35+ Best Things to Do in Nassau Cruise Port, Bahamas 2024

Table Of Content

• Focusing on Local Culture
• Lynden Pindling International Airport Taxi Service to Nassau Cruise Port
• Nassau Cruise Port Terminal Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line
• What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Nassau Cruise Port
• Visit museums in Nassau to learn about its history
• Top attractions, highlights and sights

If you’re headed across the channel to Paradise Island or Atlantis, then there is a ferry you can ride for $7 each way. It’s rustic and open-air, with a guide that will point out some sights along the way. The ride takes about minutes but will also give you some great views of the ship. In fact, you’ll find a taxi stand in the port area that can get you set up. Cabs can take you anywhere you want to go, including the popular Paradise Island.

Focusing on Local Culture

A catamaran excursion while in Nassau lets you marvel at the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The catamarans typically have spacious decks and comfortable seating, providing a smooth sailing experience in warm ocean breezes. Getting to Arawak Cay from the cruise port is easy, with taxis readily available to take you there in minutes. It’s advisable to visit during the early afternoon or evening, when the area is most lively. Remember to bring cash, as some smaller vendors may not accept credit cards.

Lynden Pindling International Airport Taxi Service to Nassau Cruise Port

7 Ships and 20000 Cruise Passengers For Nassau - Cruise Industry News

7 Ships and 20000 Cruise Passengers For Nassau.

Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

We want each and every visitor to have a remarkable, memorable experience in Nassau, and we are excited to proudly display Bahamian goods, culture, and warm hospitality to our guests,” said Mike Maura. The new port promises to be a center for cultural expression and entertainment, celebrating the heritage and history of the 300-year-old city of Nassau. Graycliff Hotel is not very large and offer day passes (around USD 100 per person).

Nassau Cruise Port Terminal Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line

A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot. Nassau's nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home.

You can often arrange for a local guide to show you the historical downtown locations, drive to the best beaches, or spend a day on Paradise Island. For those interested in more active pleasures, the Atlantis Resort offers great adventures and exciting fun in its Aquaventure Water Park. The cruise passenger will also find the delights of diving, snorkeling or dolphin encounters in the Blue Lagoon Island, the Balmoral Island or at Stuarts' Cove, and challenging golf at the Ocean Club Course. Nassau is the most visited port in The Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean itineraries. Located on the island of New Providence, off the coast of Florida, Nassau is 180 miles southeast of Miami, enjoying mild weather in the winter, which is ideal for water sports and activities.

You can also use US money when shopping for souvenirs or with local vendors. While on Freedom of the Seas, the ship was docked near Zones 6, 7, and 8; however, the only available gangway was located in the aft, which meant that I had to walk all the way to and from Zone 8. From here, you can expect roughly a fifteen minute walk to the Queen's Staircase and ten minute walk to Junkanoo Beach.

Before the COVID crisis, Nassau Cruise Port's annual passenger record was 3, million (2019). This number was surpassed in 2023 when the Port handled ~4,5 million cruisers. RIU Palace is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located on Paradise Island near Atlantis. When you’re at Riu Palace, you will have access to a swim-up bar, two swimming pools, and a dedicated beach area on Cabbage Beach. A pass to Atlantis Adventure Water Park includes access to 141 acres of pools, water rides, Atlantis beaches, The Dig, Marina Village, and casino. Food and drinks may or may not be included depending on the conditions of your ticket.

Atlantis Paradise Island

The forts housed large cannons to keep pirates and other invaders at bay. Many historic attractions in downtown Nassau are free for entry or for a minimal charge. Cruise travelers have been waiting for these endless renovation works to be finished and, hopefully, souvenir stores and also a food court will return to where these once were. In the meantime, you will find most of these just outside the terminal.

You can sit on the deck outside and enjoy the lush gardens and Caribbean sun. Beyond its reputation as a premier dining destination, Graycliff offers more than meets the eye. Guests can witness the art of cigar rolling firsthand, adding a touch of old-world craftsmanship to their visit. Additionally, the Graycliff Chocolatier offers an interactive experience where guests can learn how to make their own chocolates, blending creativity with the indulgence of fine chocolate.

Arawak Cay is a lively strip dotted with colorful shacks and eateries, each serving up an array of Bahamian delicacies. As a cruiser, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to indulge in fresh seafood dishes like conch salad, grilled snapper, and lobster, all seasoned with local spices and flavors. The atmosphere at the Fish Fry is electric, with friendly locals and the rhythms of Bahamian music creating an immersive dining experience. The Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Center is a unique attraction in the Bahamas. It is a small bird sanctuary, wildlife rehabilitation center, and zoo.

Many visitors say that the coral reefs at Cave Beach are some of the most stunning and underrated in the Caribbean. To enjoy Aquaventure Water Park, you must purchase a day pass to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Atlantis is one of the best places for snorkeling and diving if you don’t want to travel too far from Nassau while in port. You can see coral, reefs, sea turtles, manatees, and sharks up close.

However, the Jet Ski Adventure at Cabbage Beach is highly recommended as they will pick you up at the cruise port and transport you to the beach. At Junkanoo Beach, you can access restrooms, showers, and changing facilities. Furthermore, the cruise ship time will typically be the same as the time on land. However, the exchange rate from a local bank or ATM will be better. In Nassau, most businesses and restaurants accept U.S. cash or credit cards.

Visiting the Pirates of Nassau Museum in downtown Nassau offers an interactive experience into the world of piracy. Nassau was once a hotbed for pirates, and the shallow waters around the coast meant large warships couldn’t get close. The museum takes you back to the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean. The major historical tourist attractions and beaches in Nassau are mostly accessible on foot.

This is one of the safest and most reliable ways to spend an unforgettable day in the Bahamas. However, it’s good to note that they may be pricey and less personalized than booking a local tour. However, the main street is, in fact, parallel to this nice and attractive 'walk' along the harbor where you will find the Ferry Boats to Paradise Island, a few shops, bars, restaurants, and grills.

You can also sign up for one of the dolphin educational programs, or relax at the private beach while the dolphins cheerfully jump and play a few feet away. Nassau has invested over $300 million into upgrading the old terminal into one of the greatest waterfronts in the Caribbean. The brand-new Arrival’s Terminal Building features an innovative design and is still under construction. On Paradise Island you can also head to Cabbage Beach, which is arguably the best beach in the area (and one of the busiest). Recently Nassau completely renovated the port area to the tune of several hundreds of millions of dollars.