The Best Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas on a Cruise Day in Port

Table Of Content

• Straw Market
• Wheelchair and Accessibility at the Nassau Cruise Port
• More cruise portsguides and reviews
• DCL-Disney Cruise Line's summer 2025 fleet deployment (Europe & Caribbean itineraries)
• Are there buses at the Nassau Cruise Port?
• Shopping
• Do you have to pay to walk around Atlantis Bahamas?
• Map of New Providence Island and Nassau

Learn about the history of Nassau while taking a stroll through its colorful streets. When you explore the museum, you’ll also be able to find historic prints, newspapers, and even colonial documents. Dating back to 1725, Fort Montagu is the oldest standing fort on the entire island (though there was a second structure built in 1741). It’s located at the eastern end of Nassau Harbor along the waterfront. It was originally built to defend the Brits’ possession of the island against Spanish invaders.

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Straw Market

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is located in the Villa Doyle, a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. The museum is in a yellow colonial mansion with white pillars and balconies. While touring the art gallery, you can admire its diverse collections and exhibitions of vibrant art. One of the best ways to explore the historical sites of Nassau on a cruise day in the port is by taking a pedicab tour. You sit back and relax while a knowledgeable guide takes you on a ride, highlighting the rich history and culture of this vibrant city. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and a popular port of call on Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Wheelchair and Accessibility at the Nassau Cruise Port

These tours provide a more private and relaxing experience away from the throngs of crowds in Nassau on cruise day. Shore excursions in Nassau include various fun water activities, such as boat trips, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even swimming with pigs. Let’s look in detail at some ideas for spending a day in port in Nassau. The coastline of New Providence has some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. There are ample opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottomed boat tours. For a luxurious experience, you could choose an all-inclusive beach club for your cruise day.

More cruise portsguides and reviews

Overall, the tourist areas in Nassau are safe for cruise passengers. If this is your first time on a cruise in Nassau, then it’s probably best to arrange a ship-operated shore excursion. 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. Regardless of all the bad mouthing and press, the cruise traveler will find that the Cruise Port of Nassau has a lot to offer both in quality and diversity.

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. You can also use US money when shopping for souvenirs or with local vendors. Cruise ships dock in Prince George Wharf, which is conveniently located near the downtown district and Bay Street.

You can visit yourself after about a 15-minute walk from the cruise port. It’s a resort/hotel with a waterpark, casino, restaurants, shops, and more. Many people visit just to see the sights or play a little in the casino. As well, if you want to visit the waterpark, it comes with a hefty price tag (tickets can be booked directly before you arrive or often through your cruise line’s shore excursion desk). Outside the port gates are a number of spots that cater to cruisers, all within a short walk from the ships.

Shopping

So try not to get frustrated or anxious if service is slower than expected. Tipping is customary in Nassau, similar to other Caribbean destinations. So, it’s up to your discretion to leave more for outstanding service.

Do you have to pay to walk around Atlantis Bahamas?

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You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Cable Beach is the most popular beach in Nassau and is close to the cruise port. Several hotels along Cable Beach offer day passes for access to their pools, restaurants, and other amenities. With excursions you can get out of the city a little bit, and it’s much easier than planning yourself.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, Semi-submarines and Glass-bottom boats invite visitors to explore the spectacular underwater world of the Bahamas. About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirate's headquarters. Junkanoo Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, offering travelers an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy some sun and fun. You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach. Don't forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points to book a day at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

Furthermore, the art gallery is a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, and it is nearby several other attractions. If you want to visit this museum, it is only a 7-minute walk from the cruise port. If you’re looking to spend your afternoon in Downtown Nassau, and you want to visit museums then you’re in luck. Nassau has several museums that are within walking distance from the cruise port. Typically, a Blue Lagoon island excursion combines the beach with other activities like sea lion encounters, dolphin encounters, or segway tours. In most cases, you will meet your shore excursion guide at a designated sport before being guided to a bus or boat.

Nestled on the island of New Providence, it is the heart and soul of the Bahamas. The port is conveniently located near downtown Nassau, making it easy for visitors to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Situated 5 miles (8 km) from the Nassau cruise terminal, Cable Beach stretches over 2 miles with powdery white sands and calm waters. You can enjoy its stunning azure waters, beachside bars, and ocean views.

There is a good bar where guests can sample 3 types of rum or order the sampled in the begining pina colada. In December 2018, to The Bahamas government received bids for cruise terminal concession. Nassau cruise terminal is at Prince George Wharf, located on the island's northern coast. Passenger ferries provide regularly scheduled shipping service from Nassau to the surrounding islands, and mainly to Paradise Island. Nassau's main seaport is Prince George Wharf, which also serves cruise liners.

When you exit the cruise terminal, you will find yourself near Pirate Republic Brewing Company and The Bahamas Shirt Company. This is the same place you will enter when you are ready to return to the ship. Moreover, the port is filled with local vendors selling goods, such as straw baskets, jewelry, and more, meaning that you do not have to exit for your shopping needs if you do not want to. John Watling’s Distillery is located in downtown Nassau, overlooking the harbor. It’s situated on the two-acre Buena Vista Estate and offers panoramic views of not only the water but also the estate’s tropical gardens.

To help you make the most of your time in port, we’ve put together tons of information on what to expect, the lay of the land, and more to ensure you have a great stay in this tropical stop. Bay Street is known as Nassau’s retail district, so there will be many local businesses there if you are interested in shopping. On Bay Street, you will find jewelers, clothing stores, gift shops, and more. If you’re looking to try an authentic Bahamian Lunch, then check out Potter’s Cay conch shacks. Here, you will find bright-colored conch shacks that feature dishes from 40 different chefs who are cooking different dishes.

Arriving at the port of Nassau in the Bahamas on a cruise can be a hectic experience, especially if several cruise ships are in port. So, planning a tour, private guide, or shore excursion in advance is ideal. This way, you spend less time standing in line and more time exploring Nassau.