During my Memorial Weekend getaway to Nassau, Bahamas, I did a 3-hour bike tour on a cruiser. The tour did not include the touristy area but rather the western end of Nassau near Junkanoo Beach.
Coconutwater Cruisers limits the tour to only 5 people which is perfect. An intimate ride with 4 of your closest friends which was only two for this adventure. 🙂 The only hard part is to remember how to ride the old fashioned bike. You know where the brakes are in the pedals.
The first stop was Ardastra Garden and Zoo. Did you know that Nassau has a zoo? I had no clue! It is the only zoo in the Bahamas. Of course, when I think of Nassau, I think of beaches, conch salad and rum concoction. Never a zoo or a conservation centre. Also, I found out that the hotel where I was staying was less than a mile from the zoo. The irony!
Ardastra Garden, Zoo, and Conservation Centre
As it is described on their website:
“In the heart of Nassau, more than four acres of lush tropical gardens are inhabited by a variety of animal species, including the national bird of the Bahamas, the Caribbean flamingo. The site of Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre was originally designed by Jamaican horticulturalist Hedley Edwards in 1937. He named the gardens Ardastra, from the latin words ardua ad astra, meaning “striving towards the stars” because he felt that it depicted a ‘utopia of peace, beauty and tranquillity’. He developed the picturesque and exotic gardens as a nature preserve, later bringing in the endangered Caribbean flamingo from the island of Inagua in the 1950’s, developing what was to become a highly successful breeding programme. Over time, the birds were trained to perform for visitors and Ardastra became their permanent home. In 1980, the gardens were purchased by Norman Solomon, whose passion for wildlife and conservation education inspired him to incorporate more animals into the gardens and create a boutique zoo. “
This parrot was at the entrance and every time I approached, he gave lip service lol
Have you ever seen a black swan? Beautiful and very majestic!
Another beauty — the white peacock. Have seen one before?
The Caribbean Flamingo which is the Bahamas National Bird.
I actually got real close to the Flamingo but I was hesitant because I didn’t know if they would attack.
Don’t ask — They told me to be one with the marching flamingos. I think I was preparing for a role in Karate Kid.
Another parrot which I wanted to touch. You see the look he gave me.
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is a
“British-colonial era fort built on a hill over-looking the harbor. The fort was constructed in the late 18th century after the end of the American Revolutionary war. The fort has never been used in battle. It is one of several English forts that are still standing in Nassau. These forts were used as battle stations, to attack the invading Spaniards.”
The Well
Great view of the port and harbour.
During my travels, I enjoy the “touristy” things; however, it is always great to find something different so the experience can be memorable and extremely enjoyable. Boy, did I enjoy the bike ride and I even got a tan.
If you have a chance to visit the Nassau, make sure to check out the Zoo and Fort Charlotte. As the saying goes “It is better in the Bahamas”
I think a bike tour would be such a wonderful way to see Nassau, especially since it is not a “touristy” tour. The Ardastra Zoo looks like a great one to visit.
I keep bugging my husband for a vacation to the Bahamas. He loves bike rides so maybe he’ll agree to it now!
Your pictures are amazing! I’d love to go on a bike tour. Then you can really and truly see everything. I’d love to explore Fort Charlotte.
This looks like so much fun. It’s a great way to explore an unfamiliar place.
A bike tour looks like so much fun. I would love to spend the day at the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre.
This just made me want to go on vacation. I would looove to do a bike tour and see different points on the city. So cool!
This post inspires me to ride my MTB again. I miss cruising along the city street although it is a busy one.
So fun! I love to visit the zoo in each country I go to see the difference between them!
I love the idea of a bike tour. The flamingos look so beautiful.
Your pictures are so beautiful! Love so much the idea of a bike tour, you inspired me!
From this beautiful post and your stunning images, I do believe it is better in the Bahamas! What a fun bike excursion. I love the photos of the zoo and how close you were able to get to the flamingos. Your visit to Fort Charlotte, a piece of history, looked like a wonderful experience. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures in the Bahamas!
What a cool bike tour and how impressive to be face to face with some flamingos. I have never seen one in person, beautiful photos x
Such an awesome bike tour. I’ve never been on one but they seem so cool. There is one in my city and maybe I should do it. Hope you had fun and you enjoyed your day.
These pics are awesome, I love bike tours but in the spring, everything looks beautiful and the weather is perfect!
I love that there’s a bike tour in Nassau! It’s a great way to explore the city and it looks like you had a lot of fun as well. What an experience!
Bahamas! A dream destination! I didn’t know that you could go on tour like that. That’s fun and exciting no matter how warm the day is.
Thanks, great article.
The next time we go on a cruise I think we’d like to hit the Bahamas. I would love to get a historic tour and see all the beauty that Nassau has!
Such a fun day!I wish my husband and I can go there! Perhaps when our daughter is bigger and can be left behind for a few days. Will definitely want to try being one with the flamingos too!
This looks like a blast! I love the idea of going on a bike tour with just your friends. Fort Charlotte looks super cool.
Haha that one picture face! It looks like you had fun at the zoo and yeah I am jealous lol I wish I could travel somewhere like that.