45 Best Things To Do In Nassau, Bahamas Cruise Port

With so many things to do in Nassau, Bahamas cruise port, it's no wonder that it is one of the Caribbean's most popular cruise ports! This vibrant Bahamian capital offers endless attractions—from pristine beaches and vibrant markets to cultural experiences and exciting excursions. With recent renovations to the Nassau Cruise Port, visiting has become better than ever!

In this ultimate guide, you'll discover the best things to do near the cruise port, free activities, top experiences for families and adults, shopping tips, dining recommendations, and practical travel tips to ensure you maximize your time ashore.

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What is Nassau Known For?

Nassau shines for its beautiful beaches like Cable Beach and Paradise Island, yummy seafood specialties including conch fritters, and their vibrant pirate heritage. Iconic spots like Atlantis Resort make it a must-visit Caribbean destination with unbeatable diving and snorkeling.

• Stunning beaches (Cable Beach, Paradise Island).
• Delicious seafood like fried fish, conch fritters and ceviche.
• Pirate heritage and history showcased at local museums.
• Iconic Atlantis Resort and casino.
• Superb snorkeling, diving, and water sports.

If you are on a cruise that also stops in another popular port- Cozumel, Mexico, be sure to check out my Cozumel Cruiser's Guide.

Things to Do Near Nassau Cruise Port

Step off the ship and immediately find yourself immersed into local culture at Festival Place, drink craft beers at Pirate Republic Brewing Co., or relax at Junkanoo Beach. Don't forget to browse souvenirs at the Straw Market and explore historic Parliament Square. There are so many things to do near the Nassau cruise port!

• Festival Place: Local crafts, shops, eateries, right at port entry.
• Pirate Republic Brewing Co.: Taste local craft beer and casual bites within walking distance.
• Junkanoo Beach: A lively, free public beach just a short stroll away. Be aware that there are many pushy vendors at this beach!
• Straw Market & Bay Street: Bargain for local souvenirs and handcrafted goods.
• Parliament Square: Explore nearby historic sites and colonial architecture.

Free Things To Do In Nassau

Enjoy free things to do in Nassau without breaking the bank by catching some rays at Junkanoo Beach, exploring historic landmarks like Queen’s Staircase and Parliament Square, or strolling through local markets and colorful streets on foot.

• Relax at Junkanoo Beach.
• Climb the historic Queen’s Staircase.
• Explore Parliament Square and other historical landmarks.
• Wander colorful streets and local markets without spending a dime.

Things to Do in Nassau with Kids

Nassau is a family paradise with adventures like Atlantis Resort’s thrilling Aquaventure Waterpark, animal encounters at Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, and interactive fun at the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Book a memorable family day at Blue Lagoon Island for a fabulous beach day with watersports.

• Experience Atlantis Resort’s Aquaventure Waterpark.
• Visit Ardastra Gardens & Zoo for wildlife encounters.
• Enjoy the interactive Pirates of Nassau Museum.
• Book a family-friendly day at Blue Lagoon Island.

Things to Do in Nassau for Adults

Adults can indulge in sophisticated experiences like a Bahamas Rum & Food Tour, test their luck at Atlantis Casino, or savor delights from Graycliff’s Chocolate Factory and famed cigar lounge. A resort day pass at Warwick Resort promises ultimate adults-only relaxation.

• Indulge in a Bahamas Rum & Food Tour.
• Try your luck at Atlantis Casino.
• Tour the Graycliff Chocolate Factory or relax at their famed cigar lounge.
• Reserve adults-only resort day passes for ultimate relaxation at Warwick Resort.

Top 10 Shore Excursions In Nassau

From swimming with pigs and thrilling Jeep rides to cultural tours and gourmet dining experiences, Nassau shore excursions booked through trusted platforms like Viator and Shore Excursion Group ensure your cruise stop is unforgettable.

All of my top shore excursion recommendations are available on Viator and Shore Excursion Group. Both of these companies are reputable and have many reviews.

1. Swim With The Pigs At Rose Island
2. Resort Day Pass
3. Pirate Jeep Tour
4. Certified Shark Dive
5. Private Island Kayak Tour with Snorkeling
6. ATV Tour with Lunch
7. Nassau Food & History Tour
8. Cultural Treasures of Nassau
9. Afternoon Tea Experience
10. GrayCliff Wine Luncheon

If you have questions about booking shore excursions, be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide To Shore Excursions.

Popular Beaches in Nassau

Discover Nassau’s top beaches—sunbathe at Junkanoo, enjoy serene beauty at Cable Beach, or soak up the sun at popular spots like Cabbage Beach, Love Beach, and Saunders Beach.

11. Junkanoo Beach-public beach closest to the cruise port, usually crowded and many vendors walk this stretch of beach

12. Cabbage Beach-considered one of the beach beaches on Paradise Island, offering water sports and white sand, located beside Atlantis resort.

13. Cable Beach-beautiful white sand beach on the westside of the island shared with luxury resort Baha Mar

14. Jaws Beach– Yep, they filmed Jaws: The Revenge here. It's a natural, secluded beach part of Clifton National Heritage Park.

15. Love Beach-public beach without facilities on the Northwest side of the island known for its seclusion and coral reef. You can rent chairs from nearby resorts.

16. Saunders Beach-public beach popular with locals, offering restrooms and a playground

Resorts That Offer a Day Pass in Nassau

Relax at premier resorts like Margaritaville, Atlantis, and Baha Mar. Day passes offer luxury amenities, private beaches, pools, and excellent dining, perfect for a stress-free island experience.

17. Margaritaville-offers a waterpark and a Jimmy Buffett vibe

18. British Colonial-close to the port and quieter

19. Breezes– an all-inclusive option for all ages

20. Atlantis– large resort with an aquarium, waterslides, and a casino

21. Warwick– all-inclusive for ages 16+ on the harbor

22. Baha Mar-luxury resort on Cable Beach

23. RIU Palace– an adults only all-inclusive with a swim up bar

Island Things To Do In Nassau

Explore pristine islands like Paradise Island, Blue Lagoon, and Pearl Island. Engage in water sports, wildlife encounters, or simply relax on the sandy shores. Special access like Royal Beach Club adds exclusive luxury for select cruisers.

24. Paradise Island– Most visited Island very close to the cruise port. There are resorts, beaches, and many famous peoples' homes here. It is common to take a boat ride to sight see around Paradise Island.

25. Blue Lagoon– Private Island 3 miles from Nassau, offering wildlife encounters and a beach day.

26. Pearl Island– Private Island known for its lighthouse and beautiful beaches.

27. Balmoral Island– Used predominately for Royal Caribbean and Sandals resort, this island offers a beach day with watersports and dolphin encounters.

28. Royal Beach Club (for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity guests only) Opening December 2025

Cultural Things To Do In Nassau

Experience Nassau’s rich history and vibrant culture by visiting landmarks like Parliament Square, Pirates Museum, and the National Art Gallery. Don’t miss the local Straw Market and historical sites like Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle.

29. Climb the Queen's Staircase– free attraction located in the Fort Fincastle complex, these 66 steps are a historic landmark.

30. Parliament Square– just down Bay St. are the pretty pink buildings that make up Parliament Square, with statues of famous statesmen.

31. Take a City Tour that visits the sights and samples wine, rum cakes, and conch fritters!

32. Grab a bottle of the local beer, Kalik, and do some people watching!

33. Admire the view from Fort Charlotte.

34. Fort Fincastle– Built in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates, you can take a guided tour of this fort.

35. Pirates of Nassau Museum– spend an hour in downtown Nassau at the interactive pirate history museum.

36. Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation– located in the oldest building in the historic district of Nassau, this museum is dedicated to the study of slavery.

37. National Art Gallery of the Bahamas– dedicated to Bahamian art and offers free admission on Sundays.

38. Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo– Located right outside of the cruise port, this museum is dedicated to the colorful and lively Junkanoo festival and parade.

Shopping In Nassau: Where To Go

Festival Market near the cruise port, the iconic Straw Market, and busy Bay Street offer the best Nassau shopping experiences. Score unique souvenirs and luxury items, just steps away from your ship.

39. Festival Market is brand new and right at the cruise port.

40. The Straw Market is the traditional local market just a short walk away.

41. Bay Street is close to the port and the main shopping street.

Shopping in Nassau: What to Buy

Take home authentic Bahamian crafts, local rum, duty-free jewelry, flavorful spices, and delicious rum cakes. These purchases capture the essence of Nassau.

• Buy authentic local crafts at Straw Market like straw hats, bags, dolls, t-shirts, magnets, and wood carvings.
• Take home some Bahamian rum like Ricardo's or John Watling's- you can even tour their distillery, or enjoy a bottle of Kalik, the local beer.
• Duty-free jewelry and watches at Diamond International Flagship Store.
• Spices and flavorful hot sauces at D'vanya's on Bay St.
• Rum Cakes at Bahama's Rum Cake Factory, choose flavors like key lime and pina colada.

Best Restaurants in Nassau

One of the best things to when visiting Nassau, Bahamas (or any cruise port) is to taste theei food and drinks! In Nassau, you can indulge in gourmet dining at historic Graycliff Restaurant, savor authentic Bahamian dishes at Arawak Cay Fish Fry, enjoy fresh conch fritters at Potter’s Cay, or pair casual bites with craft beer at Pirate Republic Brewing Co.

42. Graycliff Restaurant: Luxurious dining in historic surroundings.

43. Arawak Cay Fish Fry: Authentic Bahamian flavors, casual atmosphere.

44. Potter's Cay Fish Shacks: A row of small businesses under the Paradise Island bridge along the fishing wharf. You need to try conch while in Nassau and these offer fresh conch made into fritters and salad!

45. Pirate Republic Brewing Co.: Craft beers paired with great casual food and atmosphere.

Quick Nassau Travel Tips

• Packing: Sunscreen, cash (USD widely accepted), waterproof bag, comfortable footwear.
• Getting Around: Taxis are plentiful, but many highlights are walkable from the port.
• Safety: Nassau is generally safe; stay in popular areas and keep personal items secure.

Weather in Nassau: Best Time to Visit

Nassau boasts warm, tropical weather year-round:

• December–April: Ideal cruising weather—sunny, dry, and mild.
• May–November: Warmer temperatures with occasional brief rain showers.
• Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30, be sure to purchase travel insurance!

FAQs: Nassau, Bahamas

• What type of currency is used? US dollars are widely accepted, small bills in perfect shape are best. Many vendors accept credit cards, be sure to use credit cards without international fees.
• How do I get around? Easily walkable or short taxi rides.
• Are the beaches free? Junkanoo and other public beaches are free.
• Is Nassau Safe? Nassau is safe for families and solo travelers alike, particularly in tourist areas. However, as with traveling anywhere, be mindful of your belongings and stick to the tourist areas.
• Is there Cruise Port Wi-Fi? Yes, it is available at cafes and restaurants near the port.
• Language: English is the official language but you may hear some Creole and Bahamian spoken as well.

⚡ Quick Read Recap

• Reserve popular excursions and day passes in advance.
• Skip Junkanoo Beach, and head to one of the other beautiful beaches or grab a day pass at a resort.
• Family highlights include Atlantis Aquaventure and Pirates Museum.
• Adults will love rum tastings, casinos, and exclusive day passes.
• Nassau is famous for beaches, culture, pirate history, and shopping.
• Visit December–April for ideal cruising weather.

Nassau Offers Something For Everyone

Nassau has gotten a bad rap through the years. It has recently gotten a makeover, so get off the ship and give it a chance to provide you with some new memories. Nassau is filled with adventures waiting to be discovered, whether you enjoy the water, the museums or the shopping! Make sure to avoid disappointment by booking your shore excursions ahead of time!