Basic guide to Balmoral Island shore excursion (Shorex) on a cruise to Nassau: overview, good to know, highlights, cruise line price comparison, how to book, and map.
In the last couple of years, all cruise lines started to offer shore excursions to the pristine Balmoral Island (a private atoll) located just 30 minutes away from the cruise port in Nassau.
At the Balmoral Island the cruise excursionist can experience different activities, just relax by a calm lagoon on sugar white sand lapped by aquamarine waters, swim, snorkel and enjoy tropical drinks on beach chairs under white umbrellas. You can also choose to have lunch, snacks or even a Starbucks. For those looking into fun activities, you may want to experience one-of-a-kind dolphin and stingray encounters.
Balmoral Island offer 5 possible tours: the basic Beach Break tour can be combined with lunch, Dolphin, Encounter, Dolphin Swim and Stingray Encounter. Be aware that not all cruise lines offer all these tours and may only a couple listed on your cruise.
Check the Official Website of the Balmoral Island
Balmoral Island - Highlights
Among the top Highlights of Balmoral Island, cruise excursionists may like to know that at the beach there are non-motorized toys available for rent such as paddle boards, kayaks and snorkel gear. You will find two fresh water pools surrounded by a few private cabanas which are rented on a first-come-first-served basis, a Beach Club and the Frozen Tropical Drink Bar with all sorts of drinks but also sandwiches, salads and wraps available at an additional expense.
Good To Know
Activity Level: Easy
Must Take: Swimsuit, light clothing and/or change of clothes; sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel and camera (waterproof preferably) - cash for incidentals.
Optional: Dolphin Swim and Encounter; Stingray Encounter.
Duration: Between 4 and 5 hours depending on activity and Cruise Line.
Restrictions: No Minimum Age
Cruise Line Price* Comparison
| Carnival: | Beach Break with Lunch - Half-Day (4.5 Hours) - Adult: $59.99 | Child: $49.99 |
|---|---|
| Disney: | Beach Break with Lunch - Half-Day (4 to 5 Hours) - Adult: $54.00 | Child: $34.00 |
| Norwegian: | Beach Break with Lunch - Half-Day (4 to 5 Hours) - Adult: $69.00 | Child: $69.00 |
| Princess: | Beach Day & Stingray Encounter - Half-Day (4.5 hours) - Adult: $59.95 | Child: $59.95 |
| Royal Caribbean: | Beach-Break - Half-Day (4 hours) - Adult: $69.00 | Child: $49.00 |
| * Read paragraph below and check links. | |
Considering that the prices above may vary by sailing, it is advisable to check updates and specific cruises. Click on the following cruise lines links to check for updates: Carnival | Disney | Norwegian Cruise Line | Princess | Royal Caribbean .
Balmoral Island Video
Watch the 3-minute video below to have a preview of what the Balmoral Island experience looks like.
Shorex and Online Bookings or On Your Own
Although some excursionists may process direct bookings on the Balmoral Island website, this may not be possible for all cruise travelers. Some cruise lines may require that shore excursions to Balmoral Island are booked onboard. This has advantages, considering that the onboard bookings guarantee the return to the ships on time. However, cruise travelers interested in booking a excursion to Balmoral Island may want to look at online service.
Online Services
Like with many other tours in Nassau, there is the possibility to book online with the many services that offer shore excursions to Balmoral Island. Prices vary and it is advisable to check what is offered on each tour. The following online services are well-established companies that guarantee the returning of cruise travelers in good time prior to the departure of the ship.
IQCruising does not endorse or get paid to mention any of these services. IQCruising is just providing the information and you should be aware that you are solely responsible for booking excursions online with these third-party services. Viator | Shore Trips | Shore Excursions Group | Cruising Excursions | Shore Excursioneer | Tours By Locals
Direct Booking
Before deciding which is the best excursion for your and your cruising companions, whether it is better to book onboard or an online service, it is strongly advisable to check first if you can book directly with Balmoral Island. Check the Official Website of the Balmoral Island
On Your Own
Balmoral is a private island and there isn't any other transportation other than the boats operated by this beach club. Therefore, as much as a cruise traveler may be able to book directly it isn't possible to get to Balmoral Island on your own.
