Cruise Port Guide · Bahamas
Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Caribbean, with a brand new cruise terminal, beaches within walking distance and Paradise Island just across the bridge.
Nassau at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Amy, Krystal & Barbara
“Kept it simple in Nassau: explored the new cruise terminal, checked out some local shops, and walked to Junkanoo Beach for a couple hours!” – Amy
Top Things to Do in Nassau
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
A taxi tour of the island
On a Celebrity Beyond cruise, Amy and her mom made a spur-of-the-moment decision to do a 2.5-hour taxi tour of the island. It was a quick drive around to see the sights, including Paradise Island with a short stop at Atlantis, and it finished with 30 minutes at the beach. The perfect short excursion, and they were back to the ship in time for lunch!
- Cost
- $40 USD per person
- How long
- About 2.5 hours
- You’ll see
- Paradise Island and Atlantis
- Ends with
- 30 minutes at the beach
Junkanoo Beach
On another visit, Amy kept it simple: she explored the new cruise terminal, checked out some local shops, and walked to Junkanoo Beach for a couple of hours. It’s the closest beach to the ship, so it’s an easy, no-plans-needed beach day.
- Distance
- A walk from the cruise port
- Cost
- Free
- Nearby
- Local shops and bars
- Good for
- A relaxed beach day
A chocolate factory tour
On their Disney Dream cruise, Barbara and Kirsten did a chocolate factory tour in Nassau, where she learned all about chocolate making, and even got to make her own chocolate to bring back to the ship! Afterwards she did some shopping before heading back on board, and says the people in Nassau are so friendly.
- You’ll learn
- How chocolate is made
- Bonus
- Make your own to take home
- Barbara sailed
- Disney Dream
- Good for
- Families and chocolate lovers
The Queen’s Staircase
Krystal started her Nassau day with a walk to the Queen’s Staircase. Surrounded by lush greenery, it was absolutely beautiful and a cool, shady break from the heat. Afterwards she made her way toward the beach, browsing the shops and restaurants along the way.
- Getting there
- A walk from downtown
- Cost
- Free
- Feel
- Cool, shady and green
- Then
- Shops on the way to the beach
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
Krystal ended her Nassau day at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau for a refreshing drink after some more beach time, and Amy has been there too. The resort has an awesome lazy river, and day passes are available for a fee if you’d like to spend a little more time there.
- Known for
- Its lazy river
- Day passes
- Available for a fee
- Good for
- Families and fun
- Who’s been
- Krystal and Amy
Read Krystal’s Celebrity Summit cruise (Key West, Bimini and Nassau) and Amy’s MSC Meraviglia cruise to Nassau and Ocean Cay.
More Things to Do in Nassau
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Paradise Island and AtlantisJust across the bridge from downtown, Paradise Island is home to Atlantis and Cabbage Beach. Amy’s taxi tour included a stop at Atlantis.
Explore the new terminalNassau’s new cruise terminal is gorgeous! It’s very long, with shops, local vendors, higher end stores, a row of food vendors and bars, and even a hair braiding section. Amy was so impressed, and even if you plan to stay on the ship, she recommends taking time to explore it. You can still walk straight out onto the street too.
Señor Frog’sSeñor Frog’s is a hugely popular party spot on the Nassau waterfront, steps from the cruise port, known for its giant colourful drinks, music and dancing. A fun stop before heading back to the ship!
Free Things to Do in Nassau
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
Climb the Queen’s StaircaseCarved from solid limestone in the 1790s, these 66 historic steps lead up toward Fort Fincastle, an easy walk from downtown Nassau.
Relax at Junkanoo BeachThis beach along the Western Esplanade is just a few minutes’ walk from the cruise dock, with benches for watching ships in the harbour.
See Parliament SquareJust a two-minute walk from the port, the square’s pink colonial buildings date to 1815 and surround a statue of Queen Victoria.
Know Before You Go in Nassau
- Walk or taxi: Junkanoo Beach, the shops and the Queen’s Staircase are all walkable from the port.
- Agree on taxi fares first: before you get in.
- US dollars: are accepted everywhere alongside Bahamian dollars.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Nassau FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What can you do in Nassau on a cruise?
Walk to Junkanoo Beach, visit the Queen’s Staircase, take a taxi tour to Paradise Island and Atlantis, or spend the day at the lazy river at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau.
What are some free things to do in Nassau?
Some of our favourite free things to do in Nassau are climb the Queen’s Staircase, relax at Junkanoo Beach and see Parliament Square. Carved from solid limestone in the 1790s, these 66 historic steps lead up toward Fort Fincastle, an easy walk from downtown Nassau.
Can you walk to a beach from the Nassau cruise port?
Yes, Junkanoo Beach is a short walk from the cruise port.
Do they take US dollars in Nassau?
Yes, US dollars are accepted alongside Bahamian dollars.
Do I need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with tours, pre-cruise hotels and transfers.
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