Virgin Voyages' guide to Nassau, Bahamas

With miles of white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters, Nassau is a few hundred miles from the southern coast of Florida and the perfect setting for glamorous relaxation, nature appreciation, and Hollywood productions. A gorgeous backdrop for many iconic movies, the capital of the 700 Bahamian islands has been the stage for a myriad of epic true stories, too. Over the centuries, the island has housed everyone from runaway lovers to famous pirates, rum smugglers, and blockade runners.

Embark on a scenic speedboat ride across Nassau's harbor and take in the ocean’s shimmering shades of blue from above before going in for a dip in the pristine waters of the warm Caribbean sea. Set out to explore with snorkeling gear, swim among wild sea turtles and tropical fish, find vibrant corals below, and discover the colorful sea creatures living in it.

Encounter the electrifying ecology of 3 nature reserves, including the Primeval Forest, Big Pond Development Park, and The Bahamas National Trust–Retreat Gardens (a not-to-miss for any nature enthusiast). You’ll visit limestone caverns, native mangroves, and the world’s largest palm garden, where you'll encounter an array of unique species and succulents that are vital to the biodiversity of the Bahamas and its surrounding reefs.