Spending a day at the Nassau Cruise Port?
You’ll be amazed at all the cool things you can see (and eat!) in one day, all within walking distance of your ship.
As soon as you step off the ship, you’ll be met with the turquoise Caribbean water, white sands, and the happy vibes that the Bahamas are known for.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why the Nassau Cruise Port is so popular, with nearly 4.5 million cruise ship passengers annually!
Read More: My Bahamas Carnival Cruise Review
Here’s how to have on perfect day at the Nassau Cruise Port:
Is it worth getting off the ship in Nassau?
Personally, I was thrilled to step off the ship and explore the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau!
- Beaches. There are so many stunning beaches for beach lovers to relax on, and unique snorkeling spots with statues, coral reefs, and underwater trails.
- Shopping. You’ll find many duty-free shops with killer deals.
- Food! Foodies will love the local cuisine, a fusion of African, Caribbean, and European cooking.
- Culture. If you’re a history buff, you’ll treasure (pirate pun!) that the island’s rich pirate past is told through historic sites and museums.
Nassau is definitely worth getting off the ship for.
How far is downtown Nassau from the cruise port?
The Nassau cruise port is only 3 miles from downtown.
My favorite way to get there is via a scenic walk around the waterfront, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Taxis usually wait at the port, can take you downtown in minutes, and are usually less than $10.
Read More: 15 Top Souvenirs to Buy in The Bahamas
Can you walk to a beach from the Nassau cruise port?
Yes, you can walk to an amazing beach right from the Nassau cruise port!
Junkanoo Beach is famously close to the port. After disembarking, head right, and you’ll arrive at the beach in about 15 minutes.
Note that the roads are narrow (like most islands), and traffic moves quickly, so be mindful.
What is the history of the Nassau Cruise Port?
Nassau’s cruise port’s history dates back to the colonial era when it was used for trade between islands.
The port was also a pirate’s paradise during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Over time, its location in the heart of the Caribbean helped Nassau grow into one of the biggest ports of call for cruise ships worldwide.
Famous pirates that frequented Nassau: Blackbeard, Calico Jack Rackham, & Anne Bonny
Best Shore Excursions from the Nassau Cruise Port
There are a ton of shore excursions that leave directly from the Nassau Cruise Port:
- Nassau Food and History Bus Tour. This tour includes history, free food, a bush tea sampling, and a cake factory- I think I’ve made my point here.
- Swim with Pigs. Did you know you can ethically swim with cute pigs without hopping over to Exuma? The original Sandy Toes Swimming Pigs Tour takes you to Rose Island to swim with their pig colony. The price includes a guided snorkeling tour, private beach, Bahamian buffet, and of course, pig swimming.
- Parasail over Cabbage Beach. Fly over the blue waters of Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island with a parasailing excursion. No experience is necessary, and transportation to and from the port is included in the price.
- Glass-bottom Boat Tour. On a glass-bottom boat tour, the crystal-clear Bahamian waters reveal dolphins, turtles, and beautiful coral reefs.
Unique Bahamas Snorkeling Tours from Nassau
- Pearl Island, where you can rent a private oceanview cabana for the ultimate beach chill day.
- Sea Garden Conservation Area for an epic coral reef experience! This is a nice option for kiddos.
- Charter a private boat to see hidden gems and customize your adventure.
Read More: What to Pack for a Bahamas Cruise
Top Things to Do in Nassau for One Day
For a traveler visiting Nassau for one day, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see!
Here are my top recommendations for one day in Nassau:
Most popular sites in Nassau
Nassau is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the Bahamas:
- Queen’s Staircase: This 65-step staircase carved out of limestone is a tribute to Queen Victoria. Note: The Staircase is steep AF.
- Fort Fincastle: This 18th-century fort is perched on a hilltop, giving you panoramic views of Nassau and Paradise Island.
- Pirates of Nassau Museum: The Pirate Museum is a fun way to learn about the history of piracy in the Bahamas.
Beaches
Read More: 31 Fun Things To Do in Nassau
Nassau is known for its beautiful beaches. These are the most popular beaches close to your ship:
- Cable Beach. This 2.5-mile stretch of white sand beach is often called the best beach in the Bahamas.
- Junkanoo Beach. This lively beach is popular among locals and tourists and offers various beach bars and restaurants.
- Atlantis Beach Resort. Yes, that, Atlantis Beach Resort. With 3 natural beaches and amenities like a casino, luxury shops, massive resort pools, and the Aquaventure water park, there’s tons to do with just a day pass.
Shopping
Nassau is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from souvenirs to high-end designer brands easy to find:
- Straw Market: This bustling market is great for authentic and handmade Bahamian souvenirs and gifts.
- Marina Village: This charming shopping and dining complex is in the heart of Paradise Island.
- Luxury Shop at Crystal Court. Visit Crystal Court in Atlantis for a luxury shopping spree with brands like Versace.
Food & Drinks
No day trip to Nassau is complete without trying some of the food and drinks:
- Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. Seafood lovers should head to Arawak Cay for the famous Fish Fry! The Fry is a big outdoor space filled with Bahamian seafood and live entertainment.
- Fine Dining at Atlantis. For a taste of luxury, reserve a table at the Atlantis Resort.
- John Watling’s Distillery. Take the free tour at John Watling’s Distillery to taste the rum and learn about its history in Nassau.
Read More: 28 Best Restaurants in Nassau
Nassau-Specific Travel Tips
How safe is Nassau?
Nassau is generally a safe place to visit.
However, as with any tourist destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions like keeping your valuables out of sight.
When’s the best time to cruise to Nassau?
The best time to visit Nassau is between the months of December and April.
That’s also the busiest time of year for the Nassau cruise port, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider cruising in the summer months, which have warmer weather but fewer crowds.
Essentials for your day bag
These are a few essentials to bring for your day exploring Nassau:
- Cash
- A strong, oil-free sunscreen for your face
- Sunscreen for your body and lips
- A fast dry travel towel if you’ll be at the beach
- Travel-sized bug spray, mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas
Read More: What to Do on Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Frequently asked questions
Can you easily explore downtown Nassau on foot from the cruise port?
Yes, you can easily explore downtown Nassau on foot from the cruise port.
It is just a short walk away, and you can enjoy the colorful buildings, local shops, and restaurants along the way. The downtown area is also home to some of the most popular spots in Nassau, including the Straw Market and the Queen’s Staircase.
What are the must-see attractions close to the Nassau Cruise Port?
There are several must-see attractions close to the Nassau Cruise Port.
One of the most popular is the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. Other top attractions include Fort Fincastle, Junkanoo Beach, and the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre.
What is the closest beach to the Nassau cruise port?
The closest beach to the Nassau cruise port is Junkanoo Beach, which is just a short walk 15ish minutes walk away. This beautiful beach is a perfect for swimming and general beaching, but it’s also home to several beach bars and food spots.
What are the best beach day passes in Nassau?
If you’re looking for a premium beach experience, you’ve got (day pass) options. These are the best of the best:
- Atlantis Resort. This is one of the most iconic beach resorts in the Bahamas.
- Sandals Royal Bahamian. Nassau’s only resort with a private island.
- Bob Marley Resort. For fans of Bob Marley and Reggae music.
- Breezes Resort and Spa. On beautiful Cable Beach.
- Riu Palace Hotel. This adults-only beach resort is located on Paradise Island and has an amazing infinity pool.
