A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Table Of Content

• LAND & SEA TOUR
• Snorkel Adventures (Moderate Activity)
• Snorkeling in Nassau
• Best Excursions in Nassau, Bahamas (+ Snorkeling)
• Complete your adventure with these shore excursions

First-time visitors looking to get an overview of the island should join one of these Nassau, Bahamas excursions. Most of them offer great value for money, as they are cheaper than those that include use of a vehicle, lunch and drinks. Most Nassau excursions for cruisers will take anywhere between three and four hours.

LAND & SEA TOUR

One dead as Nassau Blue Lagoon shore excursion ferry swamps - Seatrade Cruise News

One dead as Nassau Blue Lagoon shore excursion ferry swamps.

Posted: Sat, 18 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Discover Nassau for an introduction to the Bahamas' best and most beautiful highlights, including downtown Nassau, Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort, Junkanoo Beach, Arawak Cay, and Nassau Harbor. We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our “best for less” excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Excursions International Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need. Nassau offers an abundance of activities and tours both above and below the turquoise waters that surround this tropical island. Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views.

Snorkel Adventures (Moderate Activity)

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing or simply unwind with a refreshing drink in hand. Nassau is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. If you want to get a taste of city life, take a walking tour of downtown and nearby sightseeing destinations. If you feel like ditching the beach chairs and treating yourself to a Bahamian dining experience, you can enjoy a unique meal at Graycliff. It's a five-star Caribbean restaurant complete with a delicious wine tasting.

Snorkeling in Nassau

Royal Caribbean Continues to Cancel Popular Shore Excursions - Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean Continues to Cancel Popular Shore Excursions.

Posted: Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Some are small family-owned restaurants, while others are specialty food stores. At those places you’ll be able to sample local delights like chowder & fritters, traditional Bahamian dishes or the Bahamian mac & cheese. I fell in love with the beautiful pastel-colored buildings and the historic sites like Fort Charlotte. My personal favorite was to explore the local markets, savor traditional Bahamian cuisine and go to some of the best excursions in Nassau, Bahamas.

If you're a fan of marine life, the Dip 'N Discover dolphin interaction is an activity you won't want to miss. This interactive experience allows you to get up close and personal with dolphins in a natural lagoon setting. Learn about their behaviors, participate in hands-on activities and even enjoy a swim with these incredible creatures. Renowned for its wine cellar with over 250,000 bottles from over 400 vintners in 15 countries, the Graycliff Hotel is equally praised for its Cigar and Chocolate factories that are a delight to tour. The swimming pool is inviting and there are quite a few different excursion to choose from including a 3-course Wine Luncheon. However, if you want something more exclusive you should go on a tour to the Blue Lagoon, the Pearl Island, the Balmoral Island or the pool of the Graycliff hotel.

Complete your adventure with these shore excursions

All cruise lines offer different tours and combos for the novice or experienced snorkelers. Obviously, all cruise lines also offer a basic beach day package to relax on a double hammock, participate in water activities or sip umbrella drinks. Upgrades such as snorkeling gear and kayaks are available for an additional fee. If you are on a tight schedule, make sure your tour offers the option to be dropped off at the cruise port. We recommend starting the day with this tour so that you can explore the local beaches before going back to your cruise ship in the afternoon. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Nassau just over the bridge that spans the islands.

Nassau offers a multitude of activities focused around the archipelago's beautiful blue waters and magnificent natural environment. Just about every conceivable water sport is available to Nassau visitors via cruise ship excursion. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs). Nassau's nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home.

ATV Island Tour with lunch

And if your cruise includes a stop in Aruba, make sure to check my post on the best tours in Aruba for more shore excursions there. Going on a shore excursion in Nassau is a great idea for several reasons. You’ll have guides to show you the best parts and share interesting facts. No matter what you’re into – like adventure, relaxation, or culture – shore excursions have something for everyone. The translucent, crystal clear waters of The Bahamas are an invitation for snorkeling. In any of the famous beaches close to Nassau, the cruise traveler will be able to snorkel but the best places are the coral reefs offshore.

Best beaches in Nassau

My favorite ATV tour in Nassau, Bahamas is this 3-hour guided tour with lunch included. Hop on a well-maintained 2018 Can-Am Outlander 450 and embark on a journey that takes you through both captivating history and breathtaking landscapes. Selecting a favorite among the best excursions in Nassau, Bahamas can be a delightful but challenging dilemma. There are so many options, like tasting delicious Bahamian food, going snorkeling, riding ATVs through beautiful scenery and more. For those who enjoy a good drink, a rum-tasting excursion is a great way to experience the flavors of the Bahamas. Visit local distilleries and learn about the process of rum-making while sampling different varieties of this beloved spirit.

You’ll also have access to soft drinks and ice to keep you refreshed during your adventure. This historic Caribbean city is one of the world's most popular cruise and snorkeling destinations, and it's easy to see why. Around one million travelers board Caribbean cruise ships that travel to Nassau every year!

The Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submarine with a 5 feet under-water air conditioned observatory. This excursion is offered by most cruise lines and offered with many different combos. Nassau Island Tours are a great way to learn about the Bahamian culture and history and see some of the popular island attractions of Cable Beach, Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort and so much more. A guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing fun facts about the marine life you’ll encounter. While some of the shipwrecks are quite deep, others are closer to the surface and are suitable for amateur snorkelers and divers.

We also offer plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving excursions for those who want to experience the Bahamas' exquisite marine life. Perhaps no port is more synonymous with cruising than Nassau, an island in the Bahamas. Stretching about 80 square miles, Bahamas' capital city of Nassau welcomes more than 1,000 cruise ships per year, located just 180 miles off the Florida coast. Day visitors have the chance to explore popular shore excursions like the waterpark and aquarium at Atlantis Resort or swimming with dolphins. Wine enthusiasts might not expect to find one of the world's largest wine cellars in Nassau; more than 250,000 bottles are housed at the Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, including vintages that are centuries old.

It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music. Make sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during the tour. Also, check with the tour company to see if they provide life jackets or if you need to bring your own. One of our favorites is the Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day & Dolphin Encounter.

The excursion ends at Cable Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, where you’ll have some time to relax and swim. For those not interested in water sports or beach activities of any sort, Nassau has a good number of historical landmarks that can be visited on Highlights Tours. All cruise lines offer this type of tour with stops and photo ops in places like the Fort Charlotte, Queens staircase, the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay among others.

Top Excursions and Activities to Do in Nassau, Bahamas

Table Of Content

• Private Paradise
• Nassau Excursions Under Four Hours: Rum and Food Tastings, and Island Highlight Tours
• Paradise Island
• Cabbage Beach
• Complete your adventure with these shore excursions

These four- to six-seater automatic vehicles give visitors the chance to pick their itineraries and spend as much time in each place as they wish. Rentals are for a minimum of four hours and can go for as long as you wish. Most of these tours also include stops at a chocolate factory and a rum distillery for a taste of island products. These tours hit many of the top attractions in town but are not overly strenuous, as there are many stops and you’ll be able to sit down every now and then during the excursion. You’ll also have the chance to swim and snorkel, but you’ll have to bring your own gear.

Private Paradise

No matter your style, there are plenty of activities for you to see and do on this lovely island. Browse more of our Nassau shore excursions and tours below to find your perfect getaway. For those that are Certified Divers, Nassau has a few very interesting sites to explore. All cruise lines offer Scuba Diving shore excursions to different sites, options and combos - the James Bond wreck and the Jaws Cessna are two top film set-dives not to be missed. If you are cruising to Nassau with Royal Caribbean, this shore excursion to Pearl Island has to be booked onboard with the Shorex desk.

Nassau Excursions Under Four Hours: Rum and Food Tastings, and Island Highlight Tours

You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there's something for everyone. Discover our full range of Nassau shore excursions to find the perfect experiences to enhance your cruise vacation. Take on the best excursions in Nassau by opting for thrilling jeep tours that offer different exploration experiences.

Paradise Island

Also don’t forget some cash if you want to buy something from the local vendors. Last are short stops at Graycliff Chocolatier and John Watling’s Distillery for tastings of some of the best chocolate and rum in Nassau. This shore excursion in Nassau  includes transportation in an air-conditioned van and food and drink samples. After the tour, you can head to Junkanoo Beach, a short walk from town, or go back to the main shopping area. When you hear about snorkeling in Nassau, Bahamas, do you think about crystal clear waters full of tropical fish?

Your best chance of catching Greenslade (and maybe even an autographed copy of his book) is on Friday nights. First one is Graycliff Chocolatier, Nassau’s exclusive bean-to-bar chocolate factory. The second is John Watling’s Distillery, where artisanal Bahamian rums are meticulously crafted. The day kicks off with a relaxing cruise through Paradise Island’s picturesque harbor, featuring stunning oceanfront mansions. Next, you’ll visit the Queen’s Staircase, where you can climb the hand-carved 65 steps to the top.

Top Nassau port guides

If you are unable to climb the stairs, the shore excursion organizers will drive you to the top. There you’ll be able to do some shopping and see Fort Fincastle that overlooks the whole city. This shore excursion in Nassau starts at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, where you can taste different rum cakes. Then, you’ll go to Paradise Island for 30 minutes to see the Atlantis casino, lobby and area. This excursion is another great option for cruise travelers that do not wish to get wet and want to contemplate the stunning underwater world of The Bahamas.

Cruise Guest Dies After Tour Boat Sinks in the Bahamas - Cruise Hive

Cruise Guest Dies After Tour Boat Sinks in the Bahamas.

Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. The highlight, however, may be the hotel's five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. The sumptuous restaurant features four air-conditioned dining rooms and a garden dining area, with each room decorated to reflect the Graycliff's origins as a private home.

Blue Lagoon(Dolphins, Sea Lions and Beach Break)

With 25 years in the same location, McKenzie, a former conch fisherman turned restaurateur, is a local celebrity among Potter Cay purveyors, with a shack positioned as the first on the bridge's west end. The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. Sandyport Beach is connected by a small bridge to the Venice-like resort Sandyport development near Cable Beach. The territory of the Bahamas includes 700 islands and 2,000 rocks and cays spread across 100,000 square miles of the North Atlantic Ocean.

You can choose between morning and afternoon tours, and roundtrip transportation is included, ensuring convenience and safety. On top of that, you’ll also get free lunch and a drink, and a bottle of water to keep you fresh during the tour. This tour includes pickup for cruise ship and hotel guests, bicycles, helmets, and headsets for an informative tour. Each tour has a maximum of 10 adults and 3 children (6-12 years old) or 13 adults.

The Queen's Staircase or "66 Steps" are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennett's Hill. Sweeping views from the fort's bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock.

The tour also includes snorkeling, a visit to a sandbar, and a delicious lunch on a private island. One popular private boat tour option is the Exuma Cays tour, which takes you to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the Bahamas. Another great option is the Rose Island tour, which offers a more laid-back experience with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. There are many boat tours available in Nassau, each offering a unique experience. From snorkeling and swimming with dolphins to exploring secluded beaches and hidden coves, there’s something for everyone.

This swimming with the pigs in Nassau tour also includes optional hotel and cruise port pickup. You can watch them play in the water, feed them and even hold them in your hands like any other pet. Other than that, you can relax at the beach bar or join a guided snorkeling tour. If that’s not your thing, there are also hammocks and kayaks at your disposal. Imagine being in clear blue waters, surrounded by friendly and playful swimming pigs.

Don't forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. Most snorkeling boat tours take you to some of the best snorkeling spots in Nassau, where you can see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and even sea turtles. Some tours also offer the opportunity to snorkel with sharks, which is an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers. Powerboat Adventures is a thrilling boat tour that takes visitors on a high-speed ride to the Exuma Cays, where they can swim with the pigs and feed the iguanas.

The Junkanoo Carnaval Village food excursion offers a taste of the local cuisine and a glimpse into the vibrant Junkanoo culture. Sample delicious Bahamian dishes like conch fritters, jerk chicken and coconut pie while enjoying live music and dance performances. This excursion is a food lover's paradise and a fantastic way to indulge in the flavors of the Bahamas. Only offered onboard by Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises, this excursion to the pristine Balmoral Island (a private atoll) is an excellent way to spend the day in Nassau. The Half-Day Beach Break Shore Excursion can be combined with other activities such as a Dolphin Swim. If you are organising a special day for a group we can help you arrange private or custom excursions.

On this page, you will find the Editor's Choice of excursions organized by Cruise Lines and available onboard but also those that can be booked directly or with third-party services. Once an open-air affair, Nassau's long-running Straw Market is located in the center of the retail action on Bay Street and also offers Bahamian gifts, crafts and souvenirs. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances. Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau. The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points.