1. Discover Arawak Cay in the Bahamas
2. Enjoy Authentic Bahamian Cuisine
3. Experience Local Culture and Nightlife
4. Visit Potter’s Cay for a Unique Seafood Experience
For a real taste of the Bahamas, literally and figuratively, take a bus or taxi (or walk, it’s about 20-30 minutes from the cruise port) to Arawak Cay, a cluster of popular seafood restaurants and bars about halfway between downtown Nassau and Paradise Island, popular with locals and travelers alike. Arawak Cay is on West Bay Street, across from Fort Charlotte.
If you’re staying on Paradise Island or on Nassau Beach in the Bahamas, you can feel somewhat isolated from authentic Bahamian culture, as Paradise Island is heavily tourist-oriented. Arawak Cay offers a refreshing alternative, providing a lively atmosphere that is still welcoming to tourists.
Competition among these eateries is fierce, but don’t be dissuaded by the repeated calls of touts urging you inside. Instead, choose your favorite spot for lunch or dinner, order a cold Kalik, and a plate of cracked conch or fish, and enjoy the ambiance while waiting for your order to arrive. Some of the more popular dining spots include Seafood Haven, Twin Brothers, and Goldie’s Conch House. Other noteworthy mentions are the upscale Greycliff, Indigo, and the Poop Deck.
As night falls, the music will get louder, creating an exciting atmosphere, though it’s not all reggae. During my last visit, we found ourselves dancing to Michael Jackson with some locals and staff from the conch shack. If you visit in June, you’ll have the added benefit of experiencing the vibrant summer Junkanoo festival, held annually. Sunday nights are particularly lively, attracting many locals for the beloved “fish fry.”
If you’re on Paradise Island and wish to experience an even closer, more local scene, consider checking out Potter’s Cay. The seafood shacks you’ll find here are located right under the double bridge leading to the mainland. Unlike Arawak Cay, these are more casual dining experiences, often filled with locals rather than tourists, although visitors are more than welcome. The seafood is exceptionally fresh, and you’ll have the chance to mingle with Bahamian families shopping for the catch of the day and local produce.
