All you must know about the top things to do, visit and see on a cruise to the Port in Nassau (Bahamas): reviews, photos, opening times and entrance fees to the most amazing sites.
Cruise passengers on a ship calling at the port of Nassau have many cruise excursions offered onboard. Most cruise excursions visit the highlights of this island in The Bahamas. But, once Nassau lifts Covid-19 restrictions, you may also choose to enjoy top attractions on your own.
Nassau on a cruise excursion or on your own
Most shore excursions include top attractions or the top things to do and see in Nassau. But many other highlights and attractions are left out, which you can explore on your own. When this review was published, cruise passengers could only explore Nassau on cruise excursions. But, sooner or later, all Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted. And, once again, you will be allowed to move around Nassau and Providence Island on your own.
Editor's Favorite Highlights
Here you have our favorite sites (beaches, attractions, museums, and landmarks) to enjoy when on a cruise to the Caribbean visiting the port of Nassau for a day. Be it on a cruise excursion or on-your-own, once this is possible.
Atlantis Resort
Atlantis is undoubtedly the main highlight for any cruise ship passenger visiting Nassau. In this renowned resort, you will find everything you can think of that a Caribbean resort has to offer. The beaches and an amazing water park are perfect for those looking for adventures on water slides, a 1-mile long river, 20 swimming areas, a 7-acre snorkeling lagoon and white sand beaches.
Atlantis Resort - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
Scuba, Snuba, encounters with sharks, dolphins and sea lions are some of the many other thrills you can enjoy at Atlantis. For land thrills, the 11 rock-climbing surface is a must. You will also find some of the best shops in Nassau, restaurants and coffee shops. And, of course, the Atlantis Casino is there for those that cannot stay off gambling when your cruise ship is in port.
| Where: | Paradise Island |
|---|---|
| What: | Resort |
| When: | All day - Everyday |
| Look For: | Shopping, Activities, Restaurants and Coffee shops on Marina Village reviewed below. |
| Nearby: | Cabbage Beach, Bahamcraft Center, Versailles Gardens, The Cloister |
| Website: | www.atlantisbahamas.com |
| Notes: | All cruise lines offer tours to Atlantis with different activity packages - See the Tour Page. |
Marina Village
Marina Village - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
Part of Atlantis, the Marina Village is a wonderful public (free) area close to the entrance of the resort when walking from the Ferry Boat Dock under the main bridge connecting Nassau to Paradise Island. Paved pedestrian streets are shaded by palm trees and lined with colorful buildings where the cruise ship passenger will find shops, kiosks, cafes, and restaurants. Starbucks, Johny Rockets, Ben &Jerry’s and Café’ Martinique are featured along with shopping brands as diverse as Pirana Joe, Tortuga Rum Cakes, Columbian Emeralds or John Bull.
| Where: | Atlantis Resort - Paradise Island |
|---|---|
| What: | Shopping |
| When: | All day - Everyday |
| Look For: | Shops, Boutiques and Cafes |
| Nearby: | Cabbage Beach, Bahama Craft Center, Versailles Gardens, The Cloister |
| Website: | www.atlantisbahamas.com |
Paradise Island
Connected with Nassau by two bridges, Paradise Island is located just off the shore of the New Providence island. Here you will find the famous Atlantis Resort (one the main attractions of Nassau) but also Cabbage Beach - a free and very popular public beach - the Bahama Craft Center, and a couple of restaurants.
Paradise Island Beach Access
Photo © IQCruising.com
Next to the Atlantis Resort, the main attraction of the island is Cabbage Beach. Viola's, Green Parrot and Margaritaville are the best places to have lunch out of the Atlantis Resort - see Restaurants Page.
Getting there: By taxi or ferry boat. Next to the Cruise Terminal, on Woodes Rodgers Walk, you will find a Ferry Boat that will take you on a short cruise through the harbor ending at the dock under the main bridge on Paradise Island. From here you are within walking distance to Atlantis and Cabbage Beach.
| Where: | Off the Coast - 2 miles from downtown Nassau |
|---|---|
| What: | Island with a number of attractions |
| When: | All day - Everyday |
| Look For: | Atlantis, Cabbage Beach, Versailles Gardens, The Cloister, Bahamcraft Center. |
| Website: | www.nassauparadiseisland.com |
Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
One of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas, it is also one of the most popular, as it is free and with easy access from the cruise terminal. Located on Paradise Island, just next to the Atlantis Resort and stretching all along the north coast, Cabbage Beach is ideal for those looking for a day out on a pristine beach with a wonderfully shaded area.
Getting there: There are two ways of getting to Cabbage Beach: on a Ferry Boat (mentioned on the Paradise Island review above) or by taxi (on offer at the Cruise Terminal). From the ferry dock on Paradise Island a 10-minute walk trough the Marina Village of the Atlantis Resort will take you to Cabbage Beach.
| Where: | Paradise Island |
|---|---|
| What: | Beach and beach activities - para-sailing, wave runner rentals and banana boat rides and even massage on the beach. |
| When: | Morning and afternoon - Everyday |
| Nearby: | Atlantis, Versailles Gardens, The Cloister, Bahamcraft Center. |
Adastra Gardens
Zoo and Conservation Centre
If the cruise passenger has great expectations of finding something comparable to the best zoos in the World, the Ardastra is not on that league, but you will see birds (Peacocks, Parrots, and Flamingos), mammals (mainly domestic ones) and reptiles (Iguanas, Tortoises and Bahamian boa constrictors).
Adastra Gardens - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
Although the Editor has walked there, it is quite a long and not particularly interesting walk from downtown. A taxi is advisable.
| WHERE | 1.5 mile west of downtown |
|---|---|
| What | Tropical Gardens and Zoo |
| Admission | $18.00 (Adults); $9.00 (Children 4 - 12); FREE (Children 3 and under) |
| Open: | Every day between 9:00am and 5:00pm (last entrance at 4:00pm) |
| Closed | December 25 and 26; January 1 |
| Address: | West Bay Street - behind Fort Charlotte |
| Website: | www.ardastra.com |
The John Watling's Distillery
A 10-minute walk south of Bay Street, the John Watling's Distillery is located on a stunning estate with two acres of a lush tropical garden where the cruise traveler can take a free self-guided tour.
Watling's Distillery - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
This includes the historical house showcasing the rich heritage of The Bahamas and the storehouse where different rums are bottled. And, naturally, you can also taste the best rum of the distillery.
| Where: | Southwest of Cruise Terminal |
|---|---|
| What: | Lush Gardens, Colonial House with Rum Distillery |
| When: | Open everyday from 10:00 AM. to 6:00 PM |
| Don't Miss: | Rum Tasting and Free Tour of Estate |
| Nearby: | National Art Gallery, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Graycliff Hotel |
| Website: | www.johnwatlings.com |
| Where: | Very few cruise lines offer a tour of the John Watling's Distillery by itself although it may be included on excursions of the Highlights of Nassau. |
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Housed on Villa Doyle (a 19th-century historical house) this is the best Art Gallery of the Bahamas displaying works by Bahamian artists.
National Art Gallery
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Where: | Southwest of Cruise Terminal |
|---|---|
| Address: | corner of West Street and West Hill Street |
| What: | Museum |
| Open: | Tuesday to Saturday: 10AM — 5PM | Sunday 12PM — 5PM | Closed: Monday |
| Entrance: | $10.00 |
| Website: | www.nagb.org.bs |
Arawak Cay - Fish Fry
Arawak Cay, aka Fish Fry, is on the waterfront, opposite Fort Charlotte. During the construction of the cruise port (in 1969), the sand dredged out of the harbor created an artificial cay, which became known as Arawak Cay. Since then, a large fish market developed, and several restaurants opened to the public offering fresh fried fish, conch salads, and many other Bahamian delicacies. It is a lively spot for locals at night but an off-track carefree spot for cruise ship passengers to taste typical Bahamian food at lunchtime.
Arawak Cay in Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Where: | Slightly over 2 miles west of Downtown. |
|---|---|
| What: | Restaurants and Grills |
| When: | Lunch |
| Look For: | Local Recipes |
| Must-know: | Be aware that walking to Arawak Cay is quite a stretch and not the most pleasant, especially after Junkanoo beach, as you will go through a desolate area. |
Nassau has quite a few very interesting historical landmarks that deserve to be highlighted such as the Forts Fincastle and Charlotte or the famous Queens Staircase. Both Forts and and the Queens Staircase are reviewed, (with all other major landmarks) in the Landmarks Page - click here to read the reviews of the Major Landmarks in Nassau. However, within walking distance of the Cruise Terminal, in Nassau downtown, there a few highlights which attract many cruise passengers.
Bay Street
The main street of Nassau is a must see (walk) for all cruise ship passengers. It is the heart of Nassau lined with the best shops and boutiques and a few restaurants.
Bay Street - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
The main stretch of Bay Street starts at the junction of Rawson and Parliament Squares - just 2-minute walk from the pier - ending at Pompey Square. To the east you will find a Gucci boutique and the Bacardi shop but little else.
| Where: | Downtown |
|---|---|
| What: | Shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes. |
| When: | All day - Everyday |
| Look For: | The best shops in Nassau |
| Nearby: | Rawson, Pompey and Parliament Square |
Balcony House
Dating back to the 1780's, this is probably the oldest residential house in Nassau, which was restored and opened as a museum in 1994. Josephine Bryce, an American heiress, was the last resident (between the 1930s – 1980s) and most of her furnishings can still be seen along with a stunning mahogany staircase and the front balcony.
Balcony House in Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Where: | Downtown |
|---|---|
| Address: | Market Street (Downtown - off Bay Street) |
| What: | House-Museum |
| Open: | Monday-Friday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM | Thursdays 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Closed: Weekends and Holidays |
| Website: | www.ammcbahamas.com |
Pompey Museum
Named after Pompey - a slave that lead a revolt on the island of Exuma - this museum is a living study of slavery in The Bahamas. It is housed in Vendue House, which dates back to the 1760's and was once used as a market of all sorts of merchandise including human beings. The disturbing exhibition is a must-see museum in Nassau.
Pompey Museum
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Where: | Downtown |
|---|---|
| Address: | Bay Street, West end side,in front of George Street |
| What: | Museum |
| When: | Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM | Thursday 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Closed Sundays &Holidays |
| Entrance Fee: | $3.00 (adults) - $1.00 (Children 6-12) |
| Website: | www.ammcbahamas.com |
Pirates of Nassau Museum
Nassau was the main city where the Golden Age of Piracy thrived between 1690 and 1720 when it all comes to an end (in Nassau) with the intervention of Woodes Rodgers (a former privateer). During 30 years the city was a safe haven for the most famous and terrifying pirates - a historical period that can be revisited in this interactive museum dedicated to those characters and their lives.
Pirates of Nassau Museum
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Where: | Downtown |
|---|---|
| Address: | King &George Streets |
| What: | Museum |
| Entrance Fee: | $13.50 (adults) - $6.75 (age 4 - 17) |
| When: | Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Website: | Facebook page |
Straw Market
Close to the West end of Bay Street and Woodes Rodgers Walk, the Straw Market is a large building housing a good number of stall and shops with handcrafts by artisans from all over The Bahamas.
Straw Market - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
This is the place to go if looking for local souvenirs, but be prepared for pushy almost harassing vendors ready for lots of haggling.
| WHERE | Downtown |
|---|---|
| What: | Craft Market |
| When: | Everyday - Morning and Afternoon |
| Be aware: | Not everyone's taste. Can be crowded. |
| Nearby: | Pompey Square, Pompey Museum, Bay Street Shops and the Woodes Roger Walk. |
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach - Nassau
Photo © IQCruising.com
Junkanoo Beach is the closest to the Cruise Terminal in Nassau. Junkanoo is right at the start of the Western Esplanade - the stretch of sand between the British Colonial Hotel and Arawak Cay. A 10-minute walk along Bay Street and Marlborough Street will take you to this sandy spot with a couple of beach bars, which rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, or lockers- there are also has public shower facilities.
| Where: | West of Downtown - 1/2 mile |
|---|---|
| What: | Beach with bars, activities, shower. |
| When: | Morning and afternoon - Everyday |
| Look For: | Relaxing day |
| Nearby: | Fat Tuesday, Colonial Hilton Hotel |
| Be aware: | Shore excursions staff onboard cruise ships will seldom mention Junkanoo Beach but, even so, it is well-known by savvy cruisers and can get crowded. |
