An island with a vibrant charm, blue waters and a lively port area. While Nassau does attract multiple cruise ships with hundreds of passengers looking to play tourist for a few hours, it’s definitely worth mentioning that there’s so much more to see than just the downtown area if you’re flexible with timing. If you are arriving by cruise ship and wondering what to do at the Nassau cruise port, this will help!
Where Is The Cruise Port In Nassau?
All cruises dock in the same port in downtown, so if you’re wondering what to do at Nassau cruise port for a day, it’s really quite easy to find everything nearby. When you leave the ship, you’ll find yourself near an array of colorful storefronts and cafes in a gated area. While there’s a lot to see here, it can get a little overwhelming when multiple cruise ships arrive at once, so I’d recommend leaving the gated area to explore the town first!
What To Do Near The Nassau Cruise Port
As you meander through the downtown district of narrow roads and small stores, it’s almost impossible not to imagine the days when Nassau operated as a pirate sanctuary in the 1700’s. Downtown is definitely small enough to explore at ease if you don’t have a set plan in mind, navigating the historic sites like Parliament Square, the Senate Building, Supreme Court of the Bahamas, and statue of Queen Victoria (not to mention the locally-owned stores and cafes).
If you’d rather plan and know exactly where to go in Nassau for a day, my recommendations are below of all the spots I visited during my stay.
Museums/Galleries To Explore
You may hear the sound of various instruments filling the streets as you debark.. Follow it! The Museum of Junkanoo celebrates the vibrant parade that brings thousands of people each year. The museum will lead you through a display of colorful, handmade costumes from sustainable materials, show the unique instruments used from the goatskin drum to cowbells, and end in an immersive room to experience the parade firsthand! Celebrating freedom and self-expression, this will give you a true look at Bahamian culture.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
Dedicated to showcasing Bahamian art, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is a charming sanctuary just a short walk from the cruise port. Wander through the open-air auditorium of Fiona’s Theater or navigate the native flora and sculptures of the Art Park. If you’re looking to escape the crowds of downtown, the historic building is a quiet getaway with an impressive collection of over 500 pieces that invite reflection and discovery by local artists.
General admission is $10 and free for children under 12.
A full list of museums to visit in Nassau can be found HERE!
Enjoy The Facilities At Nearby Hotels
ResortPass sells handy day passes to a few hotels in the area, but one of the closest options is the British Colonial Nassau Hotel. After undergoing a transformative renovation, the property has direct access to the beach, two pools, lounge chairs, and several restaurants onsite. The $90 adult pass includes access to both pools, beach lounge chairs, towel service and a 10% discount on food and drinks. From the cruise port it’s less than a 10 minute walk to the hotel!
View the full list of ResortPass partners in Nassau HERE!
Spend The Day At The Beach
You’ve been on a cruise for a few days and just want to relax by the beach? Fair enough. From party vibes to calm vibes, Nassau has a few free beaches close to downtown for tourists to visit. Junkanoo Beach is a 15-minute walk from the cruise port and is probably the most convenient. With street vendors and music, there’s always A LOT going on here. If you don’t want to rent an umbrella or towel, be sure to bring your own.
A 20-minute walk across the bridge or short taxi ride to Paradise Island and you’ll find Cabbage Beach. Though beautiful, the water here can oftentimes be quite bumpy and there are many locals offering things for rent/sale- so not the most ideal if you prefer calm.
Surrounded by popular resorts, Cable Beach is bustling with water activities and food options. A 20-minute drive from Prince George Wharf, cruise passengers have the option of purchasing a ResortPass to use any hotel facilities or just find a spot in the sand for free.
Restaurants To Try Near The Cruise Port
Bahamian culture shines through in its people and cuisine. The smell of conch fritters and catch of the day emanate through the streets.. It’s difficult to decide where to go! From luxury to casual, a variety of food experiences await travelers looking to sample the local dishes- but be prepared.. As soon as you get off the cruise you’ll get slightly bombarded with taxis, tours, and cheap eats.
If you want to stay right near the port, I’d recommend walking to the British Colonial Hotel where you can get a ResortPass for $90 that includes pool access, lounge chairs, towel service and a 10% discount on food/beverage.
Not only is the hotel steps from the port area, they also have a variety of F&B options to satisfy every palette including; Woodes Rogers Tavern, Sakana Noodle & Sushi Bar, Red Pearl Grille, Tamarind Marketplace, and British Colonial Trading Company.
For those seeking a little history with their meal, the Graycliff Hotel has a beautiful enclosed garden serving elevated Bahamian dishes. But, what makes this charming hotel so special are the stories within the walls, the many notable guests who have visited (including Churchill), and an underground wine cellar filled with over 200,000 bottles and winding tunnels- making it the third largest wine cellar in the world. Visiting here truly feels like stepping back in time, with historic furniture, cigar rollers in the lobby, and rare whisky bottles lining the walls.
