Clifton Heritage Park

Clifton Heritage National Park is a historic and cultural site located on the western end of New Providence Island in The Bahamas. It encompasses a diverse range of features that showcase the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region

Clifton Heritage Park Nassau is a destination that travelers of all types can enjoy. From history buffs to beach bums and snorkeling enthusiasts, the area has a little something to offer everybody. Because of that, Clifton Heritage National Park is worth visiting no matter how long or short your Bahamas vacation will be.

Good to Know

Location: Western New Providence, about 40 min drive from Downtown

How Long to Spend: 2-3 hours, longer if you want to spend time at the beach

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Jaws Beach, Love Beach, Primeval Forest National Park

Entry Fees: Adults: $16.50, Children: $3.30 [Correct as of 2023]

Clifton Heritage Park Nassau Bahamas

Take a walk down the Pirate Steps and you’ll find impressive rock formations at the Cliffs

Clifton Park Nassau: How to Visit

Choosing the best way to get to Clifton Heritage Park Nassau depends on what sort of tour you’re looking to participate in. If you plan on doing a guided tour, the park offers a complimentary shuttle service that can pick you up from various locations across the island.

If you’re not doing a guided tour or just don’t plan on using the shuttle, taxis are also quick and convenient. Travelers who choose to rent cars can drive to the Clifton Heritage National Park and enjoy free parking.

Regardless of how you get there, the park is open from 9 am to 4 pm seven days a week.

Many attractions can be found within the Clifton Heritage Park Nassau, including the Banana Hole sight.

Given how much it has to offer, entrance fees are a small price to pay.

Clifton Heritage National Park: Where Is It?

Whether you’re visiting Nassau on a cruise ship or are staying at one of the many hotels, you’ll probably be on the eastern side of New Providence. That’s where Downtown Nassau, Paradise Island, and most of the other more popular attractions are.

Clifton Heritage Park Nassau Bahamas, however, is on the opposite side of New Providence. Located along the island’s western coast, the park’s position gives it a major advantage over other Nassau attractions: being out of the more touristy areas means fewer crowds!

Clifton Heritage Park Nassau: What to See

Clifton Park Nassau has a wide variety of attractions on display, ensuring that no matter what sort of traveler you are, you can enjoy a visit to the area.

1. Natural Sites & Beaches

While most tourists looking for stunning vistas might head to Junkanoo or Cabbage Beach, Clifton Heritage Park Nassau is full of natural beauty. From the beaches that comprise the park to the coastal wetlands, cliffs, and rocky shorelines, there’s a lot to take in as you trek around.

The unique shoreline with cliffs and limestone beaches at the Clifton Heritage Park. Be sure to go snorkeling at the one of a kind underwater sculpture park of Clifton Heritage Park Nassau Bahamas.

Clifton Heritage Park Nassau is on the western side of New Providence.

Visiting also lets you see some of the wildlife that’s native to the Bahamas, including many species of waterbirds.

Beaches at Clifton Heritage Park Nassau include:

Johnston Beach
Flipper Beach
Jaws Beach

2. Historical Sites

In addition to natural beauty, Clifton Heritage Park also puts human history on display. Originally inhabited by the Lucayan people before becoming a colony years later, the Bahamas has a fascinating and lengthy history.

At Clifton Heritage National Park, visitors can see everything from a Slave Village where dozens of enslaved peoples resided to the nearby Great House, where the plantation owner resided.

The historical Slave Village is a sight that can be visited at the Clifton Heritage Park Nassau Bahamas.

The park is full of hundreds of years worth of history including the Slave Village ruins

3. Underwater Sculpture Garden

Some of the most beautiful parts of Clifton Park Nassau are under the surface of the water. There, you can find fish, other marine creatures, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see.

Snorkeling is extra enjoyable at the park because of BREEFs Sir Nicholas Nuttal’s Underwater Sculpture Garden, as well as a collection of art pieces, and relics from movies like Jaws.

Virtuoso Man is one of many sculptures at the Underwater Sculpture Park at the Clifton Heritage Park Nassau Bahamas.

Virtuoso Man Underwater Sculpture: Snorkeling at Clifton Heritage Park Nassau is magical.

James Bond in the Bahamas

The crystal clear Bahamian waters that surround Clifton Heritage Park have been home to many James Bond underwater scenes. Most famously this is where the underwater scenes of the crashed RAF Vulcan Bomber for Thunderball (1965) were filmed. Whilst the cockpit fuselage of the Vulcan Bomber have now fully eroded to the sea, the scaffolding used to hold this set piece in place are still visible to divers.

Other unique James Bond films and scenes include: You Only Live Twice (1967): The James Bond sea burial with underwater floating body. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977): The underwater Lotus James Bond car submersible and the Atlantis enemy base rising out of the ocean. For Your Eyes Only (1981): Underwater temple scenes and Bond makes escape being towed underwater on a long rope. Never Say Never Again (1983): diving at the Tears of Allah barge wreck. The World is Not Enough (1999): James Bond exiting the Submarine and swimming to the surface.

4. Pirate Staircase at Clifton

Local legends state that pirates carved a staircase into the rocky cliffs to allow them to smuggle their goods on and off the island. Regardless of how the stairs actually got there, they’re steep and exhilarating to walk down. Just watch your step!

The famous Pirate Steps staircase, cut into the limestone cliffs at the unique Clifton Heritage Park, western end of Nassau Bahamas.

Pirate Steps lead down from the Clifftops to the Jane Gale Cave

5. Artwork at the Sacred Space/Genesis Garden

The Sacred Space/Genesis Garden emerged as a joint creation of two Bahamian artists, Antonius Roberts and Tyrone Ferguson. This unique area serves as a manifestation of the artists’ shared convictions regarding the significance and imperative of safeguarding the environment. Additionally, it serves as a commemoration of The Bahamas’ rich cultural heritage.

Sacred Space sculptures at the Clifton Heritage Park Nassau Bahamas.

The Sacred Space (Genesis Garden) is one of the many attractions at Clifton Heritage Park

Clifton Heritage Park Travel Tips

Sign up for a guided tour: Many travelers have reported finding the staff at Clifton Heritage National Park to be friendly, informative, and accommodating. While you can traverse the area unaccompanied, consider signing up for a guided tour to really learn more about the park.
Don’t miss out on snorkeling: From the underwater statues to the tropical fish and crystal-clear water, the snorkeling offered at Clifton Heritage Park Nassau is top-tier. Even if you’re not a water lover, consider trying it anyway. If it’s a sunny and low-wind day, you’re in for a treat!
Research in Advance: Familiarize yourself with the park’s history, features, and attractions before your visit. This will help you appreciate the significance of the site.
Operating Hours and Fees: Check the official website or contact the park to confirm the opening hours, entrance fees, and any guided tour options available.
Sun Protection: Bring sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and bugs.
Nature Walks: Explore the park’s natural beauty by taking one of the designated nature trails. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna.
Bring a waterproof phone case or a GoPro: There’s a good chance you’ll want to take pictures of what you see while snorkeling – especially when you see the statue of Atlas, the largest underwater statue in the world. A waterproof phone case or GoPro can help ensure that you remember the snorkeling experience forever.

Visit the dramatic Sea Cliffs at the Clifton Heritage Park Nassau in the western end of New Providence island in Nassau Bahamas.

The array of different attractions makes Clifton Heritage National Park a top Nassau destination.

Something for Everyone at Clifton Heritage Park

Clifton Heritage Park Nassau is one of the many New Providence highlights. With stunning natural beauty and rich history, it’s a great destination to visit to learn more about the Bahamas.

Many travelers don’t realize how much the Nassau area has to explore. If you’re interested in learning about all of the top Nassau destinations, make sure to check out our other travel guides and browse through our interactive Map of Nassau.