Do you enjoy the ease of a guided excursion but like to be in control of your own vehicle? You will find what you have been looking for during the Nassau Buggy Island Highlights with Lunch Excursion. Cruise off on the adventure of a lifetime to excellent sightseeing locations on the Island of New Providence. Explore for about 15 minutes at the Straw Market, John Watling's Distillery, Fort Fincastle, Queen's Staircase, Fort Charlotte and more. Then visit one of the oldest Bahamian owned restaurants in Nassau, where you can relax and enjoy your traditional lunch.
Meet your guide right inside of the cruise terminal upon your ships' arrival in Nassau. You will receive a thorough safety briefing by the experience and certified guides about the vehicle. There is room for up to six passengers in each rugged buggy, making this a great excursion for families of all sizes. The buggys are shared with up to 6 passengers per buggy. All of the UTV style vehicles are automatics, making them easy to operate. Driving can be switched out part way through the excursion.
Head off on your 2 and a half hour adventure around Eastern Nassau once you are ready to roll, just follow your guide. First, you will visit Fort Fincastle, which was built atop of Bennet's Hill, constructed of Limestone in 1793 by Lord Dunmore. The second site you will visit was built after Fort Fincastle was completed, the Queen's Staircase. Over a period of 16 years, the staircase was carved by approximately 600 slaves, using pick axes to carve into the limestone. In 1837 Queen Victoria signed a declaration to abolish slavery, this is when they started calling it the Queen's Staircase.
Hop back in your buggy and cruise towards Bay Street in downtown Nassau, where you will stop at the Straw Market. Authentic Bahamian crafts of all kinds can be purchased here. Handcrafted items such as wooden carvings, hand-woven straw hats, dolls and bag, conch shell jewelry and more can be bargained for. Next, you will head towards the Government house, which is the official residence of the Governor General of the Bahamas. See Fort Charlotte, built in 1788 by the same Lord Dunmore.
Pass by the famous Gray Cliff Restaurant, one of the fanciest places for a meal in Nassau. Your next stop will be at John Watling's Distillery, located on the grounds of the Buena Vista Estate built in 1789. Home to the "Spirit of the Bahamas" John Watling's Rum. Afterwards head to Fort Charlotte, built in 1788 by the same Lord Dunmore as Fort Fincastle. Underground passageways, dungeons, 42 cannons and a moat can be encountered here!
Surely you have worked up an appetite by now, just in time for your arrival at one of Nassau's oldest restaurants, Arawak Cay, dating back to 1969. A conch fritter appetizer, fish or chicken with peas and rice, macaroni, fried plantain and homemade lemonade complete your traditional Bahamian lunch. Cruise back to your starting location once you have had your fill of lunch, where you may continue to explore Nassau on your own or return to your Nassau cruise port.
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