When people think about The Bahamas, chances are they’re picturing miles of powdery white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, palm trees, and endless fun in the sun. But did you know there’s much more to The Bahamas than our beaches? Here, you’ll find history, culture, and natural wonders that are truly one of a kind.

Let’s go beyond the beach and discover seven things you might not know about The Bahamas!

1. The world’s third-largest wine cellar is in Nassau.

If you love wine, a tour of Graycliff’s wine cellar is a must! With more than 250,000 bottles from 400 winemakers in 15 countries, the Graycliff collection includes some of the rarest, most expensive wines in the world, such as an 1865 Chateau Lafite and a 1727 Rudesheimer Apostelwein from Bremen Ratskeller. It also features many of today’s most popular varieties – and with a quarter million bottles to choose from, there’s a perfect wine for every palate and occasion. Your new favorite vino awaits!

Visitors to Graycliff can indulge in a wine and cheese pairing, where guests sample a minimum of eight wines perfectly matched with fine cheeses from around the world. Tour the famed Graycliff wine cellar and bring home a wine-themed souvenir. Or treat yourself to a gourmet wine luncheon, a feast of five courses expertly paired with wine.

Not a wine lover? For those who prefer spirits, the Graycliff Cognateque is a collection of 9,000 bottles of excellent cognacs and ports. And as one of The Bahamas’ first five-star restaurants, Graycliff’s dining room menu is stellar.

2. The Bahamas boasts the third largest barrier reef on the planet.

Stretching more than 190 miles in length, the Andros Barrier Reef in The Bahamas is one of the biggest barrier reefs in the world – and the third largest living organism on the planet! It sits along the edge of an underwater trench called the Tongue of the Ocean, running parallel to the east coast of the island of Andros. The Andros Barrier Reef is unique because it stretches downward to a depth of 6,000 feet, rather than lying flat on the ocean floor.

Home to colorful exotic fish of all shapes and sizes, the reef is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. Want to witness the beauty of the Andros Barrier Reef for yourself? Learn to dive or brush up on your snorkeling skills in Nassau Paradise Island.

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3. Our waters are some of the clearest in the world.

The Bahamas is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Did you know that you can see the bottom of the deep sea from the water’s surface? It’s possible to see the ocean floor 200 feet below the surface – approximately equal to the height of a 20-story building!

Of course, the water close to shore is pretty spectacular, too. See for yourself by spending some time on one of Nassau Paradise Island’s stunning beaches.

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4. There are 700 islands in The Bahamas.

Of the 700 islands, approximately 30 are inhabited. In total, The Bahamas has a land area of 5,382 square miles – a bit smaller than Connecticut. With so many islands to explore, why not embark on a day excursion to discover Pearl Island, Ship Channel Cay, Rose Island, or the Exumas? Check out the many boating and sailing excursions available from Nassau Paradise Island.

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5. Hollywood loves Paradise!

With its sunny skies and abundant natural beauty, it’s no wonder The Bahamas is a popular destination for filming movies. In fact, with more than 30 films made in The Bahamas, chances are you’ve seen a movie that was filmed right here in Nassau Paradise Island. Pirates of the Caribbean, Thunderball, Casino Royale, Into the Deep, and many more feature Bahamian scenes. Why not host a movie night at home and check out one of these films for a glimpse of Paradise?

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6. The Bahamas is home to its own “sea monster”.

Look out for the lusca! The Bahamas has been home to its very own version of the mythical Loch Ness Monster since a large sea creature’s carcass washed ashore in 1896. The lusca has allegedly been spotted near the Blue Hole off Andros, and it’s rumored to grow more than 75 feet long. According to some folklore, it can change color, and it’s been described as “half-shark and half-octopus”.  The most likely scenario, according to experts? It’s a gigantic octopus.

To get a closer look at some of the real animals of The Bahamas, plan a visit to Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre, where you can strut with flamingoes (our national bird) and feed parrots. Or, if you feel like horsing around, saddle up for a morning trail ride at Happy Trails Stables in Nassau. Get up close and personal with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay at Atlantis, where you can swim, paddleboard, or kayak with these friendly creatures. Baha Mar's interactive ecological exhibit, The Sanctuary, lets guest feed and care for wildlife or simply observe while learning about local conservation efforts. 

Nassau Paradise Island is packed with exciting things to do, breathtaking sights, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Ready to discover The Bahamas for yourself? Check out our current travel deals and start planning your Nassau Paradise Island getaway today.