New Providence

New Providence is the Bahamian island that contains the national capital, Nassau, and serves as the country’s main population, tourism and transport centre. It is the busiest island in the Bahamas and hosts most of the nation’s hotels, ports and air connections.

Tourism amenities are concentrated around Nassau and nearby Paradise Island, with resort beaches such as Cable Beach, marinas and a large cruise ship port. The island also contains government offices, commercial districts and neighbourhoods serving the resident population.

Historically New Providence developed as the colonial and administrative centre for the Bahamas and expanded rapidly in the 20th century with the growth of mass tourism and air travel. The island’s economy is dominated by tourism and financial services.

Geographically the island lies centrally in the Bahamian archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean and is connected by bridges to Paradise Island; Nassau occupies the island’s northeastern shore.

• National hub: This island holds the country's capital and is the primary centre for tourism, finance and air connections for the Bahamas.
• Main airport access: Most international visitors arrive via the main international airport near Nassau, which serves as the island's principal air gateway.

What to See #

• Nassau: Nassau, the national capital, occupies the northeastern coast and contains government buildings, commercial districts, hotels and the deep-water port.
• Paradise Island: Paradise Island is linked by bridges and is known for resort hotels, marina facilities and beachfront developments that attract cruise and resort visitors.
• Cable Beach: Cable Beach and other western shore beaches offer resort hotels, long sandy beaches and watersport amenities popular with tourists.