Category: Caribbean

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Bonaire Caribbean Cruise Travel

Bonaire- The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

Bonaire is a tiny island municipality of the Netherlands located just off the coast of Venezuela. It is surrounded by a stunning reef and fabulous beaches making it truly one of the most gorgeous places on our planet. Bonaire, along with the rest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao) is truly magical.

Unlike most of the Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley. The water temperatures are also warm enough to swim all year, making this island the perfect place to visit 365 days a year!

What makes Bonaire so great?

This place was built for tourists and was famous for conservation and preservation before hipsters made it cool! They are one of the most eco-friendly places in the world! The reefs surrounding the island are absolutely incredible! For nearly 25 consecutive years, Bonaire was recognized as the number one Shore Diving Destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic. There is so much to do here, for those of us who love living an active lifestyle (or at least pretending we do while we are on vacation).

I think my favorite thing about the island, aside from its natural beauty (of course), is the people. The people of Bonaire are truly some of the most incredible people I have ever met (alongside Belizeans). They are so calm, peaceful, laidback, welcoming, and friendly. Bonaire’s colorful history has helped shape modern-day Bonaire into the welcoming paradise it is today. The island was “discovered” by Amerigo Vespucci (sound familiar America??) and Alonso de Ojeda who claimed Bonaire for the Spanish. The island is heavily influenced by the Dutch, who have been here since 1636. Countless African slaves were brought to work on the island. Many of their descendants still call Bonaire home.

Our Experience

When we first arrived in Bonaire we were greeted by a welcoming party hosted by the Board of Tourism. Our ship was the first Carnival ship to ever dock in Bonaire, to celebrate the occasion the locals sang, danced and performed traditional songs for us. It was such a warm, welcoming reception!

After hearing so much about the snorkeling here, I had to experience it for myself. We booked a tour with a local guide who was absolutely incredible and super knowledgeable. She pointed out all kinds of creatures on the beautifully preserved reef. We saw countless sea turtles, eels, and some of the most vibrantly colored fish I’ve ever seen (and I’ve done a ton of snorkeling). The sights underwater are just as vibrant and colorful as those above water. It’s easy to see why the reef has been recognized as a premier diving destination so many times!

I’ve been snorkeling all throughout the Caribbean and had the opportunity to see some stunning reefs. I’ve even snorkeled the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest in the world, and even that paled in comparison. I’ve never seen so many sea turtles and barracuda out in the wild before. It was a really cool experience.

How do I get to Bonaire?

Bonaire is accessible from flights from Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean. You can hop on a direct flight from Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Newark. It is also just a quick 25-minute flight from Aruba.

If you’re a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, take a look at these 5 AMAZING Airbnbs in Bonaire.

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Caribbean Central America Cruise Travel Honduras Little French Key

Little French Key in Roatan, Honduras – Why We WON’T Be Returning

Little French Key, Roatan, Honduras

Little French Key USED to be one of our favorite spots to visit in Central America.  We once saw it as a little slice of paradise where time moves a little slower, the sun shines a little brighter, the sand feels just a little bit softer, and the drinks are poured a little stronger. It was the perfect little escape for couples, families, and large groups.

Where is Little French Key?

Firstly, Honduras has 3 bay islands off of its north coast; Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja. During our 2016 visit, we discovered our favorite place in the world. Just off the coast of Roatan is a small private island oasis called Little French Key. Making it an itty bitty island, off the coast of another island… sound remote enough for you?

Imagine a tranquil, freshly raked, white sand beach that is shaded by gorgeous palms and surrounded by clear blue water. That, my friends, is LFK. At least, that’s what they want you to believe.  Underneath the surface, it’s actually a haven for drama, scandal, corruption, and everything we try to escape while on vacation.

The property is frequently in turmoil- turmoil the managers refer to as “hostile takeovers”.  These take overs sometimes include militia with machine guns, sieges by the government, arson, periods of time where there is no electricity or running water.  Little French Key has become a mess.

Probably the saddest part of all of this is the fact that there are innocent animals involved in this drama.  Little French Key prides itself as being a sanctuary for rescue animals.  These “rescues” end up being exploited and frequently sedated so that they remain calm while tourists pose for pictures with them.

 

 

 

Little French Key embodies everything we stand against.  It’s a shame that such a gorgeous property has succumbed to such drama and corruption.  We’ve visited the island 4x, and have such wonderful memories there.  We, however, will not be returning.

We caution you about visiting Little French Key, at this time.  The park closes without notice and is not issuing refunds to people who have prepaid for their trip.

Big French Key

Next to Little French Key is another island called Big French Key.  It has similar tranquil vibes without all of the machine guns, drugged-up animals, corruption, greed, fire, etc.

This is where WE will be visiting on our next trip to Roatan.  

While You’re in Roatan…

 

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Updated: 4/15/22

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Caribbean Cruise Travel Nassau The Bahamas

A Quick Beginner’s Guide to Nassau, The Bahamas

Looking for a quick and easy to understand guide to Nassau, The Bahamas? You’ve come to the right place!   In the this Guide to Nassau, will review the highlights on the island, discuss the best time to visit, and answer many popular questions about Nassau.

The Bahamas are a truly beautiful chain of islands full of gorgeous beaches, exciting history, and of course, rum. When many people think about the Bahamas, they think of the capital, Nassau, which is located on the island of New Providence. However, the chain consists of an impressive 700 islands and cays.

Believe it or not, The Bahamas aren’t actually part of the Caribbean…at least not geographically speaking.  However, because of the climate, culture, cuisine and close ties with many of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas is often grouped with Caribbean nations.

A Quick Guide to Nassau

I like to tell people that The Bahamas are a great place for people to begin foreign travel. Visiting a foreign country can be extremely intimidating. Not only are you far away from home but many people worry about language barriers, cultural differences, and safety. Trust me, being lost in a foreign country where you can’t read any of the signs or speak with any of the locals is absolutely terrifying. With The Bahamas, you really don’t have to worry about any of that!

Parts of The Bahamas are located about 100 miles away from Florida. As a Floridan, I can tell you that The Bahamas are a lot like Florida! The Bahamas were colonized by the British in 1718 so the locals are fluent in English. Shops, vendors, and restaurants will all accept American currency as well. Speaking of restaurants, the food options here are just like you’d find here in The States! I honestly don’t even feel like I’ve left the country when I visit The Bahamas. Which is a great feeling for new travelers.

The Bahamas are the most popular islands in the region.  In fact, Nassau, is the cruise industries most visited port of call.  Each year, more than 5 million cruisers have Nassau on their itinerary.  This is more than any other cruise port in the world!  

What are some of the highlights of Nassau?

Nassau is the port most frequented by cruisers. Some of the highlights of Nassau include The Pirate Museum, Parliament Square, Fort Fincastle, and of course, the beach. The beaches here are pristine! We’re talking about sugary white sand, turquoise water, and gorgeous palm trees. Have I piqued your interest, yet?

When we’re in Nassau, we love hopping on a catamaran to explore some of the smaller surrounding islands. We also enjoy snorkeling while we’re here.

Of course, when many people think of Nassau, they think of Atlantis. Atlantis is an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas- just a short water taxi ride from Nassau. Since it is not actually located on the island of Nassau, I’ll be sharing information about it in a different post.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have these items with you when you head into port.

Downtown Nassau can easily be explored on-foot and you can see a lot of the main attractions in one day.  If you’d rather take a taxi, they are readily available.

Pro Tip: Taxis don’t have a flat fare like they do in the US.  You can negotiate the price of the fare (in fact, it’s pretty much expected!).  Be sure to ask the driver how much they want to charge you and negotiate before you get in the cab.

 

The Best Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

There’s more to Nassau than just the beach!  The island has plenty of super affordable things for families to do.

The Pirate Museum:  This is many visitors favorite attraction on the island. The museum is self-guided and presents the history of Nassau and the pesky pirates that landed here hundreds of years ago.  There’s a full-sized pirate ship and a ton of interactive things to keep kids entertained. The Pirates of Nassau Museum costs about $12 per person (less for kids).  

Fort Fincastle:  Fort Fincastle is an easy 10 minute walk from the Pirate Museum.  It was built in the early 1790s to offer protection from pirates.  The fort sits on top of the highest point of the island.  Once upon a time, this offered a great vantage point for the islanders, today it offers a great vantage point for tourists.  

Guided tours will run you about $5 and are well worth it.

Fort Fincastle- Nassau, Bahamas

The Queen’s Staircase:  This popular attraction (and Instagram backdrop!) is literally right next to the fort and will take you about 5 minutes to see. It may not look like much, but the history behind the staircase is pretty remarkable.  The limestone stairs were hand-cut by slaves.  

The stairs offered defenders a quick way to get from the fort down to the beaches in the event that pirates came ashore.  The stairs were named after Queen Victoria, the British monarch that put an end to slavery.

The Straw Market:  Although we don’t love this place, many others do.  The Nassau Straw Market is an open air market located right by the cruise port.  Visitors often flock here to pick up cheap souvenirs such as beach bags, t-shirts, shot glasses, etc.  Most of the stuff was imported from China however, there are a handful of hand made items crafted by local Bahamians.

Pro Tip:  The vendors are really pushy and make it hard to simply “window shop”.  If you want to shop hassle-free, slip into one of the shops across the street, instead.

This is also a popular place for hair-braiding.  Be careful- this adds up really fast $$$ be sure you know exactly what you’ll be getting for the amount advertised.

Parliament Square:  Want a little glimpse at the history of The Bahamas?  Head to Parliament Square, home of the local government.  It’s located downtown, well within walking distance of the cruise ships.  

Junkanoo Beach- Nassau, Bahamas

Junkanoo Beach:  This free public beach is located really close to the cruise ship terminal, smack dab in the middle of downtown Nassau.  It’s location (and the abundance of eateries nearby) make it a popular beach for tourists.

Pro Tip:  This is a hot spot for thieves…the island is known for pirates, after all.  Consider investing in a beach safe to keep your valuables safe.

What We Love About Nassau & What We Could Do Without

What we love:

  • It feels familiar & it is easy to navigate
  • There are plenty of beaches and outdoor activities like boating, snorkeling, paddling, and more.
  • The historic and cultural attractions
  • The African, Caribbean, and Colonial influences.

What we don’t love:

  • It’s super touristy- but that kind of goes with the territory.
  • Most of the stuff in the Straw Market was made in China…
  • Vendors can be super pushy.

What is the best month to go to Nassau, Bahamas?

The best time to visit The Bahamas is any time between November and April. Personally, January is a favorite, of mine. During these months you’ll experience lovely weather and less crowds…and it’s not hurricane season.

The Bahamas have pretty decent weather year round.  The temperatures usually range between  75°F to 84°F, with seasonal variations.  During the above mentioned months, the evenings and mornings can be a little chilly, but the water is still warm enough to swim and the sun is perfect!  

The coldest month is January (with an average of 72°F) and August is the wettest (average rainfall of 6.2 inches).  July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 82 °F.

The crowds start to pick up in March and April when schools let out for Spring Break.  

Summers are hot, sticky, humid, and there’s a greater chance for rain.  Hurricane season lasts from June 1 and ends November 30th.

 

What is the cheapest month to visit Nassau?

High season is considered to be May, June, and July- these are definitely  the most expensive months to visit the island. 

The cheapest month to fly from the US to Nassau is in January.  This is also one of the cheapest times to cruise to Nassau.

Do I need a passport to go to Nassau, Bahamas?

If you are arriving to The Bahamas via plane, you definitely need to have a valid US Passport.

If you are arriving via cruise ship, you will need to have a passport, passport card, or an official birth certificate and government issued ID.  It is strongly suggested that you always carry a passport when traveling to a foreign country.

Parliament Square, Nassau

Which airlines fly direct to Bahamas?

American Airlines, Delta, United, Envoy Air, jetBlue, Qatar Airways, Azul Airlines, and Bahamasair all fly non-stop to Bahamas.

What language is spoken in Nassau, Bahamas?

When the British colonized The Bahamas a couple hundred years ago, they brought with them the English language.  Today, English is the official language of The Bahamas however, it is spoken with a Bahamian dialect.

Can you use US dollars in The Bahamas?

Remember how I said The Bahamas aren’t much different than Florida?  The currency is yet another reason the two are so similar!  The US Dollar is just as popular here as the Bahamian Dollar and they have an equal value, which makes transactions a breeze.

Is Nassau safe?

When you visit any new location, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings. I suggest staying within a few blocks of the port or catching a cab over to Paradise Island, home of Atlantis. The cabs are regulated and the prices are posted right near the cruise terminal to help ensure you won’t get ripped off. Although the crime rates are not high in Nassau, like with any touristy place criminals will target visitors. As long as you are smart about things, it is completely safe.

Can You Walk Around Nassau, Bahamas?

You can definitely experience Nassau on foot- without a tour!  There is plenty for cruisers to do within walking distance of the port including the Straw market, the Pirate of Nassau Museum, and much more!  Check out our Guide to Nassau on foot!

Do I Need a car in Nassau?

If you’re visiting via cruise or staying at a hotel in the tourist zones, you definitely do not need to rent a car.  A lot of the tourist district is walkable and cabs are readily available.

If you are staying outside of the tourist district, you may want to consider renting a car if you want to explore parts of the town on your own.

Be aware the Bahamians drive on the left side of the road.  The roads, especially Bay Street, can be rather chaotic and full of potholes.  Lots and lots of potholes.

At the time of publication, Rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are not available in The Bahamas.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

You may also be interested in 7 Things for Cruisers to Do Within Walking Distance of the Cruise Ports to help start your planning. If Half Moon Cay is also on your itinerary, check out 5 Facts About Half Moon Cay.

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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 12/10/22

**This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience** 

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Caribbean Cruise Travel Nassau The Bahamas

7 Fun Things for Cruisers to do Within Walking Distance in Nassau

Parliament Square, Nassau

Are you looking to explore Nassau on a budget?  You’re in luck!  There is plenty for cruisers to do within walking distance in Nassau!  Whether you’re looking to hit the beach, learn about pirate history, or do a bit of shopping; all of these things are all within walking distance of the cruise port! 

There are some cruise ports where you can absolutely 100% get away without booking an excursion. Nassau, Bahamas is one of those ports. There are a ton of things to do within walking distance of the port. There is also a taxi stand nearby where you can catch a cab to Atlantis, Cable Beach, and beyond.

7 Things for Cruisers to Do Within Walking Distance in Nassau, Bahamas

The Straw Market

The Straw Market is one of Nassau’s most famous landmarks.  Since it is right at the port, it is one of the most popular things for cruisers to do within walking distance. It is home to homemade Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, and gifts. Cruisers frequently pick up woven bags, dolls, conch shell jewelry, wood carvings, and t-shirts. Feel free to barter with the vendors. Vendors will gladly accept US dollars of Bahamian cash.

Related: 5 Things to Know About the Nassau Straw Market

Parliament Square- the heart of Nassau

The colors of the government buildings surrounding this square are gorgeous! Visitors love taking photos of this picturesque square, but aside from the cannons and statue of Queen Victoria, there isn’t much else to do. It’s lovely to see if you’re in the area. The square is located on Bay Street, a short walking distance from the port.

Queen’s Staircase

This is a great place to learn about some of the history of Nassau. Be forewarned that the people offering information expect a tip 😉 That being said, they are very informative so if you’re a history buff, it may be worth it. The stairs were hand-carved by slaves, which is extremely saddening and equally as impressive. Don’t cheat yourself by only viewing it from the bottom, walk up the stairs as well to really appreciate the views.

Fort Fincastle

This fort was built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore and can be found at the top of the Queen’s Staircase. The fort overlooks the city and Queen’s Staircase. There is a small charge ($3.50 per person) if you want to get into the fort itself however, it is free to walk the grounds. The grounds offer an excellent view of the cruise ships and Paradise Island (home to Atlantis). The fort itself is very small and will only take about 15 minutes to tour if you choose to go inside.

Bahamas Rum Cake Factory

This bright pink building is home to some of the best rum cakes in the world. These super moist bites of heaven are loaded with top-secret ingredients and baked to perfection before being soaked in Ole Nassau Bahamian Rum. The shop offers 7 unique and super delicious flavors. These cakes make excellent gifts for your loved ones.

Woodes Rogers Walk & Bay Street

These two streets run parallel to each other in the downtown area. They are full of wonderful shops where you’re sure to get a bargain! Be sure to shop around before you commit.

Pirates of Nassau Museum

This museum is great for kids and adults alike.  The Pirates of Nassau Museum is one of the most popular things to do within walking distance in Nassau! The museum highlights the history of pirates in the area.  It includes interactive elements and a full-size pirate ship! Visiting the museum a great way to beat the heat and learn about Nassau’s past.

Additional Info

For more information, check out our brief Beginners Guide to Nassau. If Half Moon Cay is also on your itinerary, check out 5 Facts About Half Moon Cay.

 

There is something for everyone within walking distance in Nassau!  You maybe have noticed we didn’t include any beaches in our list.  Don’t worry, we have a recommendation for that too!  Junkanoo Beach is a free public beach within walking distance of the Nassau cruise port.  From the Prince George Wharf (the cruise port), simply turn right at the street and follow the crowds.  

The beach is gorgeous…but this is pirate country, after all, so it is a haven for thieves.  You may want to consider an anti-theft travel tote.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 12/10/22

 

**This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience** 

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