Readers may know that October is Calypso month and National Pumpkin Day is on October 26th, but did you know this Saturday, October 15th, is James Bond Day in the Bahamas? For over six decades, filmmakers have visited the islands to shoot iconic Bond scenes, both above and below its famous beaches.

Nearly 60 years after “Thunderball” was filmed, remnants of 007’s presence remain. Sean Connery, who starred in the film, fell in love with Nassau and bought a villa in an exclusive community on New Providence. Producers loved the islands too, returning to film scenes for “You Only Live Twice,” “The Spy Who Loved Me,” and “For Your Eyes Only,” using The Bahamas’ crystal-clear waters.

When “Casino Royale” (2006) introduced Daniel Craig as Bond, the crew again returned. The intense parkour chase was filmed at Coral Harbour, while other key scenes were shot at Albany Resort and the One and Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island. Today, the latter is known as The Ocean Club Four Seasons, its beautiful Versailles Gardens and Cloisters still open to visitors.

Bahamas Factoid: Sir Sean Connery passed away at his Lyford Cay home in 2020, aged 90.