Pre-Trip Fun for Nassau, Bahamas

"Flipper" – This kids movie, made in 1996, was filmed in and around New Providence Island. (Ages 3-10)

"Pirates of the Caribbean" – Johnny Depp revitalized the pirate genre by making pirates look glamorous and hip. (School-age and up)

"Eye of the Dolphin" – The moving story of a 14-year-old girl and her father who relearn how to talk to each other with the help of some smart dolphins. (Preteens and teens)

"Thunderball," "The Spy Who Loved Me," "For Your Eyes Only," and "Casino Royale" all have 007-worthy sequences shot in Bahamian waters. (Older teens)

"Jaws" – Shark adventures will seem that much more thrilling after watching the ultimate shark attack film. (Teens)

"Holiday in the Sun" – Mary Kate and Ashley swim, date and solve a mystery when they join their parents on a vacation at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. (Teens)

Guava Duff – This unusual but tasty tropical dessert will get kids thinking about tropical treats.

Recipe:
2 oz. butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs beaten
2 cups guava pulp
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
black pepper to taste

Cream together butter and sugar, add eggs and mix. Blend in guava pulp and spices. Sift together flour and baking powder and fold it into the mixture. Pour the mixture into the top of a greased double boiler and steam for approximately 2 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean.

Mangos and pineapple – Get in the mood for a tropical vacation with exotic fruits.

Prawns, crab, and scallops – Get kids into an adventurous spirit in preparation for trying Conch by introducing shellfish.

"Dolphins at Daybreak (Magic Tree House) – An undersea adventure for the Magic Treehouse detectives Jack and Annie, with sharks, an octopus, and dolphins to the rescue. (School age)

"Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board" by Bethany Hamilton – An inspiring true story of a 13-year-old surfing champion who lost her arm to a shark and learned to surf without it, against everyone's expectations. (Teens)

An Afro-Caribbean drum – Music, especially that of the Junkanoo festival, plays a central role in Bahamian culture.

Shell paintings – Collect or buy large shells and paint them with acrylic paints or watercolors.

Kids' Art Necklace – Get kids in beach mode with a shell necklace.