With over 4 million cruise passengers a yr stopping at this cruise port, Nassau has grow to be a very fashionable vacation spot for cruise ships within the Bahamas. It’s additionally grow to be an ideal port of name for shore excursions.
On the lookout for issues to do in Nassau, Bahamas? You’re in luck! There are many actions in Nassau to provide you causes to get off the ship. Whether or not you need a enjoyable seaside, enjoyable water sport exercise, boat tour, purchasing day, historic museum, or wildlife tour you could find one thing for everybody in your group.
Even for those who’ve been to Nassau earlier than you may at all times discover new and exiting excursions you most likely 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 well-liked port has to supply.
New Windfall Island is simply 21 miles lengthy and 11 miles vast and but is filled 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
Among the clearest, most lovely water on this planet may be discovered at Nassau, Bahamas. In case you’re in search of 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 Seashore – Residence to some luxurious all-inclusive resorts, Cable Seashore is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Nassau. There are over 2 miles of shoreline with completely clear waters and tender sand. There’s an assortment of eating places and retailers close by.
- Cabbage Seashore – Positioned only a bridge away on Paradise Island, Cabbage Seashore might be the most lovely seaside you will see across the island. There are resorts shut by, and the seaside may be extra crowded on the western aspect throughout peak season. It’s a terrific place for strolling alongside the seaside and sunbathing. You’ll fall in love with this seaside for those who’re a beach-lover.
- Love Seashore — Additional to the west from the cruise port, Love Seashore is a few 20-minute drive from downtown Nassau. It’s properly definitely worth the drive for those who 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 need a seaside away from the bustle, this may be a terrific possibility.
- Cove Seashore – One other enjoyable seaside location, Cove Seashore is positioned on Paradise Island. Palm timber and white sands welcome guests to this tranquil vacation spot. It’s additionally proper close to The Cove Atlantis for those who’d like a calming place to spend the day in port.
- Junkanoo Seashore – Though not one in all my favourite seashores, it’s well-liked with cruisers as it’s only a 15-minute stroll away from the pier and does have lovely clear water. You may get some nice views and photos 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 for those who simply wish to pop in, have some seaside time, and hit some retailers on the way in which again to the ship.
Need to see extra seashores in Nassau? Try our put up on the most effective seashores in Nassau right here.
2. Take pleasure in Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis
There are tons of issues to do at Atlantis, Paradise Island. We are going to point out just a few within the different factors of this put up, however one of the vital thrilling issues you are able to do is spend the day at Aquaventure. This can be a 141-acre water park that could be a flat-out blast for teenagers and adults alike.
Being the biggest water park within the Caribbean is simply 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 way in which.
The Energy Tower gives 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’ll be able to merely take an affordable water taxi from the cruise port to Paradise Island. On the way in which, 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 may stroll across the unbelievable structure. From the gorgeous foyer of the lodge you may see a part of the aquarium after which stroll exterior to take a look at the gorgeous services. 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 properly. 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 purchasing record, you received’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 midst of Bay Avenue, only a 2-minute stroll from the pier. When you stroll out of the terminal take a proper and you will note the market alongside the road.
One can find treasures like hand-woven straw hats, baggage, 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 use both U.S. or Bahamian money.
Observe: There are many different retailers and shops alongside Bay Avenue as properly that promote t-shirts, sun shades, souvenirs and different touristy gadgets.
5. Climb the Queen’s Staircase
Carved out of strong 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 had been named after Queen Victoria for her half in abolishing slavery within the Bahamas.
Fort Fincastle overlooks the town of Nassau and the entrance of it’s formed just like the bow of a ship. It’s a terrific historic tour that lets you see the cannons and fortifications of a unique period.
Among the Nassau excursions will take you to this iconic location on the island (you may ebook such a tour right here). I’ve really walked there from the port as properly, though it’s a reasonably lengthy stroll.
6. Go to Blue Lagoon Island
Probably the most well-liked aspect journeys from Nassau is the 3-mile boat journey to Blue Lagoon Island. Also referred to as 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 enjoyable on its sandy seashores.
The Dolphin Encounter on the island (extra on this under) permits visitors 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 out there as properly. You’ll be able to hire paddle boats, canoes, and inflatables. For a extra enjoyable expertise there are hammocks everywhere in the island as properly.
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 duplicate 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.
Among the enjoyable displays embrace strolling by way of a shanty city at twilight, studying about feminine pirates, going through the notorious Black Beard, understanding what occurred to essentially the most well-known pirates, and having 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 straightforward stroll from the cruise port, and admission prices $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for youngsters 4-17.
Nassau was on the very heart of Caribbean pirate exercise, so this can be a enjoyable approach to be taught some historical past whereas conserving the children entertained. The shares out entrance present a terrific picture op as properly.
8. Take pleasure in 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 note 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 providing you with a kiss, shake the dolphin’s fin, and even take pleasure in a foot-push throughout the water, often known as dolphin water-skiing.
Listed here are some locations that provide dolphin excursions round Nassau. All the under locations have each “swims” and “encounters” with dolphins.
- Atlantis Bahamas – Atlantis gives 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 gives a terrific academic expertise as properly, 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 well-liked place for dolphin excursions. A neighborhood household runs the dolphin habitat, and the whole island is an tour itself. This is without doubt one of the highest-rated dolphin experiences for cruisers in Nassau. There are sea lions on Blue Lagoon as properly.
- Balmoral Island – The ferry journey to Balmoral Island is about half-hour from Nassau. After your tour with the dolphins you may 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 chill out after your time with the dolphins. There’s additionally a stingray encounter on Balmoral Island.
9. Dive with Sharks
You learn that proper. Positioned on the south western aspect of New Windfall Island, Stuarts Cove gives a really distinctive expertise for thrill seekers. Rise 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 components of the dive. The primary dive is a free swim close to the Shark Wall the place the sharks could observe you round. They’ve been skilled 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 means. Don’t fear, the sharks need the bait greater than you, however it’s nonetheless a terrific exercise for adrenaline junkies.
Remember that you should have your dive certification with a purpose to ebook 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 observe), this was the primary zoo within the Bahamas. It’s now house 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 just a few lemurs.
The placement is lower than 2 miles from the cruise port. The price is $18.75 for adults and $9.50 for youngsters 4-12.
11. Go to Clifton Heritage Nationwide Park
Positioned on the western most aspect of the Island and close to Jaw’s Seashore, Clifton Heritage Nationwide Park gives 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 chicken life. It’s a terrific 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 side 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 purpose 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 journey from Nassau. Simply the journey by way of The Exuma Cays is definitely worth the journey, as you may soak within the stunningly pristine and turquoise waters across the islands. It may be a number of the clearest water you’ll ever see.
The lovable little piggies are glorious swimmers and there are over 20 of them on Pig Seashore. 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 bought to the islands by surviving a ship wreck. Others say that sailors left them there with the intent of coming again to prepare dinner them up later. What’s the true 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 anything. Stingray Metropolis is a brief boat journey from Nassau and is a pure habitat for these creatures. These stingrays should not 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 would possibly even ask for a kiss.
14. Fulfill Your Style Buds on the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay)
If you need 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. In the present day it is called the Fish Fry and is filled 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 simply a brief 1.3 mile stroll from the cruise terminal. So, you may hit some retailers on the way in which again to the ship. Whether or not you’re within the temper for shrimp, lobster, and even conch, any foodie will love the choices out there at this location.
15. Take a Culinary Stroll By means of Nassau’s Historical past
Nonetheless on the subject of meals, you may take pleasure in some scrumptious native meals whereas studying about Nassau’s previous on an Intimate Outdated Nassau Eating Stroll.
This 2-hour historic journey begins at Pompey Sq. after which results in Christ Church Cathedral. There you may respect the 1670 structure of the primary Bahamian church. There are 3 tastings all through the tour and you will note different websites just like the Pirate Museum, the Towne Resort, Authorities Home, Graycliff Resort, a cigar manufacturing unit, and Bahama Barrels. The walks between retailers are quick, so it’s straightforward strolling for anybody. You’ll be taught so much about Nassau’s wealthy historical past, all whereas ensuring your abdomen stays completely satisfied.
16. Expertise Nassau’s Chocolate Manufacturing unit
Graycliff Resort is house to the most effective chocolatier on the island. Not solely will you’ve an opportunity to tour the manufacturing unit 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 may create your individual chocolate utilizing some distinctive substances like mango, lime, sweet-tomato basil, and bacon. Who can flip that down? A simple stroll from the cruise port, this can be a tour for the entire household. And on the finish you may store for some truffles and treats on the boutique.
17. Tour Round Parliament Sq.
Need to see some historical past by yourself? You’ll be able to’t miss these pink, colonial fashion buildings that make up Parliament Sq.. You’ll be able to 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 workplaces 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 full of life debate by lawmakers when the Home of Meeting is in session. Judges and legal professionals nonetheless costume 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 without doubt one of the most spectacular. It’s actually the biggest, 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 may get excursions of Fort Charlotte and be taught extra about life within the 18th century. In case you occur to be in Nassau on a Wednesday or Friday, you may expertise one thing particular. Characters costume 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 journey on a Bahama Jet Boat is an extremely enjoyable expertise. You will notice Nassau’s shoreline in an ultra-fast journey stuffed with twists and turns. The 24-passenger boat will present an hour of secure, enjoyable, and thrilling web site seeing whereas zipping by way of the pristine waters of the Bahamas. This stuff are quick, however the captains are properly skilled. Get your coronary heart racing, and check out it out if you’d like an tour in Nassau that may get your adrenaline pumping.
20. Take a Glass-Backside Boat Tour
Desire a extra leisurely boat journey in Nassau? This glass-bottom boat tour takes you to the Sea Backyard the place you may each feed and admire the fish and marine life. Sitting 5-feet under 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 way in which to and from this location the tour information will level out the place a number of celebrities reside on Paradise Island. Among the celebrities embrace 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 approach to actually respect the marine lifetime of Nassau. You’ll be able to 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’re at the least 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 most important criticism about this exercise.
Try this SUB journey right here.
22. Take a Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Cruise
Positive, you simply bought off a ship, however there’s nothing like crusing away on a catamaran to take a look at the easiest locations round Nassau to snorkel. You will notice lush coral reefs on this tour. Simply the quick sail to the snorkeling spot could be very enjoyable 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 few 45-minute sail to the snorkel location, and you’ll spend an hour snorkeling. The captain will use the sail on the boat normally. However the boat does have a motor if wanted. It’s a really cool expertise crusing by way of the waters of the Bahamas.
Try this Catamaran sail and snorkel tour right here.
23. Take a Marley Resort Seashore Day
Need to get away from the crowds however nonetheless take pleasure in a terrific seaside with loads of meals round? This may 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 few 30-minute automotive journey to Cable Seashore the place you may be let off.
You’ll be able to tour the house and see memorabilia from Bob Marley’s life after which benefit from the non-public haven. The non-public seaside, swimming pools, and sizzling tub are all included and lunch is offered round midday. The meals choice relies on the tastes of Bob Marley himself. Try this Marley Resort Seashore Day tour right here.
24. Take pleasure in 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 respect the life and work of those Bahamian artists as their battle and battle for independence may be seen of their works. Every room has a theme that’s mirrored within the work and murals all through. It’ll take hour to discover the artwork contained in the constructing and there are sculptures exterior as properly. Admission is $10 for adults and kids beneath 12 are free.
25. Take a James Bond Journey
That is the right tour for you for those who’re a fan of traditional James Bond movies. The 4-hour tour and journey will allow you to discover James Bond movie places by way of 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 should have an included lunch.
In case you simply wish to get a primary tour of all of the highlights of Nassau as a tour information takes you across the island in an air conditioned car you may ebook 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 miss your favourite exercise or shore tour? Kindly rip us a brand new one within the feedback under.
