NASSAU, BAHAMAS
NASSAU TIPS & TRICKS
- The Nassau cruise port is huge and can accommodate up to 7 ships. Check to see how many ships will be in port on your day.
- The port underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2023, and many cruisers who say negative things about Nassau are referring to the prerenovation days when the port was run down and filled with pushy vendors.
- There's a lot that's accessible here on foot. Check out the Nassau downtown map.
- Don't wear camo here, as it's not allowed.
- Nassau is generally safe with little tourist crime if you stick to the touristic areas and avoid the "over the hill" area, south of downtown.
- I visit Nassau many times a year, sometimes solo or with my young daughter, and have never felt unsafe.
- Many of the vendors will negotiate with you, and you can up your bargaining power if you have cash versus paying with credit card.
US currency is generally accepted here. - Try fried conch, the local delicacy, at the nearby Fish Fry market.
MY 5 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN NASSAU
Nassau Beaches
Nassau is home to some gorgeous beaches, some of them free and walkable from the port. The public beaches can get unplesasantly overcrowded, so I always get a resort pass (my top recs below) for a private experience. Popular beaches here are Junkanoo, Cabbage, and Cable.
Queen's Staircase & Fort Fincastle
Queen's Staircase, named in honor of Queen Victoria, is a 66-step landmark in Nassau and leads to Fort Fincastle. This is a great, quick stop that's about a mile from the port.
John Watling's Distillery
John Watling's Distillery offers guests a free short guided tour of their stunning estate, showing their rum-making process and providing samples of their handcrafted Bahamian rums.
Graycliff
Graycliff is a historic hotel offering unique experiences likes tours of their cigar and chocolate factories and wine cellar. The property also features lush gardens and a museum, and there is an umbrella alley and other Insta-worthy photo opps.
Bahamas Rum Cake Factory
If you walk from the port to Queen's Staircase, stop en route at the Bahama's Rum Cake Factory, a Bahamian owned spot that makes their cakes fresh onsite. (Tell my friend Simon I said hello!)
Other Top Sites in Nassau
- If visiting Atlantis is on your bucket list, take a taxi over to Paradise Island (it's not walkable) and tour the facility. While they now limit where visitors can go, you can explore the shops, play in the casino, and check out the adjacent marina.
- There's a pretty cool Pirate Museum that's walkable from port.
- Fish Fry is a market, less than 2 miles from the port, that offers a collection of colorful, locally owned restaurants and stalls offering fresh Bahamaian food.
- The Museum of Junkanoo is right at the cruise terminal, and while it's not free, it's a great quick visit.
- Once you exit the cruise terminal, you'll be right there in the heart of Nassau's famous straw market (although sadly, most items are not locally crafted).
NASSAU'S BEST BEACH RESORTS
British Colonial
This is my current favorite because it's the most affordable option and it's closest to the port (next to Margaritaville). It has a pool, but no water slides, but provides a more relaxed vibe. Guests can use towels, loungers and kayaks. The water here is unbelievably clear, and the property itself was recently renovated.
Get PricingMargaritaville
You can walk here easily from the port and I love it because they provide towels and kayaks and have a lazy river. My kiddo loves the water slides and high jump. It fronts Junkanoo Beach and the private access part is a night-and-day difference compared to the public part, which IMO is kinda gross.
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Baha Mar
You'll have to take a taxi here, and it's a bit pricy, but that gets you a luxury day pass to Baha Mar's resortā€™s amenities including access to its expansive beachfront waterpark, Baha Bay, featuring water slides, lazy river, and pools. Guests get private access to Cable Beach and use of loungers and towels.
Get PricingRIU Palace
RIU is unique because it's the rare Nassau all-inclusive and adult-only option. A day pass gets you access to its infinity pool, private access to Cabbage Beach, and premium food and drinks, along with use of towels and kayaks. This is a great option for a relaxing beach day.
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Atlantis
Atlantis offers a day pass, granting access to Aquaventure Waterpark, fronting private access to Cabbage Beach. This one is expensive, but they're the best of the best when it comes to waterslides, so if that's your thing, Atlantis is worth it. It's located on Paradise Island, so getting here will require a taxi.
Get PricingTRANSPORTATION IN NASSAU
Jitneys
Locally known as "jitneys," buses operate frequently between downtown Nassau and Cable Beach. The fare for a one-way trip is around $1.50 per person, requiring exact change.
Taxis
Rideshare is not an option here, but taxis range from $15-$20 for common routes like from the port to Paradise Island. Prices are negotiated upfront, as taxis do not use meters. They may require cash.
Water Taxis
Ferry boats (water taxis) offer a quick 10-minute ride between Nassau and Paradise Island for around $6 per person, available at Festival Place and Woodes Rogers Wharf, departing every 30 minutes.
Private Driver
My favorite way to explore Nassau is with a private driver, and my go-to guy is Clement Stanley (book him here). I love being able to go out on my own, and if you're traveling with a group, this can be a bargain.
TOP NASSAU EXCURSIONS
Swimming with the Pigs
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Blue Lagoon Boat Tour
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Rose Island Boat Tour
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Pearl Island Snorkeling
Get More InfoGet My Nassau Guidebook
This 34-page comprehensive guide offers everything you need to explore Nassauā€”before and during your visit. Optimized for smartphone display, it features embedded icons and links for seamless navigation, making it the perfect companion for your port day.
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