Distance to Fort Fincastle, Nassau
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The Last of the three forts built by Lord Dunmore in 1793, Fort Fincastle sits on the highest point in NewProvidence, Bennett’s Hill in Nassau. Its purpose was to protect Nassau Harbour from potential attacks from notorious pirates. This historic fort offers panoramic views of Nassau and Paradise Island. Of course the fort in no longer in commission but now serves as a tourist attraction, providing a glimpse into the island’s colonial past and stunning scenery from its magnificent vantage point.
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Fort Fincastle Nassau Information
General Information
Location: Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
Built: 1793
Architect: Lord Dunmore
Purpose: Defensive fort against pirates and foreign invasions
Famous For: Panoramic views of Nassau, Queen’s Staircase, and colonial history
GPS Coordinates (DMS): 25°04’31” N, 77°20’39” W
GPS Coordinates (Decimal): 25.0753, -77.3442
Altitude: 38 meters (125 feet) above sea level
Entry Fee: Small fee for guided tours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures
Nearby Attractions: Queen’s Staircase, Nassau Straw Market, Parliament Square
Closest Airport: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), 16 km (10 miles) away
Local Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC−5)
Language Spoken: English (official language)
Map of Fort Fincastle Nassau
How to Get to Fort Fincastle, Nassau
Travel by Air
The closest airport to Fort Fincastle is **Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)**, located about **16 km (10 miles) from the fort**. Major airlines such as **American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and Bahamasair** operate regular flights to Nassau from **Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Toronto**.
- Bahamasair – Direct flights from Nassau and the U.S.
- Delta Airlines – Flights from Atlanta and U.S. hubs.
- JetBlue – Frequent service from Florida and the East Coast.
Upon arrival, taxis and rental cars are available for a **25-minute ride to Fort Fincastle**.
Travel by Cruise Ship
If arriving by cruise, Fort Fincastle is located **just a 15-minute walk** from **Prince George Wharf**, the main cruise terminal in Nassau. Most major cruise lines, including **Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney Cruises**, dock in Nassau for day trips.
Travel by Taxi or Ride-Share
From downtown Nassau or the cruise port, **taxis are widely available** to take visitors to Fort Fincastle in about **5 minutes**. Ride-sharing services such as **BahamaGo** also offer convenient options.
Travel by Tour Bus
Many **guided tours** include Fort Fincastle as part of a **historical Nassau excursion**, along with stops at **Queen’s Staircase, Government House, and the Straw Market**. Look for local tour operators offering **cultural and walking tours of Nassau**.
Walking to Fort Fincastle
For those staying in **downtown Nassau**, the fort is easily accessible **on foot**. A popular route includes walking up the **Queen’s Staircase**, a **66-step limestone pathway** leading directly to Fort Fincastle.
Why Visit Fort Fincastle?
Fort Fincastle offers **stunning panoramic views of Nassau, Paradise Island, and the harbor**. Built in **1793 by Lord Dunmore**, this fortress has historical significance as a **defense structure against pirates and invaders**. Visitors can explore **cannons, stone walls, and learn about Nassau’s colonial past**.
Popular Attractions Near Fort Fincastle, Nassau
Destination | Distance (km) | Distance (miles) |
---|---|---|
Queen’s Staircase | 0.1 | 0.06 |
Straw Market | 1.2 | 0.75 |
Pirates Museum | 1.1 | 0.68 |
Parliament Square | 1.0 | 0.62 |
Atlantis Paradise Island | 3.2 | 2.0 |
John Watling’s Distillery | 0.9 | 0.56 |
Arawak Cay (Fish Fry) | 2.5 | 1.55 |
Cable Beach | 7.8 | 4.85 |
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FAQ About Fort Fincastle
What is the oldest fort in Nassau, Bahamas?
The oldest fort in Nassau is Fort Montagu, built in 1741 by the British to defend against Spanish invasions. It predates Fort Fincastle by over 50 years and is located on the eastern end of New Providence Island.
How many forts are in Nassau?
Nassau has three historic forts:
- Fort Fincastle (built in 1793) – Located on Bennett’s Hill, it offers panoramic views of Nassau.
- Fort Charlotte (built in 1789) – The largest fort, featuring underground tunnels and dungeons.
- Fort Montagu (built in 1741) – The oldest fort, situated near the eastern coastline.
How old is Fort Fincastle?
Fort Fincastle was built in 1793, making it over 230 years old. It was constructed by Lord Dunmore, the then-governor of The Bahamas, to protect Nassau from pirates and potential invasions.
What is the significance of Fort Fincastle?
Fort Fincastle is significant because:
- It was built as a strategic defense post during the late 18th century.
- It offers spectacular views of Nassau, Paradise Island, and the harbor.
- The Queen’s Staircase, a historic 66-step limestone passage, leads directly to the fort.
- It resembles a steamboat, showcasing unique military architecture.
What is the history of Fort Fincastle?
Fort Fincastle was built under the direction of Lord Dunmore, the British governor of The Bahamas, in 1793. The fort was meant to protect Nassau’s harbor from pirate attacks and naval threats. However, it was never used in battle. It later served as a lighthouse before becoming a tourist attraction due to its historical importance.
What is the highest point on Nassau Island?
The highest point on Nassau is Bennett’s Hill, where Fort Fincastle is located. It stands at 38 meters (125 feet) above sea level, making it the best elevated lookout point on the island.