Nassau, Bahamas is one of the most frequently visited cruise ports in the Caribbean. Nassau has the advantage that it is an easy port to walk to the downtown area and you don’t have to do an excursion to have a good time in Nassau. I think Nassau’s biggest disadvantage is really just that it’s overplayed. No matter how nice a port is, there are only so many times you want to cruise there.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means that, at zero extra cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Nassau Fast Facts:
- Language: English
- Currency: Bahamian Dollar (US dollars are widely used, but try to give as close of change as possible because you might get change back in Bahamian dollars!)
- Average summer high: 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
- History: The Bahamas gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1973. There are still tons of examples of colonial architecture and things named after former British monarchs.
- Dock or Tender: Dock. Note: It is a big dock; plan for a walk if you’re not the closest ship.
General Nassau Tips:
A firm no is required. As soon as you get out of the dock area, people will be trying to sell you things. A firm no is required if you are truly not interested. Don’t feel like you need your hair braided or to buy whatever they are selling. Just tell them a firm and polite no and continue walking.
Watch your belongings. No place is ever really completely safe from crime and Nassau is no exception to that. Pay attention to your bag/purse/stuff. If you are going to the beach, bring a waterproof holder for you phone, ID and key card so you can keep those with you even when you are in the water.
Drinking age is 18. Do what you want with that information.
What to do within walking distance of Nassau’s cruise port
Bay Street Shopping & Straw Market
Located just a short 5 minute walk from the cruise terminal, Bay Street has plenty of stores from liquor, to Harley Davidson to standard Bahamas T-Shirts to fine jewelry.
Facing the port, most cruise visitors to Nassau seem to make their way into the Straw Market. The Straw market is worth looking in even if you don’t want to buy anything. It has everything from “local” crafts to t-shirts, beach cover-ups and purses. There are tons of different stalls so if you don’t see what you like, make your way further into the market. Haggling is accepted. The sellers have a price they are not going below since they’ve had to import and purchase everything they are selling. The prices may not be as low as you want!
Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase
Interested in the history of Nassau or just looking for a great view of the harbor and your cruise ship? Take the 20 minute walk through the residential areas up to Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase.
Fort Fincastle was built in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates. The fort costs a couple of dollars a person to visit. Make sure you have the right change because they will give you change back in Bahamian dollars. I now have some Bahamian coins I have no idea what to do with!
There are some signs around the fort to give you a history and there are also guides available for a tip if you want a more detailed history of the fort. Even if you are not super interested in the history, the fort has great views of the harbor and the cruise ships.
After you finish touring the fort, head over to the Queen’s Staircase for a few minutes of slightly cool shade. The Queen’s Staircase has 66 Stairs carved into the limestone by slaves and was named for Queen Victoria. It is cooler than the fort and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The staircase is free to visit but tip the guy giving you information.
Nassau Public Library
Nassau’s Public Library is housed in what was once a prison. Just a short walk from the port in downtown Nassau you can view the books, historic newspapers and artifacts housed in the old prison cells. A very interesting (and free) stop if you are already walking around in downtown Nassau!
Visit the bars and restaurants
One of the more popular activities in Nassau, especially among a younger crowd, is the bars and restaurants that line the harbor. Senor Frogs is probably the most popular but others come and go such as Sharkeys and Fat Tuesday’s. These bars are a great place for an entertaining atmosphere and often a great view of the water.
These bars are dedicated to serving tourists, not locals, so expect tourist prices. Actually expect to pay several dollars more than you think an inflated tourist price might be.
Also, the drinking age in the Bahamas is 18. So there will be a lot of people between the ages of 18-20 spending all their money on frozen drinks. You have been warned.
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is a free beach located about a 15 minute walk from cruise terminal. It is one of the most popular beaches in Nassau and consequently one of the most crowded. To get here, walk past Senor Frogs and the Hilton Colonial Hotel. Like most beaches, the most crowded section is the entry. Walk a little further to find less crowded sections.
Chairs are available for rent – sometimes you can also get packages that include a few beers and a chair. The beach has public restrooms and showers, as well as several beach bars and snack huts.
Pirate Museum
Pirates basically owned the Bahamas for the first half of the 1700s and so if you are interested in the history of the Bahamas, it is only logical to go to the Pirate Museum. It is located amid all the shopping and just a short 10 minute walk from the cruise terminal. The museum features a life-sized pirate ship replica and interactive exhibits. The cost is around $14 for adults and $7 for children.
Margaritaville Beach Resort and Waterpark
Margaritaville is a brand new resort and waterpark for Nassau! It is an easy 15 minute walk from the port. Day passes include admission to the waterpark and beach and a credit towards food and drink. The waterpark itself includes two swimming pools, a lazy river, and several other water attractions.
Margaritaville says they only sell a certain number of day passes per day so make sure you purchase your pass in advance.
Graycliff Hotel
A 20 minute walk from cruise terminal or short taxi ride, is the historic mansion that is now the Graycliff Hotel. This classic property houses chocolate making and cigar rolling facilities that are available to tour. But the real reason most people visit the Graycliff Hotel is the restaurant. This five-star restaurant is generally considered the best upscale restaurant in Nassau. Please note there is a dress code even for lunch so make sure you are dressed appropriately!
What to do further from the port of Nassau
Food or Rum Tour
Not necessarily something further from the port, but food or rum tours are something you would have to book in advance. The cruise lines usually offer one or two choices, but there are plenty of independent companies that offer food and/or rum tours. These are usually a walking tour that stops at several restaurants, bars or distilleries and allows you to sample local food and drink while also providing some history about the island. Food and drink tours not only give you a more local food experience, but also give you some insight on why those foods and drinks are favorites on the island.
Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach is considered the best beach on the island with beautiful white beaches. It is a 10 minute taxi ride from the port. At the beach, there are chairs & umbrellas available to rent. Note: there are no public restrooms on this beach.
John Watling Distillery
A 20-25 minute taxi ride takes you to the most popular rum distillery in the Bahamas. There are free tours of the distillery and grounds. At the bar, the distillery provides samples of several rums for a set price. If you find something you like, you can buy a bottle to take it home with you!
Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis is one of the biggest and most obvious draws to Nassau. By most obvious, I mean you can clearly see it across the harbor from the cruise terminal and it is something that most frequent Nassau cruisers have done once.
It is free to access the casino, restaurants and shopping areas. Just take a taxi or water taxi to Paradise Island if you just want to experience the Atlantis property to look around the beautiful grounds, enjoy the restaurant or gamble.
Aquaventure water park is the big draw though. It boasts 20 swimming pools including dedicated kids pools, a huge number of water slides and a lazy river. It is the largest waterpark in the Caribbean and a highlight if you are a waterpark junkee.
There are different ways to purchase a day pass to the water park. These include directly from Atlantis, as a shore excursion from your cruise line and even by booking a room at the Comfort Suites (which comes with access to Atlantis). Weigh your options and the price and ease of each to see which choice is best for you.
Blue Lagoon, Pearl Island or Balmoral Island Excursions
All three of these popular islands are a short boat ride from the cruise port. Turn your Nassau day into a relaxing beach day by booking one of these resorts. Each has slightly different amenities and activities so take a look at each one to decide which is best for you. All allow you to enjoy water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling or relaxing on the white sand beach.
If you are interested in one of these luxury beach days, take a look at the shore excursions offered by your cruise. You can decide what you want to be included – packages are usually offered ranging from nothing but access to the resort, to including lunch, to all drinks included in your package. Compare the options provided by your cruise line and choose the one that fits your desire and budget the best.
Boat Tours
Another popular set of excursions offered by the cruise line include many different types of boat tours. These range from glass bottom boats, harbor tours to catamarans with snorkeling. If this is something that interests you, it is probably best to book through your cruise line. Most of these tours do not last the entire time you are in port, so you would have some time left over to explore or shop a little in the port area.
Final thoughts on things to do in Nassau while on a cruise
Nassau gets a bad rap for being the most unpopular, most unpleasant cruise port of the Caribbean. I don’t think that’s true. However, it can be a struggle if you have been to Nassau before to find new things that interest you, especially if you are on a budget.
There are plenty of things to do in Nassau while on your cruise. You just have to find the right fit for you!
