The Caves

The Caves in Nassau are a popular attraction on West Bay Street, out west from downtown, since it’s the filming location of a popular Spy Film Franchise!

The Caves in Nassau Bahamas are one area of New Providence that travelers often miss out on. However, the Bahamas offer much more than just beaches, and the Caves Nassau are a good place to understand that. With its unique history and impressive geological features, the site is well worth a visit.

Good to Know

Location: West Bay Street, about a 25-minute taxi ride from downtown

How Long to Spend: 30 minutes to walk through the caves and see the nearby beach

TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Caves Beach, Cable Beach, Baha Mar Resort

Entry Fees: No entry fee

The Caves in Nassau Bahamas: Understanding Caves Beach Nassau

The Island Caves in Nassau Bahamas is one of many caves on New Providence island in Nassau Bahamas.

The Caves Nassau has a convenient location on West Bay Street.

The Caves in Nassau Bahamas aren’t far away from the city center, but traffic can add to the time it takes to reach them. A taxi ride will be the most straightforward way to get to them and should have you at the site in around 25 minutes.

If you’re looking to save money, you can also hop on a bus, also known as a jitney. Route #10 should take you to the Caves Nassau – just make sure to confirm before you board. Ensure that you also have small bills on hand, as the fare to ride is $1.25.

If you do choose to take the bus, service goes from 6 am to 5 pm.

One of many caves in Nassau Bahamas: The island Bat Caves located on the north coast are a popular visitor attraction.

The Caves are a series of fascinating geological formations.

The Caves in Nassau: Where Is It?

The Caves in Nassau Bahamas are on West Bay Street, one of the main roads that starts in the capital and heads out further parallel to the coast. They are a couple of miles out from downtown Nassau.

Caves Beach Nassau is right across the street from the Caves themselves and is another site you’ll want to visit. Depending on how much time you have, you might also want to check out Cable Beach. It’s not too far away from the Caves and is one of the top beaches in Nassau.

The Caves Nassau are a popular attraction on island tours around New Providence island, Nassau Bahamas.

Keep an eye out for the entrance to the Caves in Nassau Bahamas.

The Caves in Nassau Bahamas: What to See

While you don’t have to spend more than 30 minutes to an hour in the caves and at nearby Caves Beach Nassau, there’s still quite a bit to see at the destination.

The Caves

The Caves are a couple of tunnels, with the main entrance taking you through a narrow hole that leads into an open cavern. When you get to the site, you might run into a man named Shawn. He’s the unofficial tour guide of the Caves in Nassau Bahamas and a self-proclaimed historian of the area.

While unsolicited tours that end with a request for tips don’t always seem appealing, many travelers on TripAdvisor reported enjoying what he had to say. If you see Shawn at the Caves, consider giving him a chance. You might be treated to an informative tour!

Steps take visitors deep into the Caves in Nassau Bahamas. The Island Caves, Bat Caves, are one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas.

Watch your step and wear close-toed shoes at The Caves

Bats

As you walk through the Caves Nassau, you’ll come across a colony of bats that resides inside of them. While bats are hugely beneficial for the environment, many travelers are afraid of them. If you fall into that category of people, know that these bats are only about the size of mice and should be sleeping when you’re there.

They’re also well-acquainted with visitors!

Bat Caves in Nassau Bahamas New Providence are a popular attractions with island tours stopping here to allow visitors into the caves and see the Nassau Bats.

Bats are nocturnal and nothing to be afraid of

James Bond in the Bahamas

After James Bond is chased underwater by SPECTRE agents in the 1965 film Thunderball, Sean Connery (James Bond) finds escape in an underwater cave, the Thunderball Grotto. You can visit Thunderball Grotto in the Exuma Islands on a tour from Nassau. Making his way above ground, James Bond now appears ontop of the underwater Cave, here at The Caves, where he awaits rescue after using his Q-branch issued communications gadget.

Thunderball is the fourth film in the James Bond film series, based on the fictional character created by author Ian Fleming. It was released in 1965 and is the fourth installment in the official James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. The film is known for its action-packed sequences, exotic locations, and innovative underwater scenes.

Other nearby Thunderball filming locations in Nassau & Paradise island include: Love Beach, Clifton Heritage Park and Bay Street in Downtown Nassau

Bat Caves in Nassau Bahamas are a popular visitor attraction on New Providence. The "Island Caves" Nassau are visited by visitors on full island tours.

The Caves are a series of fascinating geological formations.

Caves Beach Nassau

The Caves Beach is across the street from the caves themselves and is another fun area to explore. With beautiful views, sea glass, and relatively few people, you’ll want to stop by before heading back to Nassau.

The Caves Beach is one of the many stunning beaches on New Providence.

The Caves Nassau Travel Tips

Wear the right shoes: As you trek through the Caves in Nassau Bahamas, you’ll be walking through dark tunnels and over slippery, rocky surfaces. Because of that, you’ll want to protect your feet. Keep the flip-flops in your bag and instead, put on a pair of close-toed shoes. Doing so will help keep your feet safe.
Let your eyes adjust: When you first enter the dark caves, your eyes will struggle to make sense of what’s taking place around you. Before proceeding too far into the caves, stop and crouch for a moment to allow your eyes to adjust. You’ll be able to see and appreciate your surroundings much more when you do.
Guided Tours: If the attraction offers guided tours, consider joining one. Guides can provide valuable insights about the cave, its history, the bats, and safety measures.
Transportation: Plan how you’ll get to the attraction. Make sure you have transportation arrangements to and from West Bay Street.
Weather Considerations: Check the weather forecast before your visit. Heavy rain might affect the accessibility of the cave.
Understand the history: While the caves are visually impressive, they become even more so when you understand their history. Formed millions of years ago as the ocean receded and used by Lucayan Indians, pirates, and other peoples throughout history, the Caves in Nassau Bahamas have seen a lot since their formation.

The island Bat Caves once visited by British Royal Family are a popular attraction, both the Caves Nassau and also the neighbouring Caves Beach Nassau.

Prince Alfred was the first royal family member to visit the Caves Beach in 1861

Caves in Nassau: A Site Worth Seeing

The Caves in Nassau Bahamas are another site on the island you’ll want to visit. Touring the area doesn’t take long and allows you to see a side of the Bahamas that often goes unappreciated.

Nassau is full of attractions that standard tour guides don’t mention. If you’re looking for more articles like this, spend some time exploring our other articles and interactive Map of Nassau Bahamas.