Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND : Overview

OVERVIEW

Nassau is the largest city of the Bahamas, and also serves as the capital. It is a busy port on the Caribbean cruise ship circuit, and is worth a visit. Paradise Island, home to the famous Atlantis Resort and Casino, is a short drive from both the cruise terminal and Lynden Pindling International Airport.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the Bahamas is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Lynden Pindling International Airport, located west of Nassau, offers convenient access to New Providence Island. Accessible transportation should be arranged before flying into Nassau.

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CRUISE PORT

Nassau has a large dock capable of accommodating multiple cruise ships at one time. Shops are situated directly adjacent to the port, and can be accessed without ground transport. However, ground transport is necessary for a visit to Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Couteous Transfers and Tours: “There is a company in nassau that caters to disabled passengers also. The name is Courteous Transfers and Tours. They have several accessible vans.” Gerard, 6/13/2010

TAXI/SHUTTLE

Taxis are readily available outside of the cruise terminal, and come in the form of cars and small vans. We were unable to find wheelchair accessible taxis equipped with a ramp and chose to leave my electric wheelchair onboard our cruise ship, exchanging it for my manual chair so we could visit Atlantis Resort.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

Majestic Tours: Rents a “private handicapped van.”For more details visit the transportation page of their website.

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NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND : Accommodations

HOTELS

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LUXURY RESORTS

Atlantis:  Atlantis Hotel located in Paradise Island, a short drive from Nassau, is almost completely wheelchair accessible. Disabled rooms are offered on a limited basis so when booking a room, contact the hotel to verify availability, and to secure the room in advance. According to the hotel, the disabled rooms offered have safety grab bars in the bathroom, lowered sinks, and some of the rooms offer roll in showers. Closets have not been modified (lowered) for accessibility.

Elevators in the hotel are located near staircases for easy access and most public areas at Atlantis are wheelchair accessible. The beach and water slides are not accessible for the visitor who has a mobility impairment.

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NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Bahamas Experience Tours: This company offers tours and has a variety of cars in its fleet, including a wheelchair accessible van with ramp.

Dan Knowles Tours: This company offers sightseeing tours and wheelchair accessible transportation via passenger van with lift gate.

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ACTIVITIES

Ardastra Gardens: Ardastra Gardens, is one of the first zoos in the Bahamas, and is home to over 300 animals and to a variety of plant species. The zoo is widely known for its lush gardens, Dancing Flamingo show, and Lory Parrot exhibit. The Lory Parrot show/feeding is wheelchair friendly and participants will get a thrill feeding the many species of Lory Parrots. Ardastra Gardens is about 70% wheelchair accessible, with most pathways accessible. However, patrons should plan ahead as there is not a wheelchair accessible bathroom available at the property.

Junkanoo Parade: The Junkanoo Parade is a Bahamian cultural event that happens twice a year on December 26th (Boxing Day) and January 1st (New Years) from 2AM to 9AM. The parade floats and participants are elaborately decorated in vibrant colored costumes made from only six materials. The dancers and musicians fill the streets with various instruments such as cowbells, drums, horns, scrapers, whistles, and brass instruments. The atmosphere is very high energy and festive. The parade is free, however to get the best view and photo opportunities, tickets can be purchased.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

There are two main hospitals located in Nassau that offer a variety of medical services.

Princess Margaret Hospital: Phone: 242 322-2861

Doctors Hospital Phone: 242 302-4600

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Bahamas Medical and Surgical Supplies Limited: Rents wheelchairs and beds. The company is located in Nassau and will deliver  requested items to a person’s visiting destination or deliver items to a delivery/ mail boat if the customer will be residing at one of the neighboring islands. More info coming soon! Phone: 242 328-5057 Fax: 242 328-5052

Cardinal Mobility: Cardinal Mobility rents both motorized and manual chairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and baby strollers for a fee. To rent equipment, you must call Cardinal Mobility in advance. 242 363-3000 extension 65036. Cardinal Mobility is located at Atlantis Resort.

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NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Paradise Island is some distance from the cruise terminal. If you manage to secure accessible transportation to Atlantis Resort, make sure you are confident you can get back to the port in time for your ship’s departure.