enjoy non-motorized water equipment.
• Sandy Toes Rose Island Getaway – Take a day trip to the uninhabited Rose Island for a relaxing day drinking daiquiri while lazing in a hammock and snorkel on their coral reefs.
• Seahorse Catamaran Sailing Adventures – cruise on a beautiful catamaran sail boat for either morning or afternoon trips with snorkeling or enjoy a leisurely sunset dinner cruise through the harbour on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Island World Adventures – Another once in a lifetime full day experience by high speed boat to the Exuma Land and Sea Park. Where this trip differs from Powerboat Adventures is that you visit an isolated sand bar which is high up on many guests’ bucket lists.
• Day trip to Harbour Island – Harbour Island “Briland” just off Eleuthera is famous for its 3 ½ mile pink sand beach and quaint village of colorful island cottages. Bahamas Fast Ferries offers packages that include resort pick up and return high-speed ferry service to Harbour Island inclusive of golf cart use.
• Seaworld Explorer – offers an exciting adventure into the underwater world without getting wet in their semi submarine. Cruise through Nassau Harbour exploring the sea gardens marine park teeming with sea life. Please note this activity is located in the downtown area and does not include resort pick up but is easily accessible by the #10 bus.
• Private Boat Charters – There are a number of charter and self-drive options available to our guests. Please contact with you details and we can help match you with the perfect boat and operator.

• Discover Atlantis Tour – tour includes the Atlantis aquarium, The Dig.
• Atlantis Beach Day/ Discover Atlantis Tour – tour includes a tour of the Atlantis Aquarium, The Dig, and an all – day access to the Atlantis Beach. It does not include the Water park.
• Aquaventure Water Park – Discover a 141-acre world of water features including slides, river rides and 20 million gallons of excitement. Plummet down the Leap of Faith, race your friends on twin challenger slides, or grab an inner tube and enjoy the twists and turns of The Surge. This package includes access to the marine habitats, beaches, pools, slides and rides of Atlantis.

• Baha Mar Casino – The largest casino in the Caribbean is just a few minutes away by
  shuttle and yet a world apart from the tranquility of Sandyport Beach Resort. This high
  energy casino offers more than 1,100 of the newest slot machines, and non-stop action
  at 119 live tables offering 18 different games, including: Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps and
  Roulette with Vegas rules and high-limit betting. At Baha Mar, The Book is the premier
  sports watching and wagering destination in the Bahamas. Sit back and relax in comfort
  as dozens of screens simultaneously stream sports action from around the globe. Make
  sure to catch the Fountain show, and the latest act playing in the piano bar.
  
  
• The Atlantis Casino - the world-class Atlantis Casino located on nearby Paradise Island is
  an innovation in design. Brilliant glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly infuse the casino
  with vibrant, colorful energy. There are 85 gaming tables featuring baccarat, Ultimate
  Texas Hold’em poker, Let It Ride poker, craps, roulette & blackjack, high roller & private
  gaming stations, and over 700 of the latest slot machines.  You can dance the night away
  at the upscale Aura nightclub that attracts a celebrity crowd.
  
  
• Nightclubs - Revelers seeking the top hotspots to party the night away should head to
  Bambu, which heats up around midnight with DJs spinning a supercharged mix while,
  Fluid, is all about the latest reggae jams.

Nearby Courses and Island Golf Activities

• The Royal Blue at Baha Mar - Designed by the Golden Bear this Jack Nicholas Signature Course features a challenging island green and elevations that take advantage of the local landscape and tropical native landscaping. Located minutes from the resort.
• Ocean Club Golf Course - An award-winning, championship, Tom Weiskopf designed golf course featuring magnificent ocean and beach signature holes (don’t miss #4 and #17) that bring a whole new meaning to the Bahamian Bunker shot. Host of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic.
• Day Trips to the out-island courses - Ask us about Day Trips to Winding Bay, Treasure Cay, Grand Bahama, and Emerald Bay.

Don’t miss these stand-out experiences:

• Conch - Served fried, cracked, in salad and savory chowder, conch is synonymous with the Bahamas.
• Catch of the Day - Reel in your dinner aboard a fishing charter with a local captain. Cook it in your in-suite kitchen or have the chef prepare it and serve it poolside.
• Local Brews - Kalik or Sands? Sip and decide which local brew you like best.
• John Watling’s Distillery - Take a tour of this historic Buena Vista rum-making estate and sample award-winning rums distilled from freshly pressed sugar cane molasses.

Learn More    Visit Our Blog

Highlights include:

• City and Country Tour - Drive through old romantic Nassau and environs to see ancient Fort Charlotte, Gregory’s Arch, Legislative buildings, Law courts, straw market and many other historic sites in the centuries old capital of The Bahamas. Tour conducted by Majestic licensed guides. Pick up from the resort included.
• Local Culture Tour - Explore the unique aspects of Bahamian Culture. Visit a local “Down Home” Junkanoo shack to see how the beautiful costumes and music of The Bahamas most deeply rooted cultural festival comes to life. Indulge in some treats at a local chocolate factory, visit our National Art Gallery, and a local Distillery to sample a taste of fine Bahamian Rum. Tour conducted by Majestic licensed guides. Pick up from the resort included.
• Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour - Experience a unique and authentic culinary and cultural adventure through the heart of historic Old Nassau with food and drink tastings at a number of local restaurants and shops.
• People to People - Bahamians love meeting new people and making friends. When you join The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s complimentary People-To- People Experience, you’ll be paired with a Bahamian ambassador who will show you our culture and way of life. Find out more here. 
• Tour Nassau at your own pace - Don’t forget to save our Island Map to be your guide to these top historical and local attractions.

o Forts
   - Fort Charlotte
   - Fort Fincastle
   - Water Tower
   - Fort Montagu
o Historic Churches
   - Christ Church Cathedral
   - Trinity Church
   - St Andrew’s Kirk
   - St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
o Sites
   - Garden of Remembrance
   - Government House
   - Parliament Square
   - Queen’s Staircase
   - Rawson Square
   - Art Galleries and Museums
   - National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
   - Central Bank of The Bahamas Art Gallery
   - Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation
   - Bahamas Historical Society Museum
   - Balcony House Museum
   - Nassau Public Library & Museum
   - John Watling’s Distillery

You’ll also enjoy easy access to a wide range of attractions designed to delight your entire tribe, including:

• Aquaventure Water Park – Spanning 141 acres, Aquaventure at Atlantis is the largest water park in the Caribbean and offers endless thrills for the whole family.
• Dolphin Encounters – Kids love getting a kiss and hug from a dolphin. Choose between the dolphin encounter or a swim. Dolphin Encounters are open to children of all ages while you must be 6 or older for the swim. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. 
• Pirates of Nassau –Kids will tap into their inner pirate at this interactive pirate experience in the heart of downtown Nassau. Walk alongside the pirate frigate "Revenge" and enter the world of cutlass wielding, looting pirates…
• Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center - Kids will love The Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre for all of its interaction opportunities with the animals. Don’t miss the "Flamingo Experience", a unique show of the glory and antics of the Bahamas National Bird. The kids will be having so much fun they won’t realize they are getting an education at the same time.
• Graycliff Chocolatier Factory - Kids and chocolate… this is sure to be a winner. A perfect educational experience for the entire family. Enter the world of chocolate and learn about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar.
• Stuart Cove - Snorkeling is a great activity for the whole family (4 and up) with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas and for a truly unique experience try SNUBA.
• "Big Picture" - Paint your own creations at the Art Studio in the Sandyport Marina Village.
• Teenagers: 
  - Step it up a notch for teenagers with Trainer for the Day packages – Dolphins, Sea Lions and Sting Rays.
  - Enjoy the thrill of piloting your own bubble sub or try your hand at scuba diving. 

Our favorite places include:

• Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre - a boutique zoo spread over 4 acres of lush tropical gardens. Ardastra is home to many native species of plants and animals - including the Bahamas National Bird, the beautiful and exotic Caribbean Flamingo. Don’t miss the "Flamingo Experience", a unique show of the glory and antics of these incredible creatures.
• Seaworld Explorer – offers an exciting adventure into the underwater world without getting wet in their semi submarine. Cruise through Nassau Harbour exploring the sea gardens marine park teeming with sea life. For those wanting to get up close and personal have a look at Diving and Snorkeling opportunities. 
• Birding Tour with Bahamas Outdoors – Discover the Bahamian birds in their natural habitat while exploring forests, wetlands, seashore, ponds, and nature reserves with a Bahamas Ministry of Tourism certified Birding Tour Guide. Beginners and experts, all welcome, no age limit. Wildlife photographers
  welcome.
• Nature Tour with Bahamas Outdoors - This custom designed tour is probably the best way to explore the islands nature reserves with the expertise of a certified Ecotour guide. Learn about the birds, butterflies, flowers, native flora, bush medicine and the different ecosystems. Visit some of the nature reserves on New Providence including: The Retreat Gardens, Harrold & Wilson Ponds National Park (fresh water), Bonefish Ponds National Park (salt water), The Primeval Forest, Clifton Heritage National Park and the Botanical Gardens This is a comfortable 4-hour tour by vehicle with some gentle walking according to your desire or ability. Fun for the whole family.
• Off- Road Biking Tour with Bahamas Outdoors – Bike on easy trails through the forest, along the seashore to visit historic Adelaide Village and enjoy the wildlife. Half Day about 10 miles. Full day includes visit to Clifton Heritage National Park, Picnic lunch and swim About 20 miles.
• Power boat adventures, Swimming Pigs, Ride a Horse on the Beach, Swim with Dolphins. 
• Tour Our National Parks at your own pace - Don’t forget to save our Island Map to be your guide.
  - The Retreat
  - Bonefish Pond National Park
  - Harold and Wilson Ponds National Park
  - The Primeval Forest National Park
  - The Southwest New Providence Marine Managed Area
  - Clifton Heritage National Park - Outdoor trails and indoor exhibits preserve the history and culture of the Lucayans, Loyalists and Africans.
  - Sacred Spaces: Women and Welcome
  - The Perpall Tract National Park
  - The Caves
  - Exuma Land and Sea Park

Paint + Pour In The Bahamas

Add a splash of creativity and fun to your next visit to the Bahamas with Big Picture Paint & Sip Studio in Sandyport. This unique experience brings the fun to Art with no painting experience required. Trained artists guide you step by step through the process while you sip wine and mingle. Once completed you get to take home the masterpiece that you created. Upcoming paint parties include; Luxe Hibiscus, Tropical Pineapple, True Blue Hole, Green Turtle and Stingray life which make ideal souvenirs of your time in the Bahamas.

The paint parties are a popular spot with locals and a great opportunity to connect with the local community. After a two hour guided painting experience and a few glasses of wine later, in a light-hearted environment, you are likely to make a few friends while having an unforgettable night! For the information on the paint parties during your stay please visit:  https://www.bigpicltd.com/index.php/eventcalendar/month.calendar .

 Make sure to register to confirm your space as the popular activity can book up in advance. Each booking includes the cost of the canvas that you take home, plus the use of all paint materials and supplies. Wine is served complimentary with the painting experience making this not suitable for those under 18. However, they have a ‘Little Picture’ program designed to accommodate school aged kids with daytime sessions each Saturday.

 For more information please visit their website https://www.bigpicltd.com/ or contact our concierge team who have all the insider’s information. They are located at #8 South Buckner Square, Sandyport Olde Towne.

Don’t miss these special finds:

• Bay Street – Nassau’s main street is lined with gift shops, jewelry stores, and other duty-free finds.
• Straw Market – This is your one-stop source for handmade Bahamian crafts, including straw hats, beach bags, conch shell keepsakes and wood carvings. Straw vending is considered one of the country's oldest industries with organized markets in Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island. Remember to bring your bargaining skills. The Cable Beach Pompey Market is a quieter venue if the bustling and world-famous Bay St. location is a little overwhelming.
• Bahama Hand Prints – If you love the colorful fabrics you see around the resort, don’t miss the Bahama Hand Prints boutique and factory where the tradition of hand screen-printing continues. They feature a unique Bahamian-made line of clothing and accessories. In addition to shopping in the store, you can take a tour of the factory and watch as the prints are created from scratch.  
• John Watling's Distillery - John Watling’s Distillery is the home to JOHN WATLING’S Rum, the “Spirit of The Bahamas”. It is where its namesake rum and other spirits are handcrafted by Bahamian hands, using local materials and employing traditional English rum-making methods. You can tour the distillery, sample the products and make purchases in their store.
• Bahamas Rum Cake Factory - Sample several scrumptious flavors like Pina Colada, banana, chocolate and plain pound cake. The cakes are marinated in the famous Ole Nassau Rum, distilled in Nassau, New Providence Island. Visit the Bahamas Rum Cake factory daily between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to experience a tour of the facilities and free tastings. Home-made jellies and jams are also available.

When you’re ready to explore beyond our resort, check out some of our favorites nearby:

• Cable Beach – This beautiful expansive beach is considered one of the best beaches in the Bahamas and is home to Baha Mar, Melia and Breezes. It can be busy and is a great place if you are looking for water sport activities, hair braiders and souvenir vendors (remember to negotiate). Protected by a barrier reef this fine white sand beach along with our beach can be calmer than those on Paradise Island if the wind picks up from the North. Only minutes away on the #10 Jitney Bus. Most Cable Beach hotels offer day passes if you want to have additional access to their pools and all-inclusive amenities.
• Cabbage Beach – located on Paradise Island, Cabbage Beach is a two-mile stretch edged by crystal-clear waters and dotted with palm trees. There are hair braiders, souvenir vendors and jet skis for rent (remember to negotiate). This beach can be busy as it is regular stop for cruise ship passengers and is the home of Atlantis, however, walk east along the beach a bit and you can find a quieter area. Take the #10 Jitney Bus to downtown and then the Ferry Boat to Paradise Island. Alternatively, expand your beach day with a day pass to Atlantis including transportation from our resort.
• Junkanoo Beach – If you are looking for a “Spring Break” type environment head to Junkanoo Beach located downtown. This sometimes crowded and rowdy beach is a good place to party. 

Please be very careful when operating Jet Skis as there have been a number of fatal accidents. Please be warned that Jet Ski operators do not necessarily carry insurance and are usually not connected with the hotels nearby. If you would like guidance in the best Jet ski operators our concierge team are happy to point you in the right direction.

The best off the beaten track beaches: venture west and to the southern shores. The #10 Jitney bus continues west from Sandyport past a number of quiet local beaches that offer caves, historic sites, good snorkeling and even horse back riding.

• Jaws Beach – This pristine, well-protected beach was the filming site for the final installment of the “Jaws” movies and is about 20 minutes west of Sandyport Beach Resort. This beach is part of the Clifton Heritage park and is protected above and below the water. Pack a picnic as there are no restaurants and plan for a day of family fun in the sun (or abundant shade) and make sure to stop by the Clifton Heritage Center.
• Coral Harbour – Ride a Horse on the beach in Coral Harbour transportation included.
• Adelaide Beach is not on most tourists' radar. Located on the southside of Nassau within the small village of Adelaide the beach here is long and virtually empty during the week. It wakes up on the weekend as a popular locals’ spot.

Venture further afield with a day trip to a private island or visit the pink sands of Harbour Island.

• Pink Sand beach of Harbour Island – Harbour Island “Briland” is famous for its 3 ½ mile pink sand beach and quaint village of colorful island cottages. Take a day trip with a Bahamas Fast Ferries package including resort pick up and return high-speed ferry service to Harbour Island inclusive of golf cart use.
• Take a boat trip to Blue Lagoon Island or Rose island and enjoy nearby island beaches only accessible by boat. 
• Have an out island to yourself. Hitch a ride by chartered seaplane to your own piece of idyllic paradise for the day. This is the ultimate engagement trip and definitely bucket list worthy.

Highlights include:

• Club One Fitness Centre – As a guest of Sandyport Beach Resort, you’ll receive discounted passes to this top-tier facility just steps from the resort. Classes from Yoga to Boot Camp have you covered. Aqua aerobics by Club One takes place in our resort pool (seasonal).
• Studio Vivo Hair Salon – located in the Sandyport Marina Village.
• Cut It Bahamas – Hair Salon located in the Sandyport Marina Village. Learn More
• Massages – Allow us to arrange an in-room or outdoor massage with Suzanne Fraser of Tranquility Massage. 
• Spas – our concierge team can assist you with making reservations at many of the top spas on the island.

Explore these sunny spots and sought-after events:

• Club One Fitness Center – is one of the premier fitness facilities located in the Bahamas and is the center of choice for many top Bahamian athletes. Located in the Sandyport Marina Village just steps from the resort. Discounted rates offered to resort guests.
• Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium - This $30 million, state of the art facility, located in the 450-acre Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre is the center for sporting, cultural and entertainment events and other recreational activities. This 15,000-seat stadium has a natural grass field for American football and soccer, an IAAF-certified track surface press center and media center Recent events include IAAF World Relays, Popeyes Bowl, and International competitions.
• Betty Kenning Aquatic Center - The Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex, adjacent to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium is Olympic, international and CARIFTA certified. Recent events include the CARIFTA Games and the National Swimming Championships and it serves as the winter training site for many international universities and Olympic hopefuls.
• Marathon Bahamas – Held every January in Nassau, this popular race weekend draws top runners, thanks to a scenic oceanfront route and post-race fun.

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