Primeval Forest

Primeval Forest Nassau serves as a time capsule, a relic of the Bahamian forest of old. With towering trees, undisturbed vegetation and growth, and birds and other animals that call the area home, the forest gives visitors a glimpse of the natural beauty of the Bahamas. 

While you can find manicured gardens and pristinely kept beaches throughout the Bahamas, finding the country’s undisturbed natural beauty becomes more and more difficult each year. Primeval Forest Nassau is one New Providence attraction that lets you see it in all of its glory. With towering trees, dramatic sinkholes, and animals everywhere, wildlife enthusiasts would be remiss not to visit. 

Primeval Forest Nassau, One of the Top Things to Do in Nassau

Primeval Forest National Park: A History 

The Lucayan people were the original inhabitants of the Bahamas. When they lived throughout the country, the islands of the Bahamas were covered with towering evergreen tropical hardwood forests. However, as the country has been developed over the centuries since, these forests have become rarer and rarer due to human activity.

After recognizing the ecological problems facing the country, members of the Bahamas National Forest purchased a portion of the area. In the following years, the group purchased other nearby lots to further preserve the original habitats. 

Watch your step as you navigate through the forest.

Today, the national park covers an area of 7.5 acres and houses a patch of old-growth blackland coppice, karst, and more. Its location on the western side of the island makes it a secretive and special place to visit. 

Primeval Forest Bahamas: What to See

Although it’s a small area that should take less than an hour to get through, Primeval Forest Nassau has a lot to offer travelers. 

The Flora

From the 1700s to the 1970s, the logging industry in the Bahamas exploited the towering hardwood trees that had once covered the archipelago. While recent laws and increased environmental awareness have slowed their destruction, the majority of the forests no longer exist. All of that makes enjoying the flora at the park one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas.

The lush vegetation makes it possible to imagine what the Bahamas looked like in the past.

With hemlocks, pines, mosses, termite mounds, and more, Primeval Forest Nassau allows you to get a sense of what the country looked like centuries ago. 

The Fauna

As you walk around the park, you’ll stumble upon some of the many animals that reside in the Bahamas. From birds flying above and singing in the trees to small lizards scurrying among the undergrowth, the park isn’t just a refuge for the ancient forests – it’s one for the animals that inhabit them, as well. 

Keep an eye out for animals as you walk through Primeval Forest Nassau.

The Geological Formations

While the towering trees are impressive, the geological formations are the real highlight of Primeval Forest Nassau. 

Some of the limestone caverns you’ll see are 50 feet long and have depths of 30 or more feet. These giant sinkholes develop as the highly porous rock formations react to large amounts of water. 

The bridges, steps, and boardwalks make appreciating these sinkholes and caverns easy. 

Getting in

In most cases, getting a taxi to take you to Primeval Forest Bahamas is going to be the easiest way to get there. Depending on traffic, the journey by car should take you around 35 minutes. 

While Primeval Forest Nassau is one of the highlights of the island, it’s not that popular of a tourist destination. That means you won’t have to worry about crowds of people, but it can make getting there a bit tricky, as some taxi drivers are also unfamiliar with it. Have a map ready to show them, or ask the driver to take you to a nearby site, like one of the golf courses. 

Assuming your driver can find it, Primeval Forest Bahamas is well worth a visit.

The park is open Friday-Sunday and Wednesday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is $12 for adults and free for kids under 12 (as of 2023). 

Getting Around

Primeval Forest Nassau features an array of trails, paths, and boardwalks that crisscross through the woods, caverns, and up inclines. These paths are well-maintained, so you don’t have to worry about wearing hiking boots or getting dirty.

However, be aware that while the trails are clean and easy to follow, they require a bit of climbing. Travelers who find getting around difficult might not enjoy Primeval Forest National Park. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

Mosquitoes shouldn’t be a huge problem, especially if there’s a light breeze. However, they can take away from the experience, so it’s not a bad idea to try and combat them preemptively. Covering yourself in lightweight clothing and applying bug spray can help ensure you get the most out of the park. 

Primeval Forest Nassau: A Relic of the Old Bahamas

If you’re looking for a New Providence destination that lets you connect with nature and learn more about the Bahamas’ past, Primeval Forest Nassau is the place to do it. With lush vegetation and untouched geological formations, it’s the perfect location to appreciate the authentic Bahamas. 

After walking around Primeval Forest Bahamas, consider learning more about Bahamian history at Clifton Heritage National Park. If you’re craving some beach time, Love Beach is another destination worth visiting. 

To learn more about the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas, read through our other travel guides and explore the capital via our interactive map.