Given that it’s one of the most popular cruise ship ports in the Caribbean, many visitors to the Bahamas wonder what to do in Nassau during cruise stop. The good news is that even if you’re only in the country for an afternoon, you still have plenty of fun activities to enjoy.
From lounging around on some of the prettiest beaches in the world to swimming alongside the Exuma pigs, there are so many great things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise. To help you narrow down your options and create an itinerary, we’ve put together a list of some of the can’t-miss excursions you’ll want to embark on while on New Providence.
Read on to learn all about what to do in Nassau port!
Grab a drink at one of the Huts that line Bay Street next to the Nassau Cruise Port
What to Do in Nassau During Cruise Stop
Hang Out at Junkanoo Beach
When you first get off the ship and are wondering what to do in Nassau during cruise stop, there’s a good chance you’ll be craving some time at the beach. And luckily for you, your boat will be just a couple of steps away from one of the first places you’ll want to visit: Junkanoo Beach.
While all of the beaches in the Bahamas are beautiful, Junkanoo Beach is exceptionally so – it features soft white sand, palm trees that sway in the wind, and sweeping views of the expanse of turquoise water around you.
In addition to its natural beauty, the site is also the perfect place to enjoy the upbeat atmosphere that Nassau offers. While you can certainly plop down in a sunchair and lounge the afternoon away, you’ll probably want to check out the nearby tiki bars and shops that border the beach.
Regardless of what you choose to do once you’re there, spending time at Junkanoo Beach is one of the most straightforward things to do in Nassau cruise port.
Meet the Famous Exuma Pigs
If you’re about to travel to the Bahamas, you’ve most likely heard of the Exuma Pigs. These friendly animals live on an island (Big Major Cay) by themselves. While the island is also home to a couple of cats and goats, the island isn’t home to any human residents.
The Exuma pigs might just be the highlight of your Bahamas vacation.
How the pigs got to the island is something of a local mystery. Most people believe that farmers brought the Exuma Pigs to their island years ago, but other local residents will tell you that they were shipwrecked nearby and swam to shore. Either way, visiting the Exuma Pigs is definitely one of the best things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise.
Big Major Cay is around 80 miles away from Nassau, making it too far to reach by boat when you’re on a time crunch. Luckily, when you travel by air with Bahamas Air Tours, you’ll touch down in the region in around 30 minutes. That gives you plenty of time to hang out with the Exuma pigs, as well as see some of the other amazing sites that the Exumas have to offer.
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Nassau during cruise stop, sign up for a day trip to the Exumas to see the wonders the region has to offer!
Learn About the Country’s Cultural and Historical Past in Old Town
While you might be craving beaches, remember that Nassau has a history that stretches back hundreds of years. In between sipping pina coladas at the beach, it’s not a bad idea to learn a bit about the historical and cultural sites around you.
Exploring Old Town is always an answer to the question of what to do in Nassau during cruise stop.
As its name implies, Old Town refers to a section of the city that houses some of the areas oldest sites. From Fort Fincastle, which protected the settlement from pirates, to Queen’s Staircase, which hundreds of slaves climbed into limestone, Nassau’s Old Town is a great place to connect with the city’s deeper elements. That makes it another one of the top things to do in Nassau port.
Grab a Drink (or Two)
While it’s not a bad idea to grab a drink from one of the tiki bars that border the beaches, Nassau has plenty of other bars and restaurants that are worth visiting – all of which can accommodate different travelers and preferences. These are great for adult travelers wondering what to do in Nassau during cruise stop.
For example, Never Say Never Again Bar and Grill is the place to go if you want an upscale environment and panoramic views of the water. If you’re hoping for a more lively party atmosphere, plan on hitting up Señor Frog’s. Wine connoisseurs can head to Bahama Barrels.
All of the many bars and restaurants scattered around the city offer up some of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas port.
Bahama Barrels by Graycliff is one of the many great venues to stop by for a drink.
Visit the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas
If you’re still looking to dive into more of the area’s history, head to the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas.
Another attraction that’s close by to the cruise ship port, the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas is accessible yet informative. It contains all sorts of artifacts acquired by Hamilton White, a British antique collector.
From the Atlantic Slave Trade to pirates and local plantations, the museum is another great place to learn more about Nassau’s past. That makes it another one of the top things to do in Nassau cruise port.
Besides history, Nassau is also full of art and culture.
Walk Around Parliament Square
Also located in Old Town, Parliament Square is a great place to see how the current government operates. The area features several buildings that house the government of the Bahamas, including the House of Assembly and the Senate.
Wondering what to do in Nassau port? Make sure to make time for Parliament Square.
Colonial loyalists who fled from the newly-created United States built the square itself in 1815. In addition to the government buildings surrounding it, you can also see an impressive statue of Queen Victoria, constructed a century later in 1905.
Buy a Souvenir at the Nassau Straw Market
While most people wondering what to do in Nassau during cruise stop are looking for activities that they can enjoy, some attractions let you have fun while also giving you the chance to keep your friends and family back home in mind as well.
The Nassau Straw Market is one of the top places in the city to pick up a fun souvenir for yourself or other people in your life. From bags and hats to dolls and more, the market is a fun place to poke around if you have room in your luggage. Just remember that the locals will know that you’re a tourist. If you’re looking to get a good deal, you’re going to need to haggle.
Ready to haggle? Find the perfect souvenir at the Nassau Straw Market.
Provided you’ve sharpened up on your bartering skills before your trip, visiting the Nassau Straw Market is another one of the many fantastic things to do in Nassau port.
Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas Port: Don’t Miss Out
Although it might seem difficult to figure out what to do in Nassau during cruise stop, the truth is that you have more time than you realize. Taking part in any of the activities mentioned above is a sure-fire way to ensure that you make the most in the capital of the Bahamas.
If you want to really enjoy your time in the country, consider flying to the Exumas with Bahamas Air Tours. Once there, you’ll get to see the Exuma Pigs, swim alongside nurse sharks, snorkel through underwater caves, and do so much more. Plus, you’ll make it back to Nassau that same afternoon!
When you’re ready to start planning your dream Bahamas vacation, sign up for one of our tours!
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