DESTINATION

Nassau

There is always plenty to do in downtown Nassau: touring by surrey (a horse-drawn carriage), photographing the colorful buildings, dining, dancing, duty-free shopping or enjoying native entertainment during the holiday season. The focal point of Nassau is Bay Street, which runs along the water from Prince George Wharf. Directly across from the cruise ship docks is Rawson Square, anchored by the Churchill Building. Across from Rawson Square is Parliament Square. Here are the two chambers of Parliament and the Supreme Court. Visitors can watch the proceedings of the House of Assembly when it is in session by making arrangements with the Chief Clerk; to find out when the House will be in session, phone (242) 322-2041. Not far from the square is the Garden of Remembrance, with its cenotaph honoring Bahamians who died in World Wars I and II; nearby is the octagonal Nassau Public Library and Museum, once a jail.

Nassau's 18th-century forts also are worth visiting. Of the three forts, only Fort Montagu at the eastern entrance to the harbor was confronted by invaders. High above the city, Government House is host to tea parties held the last Friday of each month; shorts and jeans are not permitted. A colorful 45-minute changing of the guard ceremony takes place the second Friday of each month at 11 a.m.; phone (242) 302-2000.

Vibrant, sociable Nassau possesses almost every conceivable sports facility. Tennis courts and golf courses abound, as do local entrepreneurs marketing rentals or lessons for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing. Nassau's many fine beaches include Cabbage, Goodman's Bay, Saunders, Delaport, Caves, Montagu and Western Esplanade.

The waters, noted for deep-sea and reef fishing, are most famous for giant blue marlin, but white marlin, tuna, wahoo, bonito and sailfish also are abundant. Nassau Yacht Haven on E. Bay Street is the charter and fishing headquarters. Sailing is popular in the bays and around the coral islands; local and international races are held by The Bahamas Sailing Association, Royal Nassau Sailing Club and the Nassau Yacht Club.