Discover more about Nassau & Paradise Island

What Makes Nassau & Paradise Island Unique

Discover more about Nassau & Paradise Island

Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas, is located on 21-mile-long New Providence, our 11th largest island. Nassau’s main harbor is protected by Paradise Island. The harbor attracted settlers in the early days, particularly pirates. In fact, Nassau’s population consisted mainly of pirates until 1718, when The Bahamas first Royal Governor, Woodes Rogers expelled them, restored order and built Fort Nassau. The Bahamas for centuries adopted Rogers’ motto, “Expulsis Piratis, Restituta Commercia,” which means, “Pirates Expelled, Commerce Restored.” Now, 212,000 people call New Providence Island home, with a large portion of them residing in Nassau.

 

Pompey Museum

Formerly called Vendue House, Pompey Museum is named for courageous slave, Pompey, from The Exumas. Built sometime before 1769, it became a museum in 1992, and houses a permanent exhibit dedicated to the African experience in The Bahamas

 

 

The Retreat Gardens

The Retreat Gardens is an 11-acre property that houses one of the largest private collections of rare and exotic palms in the world—about 170 species. It is one of four national parks in New Providence and headquarters of The Bahamas National Trust (BNT).

Historic Heritage Sites

New Providence is home to Gambier, Adelaide, and Fox Hill—three historic villages settled by liberated slaves in the 1800s. The villages still maintain their rich African heritage and culture and sightseeing tours can be arranged by appointment.

The Legendary Blackbeard

Legendary pirate, Blackbeard (Edward Teach), impacted Nassau's history. The British Colonial Hilton is built on the site of his former residence, Old Fort Nassau (circa 1697). A replica of the well that supplied his water is on the property.