Articles Tagged "Bahamas Wildlife"
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The Bahamas: 6 Snorkeling Spots Not to Be Missed
One of the greatest things about being a homeowner in the Bahamas Islands is the almost endless supply of beaches, reefs, and underwater adventure opportunities. Whether you're already a snorkeler or have no idea how it differs from scuba diving, you'll find plenty of hotspots near Nassau and Paradise Island homes for sale. To give you a bit of a head start, our agents have compiled a quick list of some local favorites:
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
We're going to start off with a hotspot that many consider the best place for snorkeling in all of The Bahamas. Spanning 176 square miles, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is recognizable to many James Bond fans as the backdrop for parts of Thunderball and Never Say Never Again. In addition to snorkeling, you'll also find side attractions, including a 22-square-mile park and the luxurious Sandals Emerald Bay resort.
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5 Benefits of Adding a Retaining Wall to Your Bahamas Property
Retaining walls are an integral part of your landscape that enhance the aesthetic and protect your home. Installing a retaining wall is a cost-effective investment that our agents strongly recommend. Once installed, you'll enjoy many benefits, including, but not limited to, the following five things our clients frequently mention.
- Increased Property Value
Retaining walls don't sell the property, but they are definitely something prospective buyers notice. A properly built retaining wall that's well-maintained enhances the property's curb appeal and preserves the property's value by protecting the landscape and the structure from erosion and flooding. Further, because you can design the retaining wall as desired, you can create a retaining wall that creates an aesthetic that enhances the home's appearance. Whether you choose a straight, tiered, or curved wall made from concrete, stone, or brick, you can design and build a customized wall that fits seamlessly into the property. In fact, the wall will become the anchor that will frame the landscape around your home.
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Homeowners: Try Your Hand at Backyard Composting
Composting your yard and food waste is a great way to reduce the amount of trash that goes into landfills and incinerators. On top of that, the compost you create can be used to nourish the soil in your garden beds or yard, leading to happier and more vibrant plants. If you've always wanted to try your hand at backyard composting, there has never been a better time. Composting works well in the humid, tropical climate of The Bahamas, and our agents have some helpful tips to share.
- Mix Your Greens and Your Browns
Generally speaking, there are two different types of materials you can add to your compost. The first is "greens," which include high-nitrogen items such as vegetable peels, yard clippings, coffee grounds, tea leaves, and freshly fallen leaves. The other is "browns" or low-nitrogen items, which include waste paper, cardboard, straw, and wood chips.
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Visiting The Bahamas: Top Dive Sites
The Bahamas is rife with beauty at every turn. Between the gorgeous views, amazing people, and exciting activities, Nassau and Paradise Island homes for sale often get snatched up quickly. Many residents and people visiting The Bahamas love diving into one of the many hotspots located in the area, and our agents would like to share some of their favorites.
- Mermaid Reef - Abaco
A gorgeous little reef is located in the Sea of Abaco, Mermaid Reef is perfect for beginning divers. Every day, you'll find the place filled with snorkelers and paddleboarders who love taking in the sights. When you dive, you'll come across many friendly fish that are comfortable with humans and will come right up to you. It's basically like diving inside a fish tank, and some visitors bring small pieces of food such as frozen peas to feed some of the fish that get near them. Be sure to tour these Abaco homes for sale after your dive.
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Step into the Past at These 6 Nassau Destinations
Visit The Bahamas, and you might just decide to become a lifelong resident. Nassau alone is home to so many fascinating historical sites, which shed light on the community's past and make for great places to visit in the present day. Some of these sites are even still in use today, serving as centers of public life in Nassau. Our agents have the details on six Nassau destinations where you can step into the past and learn more about local history.
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Fort Fincastle – Bennet's Hill
One of three historic forts found near Nassau and Paradise Island homes for sale with stunning views of Nassau, Fort Fincastle was constructed in 1793 atop Bennet's Hill by Lord Dunmore, a British captain looking to protect the area from pirates. You can still see the many cannons that were never once fired. Guided tours are offered daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Celebrates 10 Years
This week, the Bahamas National Trust marks the 10-year celebration of the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve - a world-class Bahamian Botanic Garden in Eleuthera founded by Shelby White in honor of her late husband, Leon Levy. The Preserve is quite appropriately referred to as "a living part of Bahamian history."
The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve | Photo: Raymond Jungles
Both Leon Levy and his wife, Shelby White were lovers of the natural environment and way of life in Eleuthera – Leon was particularly interested in native plants used in bush medicine. After his passing in 2003, Shelby wanted to honor Leon, and his devotion to the island, while "contributing to a better future for all Eleuthera." She chose to do so by creating the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve with the Bahamas National Trust's help.
In April 2019, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve became the first institution in The Bahamas to be designated as an accredited Botanic Garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International. This tier of accreditation recognizes institutions for their achievements in plant conservation.
Today, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is an internationally recognized botanical garden that spans 30 acres. It is the first and only national park on the island of Eleuthera. Located in Governor's Harbour, it features gardens and wetlands designed by world-renowned landscape architect, Raymond Jungles, and serves as a showcase for traditional bush medicine, a facility for propagating indigenous plants and trees, and an educational center focusing on the importance of native vegetation to the Bahamas' biodiversity. The LNPP "helps to preserve the natural history of Eleuthera and showcases the unique flora and fauna of The Bahamas to the world," states the Bahamas National Trust.
Bahamians and visitors are welcome to walk miles of trails through the native habitat and view the beautiful orchids, birds, insects, medicinal plants, and hardwood trees that you can find here.
While few of us can claim to have achieved such great feats, it can be said that many of us islanders have a deep appreciation for our natural environment and the beauty that can be found in our local tropical landscapes. Whether you're planning a trip to Eleuthera this Easter holiday, or you're looking for a little inspiration for creating your own native plant oasis in your back yard, you'll want to learn more about the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve.
Find them online in any of these spaces: