Article and photographs by Chris Ryall.
Plenty of Island Cultural Pursuits to Experience and Enjoy
The Bahamas – A Bounty of Land Activities
The Bahamas and its 700 islands have many treasures — and not just under the sea. Cultural treasures are scattered throughout the islands including in Nassau in New Providence.
Our pirate driver and guide from Pirate Jeep Tours
Did you know there was a Pirate Republic back in the 17th century? Discover their fascinating history at the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Keep your eyes out for Blackbeard – you never know where he might suddenly appear.
You won’t get seasick as you venture off on a fun-filled Pirate Jeep Tours around Nassau. Pirate Whitebeard is your guide transporting you by jeep to various stops including caves dating back to the Lucayans (watch out for the fruit bats). Climb 66 steps of the Queen’s Staircase (honouring Queen Victoria), explore the 1793 Fort Fincastle atop Bennet’s Hill protecting the town and walk by Government House built in 1801 with its mix of Bahamian-British-American colonial architecture.
John Watling’s Distillery. Anyone for a shot of rum?
Not for the kiddies but a popular stop is the John Watling’s Distillery where you can taste the “Spirit of the Bahamas.” If your sightseeing tastes lend themselves to sweeter things then a visit to Graycliff Chocolatier shop in downtown Nassau is a must. Indulge your chocolate cravings as you learn how coco beans are transformed into delicious chocolate goodness.
For those who don’t mind being spooked, check out one of the many ghost tours in Nassau. Listen to ghost tales as you visit cemeteries, historic churches and mansions where you can measure paranormal activity on your ghost meter.
Keeping guard at the Nassau Pirate Museum
Museum buffs will get their dose of culture at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum (Bahamas’ biggest festival), the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation (named in honour of a courageous slave Pompey), and the National Art Gallery (featuring many Bahamian artists).
Engage in the hustle and bustle of the Nassau Straw Market and find your favourite Bahamas souvenir to bring back home.
The Bahamas is not only a water playground it offers adventures on solid ground too.
Trying on one of the head pieces from Junkanoo
Antigua & Barbuda – 365 Things to Do
Antigua and Barbuda are well known for its 365 beaches but you could argue there are also 365 things to do, if not more, in these islands with such a rich history and abundance of nature-related activities. From walking tours through St. John’s City and English Harbour to horseback riding and zip lining, the adrenaline and fun will be always be flowing.
View from Shirley Heights of Nelson’s Dockyard
No visit would be complete without a walking tour around Nelson’s Dockyard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and where English Harbour became both a main naval base for Britain, a hurricane haven, and key port for goods. Today luxury yachts and sailing vessels line the harbour.
Stroll the waterfront and venture into historic buildings and the Admiral’s 1855 house, Copper and Lumber Store, The Captstan House, Fort Berkeley and many other places of interest. Interpretation panels detail the purpose and history of the buildings.
Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, English Harbour
Antigua was a key military outpost so not surprisingly, you will find many military complexes and forts dating back to the 1700s open for tours.
Antigua is an island of festivals. Mark your calendar for popular festivals like Independence Festival, Seafood Festival, Carnival, and one of the most exciting, Antigua Sailing Week held every April.
Barbuda’s Frigate Bird Sanctuary, home to the largest frigate bird colony in the western hemisphere.
Barbuda, the sister island, offers visitors a nature paradise boasting one of the largest frigate bird sanctuaries in the world. Make friends with the 5,000 frigates or one of the other 170 additional bird species that call Barbuda home. Horseback riding and horse racing is a popular activity here. Spelunking enthusiasts will love to explore the caves at Two Foot Bay with its centuries’ old hieroglyphics. For history buffs explore the Highland House and Martello Castle and Tower.
What was a military outpost of centuries past is now a popular vacation destination where visitors and boats are welcomed.
Article and photography by Chris Ryall. “Be a Local” is his modus operandi when travelling – eat and drink local while embracing the culture. He seeks out the destination’s true gems and its cultural pursuits.
Chris has visited 90 plus countries on six continents including many Caribbean islands while observing, writing, photographing but most importantly experiencing the destination. A passion for animals, natural attractions, ethnic cuisine, local characters and yes even spas, capture Chris’ attention and lens.
He has written for both national travel trade and consumer travel publications including Travel Life Magazine, Ensemble Travel, Vacay.ca, Skift.com, Travelweek, TravelMarketReport.com, The Globe & Mail, Canadian Traveller, Chic, TravelIndustryToday.com, Wings Magazine and numerous other publications.
