What to Do in Nassau on a Cruise: A Complete Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Nassau: A Cruise Ship Destination with Something for Everyone

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is a popular cruise ship destination for good reason. With its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone in Nassau. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, an exciting adventure, or a cultural experience, you’ll find it in Nassau.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Nassau on a cruise. We’ll cover everything from swimming and snorkeling to shopping and dining. So if you’re planning a cruise to Nassau, read on for all the information you need to make the most of your trip!

Activity Description Cost
Snorkeling Explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life just offshore from Nassau. $30-$50
Parasailing Soar over the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas on a parasail. $50-$100
Climbing the Fort Fincastle Take in stunning views of Nassau from the top of this historic fort. $10-$20
Visiting the Atlantis Resort Spend the day exploring the world-famous Atlantis Resort, complete with waterslides, pools, and a casino. $100+

What to Do in Nassau on a Cruise?

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is a popular cruise destination due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historical attractions. There are many things to see and do in Nassau, and you can easily fill a few days exploring the city.

Sightseeing

  • The Queen’s Staircase is a must-see for any visitor to Nassau. This 66-step staircase was carved into the coral rock by slaves in the 18th century. It leads to the top of Fort Fincastle, which offers stunning views of the city and the harbor.
  • Fort Montagu is another historic fort that is worth a visit. It was built in the 18th century to protect Nassau from pirates and invaders. The fort is now open to the public and offers guided tours.
  • Arawak Cay is a lively marketplace where you can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and fresh seafood. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and people.
  • Straw Market is another popular shopping destination in Nassau. Here you can find a wide variety of handmade goods, including straw hats, bags, and baskets.
  • Atlantis Paradise Island is a massive resort complex that is home to a casino, water park, and several hotels. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy all the amenities that a luxury resort has to offer.

Beaches

Nassau is also home to some beautiful beaches. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • Cable Beach is the most popular beach in Nassau. It’s a long, sandy beach with clear blue water. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants located along the beach, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
  • Cabbage Beach is another popular beach in Nassau. It’s located on the western side of the island and is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand. It’s a great place to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe.
  • Junkanoo Beach is a small, secluded beach that is located on the eastern side of the island. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and relax in peace and quiet.
  • Love Beach is a small beach that is located near the airport. It’s a great place to watch the planes take off and land.
  • Paradise Beach is a private beach that is located on Paradise Island. It’s a beautiful beach with clear blue water and white sand. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.

In addition to these popular attractions, there are many other things to see and do in Nassau. You can visit the Bahamian National Museum, go on a fishing trip, or take a boat tour of the harbor. There’s something for everyone in Nassau, and you’re sure to have a memorable vacation.

Nassau is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for historical attractions, stunning beaches, or exciting nightlife, you’re sure to find it in Nassau. So next time you’re planning a cruise, be sure to add Nassau to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

Activities

Nassau offers a wide variety of activities for cruise passengers to enjoy. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • Swimming: The clear, blue waters of Nassau are perfect for swimming. There are several public beaches in the city, as well as private beaches at some of the resorts.
  • Snorkeling: The coral reefs around Nassau are home to a variety of colorful fish and other marine life. There are several snorkeling tours available, or you can rent snorkel gear and explore the reefs on your own.
  • Scuba diving: Nassau is a popular destination for scuba diving. There are many dive sites to choose from, including wrecks, reefs, and caves.
  • Fishing: There are plenty of opportunities for fishing in Nassau. You can fish from the shore, from a boat, or from a charter.
  • Jet skiing: Jet skiing is a fun and exciting way to explore the waters around Nassau. There are several jet ski rental companies in the city.

Restaurants

Nassau has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from local cuisine to international favorites. Here are a few of the most popular restaurants in the city:

  • Graycliff Restaurant: This fine-dining restaurant is located in a historic mansion. The menu features traditional Bahamian dishes, as well as international favorites.
  • Bahamian Kitchen: This casual restaurant serves up classic Bahamian dishes, such as conch fritters, cracked conch, and Bahamian lobster.
  • Blue Monkey Restaurant: This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the harbor. The menu features modern American cuisine with a Caribbean twist.
  • Caf Matisse: This French bistro serves up classic French dishes, such as escargots, steak frites, and coq au vin.
  • The Fish Fry: This open-air restaurant is located on the waterfront. The menu features fresh seafood, such as grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp.

Nassau is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a variety of activities and attractions for cruise passengers to enjoy. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or sample the local cuisine, you’re sure to find something to do in Nassau.

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

  • Explore the city center. Nassau’s historic city center is home to a variety of attractions, including the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte, and the Parliament Building. You can also find plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars in the city center.
  • Visit the beach. Nassau has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas, including Cable Beach and Paradise Island Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Take a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island. Blue Lagoon Island is a private island located just a short boat ride from Nassau. The island features white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and a variety of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Go shopping. Nassau is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. You can find everything from jewelry and clothing to rum and cigars.
  • Enjoy the nightlife. Nassau has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos. You can dance the night away or just relax with a drink and a view of the ocean.

What is the best way to get around Nassau?

The best way to get around Nassau is by taxi. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. You can also get around by bus, but the bus system is not as efficient as the taxi system.

How much does it cost to visit Nassau?

The cost of a cruise to Nassau will vary depending on the length of the cruise, the time of year, and the cruise line. However, you can expect to pay around $100 per person per day for a cruise to Nassau.

What is the weather like in Nassau?

Nassau has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average humidity is 75%. The rainy season runs from May to November, but it is still possible to have rain showers at any time of year.

Is it safe to visit Nassau?

Nassau is generally safe to visit. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, just as you would in any major city. Be aware of your belongings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in dark or secluded areas.

What are some tips for planning a trip to Nassau?

  • Start planning your trip early. The best deals on cruises to Nassau can be found months in advance.
  • Consider the time of year. The weather in Nassau is warm year-round, but the rainy season runs from May to November.
  • Book your accommodations early. The best hotels and resorts in Nassau fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
  • Pack light. You won’t need a lot of clothes in Nassau, as the weather is warm year-round.
  • Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses. The sun in Nassau can be strong, even in the winter.
  • Be prepared to haggle. The prices of souvenirs and other goods in Nassau are often negotiable.

I’m looking for a family-friendly activity in Nassau. What do you recommend?

There are a number of family-friendly activities in Nassau, including:

  • Visiting the Pirates of Nassau Museum. This museum is a great way to learn about the history of piracy in the Bahamas. It features interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a pirate ship playground.
  • Going to the Ardastra Gardens and Zoo. This zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and monkeys. It also has a petting zoo and a children’s playground.
  • Taking a boat trip to Blue Lagoon Island. This private island is a great place to spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It also has a water park, a restaurant, and a beach bar.
  • Visiting the Atlantis Resort. This resort has a water park, a casino, a spa, and a variety of restaurants. It is also home to the Dolphin Cay, where you can interact with dolphins.

Nassau is a beautiful and exciting destination that offers a variety of things to do for cruise passengers. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the city, or go on an adventure, you’re sure to find something to your liking in Nassau.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • Nassau is a popular cruise destination due to its beautiful beaches, clear water, and vibrant culture.
  • There are many things to do in Nassau, including swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, shopping, and dining.
  • The best way to get around Nassau is by taxi or bus.
  • The best time to visit Nassau is during the winter months, when the weather is warm and sunny.

If you’re planning a cruise to Nassau, be sure to do your research and plan your itinerary in advance. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation in Nassau.

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.