Do you have a cruise planned that stops in Nassau, Bahamas? Here are the best Nassau shore excursions you can book in 2024.
Listen to this articleThe Nassau shore excursions offered through your cruise line can be so expensive compared to booking independently! Cruise line shore excursions offer a guarantee that you’ll get back to the ship on time, so they can charge super-high prices for that peace of mind.
But reputable independent tour companies often have lower prices, and you’ll usually enjoy smaller group sizes compared to the giant cruise ship tours.
They can’t hold the ship for you, but reputable tour operators will do everything in their power to get you back to your meeting place by the promised time, if not earlier!
How to find a reputable tour agency for your port stop in Nassau
All of my recommended shore excursions in Nassau are offered through GetYourGuide, a well-established tour booking agency that offers free cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour.
They also offer a convenient “reserve now & pay later” feature, letting cruisers book tours and pay any time up to 72 hours before your excursion.
Ready to see what independent shore excursions are available in Nassau for all types of cruisers?
Best Nassau shore excursions if you love the beach
Many of Nassau’s beautiful beaches are accessible by taxi or one of the inexpensive jitneys you can catch close to the cruise port. But for an extra-special beach day, consider booking a shore excursion to one of the nearby private islands for the ultimate in relaxation.
1. Pearl Island: Private Ocean View Cabana with Lunch
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Boat transportation to and from Pearl Island
- Private cabana for two with sun loungers
- Access to two private white-sand beaches
- Authentic Bahamian lunch served at your cabana, including BBQ Chicken, fish fingers, peas ‘n’ rice, and plantains
- Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding (equipment included)
- Drink package with unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails
Meeting location: Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, East Dock (behind Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on Paradise Island). Please arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts. (See meeting location in Google Maps)
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
2. Full-Day Beach Excursion to Sandy Toes, Rose Island
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Transportation to and from the private island destination with private beach
- Specialty welcome drink
- Guided snorkeling tour with gear and instruction
- Swimming pigs experience
- Island music at North Side Beach Bar and South Side pavilion
- Full bathroom facilities and freshwater showers
- Full lunch buffet (vegetarian meals must be requested at least 24 hours prior to trip)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Sandy Toes also offers an optional all-inclusive drink package for an additional fee.
Meeting location: Paradise Island Ferry Terminal (see meeting location in Google Maps)
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
Would you prefer to DIY your beach day in Nassau? Many of Nassau’s beaches are easy (and inexpensive) to reach by bus or taxi. Check out my posts about Nassau’s beautiful beaches for more info:
- 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers
- Nirvana at Love Beach, Nassau Bahamas
- Visiting Caves Beach and The Caves Nassau Bahamas
Best shore excursions in Nassau for history lovers
Learn about Nassau’s fascinating history—from the Lucayans (New Providence Island’s earliest settlers), through the colonial era until the present day with a history-focused shore excursion.
1. Historical Landmarks Walking Tour with Lunch
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Two-hour small-group tour (with an English-speaking local guide) of Nassau’s quaint squares, Fort Fincastle, and the Queen’s Staircase
- Lunch at a family-owned eatery including traditional Bahamas foods like conch fritters, baked macaroni and cheese, and steamed chicken
- Signature post-tour recipe collection
- Old Nassau neighborhood dining and attractions guide
Meeting location: Behind the Sir Milo Butler Statue in the center of Rawson Square in downtown Nassau (across Bay Street from Parliament Square near the statue of Queen Victoria). See meeting location in Google Maps
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
2. Historic Downtown Nassau Bike Tour
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Beach cruiser with basket, safety helmet, and audio headset to hear your tour guide clearly
- Cold bottled water
- Narrated bike tour visiting points of interest including the Water Tower, Fort Fincastle, the Queen’s Staircase, the Nassau Public Library/Former Prison, the Graycliff Restaurant and Hotel, the Bahamas Heritage Museum, and the National Art Gallery. You’ll also explore Fort Charlotte, Junkanoo Beach, Rawson’s Square, the Governor General’s House, and more.
- Lunch break at the famous Fish Fry (food not included in tour price)
- A stop at the Straw Market for souvenir shopping
Meeting location: Disembark your ship at the pier and proceed to exit the security area. Walk toward the left (eastern) exit gates of the terminal and look for a uniformed Dilly Dally Bike Tours employee. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your booked time. (See meeting location in Google Maps)
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
You may also like: Climbing The Queen’s Staircase in Nassau Bahamas
Best Nassau shore excursions for foodies
Nassau’s food scene has something to please every palate, from fantastic seafood to hearty stews. Discover the Bahamas’ unique fusion of African, European, Eastern Indian, Chinese, and Amerindian flavors on a Nassau food tour.
1. Nassau Bites and Sites Food & Cultural Tour
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Sample the best of Nassau’s food from six local eateries, specialty food stores, and family-owned restaurants, including Bahamian macaroni and cheese and hand-made truffles
- Learn about Old Nassau’s history, culture, and architecture on a three-hour walking tour
- Post-tour recipe selection featuring contributions from all tour tasting locations
Meeting location: Behind the Sir Milo Butler Statue in the center of Rawson Square in downtown Nassau (across Bay Street from Parliament Square near the statue of Queen Victoria). See meeting location in Google Maps
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
2. Afternoon Tea at Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at the historic Graycliff Hotel, including savory sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats
- Sample chocolates made in the hotel’s own chocolate factory
- Choose from a selection of black, green, and herbal teas. Coffee or hot chocolate are also included, along with a glass of Champagne
Meeting location: Meet at the Graycliff Hotel five minutes before the activity starts. (See meeting location in Google Maps)
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
3. Nassau: Island Food Tour
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Van transportation from meeting place to various food and drink venues with narration by your tour guide
- Sample the best of Nassau’s cuisine and beverages at locations including Shoal Restaurant, the Daq Shack, Drifters Restaurant at the famous Fish Fry, Tasty Teas, and Graycliff Chocolatier
- Historical and recipe discussion at the various stops, including tips on the best food choices Nassau has to offer
- Samples of local fruits (seasonal)
Meeting location: Rawson Square, downtown Nassau (See meeting location in Google Maps)
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
Read more: 15 Delicious Foods in the Bahamas You Need to Try
Best adventurous shore excursions in Nassau
Looking for some thrills on your port day in Nassau? Here you’ll find exciting shore excursions that give you the opportunity to parasail over the sparkling Caribbean, enjoy a thrilling jet ski or banana boat ride, or explore the underwater world on a snorkel tour.
1. Two-Hour Bahamian Adventure Package
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Transportation to and from Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island
- 30-minute jet ski ride
- Parasailing for 6 minutes
- 3.5-mile banana boat ride
- Beach stop
Meeting location: A water sports booth is located in the welcome center near the cruise port. To get to the booth, walk outside of the cruise ship port, then walk across the small wooden bridge located on the right. The booth is located directly across the bridge next to the ferry boat booth. The scheduled pick-up will be 15 minutes before your booked excursion.
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
2. One-Hour Jet Ski Adventure
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- Transportation to and from the beach
- 30-minute ride on a two-seater wave runner (for individuals as well as couples).
- Rides are offered daily with time slots every half hour.
Meeting location: Complimentary pick-up from the cruise ship port.
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
3. Catamaran Sail & Eco-Snorkel at Sea Garden
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- A half-day of sailing and snorkeling in the Sea Garden conservation area, the coral reef system off Nassau
- Snorkeling equipment, life vest, and instruction
- Complimentary fruit punch or filtered water
Meeting location: The tour departs next to the terminal building at the end of the cruise pier. Look to the left of the building and you’ll see a green gate. A staff member in a royal blue shirt will be standing by the gate holding a sign. (See meeting location in Google Maps)
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
Tip: To help protect Nassau’s fragile coral reefs, wear reef-safe sunscreen for all your aquatic adventures. I recommend MyCHELLE Dermaceuticals (check out my extensive MyCHELLE review to learn more).
4. Guided ATV City and Beach Tour
What this Nassau shore excursion includes:
- An expert guide will teach you about Nassau’s history and culture
- Experience Nassau’s sights on an ATV, including famous landmarks like the Queen’s Staircase and the Water Tower
- Visit Government House, Fort Charlotte, Arawak Cay, Bahamar, and the Bob Marley Resort. Ride along a scenic beach route to discover Nassau’s popular attraction, the Caves
- Enjoy a delicious Bahamian lunch at a local restaurant
- Shop at the straw market for authentic Bahamian-made souvenirs and native straw work
Meeting location: At the cruise port or in front of any major hotel lobby. IMPORTANT: Contact the local tour operator by phone or email to arrange this service (contact details will be on your voucher). (See potential meeting locations on Google Maps)
Check ticket price and availability for this shore excursion
Tips for your independent Nassau shore excursion
When booking an independent shore excursion in Nassau, you need to keep a few things in mind:
- Make sure the start and end times of your excursion are well within the timeframe you’ll be in port. Give yourself some “wiggle room” in case your ship is late getting into port, or if you hit traffic on the way back to the ship.
- Choose a shore excursion that picks up and drops off near the port (or plan transportation to the meeting place).
- Bring cash to tip your tour guide (US currency is accepted in the Bahamas)
- Print paper copies of your tickets, and have the contact info for the tour company on hand in case you can’t find your group.
- Carry travel insurance that covers your ticket price if you miss the excursion due to late ship arrival or port cancellation.
What’s your favorite Nassau shore excursion? Or are you planning a cruise that stops in Nassau, Bahamas? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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