Nassau Paradise Island
When it comes to planning a holiday in the sun, there’s nowhere quite like Nassau Paradise Island. A picturesque panorama of surf, sand, and sunshine, where Caribbean culture and captivating history come together, it’s the perfect place to reinvigorate your spirit and reconnect with family, friends, and loved ones. Connected to many Canadian cities with convenient, non-stop flights, your island home right next door lets you spend less time travelling and more time making memories among our white-sand beaches, warm coastal waters, and welcoming resort communities.
Warm turquoise waters, powdery white sands, abundant, year-round sunshine — nothing feels more quintessentially Bahamian than a day at the beach. Whether you’re looking to stroll the bustling boardwalk, explore a favourite local swimming spot, or simply savour some toes-in-the-sand relaxation with a great book in hand, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to world-class beaches here in Nassau & Paradise Island.
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With its distinct blend of Spanish, West African, and British influence, the unique culinary culture of The Bahamas offers a little something for every palate. From street food to fine dining, local favourites to internationally inspired eats, you’ll find something to satisfy your every craving.
Fascinating history, compelling culture, and abundant natural beauty — with so much to see, do, and explore here in The Bahamas, deciding where to start can sometimes feel like an epic adventure all its own. Thankfully, Nassau Paradise Island is home to many immersive tours led by knowledgeable local guides passionate about sharing the stories of our island home and helping visitors make the most of their time here.
But this is just the beginning! There is so much to experience here. So come down and join us for the vacation of a lifetime! Visit our website
Dining
With a variety of celebrity chefs and 5-star dining available, Nassau Paradise Island is a foodie’s dream. Our colorful blend of cultures is showcased in our cuisine, featuring deliciously diverse culinary choices. Whether you crave the adventure of the exotic or the comfort of the familiar, get ready for some memorable dining.
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: English.
Banking & Banking Hours: There are many international banks in Nassau and Paradise Island. While specific bank locations may vary, visitors can find ATMs from major banks like Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Scotiabank, and FirstCaribbean International offering 24-hour service. Additionally, banks like Bank of Bahamas and BBM Bank Limited have branches in the area. Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 3:00pm, with slightly longer hours on Fridays.
Currency: USD or Bahamian Dollars – Bahamian Dollars are equivalent to USD
Climate: Sub Tropical
Dress Code: In Nassau and Paradise Island, the general dress code is casual and relaxed, especially for day-to-day activities and casual dining. For most restaurants, smart casual attire is appropriate, while more upscale venues may require resort elegant attire or more formal wear. When exploring the islands, you can wear comfortable clothing like shorts, lightweight pants, skirts, sundresses, t-shirts, and sandals.
Driving: Driving in Nassau and Paradise Island, is on the left-hand side of the road. Seat belts when driving a car in Bahamas are mandatory. The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system. You can drive with your valid Canadian driver’s license up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer in the country, you must obtain a Bahamian driver’s license. You should carry an international driving permit.
Electricity: In Nassau and Paradise Island, the standard voltage is 120v, and the standard frequency is 60 hz. Adaptors are not required.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time Zone; Daylight Savings time is observed in The Bahamas.
Activities
Beaches: Stroll on the powder-white sands, go shelling for sea treasures, take a horseback ride along the water’s edge, or just bask in the sun-drenched beauty. You’re sure to find the beach of your dreams.
Golf & Tennis: Imagine playing 18-holes on one of our two championship golf courses, surrounded by some of the most beautiful beach and ocean views in the world. Tennis enthusiasts can find courts at many of our hotels throughout the island.
Watersports: Our clear turquoise waters are the ultimate island playground for boating, sport fishing, or simply floating in amazement at the undersea coral gardens and colorful marine life.
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Shopping: From quaint shops to charming open-air markets to luxury boutiques, you’ll discover high-end gifts and locally handcrafted treasures. And many are duty-free!
Excursions: There’s even more awaiting you on land. Walking tours through architectural gems of our colonial history, popular food and drink tours, fascinating museums, legendary forts, tropical gardens, a colorful zoo and more!
Casinos & Nightlife: Drop in on two world-class casinos with table games, the latest slots and international sports wagering. Then cap off the night with pulsing sounds and sights at one of our island’s many tasteful, trendy nightclubs.
Travel Essentials
- Flight Info
- Entry Requirements
- Getting Married
- Local Events
- Medical
- Accessibility
- Brochures
- Sustainability
- Voluntourism
Flight Information
Nassau from Toronto:
Air Canada offers 2 flights per day (only one flight on Wednesdays) from December through April. During low season (May to November), daily non-stop flights are available.
Porter Airlines offers daily flights year round.
WestJet offers daily flights year round.
Nassau from Montreal:
Air Canada offers daily flights from December through to April. During low season (May to November), 4 non-stop flights are available.
Nassau from Ottawa:
Air Canada will offer a weekly flight on Fridays from Ottawa beginning December 18, 2026 through to April 2027.
Porter Airlines will offer twice weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays commencing November 7, 2026.
Nassau from Halifax:
Air Canada will offer a weekly flight on Fridays from Halifax beginning December 18, 2026 through to April 2027.
Nassau from Calgary:
WestJet offers weekly flights from Calgary on Saturdays from November to April.
For information on how to get to Nassau and Paradise Island from other gateways, click HERE.
Entry Requirements for Canadians
Canadian Citizens
Canadian visitors only require a visa if stays exceed more than eight (8) months. The individual, however, must have the following documents:
- A valid Canadian passport, with an expiry date that is NOT less than 3 months, after leaving The Bahamas (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the U.S.)
- A return ticket
Canadian Permanent Residents
Permanent Residents of Canada (formerly known as Landed Immigrants) may stay in The Bahamas for 30 days without a visa. They must travel with the following items:
- A valid passport from your country of origin of which the expiry date, after return from The Bahamas, must NOT be less than 3 months (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the U.S.)
- An original Canadian Permanent Resident CARD of which the expiry date must NOT be less than 3 months (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the U.S.)
- A return ticket
For visits exceeding 30 days, contact our nearest Embassy or High Commission.
All travellers to Nassau and Paradise Island are required to complete and submit an Immigration/Customs Passenger Declaration Form. The form is now available online and is required for entry to the island. Visitors can access the form at https://www.besw.gov.bs/TFBSEW/registration/registrationPage.jsp
For additional information, consult your Travel Advisor or The Government of Canada’s Entry and Exit Requirements: English / French
Getting Married
One of the most desirable honeymoon destinations in the world is also a favorite for sun-soaked tropical weddings of any size and budget, with settings and services that ensure a memorable experience for everyone.
To be wed on our islands, couples must be here for 24 hours prior to applying for a marriage license. The marriage license must be obtained at least one day prior to the wedding. Birth certificates and a notarized affidavit are required; if appropriate, you’ll also need divorce papers, a former spouse’s death certificate or parental consent, if under 18.
Cultural/Annual Events
World class entertainment, a myriad of culinary events including the Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival, sporting events and so much more…there is always something happening in Nassau & Paradise Island and, of course, you can’t miss Junkanoo…one of the Caribbean’s most celebrate and spirited carnivals.
PUBLIC AND/OR GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:
Nassau and Paradise Island observes the following holidays each year:
(Some services may be impacted with reduced hours, or there may be full closures on these days)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Monday, January 12, 2026 – Majority Rule Day
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Whit Monday
Friday, June 5, 2026 – Randol Fawkes Labour Day
Friday, July 10, 2026 – Independence Day
Monday, August 3, 2026 – Emancipation Day
Monday, October 12, 2026 – National Heroes Day
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Boxing Day
Medical & Dental Information
Hospitals located on Nassau & Paradise Islands are as follows:
Princess Margaret Hospital
Shirley St, Nassau, Bahamas
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +1 242-322-2861
Doctors Hospital
1 Collins Ave, Nassau, Bahamas
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +1 242-302-4600
Emergency Dental Services on Nassau & Paradise Island:
Island Dental Centre: Phone: 242-328-1756
Universal Dental Centre: Phone: 242-322-1939
Comfort Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry: Phone: 242-323-4270
Premier Dental Group: Phone: 242-605-3368/3369
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is a hyperbaric chamber located in Lyford Cay, on New Providence Island. Learn more.
Accessiblity
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from Canada.
Airport Services
Nassau / Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS):
- Accessible parking in the short-term parking lots
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access are placed throughout the terminals
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Elevators and ramps are available
- To assist those with hidden disabilities, LPIA offers extra assistance through a Sunflower Lanyard visual cue. Learn more.
Transportation
Nassau/Paradise Island: Courteous Transfers & Tours offers private transportation for those with physical disabilities and include WC accessible vans for both airport transfers as well as sightseeing.
Email: courteoustaxibahamas@hotmail.com
Phone: 242-468-3900
For Accessibility information at hotels located in Nassau and Paradise Island please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
Sustainability
Key Sustainability Initiatives:
The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) and major resorts have partnered with several science-based organizations to protect the local ecosystem:
- BREEF (Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation): A leading organization focused on coral reef restoration and marine education. They manage the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, which acts as an artificial reef and a snorkel-accessible art gallery.
- Bahamas National Trust (BNT): This science-based organization manages the nation’s 32 national parks, including the Primeval Forest National Park in Nassau, ensuring the conservation of Bahamian natural resources.
- Resort-Led Conservation:
- Baha Mar Foundation: Focuses on conservation and community education within Nassau.
- Atlantis (Blue Project Foundation): Works on coral restoration and marine animal rescue/rehabilitation.
Tips for Sustainable Travel in Nassau Paradise Island:
- Support Additive-Free Local Products: When exploring local spirits, look for authentic Bahamian brands that focus on traditional production methods.
- Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Many resorts (like Royalton) have switched to high-tech water filtration systems (Vero Water) to eliminate plastic bottles. Bringing a reusable bottle is highly encouraged.
- Engage with “Do Good” Programs: Some properties offer resort credits or incentives for opting into energy and water conservation measures during your stay.
Voluntourism
Volunteer Opportunities for Visitors
The Nassau and Paradise Island Promotion Board recognizes the growing desire for “voluntourism” and eco-conscious travel — particularly around marine conservation and food security. For those looking to integrate sustainability into their trip, there are several local organizations offering short-term or event-based volunteering opportunities to do just that:
- Environmental & Marine Conservation
- BREEF (Bahamas Reef Environmental Education Foundation): You can participate in the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. If you are a diver or snorkeler, you can collect data on fish populations using a standardized method and submit it to their global database.
- Beach Cleanups: Organizations like Keep Nassau Beautiful (and various resort-led programs) host scheduled cleanup events to keep the coastline free of litter and pollutants.
- Community & Social Impact
- Hands For Hunger: One of the most active volunteer organizations in Nassau. They focus on reducing food waste and hunger.
- Roles: Volunteers can help as Food Rescue Assistants, help in the warehouse, or participate in food box packing and garden maintenance.
- Bahamas Humane Society: Located in Nassau, they often look for volunteers to assist with animal care or education programs. They are especially active around “International Potcake Day” (September 16).
- Education & Heritage
- The Queen’s Staircase: Local maintenance and beautification efforts for this iconic landmark are ongoing.
- The Dignified Girl Project: Offers opportunities to help provide essential hygiene items and education to local adolescents.