17 Best Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port
Nassau is one of the most popular Caribbean cruise ports, but it does not have the best reputation. In fact, many people choose to stay on their ship instead of visiting the port. This is a huge mistake because there are a ton of great things to do in Nassau Bahamas!
You can relax at the beach, explore the jungle, learn about Bahamian culture, and so much more. There’s an activity for everyone to enjoy in port at Nassau.
I’ve visited Nassau more times than I can count. Most recently, I visited in late 2023 on my family’s annual Thanksgiving cruise.
Some of my favorite memories in Nassau have been swimming with dolphins at Atlantis, taking a boat trip, and playing at a resort waterpark. This year, we opted for an adults-only all-inclusive which was the perfect way to relax.
Keep reading to learn what to do in Nassau during your port day.
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The Top Things To Do in Nassau Bahamas
1. Half Day Boat Charter
🕒 Duration: 4 Hours | ✔️Book Here
One of my favorite things to do when I only have one day to explore a new destination is a private combo tour. The benefit of private is that you can start and end on your own timeline, and adjust the day to your interests.
The benefit to a combo tour is you can see the highlights off a destination in a short amount of time. You can tailor this charter to your own interests, but some things to do are swimming with pigs, snorkeling, beach time, and jet skiing.
The boat charter also includes snacks, water, and rum punch.
I have not done this tour personally, because I hadn’t heard about it prior to planning my recent trip. However, when I return this is the #1 thing I plan to do.
Pros:
- Fit a ton of activities into a short amount of time
- Tailor the day to your interests
- Choose between the most popular activities in Nassau such as snorkeling with turtles, swimming with pigs, watersports, and beach time
- Move at your own pace with the private charter
Considerations:
- More expensive than other tours since it is a private charter
- Some activities, such as swimming with pigs, have a small additional fee
2. Paradise Island Resort Day Pass
One of the most common things people do during a port day in Nassau is getting a day pass for one of the popular resorts on the island.
Around 15 minutes from the Nassau cruise port is a resort island called Paradise Island. It’s home to many resorts and the best beaches on the island.
Many of these popular resorts offer a day pass. The day passes grant you access to the resort’s amenities for a per-person fee that is lower than the nightly rate.
Three Top Resort Day Passes:
Baha Mar is my top recommendation for a day pass in Nassau. It’s a great combination between the following two on this list. It has a great waterpark and also upscale areas for adults to relax.
The day pass includes entrance to the Baha Bay waterpark which has 24 waterslides, 2 water coasters, a surf simulator, a lazy river, and a giant wave pool. With so many attractions, this waterpark is great to keep kids or active adults busy for the full day.
Baha Bay also has a giant infinity pool, 15 acres of beachfront at Cable beach, and private cabanas for rent if you prefer to kick back in a lounge chair with a good book.
If your top priority for a day pass is a great waterpark, Atlantis is a great choice. The waterpark at Atlantis is much larger than the one at Baha Bay. There are dozens of waterslides, 11+ pools, a mile long lazy river, and many more attractions.
However, Aquaventure is much more expensive than Baha Bay, so it may not be worth the upcharge if you don’t value the extra attraction options.
If you’re an adults-only group and value relaxation over water parks, the Riu Palace is the right choice. This adults-only all-inclusive has two large pools overlooking the ocean and sandy beachfront access to Cabbage beach.
Since it’s an all-inclusive resort, you can drink and eat as much as you want during your visit.
This is what I did on my most recent visit and had a great time. It’s less flashy than the above waterparks, but much more relaxing. Plus, I was obsessed with the views from the infinity pool (pictured above).
3. Swimming with Pigs
🕒 Duration: 4 hours | ✔️Book Here
Whenever I hear about swimming with pigs, I think about Fyre fest. Anyone else? For those that are less chronically online, Fyre fest was a failed music festival that was supposed to be in the Bahamas. One of the activities they heavily promoted was swimming with pigs.
Regardless, swimming with pigs is one of the most popular and iconic things to do in the Bahamas. It’s honestly one big photo op, but an opportunity you won’t find many places in the world.
The full excursion is a beach day on Rose Island, which as crystal clear water and white sand beaches. The actual pig portion of the tour is 30 minutes, which is honestly plenty of time.
You’ll have the opportunity to pet, feed, and snap some photos with the pigs.
Pros:
- Unique opportunity to swim with cute pigs
- Great Instagram photo opportunity
- Includes a full day of beach time to relax in the Bahamian sun
Considerations:
- Most of the day is spent on the beach versus with the pigs
- Potential for pig poo or dirtiness in water
4. Rum and Food Tour
🕒 Duration: 3 hours | ✔️Book Here
I love taking a local food tour every chance I get. It’s a great way to learn about local culture and try some new foods.
This rum and food tour is one of the highest rated things to do in Nassau. Its equal parts foodie and boozy which is perfect for vacation!
This food tour has multiple stops including:
- Smugglers Beer Garden for rum samples
- Rum infused chocolate at a local choclatier
- Conch fritters
- John Watling’s Distillery
Pros:
- Eat and drink the most popular Bahamian foods and drinks
- Includes rum mixology lesson
- Small group of maximum 10 people for an intimate experience
Considerations:
- More drink than food stops so you may be a bit hungry after the tour
5. Island Sightseeing Tour
🕒 Duration: 2.5 hours | ✔️Book Here
If it’s your first time visiting Nassau, an island sightseeing tour is a great way to see the island and learn about its history.
This tour includes transportation around the island with commentary from the local guide about the sights and history. Some of the places you’ll visit are the Queen Victoria staircase, a rum cake factory, Atlantis resort, the Graycliff Chocolate Factory and John Watling’s Distillery.
If you’re tempted to stay on the ship in Nassau, I encourage you to at least get off to take this tour to see the most popular parts of the island.
Pros:
- Great overview of Nassau
- Stops at historic sites and popular tourist areas
- Educational and informative
Considerations:
- The stops are quick, so you may not have enough time to do everything at each stop that you would be able to do if you visited them individually
6. ATV Tour
🕒 Duration: | ✔️Book Here
If the above sightseeing tour interested you and you enjoy adventure, this is the perfect Nassau excursion for you.
This ATV tour includes stops around the island such as Fort Charlotte, the Caves of New Providence, and the Queen’s staircase. It ends at the beach for relaxation time and an included lunch.
Pros:
- Explore the island and see beyond the cruise port
- Spend time at the beach with included lunch
Considerations:
- ATVs may not be suitable for young kids
- It is difficult to hear on the ATVs, so expect less commentary than a bus sightseeing tour
7. Pearl Island Relaxation
🕒 Duration: 5 hours | ✔️Book Here
Looking to relax? This Pearl Island private cabana is for you. Pearl island is a great alternative to a beach resort because it’s tailored to cruise visitors.
Pearl island is a small island off of Nassau with beaches, excursions, and amenities such as restaurants and restrooms.
This Pearl Island cabana rental includes a boat ride to and from the cruise ship port, an oceanside cabana with a private server, a welcome cocktail, lunch, and snorkeling equipment.
Pros:
- Private cabana is perfect for a romantic escape or families
- Inclusive food and snorkeling makes it a full day of fun
- Access to two white sand beaches for swimming and relaxing
Considerations:
- Since it’s an island, you will have to start and end the activity at a set time, having less flexibility than a resort day pass
8. Cabbage Beach Day
Cabbage beach is the #1 beach in Nassau. It’s where you’ll find the most popular resorts such as Atlantis and the Four Seasons.
You can visit Cabbage beach through a resort pass, mentioned above, if you want amenities such as restrooms and bar service.
Alternatively, you can visit on your own since the entire beach is public. Simply pack your own towel, snacks, and water from the ship.
9. Walk to Junkanoo Beach
If you’re looking for an activity next to the port, Junkanoo beach is a good walkable option. I have not been personally, but have heard varied opinions.
Some people love that it’s walking distance and love spending the day there. Other people share that it is overcrowded, a little dirty, and not worth getting off the ship.
I’d recommend Junkanoo beach if you simply want to walk along the beach or visit for a short amount of time before heading back to downtown Nassau.
If you want a long beach day, I recommend Cabbage beach (mentioned above).
10. Historic Bike Tour
🕒 Duration: 4.5 hours | ✔️Book Here
This bike tour is a combination of exercise, sightseeing, and a food tour. It includes stops at popular landmarks where you can learn about the island’s history.
You will also visit food and drink stops such as rum, chocolate, and conch fritters.
Pros:
- Guided tour to learn about the island and try tasty local food
- Good way to get some light exercise
Considerations:
- It might be too hot in the middle of the day for exercise
11. Snorkeling Tour
🕒 Duration:4 hours | ✔️Book Here
There is great snorkeling in many popular Caribbean cruise ports. Nassau is no different.
On this snorkel tour, you will embark from the cruise port to a popular snorkeling spot with potential animal sightings such as turtles and stingrays.
From there, you will continue on to Rose Island for swimming, beach time, and a grilled lunch.
Pros:
- Combination of snorkeling and beach
- Potential to see turtles and stingrays
Considerations:
- Snorkeling quality may be better at a different port on your cruise
12. Sportfishing
🕒 Duration: 8 hours | ✔️Book Here
If you’re into fishing, this private yacht sportfishing tour is for you. Since this is a private tour, you can customize it to your interests. Some things to choose from are fishing, snorkeling, beach time, sightseeing, and swimming with pigs.
Unlike other boat charters, this one is specifically outfitted for fishing with equipment, coolers, and ice.
Pros:
- Flexible day on a private yacht
- Tailor the activities to your interests
Considerations:
- More expensive than some other excursions on this list
13. Explore Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte in the Bahamas is best known for its beautiful views of the harbor, its cannons, and its fortifications, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing.
Additionally, the fort is home to a number of historical sites that provide an interesting insight into the country’s history.
One of the most popular activities at the fort is a guided tour, which includes a visit to the dungeons and the ramparts.
Other activities include exploring the inner courtyard, climbing the stairs to the highest point of the fort for a stunning view, and visiting the barracks and powder magazine.
If you’re interested in historic forts, I’ve also heard good things about Fort Fincastle.
14. Visit the Straw Market
Explore the Straw Market for local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade items, including straw bags and hats. This is not a full-day activity, but is a good stop either to or from the cruise port.
It’s expected to negotiate with the local vendors. I’d expect to pay around 60% of the initial listed price for any item.
15. Visit the Pirate Museum
Learn about Nassau’s pirate history at the Pirates Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and displays. Since the museum is indoors, this is a great activity if there is bad weather or you need a break from the sun.
The entire museum is interactive with exhibits such as a shanty town, flag room, and recreation of the pirate trials. There are also exhibits dedicated to famous pirates such as Blackbeard and Anne Bonny.
As of 2023, admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children under 18.
16. Experience Fish Fry in Fish Fry
Arawak Cay is a part of Nassau known for having many local restaurants. It’s commonly referred to as “Fish Fry” since there are so many fish fries in the area.
A Fish Fry is a traditional Bahamian event that usually involves cooking and eating a variety of freshly-caught fish, such as grouper, snapper, and yellowtail. The ingredients typically used in Bahamian Fish Fry are garlic, onion, thyme, seasoning, and a variety of other spices, depending on the preference of the cook.
The fish is fried in oil and served with sides such as potatoes, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese. It is a popular and traditional meal in the Bahamas and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
If you get hungry during your day in Nassau, head to this part of the island to try it for yourself.
17. Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre
The Ardastra Gardens are the only conservation center in the Bahamas. The initial goal of the gardens was to bring visitors peace, and act as a home for the endangered Caribbean flamingos.
Now, Ardastra is home to over 135 animals and interactive exhibits. You can feed tortoises, see tropical birds, or water the flamingo show.
The gardens are open seven days a week. The entrance rates as of 2023 are $35 for adults and $25 for kids.
FAQ – Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port
Yes! It is definitely worth visiting Nassau Bahamas. If you’re visiting on a cruise, be sure to get off the ship to explore. There are many fun things to do in Nassau such as snorkeling, swimming with pigs, touring the island, or relaxing at the beach.
To get to the official taxi line, walk through the cruise terminal, following signs for the taxis. You will exit past a fence, then see many taxi drivers offering tours and rides. Any of these official taxis are safe to take. Expect to pay around $8 per person to get to paradise island.
Yes, you can just walk around Nassau. From the cruise port, you can walk to the Straw Market, downtown shopping, and Junkanoo beach. The port was also recently renovated, so you can walk around there to visit an art gallery, souvenir shop, or food stall.
Summary of What to Do in Nassau
By now, you should be convinced there are many amazing things to do in Nassau Bahamas port. I hope I’ve convinced you that Nassau is worth visiting and you should get off the ship and go on a guided tour or explore on your own.
Still deciding what to do? Here are my top three choices:
Best for families: Half Day Private Boat Charter
Best for beach lovers: Baha Mar Day Pass
Best for foodies: Rum and Food Tour
Be sure to check out my guide to what to wear on a cruise to plan out all your outfits for Nassau and the rest of your trip!
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