Ports

Things to do in Nassau Bahamas Near Cruise Port

Nassau Cruise Port recorded highest tourist count of 28, 554 on February 28, 2023
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Things to do in Nassau Bahamas Near Cruise Port are visiting National Art Gallery, climbing Queen's Staircase and more. Avid shoppers can stroll around Straw Market.

The cruise port is home to some world-famous resorts and beaches. Whether you head out to a beach or try adventures, you are going to collect lifelong memories.

The port is going through a $300 million dollar transformation that added new berths and accommodation for six cruise ships. The project will be completed by 2024.

We have rounded up a list of things you can do with location and possible cost. Some are paid, and some are free of cost, so let's check it out.

1. Check Out The National Art Gallery

National Art Gallery of Bahamas is housed in a colonial-era home from 1860
Source : antilles-prestige

Things to do in Nassau Bahamas cruise port include visiting National Art Gallery. It is housed in Villa Doyle's mansion, which was built in the 1860s.

The museum exhibits two stories of Bahamian art displays, one outdoor theater, and one sculpture garden. Even the building itself is a work of art.

Whether you are an art enthusiast or a beginner, you can partake in Art and Studio Workshop. These workshops are organized occasionally during major exhibitions and some smaller exhibitions.

  • Location: 3MG3+63C, West Hill Streets, Charles Towne, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 1.1 kilometers
  • Cost: $10 per person (Free for children)
  • Open Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Tuesday through Saturday)

2. Climb 65 Steps Queen's Staircase

One of free things to do in Nassau Bahamas near cruise port is climbing Queen's Staircase. It is a 66-step landmark carved out of limestone in the 1700s.

Surrounded by lush tropical plants, it is lined side by cascading waterfalls and pools. The staircase is a shortcut way to Fort Fincastle and Water Tower.

Climb the stairs and get to the highest point of Nassau for amazing harbor views. It was named after Queen Victoria.

Don't forget to buy souvenirs at the top of the staircase. Some fitness freaks use this way regularly for body exercise.

  • Location: Queen's Staircase, Elisabeth Ave, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 1.3 kilometers
  • Cost: Free
  • Open Hours: 24 hours

3. Taste Rum At The John Watling's Distillery

John Watling Distillery's Paradise Rum is a 4 and 6-year-old blend of rums aged in Bourbon barrels then aged again for 6 months in Sherry Casks
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Most famous things to do in Nassau is tasting a variety of rums at John Watling's Distillery. The historic estate is within walking distance from the port.

Visiting Bahama is incomplete without tasting the Bahamian hand-crafted rums of John Watling's Distillery. Visitors can witness their bottle waxing process.

You can sample all their five rums for $20 for 10% VAT and 15% gratuity included. No reservation is needed, so you can be there anytime within the opening hours.

  • Location: Buena Vista Estate, 17 Delancy Street, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 1.5 kilometers
  • Cost: Free tour and complimentary cocktail sample
  • Open Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (All Days except National Holidays)

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4. Stroll Around Straw Market

Straw Market has more than 400 venders and entertainers
Source : ewnews

Head over to the Straw Market, and buy some colorful handwoven straw crafts and touristy trinkets. It expands along the Northern coast of Nassau.

Browse through the market to find yourself embroidered linens, beach bags, leather goods, and wood carvings. The market represents the authentic Bahamian culture since the early 1940s.

Don't be shy to bargain your price, as there are tons of wholesale shops that you need to figure out. Otherwise, you will end up paying high money but, of course with a lifelong memory.

  • Location: 3MH4+8J9, West Bay Street, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 400 meters
  • Cost: Free Entry
  • Open Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (All Days)

5. Try Your Luck At Baha Mar Casino

Baha Mar Casino has 1,140 slot machines
Source : facebook

Baha Mar Casino is a cashless bar where you have to use a credit card or debit card for onsite spending. It is the largest casino in the Caribbean.

The $4.2 billion integrated resort and casino bar both slots and table games. You must be 18 years or older and a non-Bahamian resident to try your luck.

They have 18 various types of games and 119 live tables, offering a five-star luxury experience. Play at one of their over 1,000 state-of-the-art slot machines featuring Blackjack, Baccarat and more.

  • Location: 1 Baha Mar Blvd, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 7.2 kilometers
  • Cost: $160 (over 48 inches in height) for a day pass
  • Open Hours: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm (Sunday through Saturday)

6. Hit The Closest Beaches

Cabbage Beach is connected by a bridge to New Providence
Source : sandals

Beaches in Nassau near cruise port are Cabbage Beach, Saunders Beach, and more. The closest beach within walking distance is Junkanoo Beach.

Beachgoers walk around the nearest free beaches, or they opt to select a little far beach by taking a cab ride. There are rental chairs and umbrellas around some beaches.

Cabbage: It is a beach on Paradise Island that you can reach by cab. You can also reach there through a water taxi from the cruise port.

Saunders: It is located within 2.5 miles distance from the port. Beach stuff rental is not available here, so you have to bring your own.

Cable: The popular beach is located in front of major Nassau hotels and resorts. You can hop in a cab and get there in 20 minutes.

Junkanoo: It is a free beach in 950 meters distance from the Nassau Cruise Port. There is also a Hilton Nassau All-Inclusive Day Pass at $82.

7. Pay A Visit to The Historic Blackbeards Tower

Things to do in Nassau at the port include visiting Blackbeards Tower. It is a panoramic stone tower standing 20 meters tall.

The archeological site was built to protect the areas from enemy attacks in 1652. It was a watchtower during the Pirate's Golden Era.

Visit the exceptional site to have survived this long. It was named after one of the pirates named, Edward Teach aka Blackbeard.

  • Location: Blackbeard's Tower, 3P27+V6H, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 7.7 kilometers
  • Cost: Free
  • Open Hours: 24 hours

8. Opt For Fort Fincastle Visit

Fort Fincastle was demolished in 1897 but there are still remains of the structure
Source : sandals

One of the coolest things to do in Nassau Bahamas cruise port is the Fort Fincastle visit. Lord Dunmore built the limestone fort in the 1790s.

The paddle-steamer shaped fort is in the prime location on the top of Bennet's Hill. The famous Queen's Staircase leads you to this picturesque structure.

Discover the fascinating history with free guided tours, and donations are also encouraged. 

  • Location: Bennet's Hill, Prison Lane off East Street, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 1.4 kilometers
  • Cost: $2 USD
  • Open Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Sunday through Saturday)

9. Get to Know Pirates History at The Pirates of Nassau Museum

Pirates of Nassau Museum has pirates inspired gifts and merchandise
Source : facebook

Things to do in Nassau Bahamas port is getting to know the history of pirates at the Pirates of Nassau Museum.

They have a pirate-themed escape room named Blackbeard's Escape, loaded with puzzles and mystery. You can be a pirate and try to evade the grasp of Governor Woodes Rogers.

Discover the fascinating history and mysteries of The Golden Age of Piracy. It showcases the life of Pirates in the Bahamas between 1690 to 1716.

Exhibitions represent The Quay Side, Women Pirates, The Infamous Blackbeard, Woods Rogers, and more. There are artifacts and gift shops selling flintlock pistols and other real artifacts.

  • Location: 3MH4+23H, George St and King Street, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 550 meters
  • Cost: $13 for adults and $6.50 for children
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sunday up to 12:30 pm)

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10. Enjoy Wildlife at Ardastra Gardens and Zoo

Things to do in Nassau cruise port is visiting Ardastra Gardens and Zoo. It was opened in 1937 by Jamaican horticulturist Hedley Vivian Edwards.

Four acres of lush tropical garden features a wide variety of exotic wildlife, including the Bahamian hutias. Don't forget to take pictures with the world-famous marching flamingos.

You can find orchids, hibiscus, and other arrays of flowers alongside a canopy of mangoes. Visitors can feed the Lory parrots and click pictures with them.

  • Location: Chippingham Rd, Nassau, Bahamas
  • Distance from Port: 2.5 kilometers
  • Cost: $30 for adults and $15 for children
  • Open Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

11. Get A Relaxing Massage at The Baha-Retreat Spa

Baha-Retreat Spa provides sweet island life experience
Source : facebook

One of the coolest things to do in Nassau Paradise Island is get a massage at Baha-Retreat Spa. It is the Bahamas's first anti-aging spa.

The Baha-Retreat Spa offers Swedish Massage at $80 per hour and Deep Tissue Massage at $90 per hour. Their Baha-Retreat Signature Massage is the most loved one.

The spa specializes in Egyptian body sugaring and Indian eyebrow threading. The Hungarian Wellness Mud Wrap costs $145 for one 75-minute treatment.

  • Location: N-376, East Bay Street, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 3 kilometers
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)

12. Grab A Table For Local Cuisine

Athena Cafe serves fresh Red Snappers Fillet
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With plenty of eateries and restaurants, Nassau Cruise Port has some of the best seafood spots. Local Bahamian cuisines, cracked conch, and lobsters are must-tries.

Here are some restaurants and eateries to enjoy mouth-watering food while visiting Nassau and Paradise Island:

Senor Frogs

Showcasing plates of food in a rustic yet refined style, book a table and try their Mexican Shrimp Cocktails. It is in walking distance of 400 meters.

Their specialty Mexican Chicken Tacos with mozzarella cheese comes at $24.99.

Graycliff Restaurant

They offer the finest continental and Bahamian traditional food menu. Try Roasted Duck in a Bahamian Citrus Sauce Escoffier at $39.

If you are interested in a full-on culinary experience at Nassau, then book your spot. All the ingredients are provided by the restaurant, with a Graycliff apron to take home.

Athena Cafe

It is famed for serving authentic Greek fare located above the Jewelry store on Charlotte and Bay Street.

Menu items include: Grilled Octopus, Greek Salad, Coconut French Toast, Athenian Breakfast Platter, and Egg BLT Croissant.

13. Race Against Dolphins On A Boat Tour To Blue Lagoon Island

Take a boat ride from Nassau to Blue Lagoon Island for a private island getaway. It takes only 20 minutes on the boat to get there.

You can encounter dolphins and sea lions on the way to a short boat tour of the island. Swim in the aqua Caribbean waters while you encounter some wild animals.

Viator provides a roundtrip from Paradise Island with a complimentary launch facility. Travelers need to reach Marina Way at 7 am for departure. 

  • Location: Salt Cay, Bahamas
  • Distance from Port: 7 kilometers
  • Cost: $103.40 per person (Via Viator)
  • Hours: 5 Hours

14. Swim With Rose Island Pigs

Swimming pigs in Bahamas can be found on Rose Island, Abaco and Exuma
Source : charternassau

Rose Island Pigs are just a 10-minute ride away from Nassau. You can arrive through a boat ride or a chartered vessel.

Swim along the coral reefs with swimming piglets and pigs of the Bahamas on the island. These are pigs of Da Pig Beach, not Exuma. (Exuma is 90 minutes away from Nassau by boat ride)

Apart from pigs, the Rose Island beach is extremely clean, so soak in the scenic view. You can also find plenty of turtles and crabs around the rock plateaus.

  • Location: Ocean Front Hostel & Resort Viking Hill, Nassau
  • Distance from Port: 5 kilometers
  • Cost: $199 per person by Viator
  • Hours: 4 hours

15. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Andros Barrier Reef

Andros Barrier Reef is the third largest barrier reef in the world. Watersports like snorkeling and scuba diving are most loved here to find underwater treasures.

While snorkeling, you can explore the ocean and enjoy marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, and blue marlins. Swim through the tidal freshwater blue holes of South Andros.

With the vast mangrove wetlands of the island, enjoy the thrill of scuba diving and snorkeling. Andros boasts small fishing settlements.

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16. Admire The Beauty of Versailles Garden and French Cloister

Versailles Garden and French Cloister is a 15-minute walk from the Coral Towers at Atlantis
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One of the things to do in Nassau Bahamas cruise port for free is to check out the Versailles Garden and French Cloister. It is 75 feet wide.

Blended in European design with the Bahamian tropical landscape, it welcomes hundreds of visitors daily. Its lush and immaculately decorated gardens steal the show.

French Cloister is a 14th-century Augustinian monastery comprising 13 statues. Some of them are Silence, David Livingstone, and Franklin Deleanor Roosevelt.

  • Location: Paradise Island Dr, Nassau, Bahamas
  • Distance from Port: 3.6 kilometers
  • Cost: Free
  • Open Hours: 24 hours