What to Do in the Bahamas on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

The Bahamas: A Caribbean Paradise

The Bahamas is a chain of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located just off the coast of Florida. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. There are many things to do in the Bahamas, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing. There are also many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Atlantis Resort, the Pirates of Nassau Museum, and the Bahamian National Museum.

If you are planning a cruise to the Bahamas, here are a few things you can do to make the most of your trip:

  • Choose a cruise that stops at multiple islands. This will give you the opportunity to experience different parts of the Bahamas and see some of the most popular attractions.
  • Book your excursions in advance. This will ensure that you get to do the activities you want, without having to wait in long lines.
  • Pack light. You won’t need a lot of clothes in the Bahamas, as you’ll be spending most of your time in swimsuits and beachwear.
  • Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses. The sun can be strong in the Bahamas, so it’s important to protect yourself.
  • Be prepared for rain. The Bahamas is a tropical climate, so it’s possible that you’ll experience rain during your trip.

With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation, the Bahamas is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sun. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an active vacation, you’re sure to find something to do in the Bahamas.

What To Do In Bahamas Cruise?

| Activity | Description | Location |
|—|—|—|
| Snorkeling | Explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life | Exuma Cays |
| Scuba diving | Dive to see shipwrecks, reefs, and other underwater wonders | Andros Island |
| Fishing | Catch your own dinner or go on a deep-sea fishing expedition | Bimini Islands |
| Beaches | Relax on white-sand beaches and swim in crystal-clear waters | Nassau |
| Cruises | Take a cruise to see the many islands of the Bahamas | Various |
| Hiking | Hike through the lush rainforests and explore the island’s natural beauty | Grand Bahama Island |
| Golfing | Play a round of golf on one of the many courses in the Bahamas | Paradise Island |
| Shopping | Find souvenirs and other items to take home from your trip | Nassau |

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination for a reason. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly people, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to the islands each year. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’re sure to find something to do in the Bahamas.

This guide will help you plan your perfect Bahamas cruise by providing information on the best things to do in Nassau and Freeport, the two main cruise ports in the country. We’ll also cover some of the other islands that you can visit on a day trip from either port.

Things to Do in Nassau

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and the largest city in the country. It’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Nassau:

  • Visit the Atlantis Resort. The Atlantis Resort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Bahamas. It’s a massive resort complex with everything you could ever want, including a casino, water park, and a world-class spa.
  • Take a swim with the pigs. One of the most popular tourist activities in the Bahamas is swimming with the pigs. The pigs live on a small island just off the coast of Nassau and they love to swim and play with visitors.
  • Explore the city’s historic sites. Nassau is home to a number of historic sites, including Fort Charlotte, the Parliament Building, and the Queen’s Staircase. These sites offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
  • Enjoy the nightlife. Nassau has a vibrant nightlife scene with something to offer everyone. You can find everything from casinos and nightclubs to live music and bars.
  • Shop at the Straw Market. The Straw Market is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the Bahamas. It’s a great place to find souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.

Things to Do in Freeport

Freeport is the second-largest city in the Bahamas and it’s located on the island of Grand Bahama. It’s a popular cruise port and it’s known for its beautiful beaches, casinos, and golf courses. Here are some of the best things to do in Freeport:

  • Go snorkeling or diving at the Lucayan National Marine Park. The Lucayan National Marine Park is one of the most popular diving destinations in the Bahamas. It’s home to a variety of coral reefs, fish, and other marine life.
  • Visit the Grand Bahama Port Authority Museum. The Grand Bahama Port Authority Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Freeport and the Grand Bahama Island. It’s also home to a number of exhibits on the island’s natural history.
  • Take a hike in the Lucayan National Forest. The Lucayan National Forest is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Freeport. It’s home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as waterfalls, caves, and other natural attractions.
  • Play golf at one of the many courses. Freeport is home to a number of world-class golf courses. You can find everything from championship courses to more casual courses.
  • Relax on one of the many beaches. Freeport has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas. You can find everything from white-sand beaches to secluded coves.

The Bahamas is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’re sure to find something to do in the Bahamas.

With its two main cruise ports, Nassau and Freeport, you can easily explore the best of what the country has to offer. From swimming with pigs to exploring historic sites, there’s something for everyone in the Bahamas.

3. Day Trips from Nassau

Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas. It’s a popular cruise ship destination, and there are many things to see and do in the city. However, if you have a few days to spare, there are also some great day trips you can take from Nassau.

Visit the Exuma Cays

The Exuma Cays are a chain of over 365 islands and cays located about 30 miles southeast of Nassau. They’re known for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. There are many different day trips you can take to the Exuma Cays, including:

  • A boat trip to Big Major Cay, home to the famous swimming pigs.
  • A snorkeling trip to Staniel Cay, where you can see sharks, rays, and other marine creatures.
  • A fishing trip in the Tongue of the Ocean, one of the deepest blue holes in the world.

Take a boat trip to Andros Island

Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas. It’s a popular destination for fishing, diving, and birdwatching. There are many different boat trips you can take to Andros Island, including:

  • A fishing trip to the deep waters of the Tongue of the Ocean.
  • A diving trip to the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world.
  • A birdwatching trip to the Central Andros National Park, home to over 200 species of birds.

Go fishing in the Tongue of the Ocean

The Tongue of the Ocean is a deep underwater canyon located between Andros Island and Grand Bahama Island. It’s one of the deepest blue holes in the world, and it’s home to a variety of fish, including marlin, tuna, and wahoo. There are many different fishing charters you can book in Nassau that will take you to the Tongue of the Ocean.

Visit the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay

Big Major Cay is a small island in the Exuma Cays that’s home to a group of swimming pigs. The pigs are friendly and love to be fed by visitors. There are many different boat trips that will take you to Big Major Cay, where you can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing with the pigs.

See the crystal clear waters of Blue Lagoon Island

Blue Lagoon Island is a private island located about 20 miles from Nassau. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs. There are many different activities you can enjoy on Blue Lagoon Island, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

4. Planning Your Bahamas Cruise

Planning a Bahamas cruise can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Choose a cruise line and itinerary. There are many different cruise lines that offer cruises to the Bahamas, so you’ll need to decide which one is right for you. Consider the type of ship you want to sail on, the length of your cruise, and the activities you want to do.
  • Book your flights and accommodations. Once you’ve chosen a cruise line and itinerary, you’ll need to book your flights and accommodations. If you’re flying into Nassau, you’ll need to decide whether you want to stay in the city or on a private island.
  • Get your passport and other travel documents. You’ll need a valid passport to travel to the Bahamas. You may also need a visa, depending on your country of citizenship.
  • Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing vacation!

The Bahamas is a beautiful and diverse country with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting adventure, or a combination of the two, you’re sure to find it in the Bahamas.

What are the best things to do in the Bahamas on a cruise?

  • Snorkeling and diving: The Bahamas is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel and dive with a variety of marine life. Some of the best spots for snorkeling and diving include:
  • Andros Island: Andros Island is home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world, and it offers a variety of snorkeling and diving sites, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, and caves.
  • Bimini: Bimini is known for its clear waters and abundance of marine life, and it offers a variety of snorkeling and diving sites, including the Bimini Wall, which is a vertical drop-off that is home to a variety of sharks, rays, and other fish.
  • Grand Bahama Island: Grand Bahama Island is home to the Lucayan National Park, which is a protected area that includes a variety of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and caves.
  • Explore the islands: The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands, and each one has its own unique charm. Some of the most popular islands to visit include:
  • New Providence Island: New Providence Island is home to the capital city of Nassau, and it offers a variety of attractions, including beaches, casinos, and shopping.
  • Grand Bahama Island: Grand Bahama Island is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and casinos.
  • Bimini: Bimini is a small island that is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming.
  • Go on a boat trip: There are a variety of boat trips available in the Bahamas, including day trips to explore the islands, sunset cruises, and fishing trips. Some of the most popular boat trips include:
  • Snorkeling and diving trips: These trips take you to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Bahamas.
  • Day trips to the islands: These trips take you to some of the smaller islands in the Bahamas, where you can explore the beaches, snorkel the reefs, and visit the local villages.
  • Sunset cruises: These cruises take you out on the water to watch the sunset over the ocean.
  • Fishing trips: These trips take you out on the water to fish for a variety of fish, including marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.

What is the best time to go on a cruise to the Bahamas?

The best time to go on a cruise to the Bahamas depends on what you want to do. The peak season for tourism is from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the most expensive time to travel. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can consider going during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November. The weather is still warm and sunny during these months, but there are fewer tourists.

What are the different types of cruises to the Bahamas?

There are a variety of different types of cruises to the Bahamas, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular types of cruises include:

  • Round-trip cruises: These cruises depart from a port in the United States and return to the same port after a week or more. They are a good option for people who want to see a variety of islands and attractions.
  • Cruises to specific islands: These cruises depart from a port in the United States and visit a specific island or group of islands. They are a good option for people who want to spend a lot of time exploring a particular island or area.
  • Cruises that stop at multiple ports: These cruises depart from a port in the United States and stop at multiple islands along the way. They are a good option for people who want to see a variety of islands and attractions, but don’t want to spend a lot of time on each island.

What are the different cruise lines that offer cruises to the Bahamas?

There are a variety of different cruise lines that offer cruises to the Bahamas, each with its own unique offerings. Some of the most popular cruise lines include:

  • Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of cruises to the Bahamas, including round-trip cruises, cruises to specific islands, and cruises that stop at multiple ports.
  • Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of affordable cruises to the Bahamas, including round-trip cruises, cruises to specific islands, and cruises that stop at multiple ports.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of cruises to the Bahamas, including round-trip cruises, cruises to specific islands, and cruises that

    a Bahamas cruise is a great way to experience the beauty of the islands, the culture of the people, and the many activities that the country has to offer. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or learn about the history of the islands, you’ll find plenty to do on a Bahamas cruise. So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise today and start planning your Bahamian adventure!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.