Family Ahhh Time in the B-ahhha-mas!
With large swaths of white sand, crystal turquoise waters and all the beach activities that go with it, theBahamasmake for an excellent family destination. The variety of islands on offer has something to suit everyone – from the cosmopolitan shopping paradise ofNassauto the laid-back and low-keyCatIsland.
Nassau
ProvidenceIslandis the hub ofBahamastraffic, most known for the capital city ofNassau. Once a pirate enclave,Nassau’s streets are now lined with another kind of explorer – the tourist. Upscale shops and restaurants line the boulevards now. Kids will enjoy a visit to Pirates of Nassau – a museum outlining the pursuits of some ofNassau’s most famous residents – and haggling for crafts in the straw market. And no family trip toNassauwould be complete without a stop at the massive resort of Atlantis onParadiseIsland. Day passes are available to visit the giant aquarium where manta rays and sharks glide overhead and touch pools tantalize little fingers. A day pass also allows access to the water park which hosts pools, a lazy river, water playground and massive slides – one of which tunnels right through the shark tank. Another family favorite is swimming with dolphins – or Flipper from the movie of the same name – at Dolphin Encounters just a short boat ride away (included in swim reservation).
Grand Bahama
The second most popular destination in theBahamasisGrand Bahama. The island offers a nice mix of contrasts with the vibrant town ofFreeportsurrounded by deserted beaches (including the one featured in Disney’s Pirates of theCaribbean: World’s End). Family activities include shopping, snorkeling (try the day trip with Pat and Diane Tours), kayaking throughLucayanNational Park(we went with Grand Bahama Nature Tours) and more.
Family Islands
The islands surroundingProvidenceIsland(Nassau) are called the family islands for a reason. Also known as theOutIslands, these islands offer a distinctly different atmosphere than their more travelled cousins. They are lined by deserted beaches, followed by warm turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. The tempo is slow and relaxed and familys will find theCaribbeanparadise they have always dreamed of. We visitedCatIslandand enjoyed days of building sand castles, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, spotting turtles and more. The kids had full reign of the beach where they caught crabs, bounced in the calm waves, pretended to be pirates and swung in hammocks. The family memories will last a lifetime.
Getting There
TheBahamasare easily accessible – about a one-hour flight fromFlorida. There is lots of information about the islands on-line so booking a vacation is easy. If you’d like to experience the oceans and shores of theBahamas, but have limited time and budget, a cruise is a good option. Carnival Cruises offers 4- and 5-dayBahamascruises which also stop in the funky – and amazingly family-friendly –islandofKey WestinFlorida or book your family vacation to the Bahamas through Apple Vacations, which offers a variety of options to suit all tastes.
For more information on traveling in theBahamaswith kids, visit Travel With Kids Bahamas.
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