New Providence: 3-Hour ATV Tour, Queen’s Staircase & Guava Duff

Summary

New Providence flavors, city sounds and sweet guava duff on wheels

You’ll ride modern ATVs along New Providence’s lively coast with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Climb Queen’s Staircase, taste warm guava duff at The New Duff bakery, wander rum cake and chocolate factories, then finish at Arawak Cay where Bahamian food scents fill the air. This tour leaves you feeling both sun-dazed and full of stories.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried guava duff?” That’s what our guide, Marcus, asked as he handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of sunscreen and sea air. We’d just met outside the hotel—he greeted us with this easy grin like we’d known him for ages. The ATVs lined up out front looked way newer than I expected (I’m used to rattly old rentals), and after a quick rundown—plus a laugh about my questionable driving skills—we were off, engines humming low as we rolled through Nassau’s morning traffic.

The headset was surprisingly handy; Marcus kept tossing out little facts as we zipped past pastel houses and kids in uniforms waving at us. First stop: Queen’s Staircase. It’s steeper than it looks in photos—my legs felt it—and the limestone steps were cool under my hands when I touched them. There was this hush there, just echoes and a bit of birdsong bouncing around the stone walls. Someone selling cold coconuts nearby called out something I couldn’t quite catch over the city noise.

I didn’t expect to care about rum cake history but the factory was actually fun—smelled like brown sugar everywhere. At Graycliff Hotel, we peeked into the chocolate and cigar rooms (the chocolate room was so much warmer than outside; almost too sweet-smelling). Marcus joked that you could get lost in there if you weren’t careful. The John Watling Distillery had these big oak barrels stacked up—felt like stepping back in time for a second.

By the time we got to The New Duff, I was ready for something cold. They handed us samples of guava duff—warm dough with pink fruit inside, soft and sticky—and I probably ate mine too fast. Li laughed when I tried to say “duff” in a Bahamian accent (definitely butchered it). Last stop before heading back was Arawak Cay: all bright colors, music thumping from somewhere nearby, people crowded around food stalls. You could grab conch salad or fried fish if you wanted—it all smelled so good mixed together in the heat. Still think about that view from the ATVs coming down by the water, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour with local stops

• Begin ATV tour on New Providence coast
• Visit Queen's Staircase (66 steps)
• Stop at John Watling Distillery
• Tour Graycliff Hotel cigar, wine, chocolate factory
• Stop at rum cake factory for history and shopping
• Visit The New Duff for guava duff tasting
• Stop at Arawak Cay for local cuisine purchase

Top questions

How long is the ATV tour in New Providence?

The ATV tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV tour?

Yes, pickup service is included with your booking.

What do you visit on this day trip in Nassau?

You’ll visit Queen’s Staircase, John Watling Distillery, Graycliff Hotel (cigar, wine & chocolate factories), Rum Cake Factory, The New Duff bakery for guava duff samples, and Arawak Cay.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water is provided throughout the tour along with local dessert samples like guava duff; other food can be purchased at Arawak Cay.

Can two people share an ATV on this tour?

Yes, each ATV can carry up to two persons per reservation.

What age do you need to be to drive an ATV?

The main driver must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.

Is this ATV tour suitable for beginners?

Yes—the ATVs are modern and guides give clear instructions; suitable for all physical fitness levels except pregnant travelers or those with heart issues.

What should I bring on the New Providence ATV tour?

You should bring your driver’s license (for drivers), comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and some cash if you want extra food or souvenirs.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Nassau, use of a modern ATV (fuel covered), bottled water to keep you hydrated under the Bahamian sun, plus stops where you’ll sample local desserts like guava duff. You’ll also get headsets so you can hear your guide clearly while riding between stops—including Queen’s Staircase and Arawak Cay—before returning three hours later.