Nassau to Ardastra Gardens and Watling Distillery: Day trip

Meet the famous marching flamingos at this renowned wildlife conservation center where Bahamian national birds perform daily parades in beautiful tropical gardens. Explore diverse habitats housing native species including Bahamian parrots, iguanas, and endangered rock iguanas while learning about conservation efforts protecting Caribbean wildlife. Walk through lush botanical gardens featuring native plants, medicinal herbs, and tropical flowers that support local ecosystems and traditional Bahamian culture. Children especially enjoy the petting zoo and playground areas while adults appreciate the peaceful garden atmosphere, gift shop selling conservation-themed items, and snack bar offering refreshments in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by native Caribbean flora and fauna.

Explore Nassau's only rum distillery, housed in a restored 18th-century plantation estate, where traditional distillation methods create premium Bahamian rum using time-honored techniques. Tour the historic Buena Vista Estate with its colonial architecture, tropical gardens, and restored buildings that tell the story of Bahamian plantation history and modern craft distilling. Learn about the rum-making process from fermentation through aging while sampling small-batch spirits, including flavored rums, aged varieties, and signature cocktails crafted by expert distillers. Visit the estate's museum displaying artifacts from plantation days, distilling equipment, and exhibits about rum's role in Bahamian culture and economy. The on-site restaurant serves Bahamian cuisine paired with rum cocktails, while guided tours provide insights into sustainable distilling practices and the revival of traditional Caribbean rum production in historic settings.