With over 4 million cruise passengers a yr stopping at this cruise port, Nassau has turn out to be a highly regarded vacation spot for cruise ships within the Bahamas. It’s additionally turn out to be an ideal port of name for shore excursions.
In search of issues to do in Nassau, Bahamas? You’re in luck! There are many actions in Nassau to present you causes to get off the ship. Whether or not you desire a stress-free seaside, enjoyable water sport exercise, boat tour, procuring day, historic museum, or wildlife tour yow will discover one thing for everybody in your group.
Even when you’ve been to Nassau earlier than you possibly can all the time discover new and exiting excursions you in all probability didn’t even know existed. There’s extra to this cruise port than meets the attention. So, look past the port itself and see what this standard port has to supply.
New Windfall Island is just 21 miles lengthy and 11 miles vast and but is stuffed with issues to do.
Let’s take a look at a number of the finest issues to do in Nassau, Bahamas in your subsequent cruise.
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1. Go to the Greatest Seashores of Nassau
A few of the clearest, most lovely water on this planet will be discovered at Nassau, Bahamas. If you happen to’re searching for a calming seaside day or a fun-filled day on the seaside there’s a white-sandy place for you.
Many consider that a number of the finest seashores in the entire Bahamas are positioned on Paradise Island, which is simply offshore from the island of New Windfall. It’s nonetheless near the cruise port, so don’t miss this chance.
Listed here are a number of the finest seashores to go to:
- Cable Seaside – Dwelling to some luxurious all-inclusive resorts, Cable Seaside is likely one of the hottest seashores in Nassau. There are over 2 miles of shoreline with completely clear waters and delicate sand. There may be an assortment of eating places and retailers close by.
- Cabbage Seaside – Situated only a bridge away on Paradise Island, Cabbage Seaside might be the most lovely seaside you’ll discover across the island. There are resorts shut by, and the seaside will be extra crowded on the western aspect throughout peak season. It’s an ideal place for strolling alongside the seaside and sunbathing. You’ll fall in love with this seaside when you’re a beach-lover.
- Love Seaside — Additional to the west from the cruise port, Love Seaside is a couple of 20-minute drive from downtown Nassau. It’s nicely definitely worth the drive when you ask me. It’s a quiet, pristine seaside that has some wonderful coral reefs for snorkeling. In spite of everything it’s proper close to 40 acres of protected coral. If you would like a seaside away from the bustle, this is likely to be an ideal possibility.
- Cove Seaside – One other stress-free seaside location, Cove Seaside is positioned on Paradise Island. Palm bushes and white sands welcome guests to this tranquil vacation spot. It’s additionally proper close to The Cove Atlantis when you’d like a calming place to spend the day in port.
- Junkanoo Seaside – Though not one in all my favourite seashores, it’s standard with cruisers as it’s only a 15-minute stroll away from the pier and does have lovely clear water. You will get some nice views and footage of your ship from right here. The seaside has a extra informal environment. You’ll typically see some seaside volleyball being performed and another seaside video games. There are locations to seize a chunk or drink shut by. This can be a nice seaside when you simply wish to pop in, have some seaside time, and hit some retailers on the best way again to the ship.
Wish to see extra seashores in Nassau? Try our put up on the finest seashores in Nassau right here.
2. Get pleasure from Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis
There are tons of issues to do at Atlantis, Paradise Island. We’ll point out a couple of within the different factors of this put up, however one of the crucial thrilling issues you are able to do is spend the day at Aquaventure. This can be a 141-acre water park that may be a flat-out blast for youths and adults alike.
Being the most important water park within the Caribbean is just a part of the park’s declare to fame. There are 11 swimming pools, high-speed water slides, lazy rivers, kiddie splash zones, and even a mile-long river-ride with intense rapids alongside the best way.
The Energy Tower presents 4 water slides from its heights, together with a 200-foot lengthy physique slide and a 50-foot close to vertical drop. The Mayan Temple has 5 water slides, and one in all them drops you 60-feet earlier than plunging you into a transparent tunnel beneath a shark-filled lagoon.
3. Stroll Round Atlantis on Your Personal
Let’s say you simply wish to see what Atlantis is all about earlier than paying for the Aquapark or different actions on the premises. You may merely take a cheap water taxi from the cruise port to Paradise Island. On the best way, a tour information will level out some attention-grabbing information and tales about Nassau.
As soon as on the opposite aspect it’s a brief stroll to Atlantis the place you possibly can stroll across the unbelievable structure. From the gorgeous foyer of the resort you possibly can see a part of the aquarium after which stroll exterior to take a look at the gorgeous amenities. Waterfalls, lagoons, and marine life present a peaceable setting for a leisurely stroll.
There are high-end retailers and eating places across the resort as nicely. To not point out the notorious on line casino.
4. Store on the Straw Market
If distinctive, hand-crafted odds and ends made by native Bahamians are in your procuring listing, you gained’t be very removed from a spot that has all of it when you get off the ship.
The Nassau Straw Market is correct in the course of Bay Avenue, only a 2-minute stroll from the pier. When you stroll out of the terminal take a proper and you will notice the market alongside the road.
You will see that treasures like hand-woven straw hats, luggage, and trinkets together with a number of the most lovely and attention-grabbing wood-carvings you’ve ever seen.
Be able to make the most of your negotiation expertise and discover a cut price. You should utilize both U.S. or Bahamian money.
Be aware: There are many different retailers and shops alongside Bay Avenue as nicely that promote t-shirts, sun shades, souvenirs and different touristy objects.
5. Climb the Queen’s Staircase
Carved out of stable limestone by slaves within the late 1700’s, the Queen’s Staircase consists of 66 steps that result in the very best level of the island, Fort Fincastle. The steps have been named after Queen Victoria for her half in abolishing slavery within the Bahamas.
Fort Fincastle overlooks town of Nassau and the entrance of it’s formed just like the bow of a ship. It’s an ideal historic tour that lets you see the cannons and fortifications of a special period.
A few of the Nassau excursions will take you to this iconic location on the island (you possibly can e book such a tour right here). I’ve really walked there from the port as nicely, though it’s a reasonably lengthy stroll.
6. Go to Blue Lagoon Island
One of the standard aspect journeys from Nassau is the 3-mile boat trip to Blue Lagoon Island. Also called Salt Cay (because it was a salt marsh within the late 1800’s), the island is dotted by coconut palms and is surrounded by clear turquoise waters. The hidden lagoon within the heart of the island is ideal for swimming and stress-free on its sandy seashores.
The Dolphin Encounter on the island (extra on this beneath) permits company to get an up-close expertise with each dolphins and sea lions. This family-owned habitat is academic and enjoyable for the entire household.
If watersports are your factor there are many leases made obtainable as nicely. You may hire paddle boats, canoes, and inflatables. For a extra stress-free expertise there are hammocks all around the island as nicely.
Blue Lagoon Island has a wealthy historical past, which you’ll be able to find out about on a Segway tour or strolling tour. From a pirate rest-stop to a WWII testing facility, the island has some very attention-grabbing roots.
See extra info on a Blue Lagoon Island seaside day tour right here.
7. See the Pirates of Nassau Museum
Exploring a full-size reproduction of the pirate ship Revenge is simply a part of the Pirates of Nassau Museum. That is an interactive expertise that lets guests peer into the lifetime of a pirate in 1716.
A few of the enjoyable displays embody strolling via a shanty city at twilight, studying about feminine pirates, going through the notorious Black Beard, understanding what occurred to probably the most well-known pirates, and with the ability to see flintlock pistols, cutlasses, and different artifacts from the pirate period.
The museum is positioned within the coronary heart of Nassau, a simple stroll from the cruise port, and admission prices $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for kids 4-17.
Nassau was on the very heart of Caribbean pirate exercise, so it is a enjoyable technique to be taught some historical past whereas holding the youngsters entertained. The shares out entrance present an ideal photograph op as nicely.
8. Get pleasure from a Dolphin Tour (A number of Places)
If you wish to have a magical expertise with these fascinating mammals there are many locations to select from in Nassau. Take into accout there’s a distinction between swimming with dolphins and dolphin encounters. Encounters are normally cheaper and in additional shallow water. Swimming with dolphins can contain deeper water and life vests.
Get an image of a dolphin supplying you with a kiss, shake the dolphin’s fin, and even take pleasure in a foot-push throughout the water, also called dolphin water-skiing.
Listed here are some locations that supply dolphin excursions round Nassau. The entire beneath locations have each “swims” and “encounters” with dolphins.
- Atlantis Bahamas – Atlantis presents all types of actions with dolphins at Dolphin Cay, one of many world’s largest open-air marine mammal habitats. The 11-acre lagoon gives dolphin excursions for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and even simply sitting on a seaside and having fun with being near the dolphins. Atlantis presents an ideal academic expertise as nicely, and you may spend time with sea lions along with dolphins.
- Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter – We already talked about Blue Lagoon Island, and that is one other standard place for dolphin excursions. An area household runs the dolphin habitat, and your complete island is an tour itself. This is likely one of the highest-rated dolphin experiences for cruisers in Nassau. There are sea lions on Blue Lagoon as nicely.
- Balmoral Island – The ferry trip to Balmoral Island is about half-hour from Nassau. After your tour with the dolphins you possibly can take pleasure in white sandy seashores, 2 swimming pools, the usage of noodles and innertubes, and even free WiFi. There are many loungers by the seaside to calm down after your time with the dolphins. There may be additionally a stingray encounter on Balmoral Island.
9. Dive with Sharks
You learn that proper. Situated on the south western aspect of New Windfall Island, Stuarts Cove gives a really distinctive expertise for thrill seekers. Stand up shut and private with Caribbean reef sharks on a 3.5 hour 2 tank-dive. You’ll be inside touching distance of 5-6 foot wild sharks. How cool is that? A Divemaster will feed the sharks with a pole, and it’s an electrical expertise.
There are 2 elements of the dive. The primary dive is a free swim close to the Shark Wall the place the sharks could comply with you round. They’ve been educated by the “dinner bell”. The twond dive is the place you’ll really feed the sharks and get to see these wonderful creatures in a surreal approach. Don’t fear, the sharks need the bait greater than you, however it’s nonetheless an ideal exercise for adrenaline junkies.
Needless to say you could have your dive certification so as to e book this tour. See extra info on this shark dive in Nassau right here.
10. Go to Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Middle
Made well-known for the marching flamingos (a spectacular present to look at), this was the primary zoo within the Bahamas. It’s now residence to over 200 animals on 4 acres of tropical gardens.
Any animal lover will completely love this place. Guests can hand feed the colourful Lory Parrots, take a look at the peacocks, play with the pleasant domesticated pigs, and even spot a couple of lemurs.
The placement is lower than 2 miles from the cruise port. The fee is $18.75 for adults and $9.50 for kids 4-12.
11. Go to Clifton Heritage Nationwide Park
Situated on the western most aspect of the Island and close to Jaw’s Seaside, Clifton Heritage Nationwide Park presents mountaineering trails, ruins, snorkeling, and seashores. There are literally 5 nationwide parks on the island. This one is comparatively new, opening in 2009.
There are 208 acres for the general public to take pleasure in. The park is jam-packed with a various eco-system that consists of cliffs, wetlands, dunes, coral reefs, and a wide range of fowl life. It’s an ideal place for snorkeling the Coral Reef Sculpture Backyard. However many prefer it for simply getting away from the busyness of downtown Nassau. Outside fanatic will benefit from the strolling trails and a extra relaxed setting.
The historic facet of the park permits guests to be taught in regards to the first inhabitants of the Bahamas, the Lucayan folks. A number of buildings on the property are replicas, displaying how these folks lived.
12. Go Swimming with Pigs
Positive, it sounds bizarre, however there’s a motive swimming with pigs close to Nassau is such a preferred exercise. The placement of this tour is definitely in The Exumas which is an hour boat trip from Nassau. Simply the journey via The Exuma Cays is definitely worth the journey, as you possibly can soak within the stunningly pristine and turquoise waters across the islands. It is likely to be a number of the clearest water you’ll ever see.
The lovable little piggies are wonderful swimmers and there are over 20 of them on Pig Seaside. Get your selfie with the piglets and swim round with them in a tropical paradise. Youngsters like it, and it’s an unforgettable expertise.
Some say the pigs obtained to the islands by surviving a ship wreck. Others say that sailors left them there with the intent of coming again to cook dinner them up later. What’s the actual story? Take a go to and discover out for your self.
13. Play with Stingrays
Don’t let any misconceptions scare you away from swimming with some stingrays. The Southern Rays of the Caribbean are docile creatures which are extra puppy-like than the rest. Stingray Metropolis is a brief boat trip from Nassau and is a pure habitat for these creatures. These stingrays shouldn’t have barbed tails and are completely secure to the touch and feed. Get your digital camera prepared for a photo-op as a result of these rays will swim proper as much as you and may even ask for a kiss.
14. Fulfill Your Style Buds on the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay)
If you would like nice meals that’s really genuine, eat the place the locals eat. Arawak Cay was constructed with sand that was dredged from Nassau Harbour in 1969. At present it is called the Fish Fry and is stuffed with wonderful eating places providing genuine Bahamian meals.
Eating places as Goldies (Conch Home on the Fish Fry) and Twin Brothers are a number of the hottest eateries. However there are many locations to tantalize your style buds on this space.
Proper off West Bay Avenue in Nassau the Fish Fry is just a brief 1.3 mile stroll from the cruise terminal. So, you possibly can hit some retailers on the best way again to the ship. Whether or not you’re within the temper for shrimp, lobster, and even conch, any foodie will love the choices obtainable at this location.
15. Take a Culinary Stroll By way of Nassau’s Historical past
Nonetheless on the subject of meals, you possibly can take pleasure in some scrumptious native meals whereas studying about Nassau’s previous on an Intimate Previous Nassau Eating Stroll.
This 2-hour historic journey begins at Pompey Sq. after which results in Christ Church Cathedral. There you possibly can admire the 1670 structure of the primary Bahamian church. There are 3 tastings all through the tour and you will notice different websites just like the Pirate Museum, the Towne Lodge, Authorities Home, Graycliff Lodge, a cigar manufacturing facility, and Bahama Barrels. The walks between retailers are brief, so it’s straightforward strolling for anybody. You’ll be taught lots about Nassau’s wealthy historical past, all whereas ensuring your abdomen stays comfortable.
16. Expertise Nassau’s Chocolate Manufacturing facility
Graycliff Lodge is residence to the most effective chocolatier on the island. Not solely will you might have an opportunity to tour the manufacturing facility and see how cacao beans are became chocolate masterpieces, however additionally, you will have the prospect to indulge your senses with some chocolate tasting of your individual.
In truth, you possibly can create your individual chocolate utilizing some distinctive elements like mango, lime, sweet-tomato basil, and bacon. Who can flip that down? A simple stroll from the cruise port, it is a tour for the entire household. And on the finish you possibly can store for some truffles and treats on the boutique.
17. Tour Round Parliament Sq.
Wish to see some historical past by yourself? You may’t miss these pink, colonial fashion buildings that make up Parliament Sq.. You may actually get a really feel for the British heritage Nassau carries when seeing the sq. that was inbuilt 1815.
The Home of Meeting, the Supreme Court docket, and the places of work of the Chief of the Opposition are the buildings that make up the sq.. Guests can really see the federal government in motion and watch a vigorous debate by lawmakers when the Home of Meeting is in session. Judges and attorneys nonetheless gown in conventional British wigs and robes.
18. Go to Fort Charlotte
Though it was by no means utilized in battle, Fort Charlotte is one of some English forts on the Island and is likely one of the most spectacular. It’s in reality the most important, at over 100 acres. A simple stroll to the west from downtown Nassau, this fort was constructed out of limestone in 1789.
The fort boasts a moat, dungeons, underground passageways, and 42 cannons that overlook the far west finish of the harbor. You will get excursions of Fort Charlotte and be taught extra about life within the 18th century. If you happen to occur to be in Nassau on a Wednesday or Friday, you possibly can expertise one thing particular. Characters gown up in interval costumes and a number of the cannons are fired off round midday.
19. Experience a Bahama Jet Boat
One other exercise for thrill-seekers, a trip on a Bahama Jet Boat is an extremely enjoyable expertise. You will notice Nassau’s shoreline in an ultra-fast trip filled with twists and turns. The 24-passenger boat will present an hour of secure, enjoyable, and thrilling website seeing whereas zipping via the pristine waters of the Bahamas. These items are quick, however the captains are nicely educated. Get your coronary heart racing, and take a look at it out if you’d like an tour in Nassau that may get your adrenaline pumping.
20. Take a Glass-Backside Boat Tour
Need a extra leisurely boat trip in Nassau? This glass-bottom boat tour takes you to the Sea Backyard the place you possibly can each feed and admire the fish and marine life. Sitting 5-feet beneath the waves the vessel lets you see clearly into the gorgeous waters at this underwater world. The boat will keep on the Sea Backyard for an hour. On the best way to and from this location the tour information will level out the place a number of celebrities reside on Paradise Island. A few of the celebrities embody Oprah, Jay Z and Beyonce, Mick Jagger and Invoice Gates.
21. Take an Underwater Scooter to Discover the Ocean
A SUB underwater scooter is a really cool technique to actually admire the marine lifetime of Nassau. You may take your individual private submarine into the water with out ever getting your hair moist and have excellent visibility of the colourful coral and fish. It’s a 6-hour tour in your Scenic Underwater Bubble, and it’s secure for any degree of expertise so long as you might be not less than 12-years-old. The scooters go to 15-foot depths and journey at 2 knots. The time underwater us solely about 30-minutes, and that’s been the largest grievance about this exercise.
Try this SUB journey right here.
22. Take a Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Cruise
Positive, you simply obtained off a ship, however there’s nothing like crusing away on a catamaran to take a look at the perfect locations round Nassau to snorkel. You will notice lush coral reefs on this tour. Simply the brief sail to the snorkeling spot may be very stress-free and pleasing. Upon arrival you’ll snorkel from the boat itself. Flotation vests are required because the water could also be pretty deep.
It’s a couple of 45-minute sail to the snorkel location, and you’ll spend an hour snorkeling. The captain will use the sail on the boat generally. However the boat does have a motor if wanted. It’s a really cool expertise crusing via the waters of the Bahamas.
Try this Catamaran sail and snorkel tour right here.
23. Take a Marley Resort Seaside Day
Wish to get away from the crowds however nonetheless take pleasure in an ideal seaside with loads of meals round? This is likely to be the choice for you. That is an adult-only tour that lets you spend the day at a house utilized by Bob and Rita Marley when vacationing in Nassau. It’s a couple of 30-minute automotive trip to Cable Seaside the place you’ll be let off.
You may tour the house and see memorabilia from Bob Marley’s life after which benefit from the personal haven. The personal seaside, swimming pools, and scorching tub are all included and lunch is supplied round midday. The meals choice relies on the tastes of Bob Marley himself. Try this Marley Resort Seaside Day tour right here.
24. Get pleasure from Some Bahamian Artwork
The Nationwide Artwork Gallery of the Bahamas is positioned within the historic colonial home of Villa Doyle inbuilt 1860. Any artwork fanatic will admire the life and work of those Bahamian artists as their wrestle and combat for independence will be seen of their works. Every room has a theme that’s mirrored within the work and murals all through. It can take hour to discover the artwork contained in the constructing and there are sculptures exterior as nicely. Admission is $10 for adults and kids below 12 are free.
25. Take a James Bond Journey
That is the right tour for you when you’re a fan of basic James Bond movies. The 4-hour tour and journey will allow you to discover James Bond movie places via downtown Nassau. You’ll then play the a part of both a 007 agent or a rogue villain. Missions (video games) might be performed all through the tour. As a part of the tour a bus will take you alongside the northern shore and can allow you to off at a seaside in Western New Windfall. That is the place you’ll have an included lunch.
If you happen to simply wish to get a fundamental tour of all of the highlights of Nassau as a tour information takes you across the island in an air conditioned automobile you possibly can e book a Nassau Day Tour like this one.
What would you add?
What do you love to do when your cruise ships makes a cease in Nassau? We wish to hear from you. Did we pass over your favourite exercise or shore tour? Kindly rip us a brand new one within the feedback beneath.
