Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is conveniently located on the northern coast of the tiny island of New Providence.
Due to its proximity to the coast of Florida and a wide variety of attractions and things to offer, Nassau is one of the most visited and popular cruise ports in the Caribbean cruise itineraries.
The Port of Nassau has been breaking records in passenger visits, averaging around 12,000 visitors daily in 2023. In this article, read about:
- Nassau cruise port (Nassau cruise terminal info, getting around, helpful tips)
- 10 best things to do in Nassau port and best shore excursions
Visit also our cruise guides to Freeport, Grand Cayman, Perfect Day at CocoCay, St Maarten, St Thomas
Nassau Cruise Port
Nassau Cruise Ship Terminal is located in Nassau downtown, within easy walking distance from its main historic landmarks, shops, restaurants, and bars.
Cruise ships dock at Prince George Wharf cruise terminal, which consists of three long piers with berthing spaces built to accommodate up to six cruise ships.
Despite a large number of docks, the distance between them is short and you don’t need more than 5-10 minutes to exit the terminal, regardless of where your cruise ship docks.
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.
The entire terminal area is designed to cater to cruise passengers’ needs, with facilities such as a welcome center, a Junkanoo museum, event and entertainment spaces, an Amphitheater, tour booths, shops and cafes.
Grab a fresh pineapple before exploring the city, check out the Hair Braider Pavillion, or browse unique souvenirs at the Marketplace!
Nassau offers many things to do, from the downtown area just outside the terminal to exotic islands and resorts such as the world-famous Atlantis.
If you have booked a shore excursion through your cruise line, carefully follow the instructions on your ticket. You will find zones in front of your cruise ship, which represent meeting places for tours. You will either be meeting your group at one of the zones or onboard, so be sure to double-check your tour ticket for details.
Inside the cruise terminal, you will find independent tour operators offering water taxi transfers to Paradise Island and the iconic Atlantis, and other tours and services.
Getting Around Port of Nassau
- The port area is flat and suitable for wheelchair users/people with walking difficulties.
- Outside the terminal, you’ll find an array of shops, souvenir stores, eateries, and internationally recognized brands such as Harley Davidson (opposite the Festival Place), Starbucks, Burger King, Hard Rock café, Senor Frogs, and many others. Get ready to be harassed as well, as you’ll come across countless local vendors offering car/scooter/off-road vehicle rentals, excursions, walking tours, day passes to famous local attractions, and ferry, boat, or taxi rides.
- Taxis are available outside of the terminal.
- Upon coming back to the terminal, you may be required to show a physical photo ID, so make sure you bring it.
- Junkanoo Beach is the nearest beach to Nassau Cruise Port (a 15-minute walk).
- The currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD). 1 USD equals 1 BSD. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in town.
- The high season in Nassau lasts from mid-December to mid-April, with warm, dry weather and pleasant temperatures. Nassau lies within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes and heavy rains may occur from June to November.
- Lynden Pindling International Airport is the main international Nassau Airport and is located 16 km/10 miles southwest of Nassau cruise port.
- Explore Nassau tours and activities
- Search the best Caribbean cruise deals
Watch my YouTube video about Nassau cruise port and the best things to do in Nassau!
10 Best Things to Do in Nassau Cruise Port
1. Nassau Downtown and Beaches
If you decide to skip an excursion and stay in Nassau’s vibrant capital, there are numerous things you can do and see. Here is the list of the top-rated attractions:
1.1. Woodes Rodgers Walk
This is the street parallel to the harbor, and you’ll spot it upon exiting the terminal. It is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and numerous local vendors.
On the waterfront boardwalk, you’ll come across the ferry terminal where you can catch a ferry to Paradise Island.
1.2. Bay Street
This is the main street in Nassau where you will find the majority of shops, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions.
It is located parallel to the Woodes Rodgers Walk, a 5-minute walk from the pier. The street is home to several historic landmarks, including Pompey Museum, Rawson Square, and Parliament Square.
1.3. Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle
Carved out of limestone by hundreds of slaves in 1793 as an escape route from Fort Fincastle, Queen’s Staircase represents one of the major landmarks in Nassau.
The staircase was constructed as a shortcut to Fort Fincastle, a defense fort built in the 18th century to protect Nassau from pirates.
Both landmarks are located within a 15-minute walk from the Nassau cruise terminal and are well worth visiting if you want to soak up some local history.
A staircase consists of 65 steps that will lead you to the fort from where you can admire beautiful panoramic views of the harbor and city.
1.4. Pompey Museum
Located only a 10-minute walk from the port, on Bay Street, Pompey Museum is a museum of slavery built on the site of the 18th-century slave auctions.
Housed in an old, brightly colored pink building, it is a simple and small museum with an impressive story where you can learn about this dark period of Bahamian history.
1.5. Pirates of Nassau
At a stone’s throw from Pompey Museum, the fascinating Pirates Museum reveals the 18th-century history of the city when Nassau served as a pirate base.
You’ll see fantastic artifacts, a replica of a pirate ship, and exhibits that will throw you back to the era of pirates.
1.6. Nassau Straw Market
Situated alongside Woodes Rodgers Walk, the Straw Market is a bustling market where you can buy traditional Bahamian handicrafts, authentic gifts and souvenirs, clothes, wooden toys, and much more.
Bring cash and don’t forget to bargain, as you can get some amazing deals and quality stuff here.
1.7. Christ Church Anglican Cathedral
Right between the Pirates of Nassau and Pompey Museum, in King Street, the impressive Anglican church dates from the 19th century and was built in an exceptional Gothic style.
It is the oldest and largest church in Nassau with astonishing stained-glass windows and wonderful acoustics.
1.8. Government House
Only a 10-minute walk from the cruise dock, you’ll come across a 19th-century residence of the British Governor-General housed in a well-preserved pink and white colonial mansion.
It sits on a hill overlooking the harbor and boasts beautiful gardens ideal for a leisurely stroll.
1.9. Junkanoo Beach
When it comes to the Nassau beaches, the nearest one to the cruise terminal is Junkanoo Beach, located within a 20-minute walking distance from the port. It is a nice beach to spend your day at if you want to keep a low budget and still have a fun day.
Of course, you’ll find the best beaches on the private islands and Paradise Island, but Junkanoo Beach is a great alternative as it’s free and offers a variety of facilities to enjoy your day. It is a sandy beach with clear water and great swimming opportunities.
Right next to it is Western Esplanade Beach, where you can find bar restaurants and sometimes there are live performances. These are the public beaches and expect a lot of crowds and noise.
1.10. Saunders Beach
You can reach this beautiful beach within less than a 10-minute drive from the port of Nassau. It is a quiet stretch of white sand with crystal clear water where you can snorkel right off the beach.
It’s not crowded and you can spend some enjoyable time with your family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you get hungry or thirsty, you’ll find several food chains and shops across the street. Restrooms and changing rooms are available too.
1.11. Cable Beach
This beach is located near Saunders Beach, a 15-minute drive from Nassau cruise port. It is a small piece of heaven lined with hotel resorts, boasting crystal clear turquoise waters and white sands where you can swim, snorkel, or simply sunbathe under the palm trees.
Bars, restaurants and watersports are available. It is considered one of the best beaches in Nassau.
1.12. Paradise Island
Within and outside the cruise terminal, you will find vendors selling ferry tickets to Paradise Island where the famous Atlantis resort is located.
The Paradise Island ferry terminal is located under the two bridges connecting Nassau and Paradise Island, and from there you can walk to Atlantis Resort.
Keep in mind that it can be very crowded on the way back (as most of the cruise ship passengers go to the island by ferry), so always save at least 1 hour for the transfer back to the ship. An alternative option is to take a taxi to Paradise Island.
Besides the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island has stunning beaches, such as Paradise Beach, Cabbage Beach, Cove Beach, Smugglers Beach, Arawak Beach, and others. The beaches are public, so you can freely come and enjoy the Caribbean vibes on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Explore Nassau sightseeing tours and activities
2. Pearl Island
This gorgeous tiny island is definitely my favorite when it comes to the Bahamas. It is nestled around 8 miles off the coast of New Providence and a 15-minute boat ride from Nassau.
If you seek peace, sugar-white beaches, snorkeling, and delicious Bahamian cuisine far from the bustling city and tourist resorts, you are in the right spot!
The island is private and therefore it’s not crowded. You can take a dip in the crystal clear blue waters, enjoy frozen cocktails at the bar, relax in the loungers, or climb the white lighthouse (the symbol of Pearl Island) for spectacular 360-degree views of the island.
Island personnel is friendly and helpful, and will do their best to make your stay enjoyable!
Read in detail my review of Pearl Island in my blog 7 Private Islands in the Caribbean to Visit on a Cruise
3. Blue Lagoon Island
I’ve been to Blue Lagoon island twice and both times I had a fantastic time. Blue Lagoon is located a 20-minute scenic boat ride from Nassau and is larger than Pearl Island. You’ll recognize it by the concrete tower that guards the entrance to the hidden lagoon and the incredible turquoise water surrounding the island.
On the island, you can meet dolphins and sea lions in their natural habitat, join eco-walking tours and segway rides around the island, indulge in grilled Bahamian specialties, kayak, snorkel, or swim in a secluded sugar-white beach known as Salt Cay. VIP packages are also offered.
Read in detail my review of Blue Lagoon Island in my blog 7 Private Islands in the Caribbean to Visit on a Cruise
Insider tip: Guests often don’t know the difference between Pearl Island and Blue Lagoon, and are wondering which island is more suitable for them.
Pearl Island is very small and is a better choice for those who look for peace. Snorkeling and kayaking are the only activities offered.
Blue Lagoon is larger and more crowded. It’s more suitable for families with kids because of the animal programs, an aqua park, and more family-friendly activities.
Explore Blue Lagoon excursions
4. Balmoral Island
Another gorgeous island awaits you just off the northern coast of Nassau.
Besides powdery sands and aquamarine water, Balmoral Island offers animal interaction programs (dolphin and stingray encounters), great snorkeling, delicious food, and a stunning beach where you can relax in the cabanas or sunbathe under the hot Caribbean sun.
Ferries run regularly between Nassau downtown and Balmoral Island, so you can come here on your own too.
5. Atlantis Resort
The world’s largest open-air marine habitat, breathtaking beaches, oceanfront golf course, Aquaventure water park, Atlantis casino, and hotel resort facilities await you on this incredible adventure to one of the most famous resorts in the world!
The resort boasts numerous facilities and offers a wide range of activities and unique experiences such as:
5.1. Dolphin Cay
One of the largest marine-mammal habitats in the world where you can swim and snorkel in a deep-water lagoon alongside sleek bottlenose dolphins, play with sea lions, or kayak and paddleboard while adorable mammals swim alongside.
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.
5.2. Aquaventure Water Park
A unique, 141-acre water park, home to thrilling water slides (The Abyss, Leap of Faith, The Falls, Jungle Slide, The Surge….), a mile-long river with through tunnels, rapids, and waves, a magnificent water-play fort, eleven stunning swimming pools, and twenty swimming areas.
Set in a lush tropical environment, this water park is a spectacular attraction equally enjoyable for both kids and adults.
5.3. Marine Habitat
You can explore 14 lagoons with over 50,000 sea animals representing over 250 marine species.
Snorkeling, snuba, scuba diving, swimming with sharks, golf and tennis courts, a spa, the largest casino in the Bahamas and extraordinary shopping are only some of the things you can experience in Atlantis… the list is endless!
Atlantis also offers access to five miles of gorgeous white sandy beaches to top off your day: Cove Beach, Atlantis Beach, and Paradise Beach.
This place is incredible and should be on everyone’s Nassau bucket list! There are different day passes and packages, so based on your preferences and wishes, you can choose the one that suits you the best. Cruise lines offer shore excursions to Atlantis, but you can also book on your own.
Explore Atlantis Resort tours and activities
6. Nassau Off-Road Adventure
If you want to explore Nassau in a thrilling and adrenaline-packed way, go for an off-road tour around the city and the island of New Providence.
You’ll stop at famous attractions and landmarks such as the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory (you’ll taste them and see the rum cakes-making process), Fort Fincastle and Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte, Clifton Heritage National Park, plantations, historical villages, rum distillery, and many more.
Get ready to get dusty and dirty as you drive through Nassau’s rugged terrain and explore the hidden gems of New Providence island.
Make sure you bring a driver’s license if you are a driver (but before that, check the tour operator’s age requirements!)
7. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
If you are a fan of underwater activities, you should know that the Bahamas offers some spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving sites.
You can opt to snorkel from the beach on your own (Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach are great choices), and in that case, make sure you bring your gear.
However, if you want to explore the depths of Bahamian waters, you should book a boat trip to Nassau’s beautiful coral reefs hiding an abundance of incredible aquatic life.
The tours will usually take you to the Rose Island Reef, located only three miles east of Paradise Island, an exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving location. Besides beautiful marine life, you’ll also find two shipwrecks that make this place even more attractive to snorkelers and divers.
Goulding Cay Reef is another fascinating reef located at the western end of New Providence that is said to be one of the best shallow-water snorkeling sites in the world. It attracts both experienced snorkelers and beginners and is suitable for people of all ages.
However, if you prefer to stay dry and would like to observe the aquatic wildlife from a safe distance, you can go for a glass-bottom boat trip, Seaworld Explorer (semi-submersible), or simply stay on board a luxury catamaran while the rest of the group snorkels.
Check out Nassau snorkeling and boat tours
8. Swimming Pigs
Swimming Pigs is one of the major attractions in the Bahamas! It’s a fun and unique experience where you get to meet these friendly guys living the Bahamian dream!
There are several locations where you can swim and play with pigs, the two most popular ones being Rose Island (Sandy Toes) and Exumas Island (Pig Beach), both located up to 1-hour boat ride from Nassau cruise port.
Not only will you have the chance to swim and interact with sociable pigs, but you will also get the opportunity to enjoy the sapphire-blue waters, secluded beaches, deserted cays, snorkeling with sharks, and an array of fun activities.
Explore Swimming with Pigs tours and activities
9. Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Experiences
Besides awe-inspiring beaches and fancy resorts, Nassau boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage that you can explore on one of the historic or cultural tours and experiences.
While there, make sure to taste the Bahamas’ handcrafted rum cocktails, delicious seafood, traditional mac ’n’ cheese, and a variety of authentic specialties, which are an important part of Bahamian culture.
You can book one of the food and cultural tours, or explore on your own. Some of the must-see places are the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, Graycliff Chocolate Factory and John Watling’s Distillery.
Explore Nassau food and cultural tours and activities
10. Book a Private Charter
As Nassau has so many attractions and activities to offer, sometimes it’s difficult to decide on how to spend a day in the Nassau cruise port.
Booking a private charter in Nassau allows you to design your itinerary and enjoy an exclusive sailing experience along the vibrant coast of New Providence and Paradise Islands.
Away from crowded touristy places, you can spend your day deep-sea or near-shore fishing, snorkeling, relaxing at a secluded beach, or sunbathing on your private yacht!
Enjoy a fully private tour and let your captain show you the best of Nassau on a customized half-day or full-day yacht trip along the mesmerizing Bahamian islands.
Book a private charter in Nassau
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Western Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.