5 Things to Do in Nassau

As the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau isn’t just the center of government for the islands; it’s a bustling, busy hot spot for cruise passengers that offers remarkable Nassau Excursions. A popular and well-frequented port, Nassau offers unique resorts, a storied history and some typical Caribbean fare.

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Nassau, here are a few suggestions.

Atlantis

One of the most famous destinations in the world, you easily could write a top 10 things to do just at Atlantis. You’ll see the impressive coral towers as soon as your ship approaches Nassau. Contained within the sprawling resort are a casino, Aqua Adventure waterpark, private beaches, dolphins, multiple aquariums featuring a shark tunnel and manta rays, restaurants and extensive amenities. Atlantis offers day passes for its waterpark, dolphin swims, private beaches and pools, as well as admission to the aquariums. This resort is truly the crown jewel of the Bahamas and isn’t to be missed.

Pirates

Nassau has quite the sea-going history; at one time, the island was a haven for pirates. It’s been a few years since pirates ruled the Caribbean, but you can take several tours highlighting this history. Several of the tours take you to some non-pirate-related spots like Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. Pirate stops include the Pirates of Nassau museum and a 1716 replica schooner.

Cable Beach

One of the most popular beaches on the island, Cable Beach offers a fun atmosphere with crystal-clear waters and even a few casinos. While there are many resorts located along Cable Beach, access to this beach is open to the public.  If you do want some of those resort-style amenities to go along with your beach day, you can get day passes from some of the local resorts. This beach is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Glass-bottom boats, catamarans, speed boats, restored boats, yachts — these are just a sampling of some of the boat-based tours available to you in Nassau. As an island, Nassau often depends on boats for transportation. But when you’re visiting, you can use the boats for fun.

Want to see the marine life the island’s known for but not a fan of snorkeling or diving? Try a glass-bottom boat excursion. If you’re really adventurous, try a submarine tour for the fully immersive experience. Feeling romantic? Try a Nassau sunset cruise. Boat tours are also a great way to see the island, including those sprawling celebrity mansions.

Water Sports

Nassau is known for several diving locations, as well as some sweet snorkeling spots. If you ever wanted to try paddle boarding, you can do that here. Nassau also features several venues where you can swim with dolphins or stingrays.

Nassau Insider Tips

• Nassau can have up to 24,000 cruise passengers at one time. It is important to pre-book your excursion to avoid overbooking and disappointment.
• Though major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the island, consider bringing dollars with you for cab rides, drinks or a lunch. Some vendors will add on a convenience fee when they see you pull out a credit card.