Bonefish Pond National Park

Bonefish Pond protects a few hundred hectares of mangrove creek and tidal flat on the southern side of New Providence, and its value is as a nursery: juvenile bonefish, snapper and lobster grow up in the mangrove roots before moving out to the reef. A boardwalk and kayak trails run into the system, and the birdlife is good, with herons, egrets and shorebirds working the flats. It is the only significant protected wetland on an island otherwise heavily built up.

What you'll find

• The mangrove creeks - tidal channels threading the protected wetland.
• The nursery function - juvenile bonefish, snapper and lobster in the root systems.
• The boardwalk - a short raised walk into the mangrove from the road.
• The birds - herons, egrets and shorebirds on the flats.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the most comfortable. Tides govern the kayak trails. Early morning is best for birds and for avoiding the heat.

Before you go

The park has limited facilities and the boardwalk has suffered storm damage more than once. Kayak access is through operators rather than a rental on site. Mosquitoes in the mangrove are serious.

Nearby

Nassau is north across the island, and Adelaide Village is west along the southern shore.

Key facts