Are you planning on embarking on a Caribbean cruise? If you are, you’re going to want to know what to do in Nassau cruise port.
As the capital of the Bahamas and one of the major transportation hubs in the region, the Nassau harbor accommodates several cruise ships a day and over a million cruise ship goers each year. All of that means that you’ll have no shortage of things to do in Nassau Bahamas port and the surrounding islands — provided you know how to get there.
To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of some can’t-miss things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise. While your visit to the archipelago may be short, you’ll still have time to enjoy at least a few of the activities mentioned below.
What to Do in Nassau Cruise Port
From strolling along picturesque beaches to getting up close and personal with local wildlife, the following things to do in Nassau port will be the highlight of any Caribbean cruise. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to return for longer!
Lounge Around at Junkanoo Beach
If you don’t feel like venturing away from downtown Nassau but still want to soak up the sun, Junkanoo Beach is the place to do it. With postcard-perfect white sand, swaying palm trees, and tropical tiki huts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a beach as accessible and beautiful.
Junkanoo Beach starts to get busy in the afternoon. Once that happens, an irresistible party atmosphere starts to permeate through the crowds. Feel free to grab a drink from one of the colorful tiki huts — sipping on rum and watching the waves roll in is one of the best things to do in Nassau port or anywhere in the Caribbean.
A stop by stunning Junkanoo Beach is a great idea for anyone wondering what to do in Nassau cruise port.
Hang Out at Hilton Colonial Hotel Beach
Feel like beach hopping? We don’t blame you! Nassau has many fantastic beaches, and visiting as many as possible is one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise. And, with powder-soft sand and rentable sun loungers, one stop that you won’t want to miss is Hilton Colonial Hotel Beach.
Swaying palms and azure waters make a stop at the Hilton Colonial Hotel Beach a fantastic idea on any Bahamas vacation.
As the Hilton Colonial Hotel owns the beach, you’ll need to purchase a day pass to enjoy it. However, you’ll have full access to the beach, the hotel swimming pool, and the hotel restaurant once you do.
Walk Around Parliament Square
When you reach your beach limit for the day (if that point ever comes), feel free to take a stroll over to Parliament Square. Located just five minutes away from the cruise ship port by foot, exploring Parliament Square is always a great option if you’re ever trying to think of things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise.
Built in 1815 by colonial loyalists fleeing the 13 Colonies, Parliament Square today features buildings that house the Senate and the House of Assembly. Besides colorful government buildings, day-trippers can also see a statue of Queen Victoria, constructed in 1905.
Travelers wondering what to do in Nassau during cruise stop can’t go wrong with Parliament Square.
Embark on an Exuma Day Trip
While Nassau is a cruise ship capital, the rest of the archipelago is inaccessible to the massive ships, meaning that many day-trippers miss out on seeing some of the prettiest sites that the Bahamas has to offer. To keep yourself out of that category of people, sign up for a Bahamas day trip by plane to the Exumas with Bahamas Air Tours.
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Nassau port, know that views like these are just a short flight away!
Instead of spending an afternoon in transit on a boat, Bahamas Air Tours will fly you out to enjoy a Nassau to Staniel Cay day tour in less than an hour. Once there, you’ll have the chance to see and do so much.
From exploring Pig Island to swimming with sharks and walking alongside iguanas, Bahamas day trips by plane will fit perfectly into even the tightest of cruise ship goers’ schedules. If you’re ever wondering what to do in Nassau cruise port, know that Exuma day trips are the perfect answer!
Visit the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas
Fans of history wondering what to do in Nassau during cruise stop should check out the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas. Located just steps away from the cruise port, the museum contains a collection of artifacts accumulated by Hamilton White, a British antique collector.
From Columbus and pirates to slavery and plantations, the vast extent of historical artifacts present makes the site another one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas port.
A visit to the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas is another one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise.
Walk Around Fort Fincastle
While you’re on your historical tour, don’t just stop at the museum! Fort Fincastle is another historical site that all day-trippers should see.
Piracy ran rampant in the Caribbean for decades, forcing the British to take measures to protect their colonial holdings. In 1793, Lord Dunmore ordered the fort’s construction, hoping that it would help put a stop to piracy in the region.
Make sure to stop by Fort Fincastle on your Bahamas vacation for history and a view.
Centuries later, the cannons and massive walls of the fort remain, serving as a fantastic spot to explore. On top of learning more about the country’s history, visitors also get to enjoy a breathtaking view of the island!
Stop by the Nassau Straw Market
Located on Bay Street (just a short walk from where the cruise ships dock), stopping by the Nassau straw market is another one of the best things to do in Nassau port. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your friends and family back home, the market is the perfect place to buy everything from handmade hats and bags to dolls.
The Nassau Straw Market is a great place to practice haggling if you’ve never done it before. While travelers wondering what to do in Nassau cruise port might not think that bartering sounds enjoyable, it’s a fun experience! Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of getting a good deal and a fantastic souvenir to bring home.
Ready to barter? Make time for the Nassau Straw Market on your one day cruise to Bahamas!
Enjoy Local Artwork at the Heritage Village Artists’ Studio
Right around the corner from the Nassau Straw Market is the Heritage Village Artists’ Studios. A stop there provides you with the opportunity to meet and interact with local artists, and of course, view their art pieces.
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Nassau cruise port, a stop at Heritage Village Artists’ Studios is always a good idea.
If you find something you really like, you can even purchase it and take it home!
Take in the View of the French Cloisters and Versailles Gardens
If you have ten minutes, you have enough time to take a taxi to nearby Paradise Island. There, travelers will find more things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise, including taking in the beauty of the French Cloisters and Versailles Gardens.
Wondering what to do in Nassau during cruise stop? Paradise Island with the beautiful French Cloisters is just a short ride away!
Built in Europe in the 14th century then brought to the island, the French Cloisters are a great place to see architecture that’s difficult to find outside of the Old World. Although the Four Seasons One & Only Ocean Club owns them, you can still enjoy a great view of the Cloisters from the street.
Explore the Set of a James Bond Film (With a Glass of Rum)
James Bond fans wondering what to do in Nassau port need to make time to visit John Watling’s Distillery. Set on the historic Buena Vista Estate, the site was one of the many sets featured in Casino Royale.
Rum tasting at John Watling’s Distillery is a can’t-miss stop on any Bahamas vacation
If you’re not a fan of the international super-spy, don’t worry—John Watling’s Distillery has something for everyone to enjoy. History buffs will love the museum and guided tour around the grounds, while rum lovers will enjoy sampling some of the best rum and cocktails on the island.
All of that makes John Watling’s Distillery perfect for anyone wondering what to do in Nassau cruise port!
Be Clear on What to Do in Nassau Cruise Port
Traveling to Nassau by cruise doesn’t give you a lot of time to enjoy the island’s many sites. Because of that, you want to ensure that you go in with a plan so that you’re not stuck wondering what to do in Nassau cruise port.
While all of the places mentioned are fantastic additions to any itinerary, a Nassau day trip with Bahamas Air Tours will take any vacation to the next level. Guests get the opportunity to explore the stunning Exuma Cays archipelago, hang out with the famous swimming pigs, and do so much more.
Sign up for a day trip with Bahamas Air Tours today!
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