The Bahamas is more than a playground for the international jet set…it can entertain kids of any age. Searching for the right shell, building castles in the sand, playing in the waves or swimming with dolphins are just some of the unique activities you can do here.
Although water activities are the first thing most people think of, these laid-back islands have much more to offer, especially in Nassau and on Paradise Island in Atlantis Bahamas.
Nassau is steeped in history…enough to impress any history buff. The Momentous Bahamas Historical Society Museum and Parliament Square offer a couple of must-sees for any historian. A large collection of military uniforms, weapons, tools, photographs and documents are on display. Some of the items are quite old. Pirates were rampant in this area, so be sure to take in some of the exhibits and artifacts from the days when pirates tried to rule the seas.
In Nassau, you can swim with trained dolphins. At Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter, near Cable Beach, plunge waist-deep into the beautiful waters to visit the dolphins. If you want, you can borrow snorkel gear and swim with them too.
If dolphins are your thing, you can interact with them in Freeport. UNEXSO (formerly the Underwater Exploration Society) can help you learn more about dolphins. UNEXSO was co-founded by the renowned Jacques Cousteau.
Another dolphin program is in Sanctuary Bay. Here is a refuge for these friendly aquatic mammals. The dolphins put on a regular show for visitors and actually snuggle up and ask to be petted. This site has many opportunities to learn about dolphins and the methods they use to train them.
For those who want to combine their love of nature with sports activities, choose between diving, snorkeling and parasailing, among many more water activities. There are boats available to navigate the islands.
In Exuma, rent a boat to jump over to Hog Beach on Big Major Island. Here you can see a legend come to life. The story goes that fifty years or more ago, a farmer brought some pigs to the island so they could feed in the wild. His plan was to let them populate the island, to have a useful source of meat for his family. Now that the farmer is long gone, the pigs are still on the island. In fact, they will swim up to greet the boats and ask for treats to eat.
Not all activities at Atlantis Bahamas are on the water. Some of the best scenery is underwater. Parents with children five years and older can walk on the bottom of the sea. There are several walks, only one of which is Hartley’s Undersea Walk. Between the beautiful coral reefs and brilliantly colored fish, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Guests on these tours are equipped with special diving helmets with an air tube and pump. This hull allows you to see the diversity of marine life at a depth of ten to fifteen feet.
If you want to see marine life but don’t want to get wet, the Atlantis Aquarium is home to more than 50,000 marine creatures. This is truly an exceptional aquarium, and you are bound to see something unusual.
As you explore Atlantis, take a wild ride on the water slides or float in a tube through a shark-filled lagoon. Better take some photos… your friends back home will never believe your stories!
The Garden of the Groves in Freeport is named after the famous American Wallace Groves. Family oriented, he will enjoy the company of potbellied pigs, flamboyant pink flamingos, glossy macaws and other parrots and cockatoos. All the animals roam free in this beautiful 12 acre garden.
