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How to Go to Atlantis and Paradise Island from Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port

If your ship docks in Nassau, Bahamas, here’s how to get to world-famous Paradise Island and Atlantis Hotel from Nassau cruise port, in easy step-by-step instructions. You don’t need to buy a Nassau shore excursion to get there.

Image of Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in a Pinterest pin.

How to Get to Paradise Island from Nassau, Bahamas Cruise Port

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If you are simply a curious cruiser who wants to see Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort, there’s an easy way to get to Paradise Island from the Nassau cruise port. Take the Ferry Boat!

Of course, cruise ship shore excursions offer pricey packages to world-famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Excursions include the use its 141-acre Aquaventure water park complex and beautiful beaches. Do you need that?

Directions to the Ferry Boat to Paradise Island

Take a fun, inexpensive and informative 15-minute ferry boat ride right next to the cruise ship dock. The cost for a day at Atlantis is outrageous. Most people just want to see what’s inside Atlantis Resort without using the hotel’s beaches and other attractions.

How to Get to the Paradise Island Ferry

As you leave your ship, follow the crowd through Nassau’s Festival Place Welcome Center. Keep walking and then go straight ahead when you exit the building.

Continue walking straight ahead until you reach the crosswalk. Don’t cross the street but instead turn right. Follow the sidewalk along the waterfront. You’ll see a bank across the street on your left and if you keep walking, eventually you’ll be across from the Straw Market.

The ferry boat sign to Paradise Island.

Within about 100 steps, you’ll see a blue and white stand on the sidewalk with someone selling tickets for the ferry,  Be sure to bring cash with you from the ship, including several $1 bills. They don’t take credit cards.

How Much is the Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island

The ferry charges $4 for one-way and $8 round-trip. Put your round-trip return ticket somewhere where it won’t get blow away.

Aboard the ferry boat from Nassau to Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort.

Once you have your ticket, you’ll be shown to the ferry to board. If you like sun, go up the narrow ladder to the top deck. The views are beautiful from up there.

Keep in mind there’s no covering so if you don’t have sunscreen, this might not be the best place to sit for the 15-minute ride to Paradise Island. Also, hold on to your hat; it gets pretty breezy up top, too.

What to Bring to Paradise Island

  • Cash in small bills for tips
  • Bottles of water
  • Comfortable shoes or sandals
  • Your ship’s ID card AND your driver’s license or government photo ID

During your short ferry boat ride from the Nassau Cruise Port to Paradise Island, a local Bahamian will provide a guided narration and point out homes of notable celebrities and quirky points of interest. It’s customary to tip the guide, usually $1-$2 per person. He’s not an official employee and this is how he earns a living.

Read next : 8 Tips to Book Your Own Shore Excursions

Directions From the Nassau Ferry Dock to Atlantis Resort

Once your ferry is docked, it’s a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the Marina Village and Atlantis. Here’s what to do:

From the ferry, follow the crowd. We docked to the left of Margaritaville and then walked under the toll bridge that connects Nassau with Paradise Island.

Walking to Atlantis Resort from the ferry boat dock on Paradise Island.

Just follow the sidewalk (and the crowd) until you reach the traffic light. Cross straight ahead, turn right and cross again. The entrance to Marina Village will be on your left, about 200-ft ahead.

Walking along the path following the signs to Atlantis Resort.

Turn left into in Marina Village and keep walking straight ahead. The path winds a bit to your left.

Keep walking and pretty soon you’re at Atlantis. On your right is Murray’s Deli and straight ahead is a wide stairway leading into a side entrance to the hotel.

How to Get Inside Atlantis Resort

You’re allowed into Atlantis but you can’t do much except pay a visit to the Casino, the designer shops and the restaurants. If you’re not doing any of those things, plan on maybe 20-30 minutes inside, just to take a look around.

Outside, it’s easy to spend another half-hour ogling the spectacular yachts in the marina. But don’t lose track of time. If you’re running late, you can always catch a taxi from Atlantis Hotel back to the port.

It’ll run about $8-$10 for the ride but traffic at rush hour in downtown Nassau can come to a stand-still. 

Going Back to Nassau by Ferry

Simply retrace your steps from Atlantis to the ferry boat. You might want to leave an hour or so for a snack and a drink at Margaritaville. The location is perfect – just a 5-minute walk to the ferry boarding area – and plenty of shade to relax and wind down your day.

Margaritaville at Paradise Island, near the ferry boat dock.

Depending on how many ships are in port, there will probably be a long line of people at the ferry boat for the return trip to Nassau. Remember…the ferry only runs every half-hour and the last ferry is at 6:00 p.m. Watch your time.

Back at Festival Place in Nassau, you will need to show the security guard your ship’s ID card and a government-issued photo ID.

That’s all there is to know to go from Nassau to Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort by ferry boat. Have a fun day at Paradise Island and Atlantis Hotel!

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Paradise Island Pinterest Pin.

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nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

If you are planning or have been on a cruise, then you are probably aware that one of the major stops for many Caribbean cruises is Nassau in the Bahamas. We were fortunate enough to go on another cruise that stopped in the Bahamas on our recent trip, and one thing I overheard was that there isn’t a whole lot to do in Nassau for kids. I might have agreed with that sentiment prior to this trip, but one surefire thing to do that kids will enjoy is visiting Atlantis.

You may have heard about Atlantis in the past but you may not entirely be sure what there is to do there. For those who are visiting as part of a day trip on a cruise, the biggest attraction is the Aquaventure Water Park. According to Atlantis’ website, the water park is spread out over 141 acres, much of which is lined with beaches. The park has a number of water slides as well as a “rapids river”, which is a combination of a lazy and not-so-lazy river.

Getting there from the cruise port is pretty straightforward. There are a number of taxis waiting just outside of the gate after you leave the port. We didn’t have any issues whatsoever with either of our taxi trips, and if you use one of the services that combine passengers from multiple cruise ships the price is only $5 per person each way. We liked that there were about 8 – 10 passengers with us each way, as it made us feel just a little bit safer in a foreign country. If you do feel like you want an additional amount of security you might check out Cheryl’s Taxi Service. We saw that they were highly recommended and had excellent reviews from various sites. I felt like the taxis waiting at the gate were absolutely sufficient, and I think there was an extra element of ease with their operation. We didn’t have to meet up or stay in contact with a particular service. The distance to Atlantis is approximately 2 miles from the port if you feel up to a hike. I would definitely NOT recommend this as the day trip is already short and there would be the least amount of safety with this route. Doing research on how to get there before you leave for your cruise is recommended. There is of course the option of going as a port adventure with your cruise, which will make the travel portion a whole lot easier, but it will also cost an additional amount per person and may restrict your time at the destination.

There was a little bit of a line waiting to purchase tickets to get into Atlantis. If you aren’t going as part of a port adventure with your cruise, buying tickets ahead of time would be recommended so you can skip this line. You can purchase tickets directly on their website so that there are no additional fees tacked onto the tickets by third parties. The website was a little confusing as to where to book the Aquaventure Day experience. It is currently located under Experience > Aquaventure and then scroll down to Aquaventure Day Pass Booking.

Once we got inside the resort there was a little bit of a walk to get to Aquaventure. There were people that helped guide us to the water park. There were also lockers available at Aquaventure for us to keep our belongings in, and we didn’t have any issue purchasing or securing these.

The water park itself is large so finding our way around was a slight learning curve. We finally locked down a beach chair that was between the Mayan Pyramid slides, the near-Pandora looking slides and the Rapids River. This made it easier for everyone to find each other at a somewhat central location.

I think the favorite activity among our family was definitely the Rapids River. It had a mix of calm, slow moving water and spots where you would go down rapids. The rapids weren’t too much for anyone in our group, and I would think that ages 8 and up would be great at a minimum. We also enjoyed the water slides but didn’t make it to the most challenging ones. There was also an awesome water slide among the Mayan slides that ended by going past a bunch of sea life through a clear tube.

A multitude of lunch options were available at the park itself, including grilled burgers, jerk chicken and adult beverages too. There were also restaurants inside the resort such as a pizzeria and mediterranean cuisine. If you are jonesing for Starbucks you can get that here as well.

Lastly, we did walk through a casino as we made our way in and out of the resort. We did not stay to play any of the games, but it was a large casino with slot machines, cards, roulette and the works. This part is definitely not for kids but if any adults are looking for a little gambling time on your cruise, this certainly fits the bill.

All in all it was a great day. We got to see parts of Nassau on the way to and from the resort and cruise port, and our family had a really enjoyable day. It is absolutely a worthwhile visit and one that can either be done as a port adventure through the cruise activities or on your own.

3 Thoughts on “Tips for Visiting Atlantis in Nassau (from a Cruise)”

This was helpful, can we walk?

I wouldn’t recommend walking from the boat to Atlantis as it would take up a good part of your day. It is possible to do however.

Also thank you for the compliment 🙂

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How Far Is Atlantis From Nassau Cruise Port

Published: December 10, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Benny Gunter

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Introduction

When it comes to cruising, one of the most popular destinations is the beautiful island of Nassau in the Bahamas. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture, Nassau offers an array of attractions for visitors to enjoy. One attraction that stands out amongst the rest is the world-renowned Atlantis Resort.

Atlantis is a sprawling luxury resort located on Paradise Island, just off the coast of Nassau. This iconic resort is known for its breathtaking architecture, lavish accommodations, and a wide range of activities and amenities. From swimming with dolphins to exploring the Aquaventure water park, Atlantis offers something for everyone.

If you’re planning a cruise to Nassau and want to visit Atlantis, you may be wondering just how far it is from the Nassau Cruise Port. In this article, we will explore the location of Atlantis and the various transportation options available to get from the cruise port to the resort. Whether you prefer the convenience of a taxi or the scenic route of a water taxi, we’ve got you covered.

The Location of Atlantis

Atlantis is situated on Paradise Island, which is located just across the bridge from Nassau. Paradise Island is connected to Nassau by two bridges – the Paradise Island Bridge and the Sidney Poitier Bridge. This makes it easily accessible for visitors staying in Nassau or arriving at the Nassau Cruise Port. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll find yourself in a tropical paradise, surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

The resort itself is a sprawling complex that covers approximately 141 acres of Paradise Island. It features several iconic towers, including the Royal Towers, Coral Towers, and The Cove Atlantis. Each tower offers its own unique ambiance and amenities, ensuring that guests have a wide range of options to choose from when selecting their accommodations.

In addition to the hotel towers, Atlantis is home to various attractions and entertainment options. From the awe-inspiring Aquaventure water park to the world-class Atlantis Casino, there is no shortage of things to see and do at this magnificent resort. With its stunning architecture, vibrant marine habitats, and numerous dining and shopping options, Atlantis truly is a destination in itself.

With such a prime location and an abundance of amenities, it’s no wonder that Atlantis is a popular spot for cruise passengers looking to explore Nassau.

Transportation Options from Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis

Once you arrive at the Nassau Cruise Port and are ready to make your way to Atlantis, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several transportation options available to suit your preferences and budget. Here are the main choices:

  • By Taxi: Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get from the cruise port to Atlantis. Taxis are readily available at the port, and the ride to Atlantis usually takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s important to note that taxi fares are regulated in Nassau, so you can expect a fixed rate for the journey.
  • By Water Taxi: For a more scenic and unique experience, you can opt to take a water taxi from the cruise port to Paradise Island. The water taxi departs from the Prince George Wharf, located near the cruise terminal, and takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Atlantis. This option allows you to enjoy stunning views of the harbor and the Nassau skyline as you cruise across the water.
  • By Shuttle Bus: Some cruise lines offer shuttle bus services from the port to Atlantis for their passengers. These shuttles usually operate at specified times and can be a convenient option if you prefer organized transportation. It’s recommended to check with your cruise line in advance to see if they offer this service and to inquire about the schedule and any associated fees.
  • By Walking: If you’re up for a leisurely stroll and the weather permits, you can also choose to walk from the cruise port to Atlantis. The distance between the port and the resort is approximately 1.5 miles, and the walk takes around 30 minutes. This option allows you to soak up the local atmosphere and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Whichever option you choose, rest assured that getting to Atlantis from the Nassau Cruise Port is a straightforward process, and you’ll be enjoying all that the resort has to offer in no time.

Taking a taxi is often the most convenient and hassle-free way to travel from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis. Taxis are readily available at the port, and you can easily spot them lined up and waiting to transport passengers to their desired destinations.

When you choose to travel by taxi, you can expect a comfortable and reliable ride to Atlantis. The journey typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It’s important to note that taxi fares in Nassau are regulated by the government, so you can trust that you’ll be charged a fixed rate for the trip.

Before getting into a taxi, it’s a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver to avoid any misunderstandings. The current fixed rate from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis is around $18 – $22 per taxi, which can accommodate up to four passengers. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you may need to take multiple taxis.

During the ride, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of Nassau and Paradise Island as you make your way to Atlantis. The taxi drivers are often familiar with the resort and can provide you with some useful information or tips about your visit.

Once you reach Atlantis, the taxi will drop you off near the entrance of the resort, and from there, you can easily explore the various attractions and amenities the resort has to offer. When you’re ready to return to the cruise port, you can also find taxis waiting at Atlantis to take you back.

In summary, taking a taxi from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis offers convenience, comfort, and a hassle-free experience. It’s a popular choice for many visitors, ensuring a smooth transition from your cruise ship to the iconic resort.

By Water Taxi

If you’re looking for a unique and picturesque way to travel from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis, consider taking a water taxi. This option offers a scenic experience and allows you to enjoy stunning views of the harbor and the beautiful coastline as you make your way to Paradise Island.

The water taxi departs from the Prince George Wharf, which is conveniently located near the cruise terminal. You’ll easily spot the water taxi stands along the waterfront, where you can purchase tickets for the ride. The water taxi operates on a regular schedule and runs from morning until late evening.

Once on board, you’ll be treated to a charming boat ride across the clear turquoise waters of the Bahamas. The journey typically takes around 10 minutes, providing ample time to appreciate the coastal views and take some memorable photos along the way.

Once you arrive at Atlantis, the water taxi will drop you off at the Atlantis Marina. From there, you can easily access the resort and all its attractions. The marina is conveniently located near the main entrance, allowing for a seamless transition from the water taxi to your adventures at Atlantis.

When it comes time to return to the cruise port, you can catch a water taxi at the Atlantis Marina. The water taxis operate on a continuous loop throughout the day, so you can hop on one whenever you’re ready to head back to Nassau. Just make sure to note the last departure time to ensure you don’t miss your ride.

It’s important to keep in mind that while the water taxi is a scenic and enjoyable option, it may not be practical for those with limited mobility or large amounts of luggage. The boats can sometimes be crowded during peak times, so it’s advisable to plan your timing accordingly.

In summary, taking a water taxi from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis is a unique and picturesque way to travel. It offers stunning views of the coastline and a delightful experience that adds to the overall enjoyment of your visit to Paradise Island.

By Shuttle Bus

If you’re looking for a convenient and hassle-free transportation option from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis, the shuttle bus service provided by some cruise lines can be a great choice. These shuttle buses are specifically designed to transport passengers from the port to various points of interest, including Atlantis.

Shuttle bus services typically operate on a scheduled basis, with designated pickup and drop-off locations at the port and Atlantis. The buses are spacious and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant ride for passengers. They are also equipped to handle luggage, making it a suitable option if you’re traveling with bags or suitcases.

In order to access the shuttle bus service, it’s important to check with your cruise line in advance to see if they offer this transportation option. Some cruise lines provide shuttle services as part of their excursion packages or for an additional fee, while others may have it included as part of their onboard amenities.

Once you locate the designated shuttle bus pickup area at the port, simply board the bus and enjoy the ride to Atlantis. The duration of the journey can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes.

Upon arrival at Atlantis, the shuttle bus will drop you off at a designated area near the resort entrance. From there, you can easily access the various attractions and facilities that Atlantis has to offer.

When it’s time to return to the cruise port, simply head to the designated shuttle bus pickup area at Atlantis. The shuttle buses usually operate on a regular schedule, allowing you to choose a convenient time that fits with your plans.

It’s important to note that shuttle bus availability and schedules may vary depending on the cruise line and the time of year. It’s advisable to check with your cruise line in advance to confirm the details and any associated fees.

In summary, the shuttle bus service from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis offers convenience and ease of transportation. It’s a popular option for cruise passengers, providing a reliable and comfortable way to reach the resort and explore all that it has to offer.

For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll and want to soak up the local atmosphere, walking from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis can be a viable option. The distance between the two points is approximately 1.5 miles, and the walk takes around 30 minutes, depending on your pace.

Starting from the cruise port, you can take a scenic route along the waterfront, heading towards the Paradise Island Bridge. The bridge offers picturesque views of the harbor, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area as you make your way to Atlantis.

As you walk across the Paradise Island Bridge, you’ll be greeted with stunning vistas of the turquoise water and the impressive architecture of the resort in the distance. It’s a perfect opportunity to capture some memorable photos and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Bahamas.

Once you cross the bridge, you’ll find yourself on Paradise Island, just a short walk away from Atlantis. Follow the signs or ask for directions, and you’ll easily find your way to the resort’s entrance.

Walking to Atlantis allows you to explore the local area, soak in the Caribbean atmosphere, and see the vibrant surroundings up close. You may even stumble upon charming shops, local eateries, or other points of interest along the way.

It’s important to keep in mind that walking to Atlantis may not be suitable for everyone. If you have mobility issues, limited time, or are carrying heavy luggage, you may want to consider alternative transportation options. Additionally, be mindful of the weather conditions, especially during hot and humid days.

In summary, walking from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis offers a scenic and leisurely option for those who want to experience the local surroundings and appreciate the natural beauty of the Bahamas. It’s a great way to enjoy the journey while making your way to the iconic resort.

Distance and Duration

Understanding the distance and duration of the journey from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis is crucial for planning your visit and managing your time effectively. Here’s an overview of the approximate distance and duration of each transportation option:

  • By Taxi: The distance from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis is approximately 5 miles. The taxi ride typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location of your cruise ship.
  • By Water Taxi: The water taxi journey spans approximately 1.2 miles across the Nassau Harbor. It usually takes around 10 minutes to reach Atlantis, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
  • By Shuttle Bus: The distance covered by the shuttle bus from the cruise port to Atlantis is also around 5 miles. The duration of the ride can vary, but it generally takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • By Walking: If you choose to walk from the cruise port to Atlantis, you’ll be covering a distance of approximately 1.5 miles. This leisurely stroll usually takes around 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque views and explore the local surroundings.

It’s important to note that the given distances and durations are approximate and can vary based on individual factors such as walking speed, traffic conditions, and any unforeseen circumstances. It’s always wise to plan your time accordingly and allow for some flexibility in case of unexpected delays.

Considering the proximity of Atlantis to the Nassau Cruise Port, any transportation option you choose will allow you to reach the resort quickly and efficiently, giving you ample time to experience all the attractions and activities that Atlantis has to offer.

Take into account your preferences, budget constraints, and the overall experience you desire when selecting the best transportation option for your visit to Atlantis.

Other Considerations

While transportation options are essential to consider when planning your visit to Atlantis from the Nassau Cruise Port, there are a few other factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Opening Hours: Be sure to check the opening hours of the resort’s attractions and facilities. Some may have specific operating hours, and it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time at Atlantis.

Tickets and Reservations: Depending on the activities you wish to experience at Atlantis, it may be necessary to purchase tickets or make reservations in advance. Popular attractions like the Aquaventure water park or Dolphin Cay may have limited availability, so booking ahead can help secure your spot.

Proper Attire: Check the dress code requirements for the various outlets and amenities at Atlantis. Certain restaurants, clubs, or pools may have specific dress guidelines that need to be followed. It’s always a good idea to pack accordingly and be prepared for any dress code restrictions.

Baggage Storage: If you’re traveling with luggage or large bags, Atlantis provides baggage storage services at a fee. This is convenient if you want to explore the resort without the burden of carrying your belongings with you.

Weather Conditions: It’s important to consider the weather conditions during your visit to Nassau and Atlantis. The Bahamas typically experiences warm and tropical weather, but it’s wise to check the forecast beforehand to plan your activities accordingly and be prepared with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.

Currency and Payments: The currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. It’s advisable to have some local currency on hand for small purchases, while credit cards are generally accepted at most places in Atlantis.

Health and Safety: As with any travel destination, it’s essential to prioritize your health and safety. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and follow any safety guidelines provided by Atlantis staff. It’s also advisable to check if there are any specific health requirements or precautions you need to be aware of during your visit.

Taking these considerations into account will help you plan and make the most of your visit to Atlantis from the Nassau Cruise Port. By being prepared and informed, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at this iconic resort.

Visiting Atlantis from the Nassau Cruise Port offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of the most iconic resorts in the Bahamas. Whether you choose to travel by taxi, water taxi, shuttle bus, or even on foot, there are various transportation options available to suit your preferences and budget.

Atlantis, situated on Paradise Island just across the bridge from Nassau, offers a world-class experience with its luxurious accommodations, stunning architecture, and a wide range of attractions and amenities. From the thrilling Aquaventure water park to the vibrant Atlantis Casino, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

By understanding the distances and durations of each transportation option, you can plan your time effectively and make the most of your visit. Whether you prefer a convenient taxi ride, a scenic water taxi journey, the ease of a shuttle bus, or the leisurely experience of walking, you can reach Atlantis easily and comfortably.

Additional considerations such as opening hours, ticket reservations, dress codes, baggage storage, and weather conditions should also be taken into account to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

As you embark on your journey from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bahamas, marvel at the stunning views, and indulge in the many attractions and experiences that await you. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, Atlantis is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a memorable journey from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis, where paradise awaits.

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How to get to atlantis from cruise port.

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Atlantis offers a wide range of activities and attractions including luxury boutiques, unique souvenir shops, fine dining restaurants, and casual cafes.
  • Shuttle services, taxis, ride-shares, public transportation, walking, biking, water taxis, and ferries provide various transportation options to get to Atlantis from the cruise port.
  • Shuttle services from Atlantis are the most affordable option, costing $10 per person, while alternative shuttle services range from $15 to $25.
  • Public transportation offers an efficient and cost-effective option, with local buses operating regular routes and water ferries providing a scenic ride to the resort.

Overview of Atlantis and its Attractions

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

Shuttle Service from the Cruise Port to Atlantis

Taxi or ride-share options.

Public Transportation Routes to Atlantis

Walking or biking routes.

Water Taxi or Ferry Services

  • There are several water taxi options available, providing a convenient and efficient mode of transportation.
  • The water taxis are equipped with comfortable seating and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
  • With frequent departures throughout the day, you can easily plan your visit to Atlantis without any hassle.

Excursion Packages from the Cruise Line

Tips for navigating atlantis resort, exploring the lost chambers aquarium, must-see attractions and activities at atlantis, frequently asked questions, are there any age restrictions for visiting atlantis resort, can i bring my own snorkeling gear to use at atlantis’ water park, are there any discounts available for tickets to atlantis resort, can i bring my own food and drinks into atlantis resort, is there a dress code that needs to be followed at atlantis resort.

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform.

With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform. With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

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  • Thrilling experience chasing shadows on eco-friendly cruise ships with professional guides.

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  • Weather permitting, witnessing the total eclipse in Antarctica was a breathtaking moment that showcased the stunningly beautiful relationship between the cosmic bodies.
  • King penguins, inhabitants of this icy region, experienced a partial eclipse, adding a touch of wonder to their daily lives as they interacted under the dimmed sunlight.
  • The Moon's shadow sweeping across the vast expanse of the southernmost continent created a mesmerizing display of nature's grand spectacle, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness December's eclipse.

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Do Eclipses Happen in Antarctica?

When was the last total eclipse?, how to experience amawaterways' french wine flavors in burgundy.

Embark on a journey to Burgundy with AmaWaterways to discover the intricate beauty of French wine flavors – but what hidden gems await beyond the vineyards?

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  • Explore Burgundy's vineyards and wineries for an immersive wine culture experience.
  • Taste the unique flavors of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, showcasing Burgundy's terroir influence.
  • Pair Burgundian wines with local cuisine, enhancing the culinary journey.
  • Cruise through scenic wine country, enjoying activities like château visits and village tours.

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Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

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Exploring Local Vineyards and Wineries

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What Are Some Unique Wine Tasting Experiences in Burgundy That Go Beyond the Typical Vineyard Tours?

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nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

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How to Take a Day Trip to Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is an entire tropical world unto itself. This Bahamian resort boasts casinos, underwater shark walks, and frolicking dolphins. As one of the most famous hotels in the Bahamas , the Atlantis also boasts multiple hotel towers and specific resort sections to accommodate a wide variety of guests' every wish. But, you don’t need to be a guest at the resort to visit this mega-resort. In fact, millions of visitors to Nassau take a quick taxi or water-shuttle ride to experience the resort's casinos and restaurants. From information on the top attractions to details about how to get there (and which day pass to reserve), read on for your ultimate guide to day-tripping to Atlantis Paradise Island.

Pola Damonte / Getty Images

Attractions and Things to Do at Atlantis Paradise Island

There are 85 gaming tables, 21 restaurants, and 19 bars and lounges at Atlantis Paradise Island. However, while throwing down some cash on the craps tables or roulette wheel may satisfy some visitors, others—especially families—are drawn to the Atlantis' aquatic allure; specifically the resort's spectacular "lost world" themed water park, dolphin encounter program, beaches, and the underground mysteries of The Dig, a walk-through exploration of the Lost City of Atlantis. Day tickets for all of these activities can be purchased at Discover Atlantis Sales Centers located throughout the property.

Given the hordes of visitors to the Atlantis daily, it's not surprising that the resort limits access to some of these attractions—notably the Aquaventure pool and water park area—to preserve a premier experience for hotel guests. However, that does not mean that day-trippers can't visit the Atlantis attractions, including Aquaventure; you'll have to pay a bit for the privilege (and expect a significant markup on these prices if you buy through a cruise line).

  • Dolphin Cay at Atlantis: Day visitors can swim and play with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at the state-of-the-art, 14-acre habitat.
  • Discover Atlantis Tour: This tour is best known to day-trippers, in part because it is sold as an excursion on cruise ships. Expert "Navigators" guide visitors through the ancient city streets of Atlantis during a visit to "The Dig," a faux-but-believable archaeological exploration of an 11,000-year-old lost continent. The attraction is full of interesting artifacts, along with great water effects and glimpses of exotic sea life, including piranha, moon jellyfish, venomous lionfish, and a resident manta ray. A Discover Atlantis Tour wristband allows visitors to explore The Dig and its exhibits as well as the Ruins, Predator, and Water’s Edge Lagoons—but not the waterpark.
  • Atlantis Beach Day: The Atlantis Beach Day program provides all-day access to the Atlantis resort's exclusive white sandy beaches, with lounge chairs and towels provided. It also includes access to marine habitats and lunch at an outside venue.
  • Atlantis Aquaventure Package : Day-trippers can purchase an Atlantis Aquaventure package that provides all-day access to pools, beaches, and Aquaventure, a 141-acre waterscape containing over 20 million gallons of water with water slides, and a mile-long river ride with high-intensity rapids and wave surges. The passes are only available to guests staying at partners of the Atlantis Resort. They can be purchased (on a restricted basis) at the Atlantis Adventures Desk at the clock tower in front of The Coral.

How to Get There

Paradise Island (formerly Hog Island) is a 685-acre island off the northern coast of Nassau, the capital of the island of New Providence. There is no public transport to take you to Paradise Island—the local bus system, the "jitney," will only take you as far as the ferry terminal, so your best bet is either to take a ferry or a taxi.

To access Paradise Island by water, hop aboard a 15-minute ferry ride from Nassau to Paradise Island. The ferry departs from Nassau Cruise Port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $3 for a one-way ticket. On your boat ride to Paradise Island, a guide will also give you a brief history lesson of the island and its many attractions. Once you've arrived on Paradise Island, it's a 10-minute walk from the ferry dock to Marina Village in Atlantis.

If you decide to rent a car, note that there is limited free parking available on Paradise Island (and limited spots are found near the public beach). The best alternative is to valet your vehicle at the cost of $16.75 per day. Whether you're driving or opting for a taxi, be prepared to pay the northbound one-way $1 bridge toll. In taxis, this will be on top of your metered fare—and the average cost for a one-way trip from Lynden Pindling International Airport to Paradise Island is about $35. Another alternative is to be dropped off along the coast of New Providence to walk across the bridge (an activity that is toll-free). Once you've arrived on the island, there's no need to rent a car, as visitors can easily walk the grounds and explore everything the hotel has to offer on foot.

Day passes are mandatory for all non-hotel guests at the Atlantis to experience Dolphin Cay, the waterpark, the marine habitat, and the beaches. The passes can be purchased (on a restricted basis) at the Atlantis Adventures desk, situated at the clock tower at The Coral. These passes have been known to sell out, so it's imperative to book online in advance. World Travel Holdings also sells day passes to Aquaventure, Atlantis Dolphin Cay, and the iconic British Colonial Hilton. These passes are marketed primarily to cruise visitors but can be an excellent add-on for anyone visiting Nassau.

  • The Aquaventure pass includes admission to Aquaventure and The Dig, lounge chairs, and towels.
  • Dolphin Cay experiences include a shallow-water interaction with dolphins.
  • The British Colonial Hilton pass includes all-day access to the resort's pristine private beach and pool, snorkeling and kayaking, lounge chairs and towels, and a food and beverage credit.

Tips for Visitors

  • There's more to Paradise Island than just the Atlantis, so be sure to explore the rest of the island. We suggest hiking to the Nassau lighthouse for gorgeous seaside views along the coast. Of all the waterpark attractions, the underwater shark walk is not to be missed—imagine a turquoise tunnel full of predators. (It's as scary and thrilling as it sounds).
  • There is no visitor information center in Paradise Island, so make sure to consult downtown the tourist information available for visitors in downtown Nassau.
  • If you're planning on staying for dinnertime, make a reservation in advance, as restaurants can become busy, especially in the colder months. Additionally, the resort will limit attractions during the peak busy season to preserve hotel guests' experience—a hindrance that won't be an issue for you if you're visiting during the off-season. If you're visiting in the off-season (summer and fall), expect fewer crowds—for the waterslides and the bars and restaurants, alike.
  • If you're taking the ferry to Paradise Island, remember to bring cash. Although exact change isn't necessary, it's helpful as you will be expected to tip your tour guides, who provide colorful commentary and historical insight into the past and present-day iterations of Nassau and Paradise Island.

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10 Best Things To Do In Nassau Cruise Port + Port Guide

Me in one of the cruise destinatins - in Nassau cruise port

Welcome to Nassau cruise port!

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is conveniently located on the northern coast of the tiny island of New Providence. Due to its proximity to the coast of Florida and a wide variety of attractions and things to offer, Nassau is one of the most visited and popular cruise ports in the Caribbean cruise itineraries. The Port of Nassau has been breaking records in passenger visits, averaging around 12,000 visitors daily in 2023. In this article, read about:

  • Nassau cruise port (Nassau cruise terminal info, getting around, helpful tips)
  • 10 best things to do in Nassau port and best shore excursions

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Nassau Cruise Port

Nassau cruise ship terminal is located in Nassau downtown, within easy walking distance from its main historic landmarks, shops, restaurants, and bars.

Cruise ships dock at Prince George Wharf cruise terminal , which consists of three long piers with berthing spaces built to accommodate up to six cruise ships. Despite a large number of docks, the distance between them is short and you don’t need more than 5-10 minutes to exit the terminal, regardless of where your cruise ship docks.

Nassau cruise port

Nassau has invested over $300 million into upgrading the old terminal into one of the greatest waterfronts in the Caribbean. The brand-new Arrival’s Terminal Building features an innovative design and is still under construction.

The whole terminal area is designed to cater to cruise passengers’ needs, with facilities such as a welcome center, a Junkanoo museum, event and entertainment spaces, an Amphitheater, tour booths, shops and cafes.

Make sure to grab a fresh pineapple before exploring the city, check out the Hair Braider Pavillion, or browse unique souvenirs at the Marketplace.

Arrival's Terminal Building Nassau cruise port

Nassau offers so many things to do, from the downtown area located just outside the terminal to exotic islands and resorts such as the world-famous Atlantis. If you have booked a shore excursion through your cruise line, make sure to carefully follow the instructions on your ticket.

You will find zones in front of your cruise ship, which represent meeting places for tours. You will either be meeting your group at one of the zones or onboard, so be sure to double-check your tour ticket for details.

Inside the cruise terminal, you will find independent tour operators offering water taxi transfers to Paradise Island and the iconic Atlantis, and other tours and services.

Port of Nassau - Shore excursion meeting place

Getting Around Port of Nassau

  • The port area is flat and suitable for wheelchair users/people with walking difficulties.
  • Outside the terminal, you’ll find an array of shops, souvenir stores, eateries, and internationally recognized brands such as Harley Davidson (opposite the Festival Place), Starbucks, Burger King, Hard Rock café, Senor Frogs, and many others. Get ready to be harassed as well, as you’ll come across countless local vendors offering car/scooter/off-road vehicle rentals, excursions, walking tours, day passes to famous local attractions, and ferry, boat, or taxi rides.
  • Taxis are available outside of the terminal.
  • Upon coming back to the terminal, you may be required to show a physical photo ID , so make sure you bring it.
  • Junkanoo Beach is the nearest beach to Nassau cruise port (a 15-minute walk).
  • The currency in the Bahamas is the  Bahamian Dollar (BSD) . 1 USD equals 1 BSD. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in town.
  • The high season in Nassau lasts from mid-December to mid-April, with warm, dry weather and pleasant temperatures. Nassau lies within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes and heavy rains may occur from June to November.
  • Lynden Pindling International Airport is the main international Nassau Airport and is located 16 km/10 miles southwest of Nassau cruise port.
  • Major cruise lines sailing to Nassau Include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises and Oceania Cruises. 
  • Explore Nassau tours and activities
  • Search the best Caribbean cruise deals

Watch my YouTube video about Nassau cruise port and the best things to do in Nassau!

10 Best Things to Do in Nassau Cruise Port

1. nassau downtown and beaches.

If you decide to skip an excursion and stay in Nassau’s vibrant capital, there are numerous things you can do and see. Here is the list of the top-rated attractions:

1.1. Woodes Rodgers Walk

This is the street parallel to the harbor, and you’ll spot it upon exiting the terminal. It is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and numerous local vendors. On the waterfront boardwalk, you’ll come across the ferry terminal where you can catch a ferry to Paradise Island.

1.2. Bay Street

This is the main street in Nassau where you will find the majority of shops, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions. It is located parallel to the Woodes Rodgers Walk, a 5-minute walk from the pier. The street is home to several historic landmarks, including Pompey Museum, Rawson Square, and Parliament Square.

1.3. Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle

Carved out of limestone by hundreds of slaves in 1793 as an escape route from Fort Fincastle, Queen’s Staircase represents one of the major landmarks in Nassau. The staircase was constructed as a shortcut to Fort Fincastle, a defense fort built in the 18 th century to protect Nassau from pirates.

Both landmarks are located within a 15-minute walk from the Nassau cruise terminal and are well worth visiting if you want to soak up some local history. A staircase consists of 65 steps that will lead you to the fort from where you can admire beautiful panoramic views of the harbor and city.

1.4. Pompey Museum

Located only a 10-minute walk from the port, on Bay Street, Pompey Museum is a museum of slavery built on the site of the 18th-century slave auctions. Housed in an old, brightly colored pink building, it is a simple and small museum with an impressive story where you can learn about this dark period of Bahamian history.

1.5. Pirates of Nassau

At a stone’s throw from Pompey Museum, the fascinating Pirates Museum reveals the 18th-century history of the city when Nassau served as a pirate base. You’ll see fantastic artifacts, a replica of a pirate ship, and exhibits that will throw you back to the era of pirates.

Nassau downtown

1.6. Nassau Straw Market

Situated alongside Woodes Rodgers Walk, the Straw Market is a bustling market where you can buy traditional Bahamian handicrafts, authentic gifts and souvenirs, clothes, wooden toys, and much more. Bring cash and don’t forget to bargain, as you can get some amazing deals and quality stuff here.

1.7. Christ Church Anglican Cathedral

Right between the Pirates of Nassau and Pompey Museum, in King Street, the impressive Anglican church dates from the 19 th century and was built in an exceptional Gothic style. It is the oldest and largest church in Nassau with astonishing stained-glass windows and wonderful acoustics.

1.8. Government House

Only a 10-minute walk from the cruise dock, you’ll come across a 19th-century residence of the British Governor-General housed in a well-preserved pink and white colonial mansion. It sits on a hill overlooking the harbor and boasts beautiful gardens ideal for a leisurely stroll.

1.9. Junkanoo Beach

When it comes to the Nassau beaches, the nearest one to the cruise terminal is Junkanoo Beach, located within a 20-minute walking distance from the port. It is a nice beach to spend your day at if you want to keep a low budget and still have a fun day.

Of course, you’ll find the best beaches on the private islands and Paradise Island, but Junkanoo Beach is a great alternative as it’s free and offers a variety of facilities to enjoy your day. It is a sandy beach with clear water and great swimming opportunities.

Right next to it is Western Esplanade Beach , where you can find bar restaurants and sometimes there are live performances. These are the public beaches and expect a lot of crowds and noise.

1.10. Saunders Beach

You can reach this beautiful beach within less than a 10-minute drive from the port of Nassau. It is a quiet stretch of white sand with crystal clear water where you can snorkel right off the beach. It’s not crowded and you can spend some enjoyable time with your family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you get hungry or thirsty, you’ll find several food chains and shops across the street. Restrooms and changing rooms are available too.

1.11. Cable Beach

This beach is located near Saunders Beach, a 15-minute drive from Nassau cruise port. It is a small piece of heaven lined with hotel resorts, boasting crystal clear turquoise waters and white sands where you can swim, snorkel or simply sunbathe under the palm trees. Bars, restaurants and watersports are available. It is considered one of the best beaches in Nassau.

1.12. Paradise Island

Within and outside the cruise terminal, you will find vendors selling ferry tickets to Paradise Island where the famous Atlantis resort is located. The Paradise Island ferry terminal is located under the two bridges connecting Nassau and Paradise Island, and from there you can walk to Atlantis Resort.

Keep in mind that it can be very crowded on the way back (as most of the cruise ship passengers go to the island by ferry), so always save at least 1 hour for the transfer back to the ship. An alternative option is to take a taxi to Paradise Island.

Besides the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island has stunning beaches, such as Paradise Beach, Cabbage Beach, Cove Beach, Smugglers Beach, Arawak Beach, and others. The beaches are public, so you can freely come and enjoy the Caribbean vibes on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Explore Nassau sightseeing tours and activities

Atlantis Resort, the Bahamas

2. Pearl Island

This gorgeous tiny island is definitely my favorite when it comes to the Bahamas. It is nestled around 8 miles off the coast of New Providence and a 15-minute boat ride from Nassau. If you seek peace, sugar-white beaches, snorkeling, and delicious Bahamian cuisine far from the bustling city and tourist resorts, you are in the right spot!

The island is private and therefore it’s not crowded. You can take a dip in the crystal clear blue waters, enjoy frozen cocktails at the bar, relax in the loungers or climb the white lighthouse (the symbol of Pearl Island) for spectacular 360-degree views of the island. Island personnel is friendly and helpful, and will do their best to make your stay pleasant and enjoyable!

Explore Pearl Island tours

Pearl Island, the Bahamas

3. Blue Lagoon Island

I’ve been to Blue Lagoon island twice and both times I had a fantastic time. Blue Lagoon is located a 20-minute scenic boat ride from Nassau and is larger than Pearl Island. You’ll recognize it by the concrete tower that guards the entrance to the hidden lagoon and the incredible turquoise water surrounding the island.

On the island, you can meet dolphins and sea lions in their natural habitat, join eco-walking tours and segway rides around the island, indulge in grilled Bahamian specialties, kayak, snorkel, or swim in a secluded sugar-white beach known as Salt Cay. VIP packages are also offered.

Blue Lagoon beach, Nassau, the Bahamas

Insider tip : Guests often don’t know the difference between Pearl Island and Blue Lagoon, and are wondering which island is more suitable for them. Pearl Island is very small and is a better choice for those who look for peace. Snorkeling and kayaking are the only activities offered. Blue Lagoon is larger and more crowded. It’s more suitable for families with kids because of the animal programs, an aqua park, and more family-friendly activities.

Explore Blue Lagoon excursions

4. Balmoral Island

Another gorgeous island awaits you just off the northern coast of Nassau. Besides powdery sands and aquamarine water, Balmoral Island offers animal interaction programs (dolphin and stingray encounters), great snorkeling, delicious food, and a stunning beach where you can relax in the cabanas or sunbathe under the hot Caribbean sun.

Ferries run regularly between Nassau downtown and Balmoral Island, so you can come here on your own too.

Balmoral Island, the Bahamas

5. Atlantis Resort

The world’s largest open-air marine habitat, breathtaking beaches, oceanfront golf course, Aquaventure water park, Atlantis casino, and hotel resort facilities await you on this incredible adventure to one of the most famous resorts in the world! The resort boasts numerous facilities and offers a wide range of activities and unique experiences such as:

5.1. Dolphin Cay

One of the largest marine-mammal habitats in the world where you can swim and snorkel in a deep-water lagoon alongside sleek bottlenose dolphins, play with sea lions, or kayak and paddleboard while adorable mammals swim alongside.

You can also sign up for one of the dolphin educational programs, or relax at the private beach while the dolphins cheerfully jump and play a few feet away.

5.2. Aquaventure Water Park

A unique, 141-acre water park, home to thrilling water slides (The Abyss, Leap of Faith, The Falls, Jungle Slide, The Surge….), a mile-long river with through tunnels, rapids, and waves, a magnificent water-play fort, eleven stunning swimming pools, and twenty swimming areas.

Set in a lush tropical environment, this water park is a spectacular attraction equally enjoyable for both kids and adults.

5.3. Marine Habitat

You can explore 14 lagoons with over 50,000 sea animals representing over 250 marine species.

The spectacular Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas

Snorkeling, snuba, scuba diving, swimming with sharks, golf and tennis courts, a spa, the largest casino in the Bahamas and extraordinary shopping are only some of the things you can experience in Atlantis… the list is endless!

Atlantis also offers access to five miles of gorgeous white sandy beaches to top off your day: Cove Beach , Atlantis Beach , and Paradise Beach .

This place is incredible and should be on everyone’s Nassau bucket list! There are different day passes and packages, so based on your preferences and wishes, you can choose the one that suits you the best.

Cruise lines offer shore excursions to Atlantis, but you can also book on your own. Check the prices on Atlantis Resort’s official website

Explore Atlantis Resort tours and activities

6. Nassau Off-Road Adventure

If you want to explore Nassau in a thrilling and adrenaline-packed way, go for an off-road tour around the city and the island of New Providence.

You’ll stop at famous attractions and landmarks such as the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory (you’ll taste them and see the rum cakes-making process), Fort Fincastle and Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte, Clifton Heritage National Park, plantations, historical villages, rum distillery, and many more.

Get ready to get dusty and dirty as you drive through Nassau’s rugged terrain and explore the hidden gems of New Providence island. Make sure you bring a driver’s license if you are a driver (but before that, check the tour operator’s age requirements!)

  • See the list of Nassau ATV tours
  • Explore Nassau jeep/buggy tours

7. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

If you are a fan of underwater activities, you should know that the Bahamas offers some spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving sites. You can opt to snorkel from the beach on your own (Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach are great choices), and in that case, make sure you bring your gear.

However, if you want to explore the depths of Bahamian waters, you should book a boat trip to Nassau’s beautiful coral reefs hiding an abundance of incredible aquatic life. The tours will usually take you to the Rose Island Reef , located only three miles east of Paradise Island, an exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving location.

Besides beautiful marine life, you’ll also find two shipwrecks that make this place even more attractive to snorkelers and divers.

Goulding Cay Reef is another fascinating reef located at the western end of New Providence that is said to be one of the best shallow-water snorkeling sites in the world. It attracts both experienced snorkelers and beginners and is suitable for people of all ages.

However, if you prefer to stay dry and would like to observe the aquatic wildlife from a safe distance, you can go for a glass-bottom boat trip , Seaworld Explorer (semi-submersible), or simply stay on board a luxury catamaran while the rest of the group snorkels.

Check out Nassau snorkeling and boat tours

8. Swimming Pigs

Swimming Pigs is one of the major attractions in the Bahamas! It’s a fun and unique experience where you get to meet these friendly guys living the Bahamian dream!

There are several locations where you can swim and play with pigs, the two most popular ones being Rose Island (Sandy Toes) and Exumas Island (Pig Beach) , both located up to 1-hour boat ride from Nassau cruise port.

Not only will you have the chance to swim and interact with sociable pigs, but you will also get the opportunity to enjoy the sapphire-blue waters, secluded beaches, deserted cays, snorkeling with sharks, and an array of fun activities.

Explore Swimming with Pigs tours and activities

Swimming with Pigs in Rose Island, Nassau

9. Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Experiences

Besides awe-inspiring beaches and fancy resorts, Nassau boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage that you can explore on one of the historic or cultural tours and experiences.

While there, make sure to taste the Bahamas’ handcrafted rum cocktails, delicious seafood, traditional mac ’n’ cheese, and a variety of authentic specialties, which are an important part of Bahamian culture.

You can book one of the food and cultural tours, or explore on your own. Some of the must-see places are the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, Graycliff Chocolate Factory and John Watling’s Distillery.

Explore Nassau food and cultural tours and activities

10. Book a Private Charter

As Nassau has so many attractions and activities to offer, sometimes it’s difficult to decide on how to spend a day in the Nassau cruise port. Booking a private charter in Nassau allows you to design your itinerary and enjoy an exclusive sailing experience along the vibrant coast of New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Away from crowded touristy places, you can spend your day deep-sea or near-shore fishing, snorkeling, relaxing at a secluded beach, or sunbathing on your private yacht! Enjoy a fully private tour and let your captain show you the best of Nassau on a customized half-day or full-day yacht trip along the mesmerizing Bahamian islands.

Book a private charter in Nassau

Coast of Paradise Island, the Bahamas

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nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

LuxuryTravelDiva

Can You Walk From Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip to Nassau and wondering how to get to the famous Atlantis resort? One question that often comes up is whether it’s possible to walk from the Nassau cruise port to Atlantis. In this article, we’ll explore this topic in detail.

Yes, you can walk from the Nassau cruise port to Atlantis. The distance between the two locations is approximately 2.5 miles, and it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to cover the distance on foot.

What’s the Route?

The route from the Nassau cruise port to Atlantis is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to walk along West Bay Street, which runs parallel to the coast. This road is well-paved and has plenty of sidewalks, so it’s safe for pedestrians.

Things You Should Know Before Walking

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: As you’ll be walking for almost an hour, make sure you wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking.
  • Carry Sunscreen: The Bahamas is known for its sunny weather, so make sure you carry sunscreen with you.
  • Carry Water: Walking in the sun can be dehydrating; therefore, carry enough water with you.

What Will You See on Your Walk?

Walking from the Nassau cruise port to Atlantis can be a pleasant experience as you’ll get a chance to see some of the beautiful sights of The Bahamas. Here are some of the places that you’ll see on your way:

  • Junkanoo Beach: This beach is one of Nassau’s most popular beaches and is located just a few minutes away from the Nassau cruise port. It’s an excellent place to take a dip in the ocean or relax on the sand.
  • Ardastra Gardens: These gardens are home to many exotic plants and animals, including flamingos, parrots, and monkeys.
  • Fort Charlotte: This fort was built in 1788 by the British and is located on a hill overlooking the sea. It’s an excellent place to learn about the history of The Bahamas.

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How to Get to Atlantis Resort From Cruise Port

If you're taking a cruise that stops in the Bahamas, take the opportunity to visit the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. At Atlantis, you can relax on the resort's private beach, visit the Marine Habitat and zip down slides at the Atlantis Aquaventure water park. From the cruise port in Nassau, the Atlantis Resort is just a short cab or boat ride away.

Via Water Taxi

Walk to the Festival Place Welcome Center from your cruise dock. All cruise passengers must pass through this facility to exit the cruise port.

Purchase a ticket to Paradise Island from the water taxi counter in Festival Place. It costs $6 per person to ride the ferry to Paradise Island, at time of publication.

Walk from Festival Place a short distance to the water taxi dock.

Board the water taxi that will take you to Paradise Island. The boat will not leave the dock until it is completely full with passengers, despite the schedule. The ride takes 12 to 15 minutes, and the ferry boat captain typically points out interesting sights along the way.

Disembark at the Paradise Island ferry dock and walk to the Atlantis resort directly across from the dock.

Via Taxicab

Walk out of the Festival Place Welcome Center at the cruise port and choose from one of the many taxicabs waiting outside.

Tell the driver you are going to the Atlantis resort and negotiate the price before getting into the cab. It is only a five-minute drive and should cost no more than $4 per person. However, the price may vary depending on how many people you are traveling with. The price should also include the $1 per car bridge toll.

Take the cab to the front of the Atlantis resort and pay the agreed-upon fare.

  • A tip is fully expected when you exit the water taxi, and the boat operators will make that very clear.
  • If you like your taxi driver, get his number so you can have him pick you up from Atlantis to take you back to the ship. This saves having to negotiate a price all over again.
  • Cruise Critic: Nassau Cruise Port
  • Cruise Port Insider: Nassau On Your Own
  • Nassau Paradise Island: Travel Tips

About the Author

Based in Los Angeles, Zora Hughes has been writing travel, parenting, cooking and relationship articles since 2010. Her work includes writing city profiles for Groupon. She also writes screenplays and won the S. Randolph Playwriting Award in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in television writing/producing and a Master of Arts Management in entertainment media management, both from Columbia College.

Photo Credits

  • Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

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Atlantis Aquaventure Shore Excursion in Nassau Cruise Port Review (2023)

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Panoramic photo of the Atalntis Resort nearby Nassau cruise port

Everything you must know about shore excursions (Shorex) to Atlantis on a cruise to Nassau port: overview, good to know, highlights, cruise line price comparison, how-to book and get to Atlantis on your own, and map.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: May 26, 2023

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is a world in itself with such an array of attractions - beaches, shops, water park, golf course and casino - that all cruise lines offer at least one tour to fully enjoy this iconic site of The Bahamas.

Aquaventure Water Park Day Pass

Until a few years ago, all cruise lines used to offer a basic shore excursion to the resort entitled Discover Atlantis Tour. This tour doesn't exist anymore. Instead, most cruise lines now offer the 'Atlantis Aquaventure Day Pass'. This consists of a 5-hour pass which includes access to Aquaventure Water Park, the beautiful beaches and pool of Atlantis, lunch, and transportation to and from the resort.

The Aquaventure Water Park is Atlantis resort massive 141-acre waterscape with pools, water coasters, body slides, rivers and more than 50,000 sea creatures where you will have a one-of-a-kind exciting day. For more information check the Atlantis Official Website .

The Aquaventure Tour is also offered in combination with two one-of-a-kind dolphin experiences - the shallow water interaction and the swimming with dolphins in a deep cay. You can choose to just enjoy any of the Dolphin Interactions or have this combined with the rest of the day at the beach. Celebrity, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean also offer a Sea Lion Interaction.

Shorex Combos

Disney Cruises is the only cruise line that offers the Aquaventure shore excursion combined with other experiences such as kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding with Dolphins. Disney Cruises also offers a 6.5 to 7 Hour experience at the Ocean Club Golf Course for $599.00 including Green fees, clubs, golf cart and shoe rentals but not including beverages and meals.

Other excursions to Atlantis resort

Disney is the only cruise line that keeps the Discover Atlantis Tour and Beach Day cruise excursion - a 6-hour tour priced at $98.00 (ages 10, and up), and $83.00 (ages 4 to 9). The Shore Excursions Group offers a smiliar but shorter tour entitled Discover Nassau Town and Atlantis. This tour by Shore Excursions Group is just 2 Hours and 30 Minutes long, costing $57.00.

Good To Know

Cruise line price comparison.

Considering that shore excursion prices may vary by sailing, it is advisable to check updates and specific cruises. The following prices are indicative.

Click on the following cruise lines links to check for updated prices:

  • Royal Caribbean

Shorex, online or on your own

As most cruise passengers that have booked shore excursions onboard will tell you, the great advantage of doing so is the peace of mind guaranteed by the cruise line. You will not have to look for transportation to Atlantis, negotiate prices with taxi drivers, and when you will be taken back to the ship on time. But you may want to look into other ways of exploring Atlantis.

Online Services

There is the possibility to book online with the many services that offer shore excursions to Atlantis. Prices vary and it is advisable to check what is offered on each tour.

The following online services are well-established companies that guarantee the returning of cruise passengers in good time prior to the departure of the ship. IQCruising does not endorse or get paid to mention any of these services. IQCruising is just providing the information and you should be aware that you are solely responsible for booking excursions online with these third-party services.

  • Shore Trips
  • Shore Excursions Group
  • Venture Ashore
  • Shore Excursioneer
  • Tours By Locals

Direct Booking

Before deciding which is the best excursion for you and your cruising companions, whether it is better to book onboard or with an online service, you may also want to check directly with Atlantis.

Cruise travelers that wish to book a day tour directly with Atlantis will find that the resort will request proof that your sailing on a specific cruise line. Prices may, in some cases, be slightly lower but do not include transportation to Atlantis, located in Paradise Island. Therefore, the savings (if any) may be minimal. But you will be in charge of your own time. Atlantis Day Booking Web Page

How to get to Atlantis

Paradise Island (where Atlantis is located) is connected to Nassau by two bridges but is a bit too far to walk from the cruise terminal. There are two ways of getting to Atlantis on your own. Either by taxi - sharing a large van will cost around $10,00 per person (each way) - or with a ferry boat.

Next to the cruise terminal, on the right side, on Woodes Roger Walk, you will find a Ferry Boat (costs around $8.00 USD return). The ferry will take you on a short cruise through the harbor ending at a dock under the main bridge on Paradise Island. From here you are within walking distance to Atlantis.

Atlantis - Map

What's nearby

If you decide to explore Atlantis on your own, and in particular if you go on the Ferry Boat you may like to walk around and check a few other places on Paradise Island.

The Bahamcraft Center is great for local gifts and souvenirs. A couple of popular restaurants - the Green Parrot Bar and the super famous Margaritaville Bahamas - are ideal for a quick bite or lunch before returning to the cruise ship.

More Shore Excursions

Balmoral Island

Photo of Balmoral Island Shore Excursion Nassau

Beach Activities

Blue Lagoon

Photo of Blue Lagoon Shore Excursion Nassau

Glass Bottom

Photo of Glass Booton Shore Excursion Nassau

Graycliff Hotel

Photo of Graycliff Hotel Shore Excursion Nassau

Bus Excursion

Pearl Island

Photo of Pearl Island Shore Excursion Nassau

Active Pursuit

Photo of Semi Submarine Shore Excursion Nassau

Semi Submarine

Photo of Snorkel Shore Excursion Nassau

Sub-Underwater

Photo of Sub-Underwater Adventure Shore Excursion Nassau

All Excursions »

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, excursions or tours of Nassau If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

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One of many ways to get from cruise... - Nassau Water Taxi

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  • Nassau Water Taxi

I love advantures and will try out the public/mass transportations of the countries that I visit... read more

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

It was a fun experience. Price was $7 each way plus tip and the "crossing" is less than 5 minutes... read more

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

One of many ways to get from cruise port to Atlantis!

Four dollars each direction, mostly run by the locals, sometimes they do cram the books with as many people as they can, and most do commentary along the short boatride over, whereby you get off below the big bridge, then you walk 10-15 minutes to the Atlantis hotel, and see all the beautiful yachts along the way with several nice shops to check out!

Eight of us bought tickets at the main shopping area just off the cruise terminal pier. "We'll be leaving in just a few minutes. It's just a short walk," the guide said. "Twenty hot and sweaty minutes later we finally started off. The short distance turned out to be at least a quarter mile walk. Then when we got to the taxi they did not have room for all eight of us. So now we had to walk back almost a quarter mile to the foot of the pier an board another water taxi for a thirty minute hot and sweaty wait - oh yeah and smell engine exhaust fumes for the last five minutes of the wait. YOU WOULD BE MUCH BETTER OFF TAKING A LAND TAXI - NO WAITING - QUICK PLEASANT DRIVE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE DRIVER.

Don't waste your time. We purchased our tickets and waited for the 0900 ferry. Then told it would not be leaving at that time and given vague updates as to the departure time. While waiting an hour we were "hit on" by numerous taxi drivers assuring us they would get our ticket money back if we rode in their cab. Very unfriendly and bordering on a tourist scam. We did get our money back and walked several blocks before getting in a cab.

If you have a limited amount of time.. take a taxi. The ride was uncomfortable. However, there was a local 'tour guide' that provided commentary for our ride. The tour guide was funny. The boat will tell you they are leaving in 5 minutes. This is a lie. They will leave when the boat is full. Also, the price seems to change. On the day we rode the tickets were $7 per person. The signs said $6, but they were charging everybody $7.

The water taxi is not the best way to get to Nassau and back from the Atlantis complex, trust me. It is $4 per person one way but for that same price you can take a standard taxi and travel on the roadway for a fraction of the time. The boat doesn't run every 30 minutes as advertised but leaves only when full and you are left waiting in the hot sun with promises of "five more minutes, just five more minutes". The "interesting tour guides" that people write of on these boards are simple natives screaming a rehearsed diatribe at the top of their lungs over the rather loud rumble of the boats engine. Perhaps I would have found them more entertaining if I could hear and understand them but, alas, by then I was almost feint from heat prostration. Not the best way...take a real taxi!

Typical Bahamas ferry - runs when it is full of people - not every 30 minutes as advertised. Price is right for $4 and the very entertaining freelance tourguide was worth the $1 tip everyone gave him.

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Nassau (Bahamas, New Providence Island)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Nassau cruise port

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-19 19:39

Port Nassau cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Nassau, Bahamas, New Providence Island. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Nassau is The Bahamas' main/principal and largest seaport as well as the country's capital city - located approx 310 mi / 500 km east of Florida USA. Port Nassau (locode BSNAS) is on New Providence Island's northeastern coast. The city has population around 275,000 and total area approx 80 mi2 (207 km2).

By berthing capacity and annual cruise shipping volumes, Nassau is currently ranked the world's 5th-largest cruise port - following Florida's PortMiami , Port Canaveral/Orlando , and Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale , and Cozumel Mexico .

In Nassau are registered most of the cruise vessels (both large and smaller-sized) as The Bahamas is the preferable flag-state for major cruise shipping companies .

Just offshore (opposite Port Nassau) is the world-famous Atlantis Paradise Island (privately-owned resort and residential property). Approx 40 mi (65 km) to the northwest of Nassau is Berry Islands' largest island - Great Harbour Cay , and the nearby-located cruise line private islands Coco Cay ( RCI-Royal Caribbean , originally named Little Stirrup Cay) and Great Stirrup Cay ( NCL-Norwegian ). Approx 5 mi (8 km) to the east is Rose Island .

The cruise port handles 4+ million cruise tourists annually. Before the COVID crisis, Nassau Cruise Port's annual passenger record was 3,859183 million (2019). This number was surpassed in 2023 when the Port handled ~4,5 million cruisers.

The Bahamas is the Americas' 3rd-richest country by GDP (USD 9,792 billion / USD 26000 per capita in 2018) and its main industry is tourism. The Bahamas is a Commonwealth (UK crown dependency) in which HM Queen Elizabeth II is the reigning monarch and head of state. Nassau City was named after William III of England (aka William of Orange, 1650-1702), from the House of Orange-Nassau (European aristocratic dynasty).

Following the 2-year pause in cruise shipping due to the Coronavirus/global health crisis, in 2022 Nassau had scheduled 1100+ ship calls and handled a total of 3,212603 million tourists. In 2023, the Port had booked a total of 1260 cruise ship berthings (eventually received 1210 calls), with expected ~4,2 million tourists (the year ended with handled 4,490802 million, or +14% over the pre-COVID 2019).

Nassau Cruise Port's day record was February 27, 2023, when were handled a total of  28554 tourists from 6 vessels berthed simultaneously - Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Reflection, MSC Meraviglia, Harmony OTS, and Wonder OTS. On March 12, 2024, the Port received 7 ships (20,009 tourists).

The port city is a unique mixture of modern resorts and British colonialism heritage, with numerous historical sites and amazing beaches, the most popular of which are Junkanoo Beach, Cabbage Beach, and Cable Beach. In close proximity to the cruise port are also Saunders Beach, Love Beach, and Jaws Beach.

Boat tours from Nassau to Pearl Island (~8 mi / 13 km), Blue Lagoon Island (7 mi / 11 km) and Balmoral Island (6 mi / 10 km) are day excursion packages (US$80-110 pp) inclusive of roundtrip transportation, lunch, segway/walking tour, watersport activities (30-min guided snorkeling tour, seakayaks, paddleboards, trampolines, hammocks, beach chairs, umbrellas, water mats, showers, restrooms).

Close to the cruise terminal are several hotels and resorts (with day pass access), the largest of which are Margaritaville Beach Resort & Waterpark (2 swimming pools, lazy river), Warwick Paradise Island Nassau (pools, tennis courts, bicycles, all food and drinks), Breezes Resort & Spa (on Cable Beach, 3 pools), RIU Palace Paradise Island (adults-only, on Cabbage Beach, 2x pools, buffet food, poolside BBQ), Baha Mar Resort & Waterpark (24 waterslides, lazy river, infinity pool, 3x pools, outdoor casino).

The largest festival is Junkanoo - a colorful street parade of people in bright costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, whistles and cowbells. The celebration is held on January 1, July 10 and December 26, beginning in the early morning hours (1 AM) and ending at ~10 AM.

Passenger ferries provide regularly scheduled shipping service from Nassau to the surrounding islands, and mainly to Paradise Island . Nassau's main seaport is Prince George Wharf, which also serves cruise liners. Shipping and transportation around the Family Islands is primarily by mailboats homeported at Potters Cay. Arawak Port Department serves cargo shipping. High-speed ferries to Exuma, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are available daily.

Downtown Nassau is just within 10 min walking distance. The city's main shopping street (Bay Street) is a block from the cruise terminal. To reach it, you have to pass Festival Place Welcome Center. The building offers a lot of services for tourists like information and brochures. There a lot of possibilities for shore excursions, offered by the cruise ship companies or organized by your own.

In late-February 2019, a 3-party consortium won the bidding for redevelopment and management of Prince George Wharf and the cruise port's related areas. By this project (budgeted USD 250M), the number of docking berths will be increased (from the current 6 to 8), also will be constructed a new passenger terminal (building) with an adjacent leisure complex (entertainment area/amphitheater, retail shopping, bars and restaurants). The new cruise terminal will be also integrated into Bay Street and downtown.

In this newly-formed consortium, Global Ports Holding PLC (subsidiary of Global Ports Holding BV / wholly-owned subsidiary of GIH-Global Investment Holdings) owns 49%, Bahamian Investment Fund owns 49%, and 2% are owned by Yes Foundation (Youth Entrepreneurial Service). In August, the consortium (Nassau Cruise Port Ltd) signed a 25-year concession deal for the Port's Prince George Wharf. Operations officially started on October 9, 2019. The Consortium invested ~USD 300 million (EUR 271M / GBP 240M) in expanding the cruise port's capacity and enhancing the passenger terminal and downtown touring experience. The project was announced in March 2020, approved in April 2021 and completed in 2023 (opened on May 27th). Construction works started in July 2021. The expected annual revenues are in the range USD 35-40 million.

In the period May 4-15, 2020, Nassau Cruise Port raised USD 130+ million through private bonds offered to private investors and stakeholders. The money was for the cruise port's redevelopment project planned in 3 phases:

  • Phase 1 - demolition of the old buildings and structures
  • Phase 2 - completion of marine works - including berth expansion, infrastructure upgrades
  • Phase 3 - completion of landside works and construction of the new buildings - passenger Terminal, Plaza, Junkanoo Museum, Amphitheater, Market Place (retail shopping complex), food-beverage-entertainment venues

The 2020-raised funds are to be used in Phase 1 and Phase 2. Funds raised in 2021-Q2 (through an initial public offering via Bahamas Investment Fund) will be used for Phase 3.

In June-August 2021, for the first time, RCI-Royal Caribbean homeported here a ship ( Adventure OTS ) for 7-night roundtrips from Nassau to Cozumel Mexico , Freeport (Grand Bahama) and CocoCay .

Royal Beach Club Bahamas (Royal Caribbean) on Paradise Island

In mid-March 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd announced plans to build a second (after St Johns Antigua ) Royal Beach Club (private resort property) at Paradise Island 's western end. The complex will be exclusive (for RCI cruise tourists only) and visited as a "beach day" shore excursion option (via private tours) from Nassau.

Royal Beach Club Bahamas will be developed with premium beaches and RCI's signature beachside resort amenities and service. In February 2020, RCG purchased land from private landowners ("multiple real estate parcels"/13,5-acres/5,5-hectares) on Paradise Island's western coast, at the cost of ~USD 50 million (~EUR 42 million). Additional 7 acres/2,8 hectares were leased by The Bahamas government.

Construction works are currently scheduled to start in October 2021 and be completed by May 2023.

Royal Beach Club will have max capacity 3500 (cruisers plus staff) and will include two dining pavilions (sized 35000 ft2/3252 m2 each/ with max guest capacity 1500 each), a resort-style swimming pool (sized 26000 ft2 / 2415 m2), splash pad for children (sized 4000 ft2 / 371 m2), beach facilities (14 bars, restrooms, cabanas for rent). The facilities will be supported by a reverse osmosis plant (for water desalination), wastewater plant and waste management facility, fuel storage, storage building.

By annual passenger traffic (statistical data 2019), the Caribbean's top-10 largest airports are:

  • Luis Munoz Marin Airport/aka Isla Verde ( San Juan Puerto Rico ) with ~9,5 million pax
  • Punta Cana Airport ( Punta Cana Dominicana ) with ~7,2 million pax
  • Jose Marti Airport ( Havana Cuba ) with 5,7+ million pax
  • Sangster Airport ( Montego Bay Jamaica ) with ~4,8 million pax
  • Lynden Pindling Airport (Nassau Bahamas) with ~4,1 million pax
  • Las Americas Airport ( Santo Domingo Dominicana ) with ~4 million pax
  • Piarco Airport ( Port-of-Spain Trinidad ) with 2,8+ million pax
  • Queen Beatrix Airport ( Oranjestad Aruba ) with 2,5+ million pax
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport ( Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe ) with ~2,5 million pax
  • Grantley Adams Airport ( Bridgetown Barbados ) with ~2,3 million pax

This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean.

Nassau cruise terminal

Nassau Cruise Port terminal serves major passenger shipping companies as a port of call.

Most of the liners are operated by CCL-Carnival, RCI-Royal Caribbean, DCL-Disney, NCL-Norwegian, Costa, MSC.

The 2019-opened Nassau Cruise Port currently has six berths and capacity to handle the world's largest passenger ships ) plus a yacht berth (for docking of superyachts with max LOA length 700 ft/213 m), a new marina, and a new passenger terminal for water excursions and ferries .

Nassau Cruise Terminal's upgrades include a new terminal for arriving passengers, a Ground Transportation Area (for taxis and tour operators' vehicles), a hairstyling pavilion, an event space, as well as police outposts (for the Police Force and the Defence Force officers).

The Nassau Waterfront was also upgraded (USD 300 million project) and now has 60+ retail shops and venues for food and beverages, a wine bar, an art gallery, an amphitheater (capacity 3000 seats). Also new is the Educulture Junkanoo Museum And Resource Centre (managed by Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre Ltd).

Nassau cruise terminal is at Prince George Wharf, located on the island's northern coast.

The port has capacity to handle up to 6x cruise vessels simultaneously, including 3x of the world's largest (RCI's Oasis/Icon classes) and max daily capacity 30,000 tourists.

In December 2018, to The Bahamas government received bids for cruise terminal concession. Bids were submitted on December 7th and opened on December 11th. The three bidding entities were Providence Advisors (representing Nassau port partners), Cruise Ports International Ltd (representing Carnival Corporation , DCL-Disney , NCLH-Norwegian and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group ) and Global Ports Holding (the world's largest cruiseport operator).

Nassau Cruise Port upgrades under Global Ports Holding

The cruise port concession bid won a consortium part of which is Global Ports Holding PLC (subsidiary of Global Ports Holding BV / wholly-owned subsidiary of GIH-Global Investment Holdings).

Currently, Nassau Cruise Port Ltd is owned 49% by Global Ports Holding, 49% by the Bahamian Investment Fund and the remaining 2% are owned by the Yes Foundation (Youth Entrepreneurial Service).

In August 2019, Nassau Cruise Port Ltd signed a 25-year concession deal for the Prince George Wharf, starting on October 9, 2019.

By the concession deal, the Consortium invested ~USD 300 million (EUR 271M / GBP 240M) in expanding the cruise port's capacity and enhancing the passenger terminal as well as the downtown touring experience.

The development project was announced in March 2020, approved in April 2021 and was completed in 2023. The facility was officially opened on May 27th.

Construction works started in July 2021.

The project's Phase I included the extension of the docking pier, building two new marinas (yacht berthing facilities) and also upgrading the existing structures.

The project's Phase II included constructing new venues - a museum, a passenger terminal, a 3500-seat amphitheater, a living coral exhibit, as well as several venues for dining, retail shopping (including locally-made merchandise) and live entertainment.

Nassau Cruise Port's expected annual revenues are in the range USD 35-40 million.

In July 2021 was officially opened Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. Day passes cost US$115 (adults), US$45 (kids 3-12), US$0 (kids under 3). Day passes are inclusive of Water Park fee, US$25 credit (food and beverages), Wi-Fi (unlimited), beach access (chairs).

Festival Place: only a minute walk from Nassau cruise port terminal. You can buy ”truly authentic” Bahamian goods.

Educulture Museum: 10 minutes away from the terminal by taxi (it will cost you around six dollars). It is dedicated to the Junkanoo parade (Mardi Gras resembling). There is an admission, address: 31 West St.

Fort Fincastle: 5 minutes away from Nassau cruise port terminal by taxi (estimated cost is four dollars). The fort dates from the 18th century. It is tiny, hilltop located and served for pirate invasions watch. There is an admission.

Potter’s Cay: 8 minutes from the terminal by taxi (around five dollars), under the Paradise Island Bridge you have to try the seafood shacks.

Crazy Johnny’s: 8 minutes from Nassau cruise port terminal by taxi. It is a popular old rock and roll night club with karaoke and live performances of local bands. A beer will cost you five dollars.

Doongalik Studios Art Gallery: 10 minutes from the terminal by taxi. Great exhibitions housed in a gorgeous old residence located in a beautiful garden.

Sandy Toes: you will have to take a taxi (eight minutes) to reach the ferry terminal and then you will need forty more minutes by a boat. The private Rose Island’s beach offers possibilities for snorkeling and kayaking.

John Watling’s Rum Distillery in Nassau was established over 200 years ago. It takes 20-25 min taxi ride (USD 10) and includes climbing a large hill. Upon arrival guests are greeted with a pina colada sample. Follows a 10-15 min grounds tour which ends up in the gift shop. The tour of the property is free of charge. There is a good bar where guests can sample 3 types of rum or order the sampled in the begining pina colada.

Graycliff Hotel is not very large and offer day passes (around USD 100 per person). The hotel has several dining rooms where guests can order the hotel's famous pizzas (around USD 20). Near is the Grayliff Chocolate factory offering free samples in its gift shop.

Queen's Staircase was carved by slaves in the end of the 18th century and has a total of 66 steps. The area is shaded, and free of charge.

Baha Mar Resort was inaugurated in 2017 and is located on Cable Beach. At the resoty guests can enjoy gambling, premium shopping, visit bars and explore the property.

Junkanno Beach is public and at short walking distance from the cruise port. There are cheap drinks and clean restrooms, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Next are listed the most popular Carnival Cruise Lines tours in Nassau, with USD prices per adult:

  • Ardastra Gardens and Zoo ($50)
  • Atlantis Resort ($120)
  • catamaran and snorkeling ($60)
  • kayaking ($60)
  • jeep tour ($60)
  • parasailing ($90)
  • historical tours ($45)
  • scuba diving tour ($130)

Royal Caribbean offers day excursions to Pearl Island (5 hours each) themed as "Beach Escape", "Beach Escape & Snorkel" and "VIP Cabana for 2". Prices (US$90-110 pp for the beach tours) are inclusive of 30-minute guided snorkeling tour. The VIP Cabana costs US$480 (for two persons).

Nassau tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Nassau - user reviews and comments

A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

High Angle View Of Cruise Ships Moored In Sea Against Blue Sky

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The territory of the Bahamas includes 700 islands and 2,000 rocks and cays spread across 100,000 square miles of the North Atlantic Ocean. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region . It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music.

When it comes to oceangoing vacations, the Bahamas can accurately be described as the industry's leading destination, with the capital city of Nassau being cruising's number one port of call. In 2019, the Bahamas hosted 5.43 million cruise visitors, more than any other global cruise port, and it greeted nearly 1 million more travelers than Cozumel, Mexico, the next most-visited port. Indeed, the modern cruise industry's first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami .

The archipelago's spectacular natural environment features brilliant blue skies, warm temperatures and exceptionally clear waters. But Nassau, located on 112-mile-long New Providence island, is also a metropolitan center full of modern amenities and impressive African, Caribbean and colonial cultural and historic sites.

Paradise Island, positioned immediately to Nassau's north, has large hotels and all-inclusive resorts that offer day packages for cruise visitors, providing access to premium golf (at the Baha Mar resort ), casino gaming (at Atlantis) as well as restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Carnival Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all sail here, as does luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, premium cruise operators Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises and budget operator Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. All of those lines will call at Nassau in 2021.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter.

3 things TPG loves about Nassau

  • "Sun and fun" activities
  • Historic and cultural attractions
  • Distinctive cuisine

What we could do without

Nassau is on an island within a vast archipelago. Many products are necessarily imported and that means prices, including meals at restaurants, can be high. Nassau can also feel a bit "touristy" at times, as the Prince George Wharf cruise ship dock can host as many as five large cruise ships at once. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area.

Related: Which cruise brand is best for you?

Prince George Wharf Nassau Bahamas

Nassau basics

Nassau is extremely popular as a warm-weather getaway destination that's closer to the U.S. Atlantic Coast than most Caribbean basin countries. As a plus, while technically not located in the Caribbean, Nassau and the Bahamas offers the same splendid sunny skies, brilliant blue waters and amazing culture and traditions.

On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. The port is normally a bustling affair, as disembarking guests walk from the pier to Bay Street, parallel to the water, and the downtown shopping area where you'll find tour guides and Jet Ski, beach and watersports excursion operators, taxis for hire, scooter rentals, craft and souvenir shops, and hair braiders.

Nassau's nearby Paradise Island district offers beaches, restaurants and shops as well as the Atlantis megaresort, which is among several properties offering day packages for cruisers in search of a daylong all-inclusive experience. The good news is that, with a little preparation, it will be easy to find the right Nassau activity to fit your personal vacation style.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

Paradise Island Bahamas

Arrival details

Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group.

Time zone: The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time.

Language: English is the official language.

Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. If you want to exchange money, you can do so aboard your ship, although you can usually obtain a better rate at a local bank or ATM. Several banks are located on Parliament Street, a short walk from the cruise terminal. Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

How to get around

On foot: Many of Nassau's historic sites and the Bay Street retail district are within walking distance of the cruise ship pier and the downtown area. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. There are also ferries to nearby attractions and it's also possible to rent a car or motor scooter.

By taxi: Taxi operators are staged around the Prince George Wharf area. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle.

By bus: Nassau's public buses are known as jitneys and offer a thrifty and convenient alternative to car rentals or taxis. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below).

Related: Disney Cruise Line review — Sailing Disney Wonder

Top sights and shore excursions

Nassau is a surprisingly diverse port. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Nassau is also filled with historic sites and shopping opportunities. Yet visitors are missing out on genuine colonial-era history if they don't also spend time exploring the historic architecture and attractions located steps from the cruise pier. You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points.

Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau.

Historic sites

Nassau's history is closely tied to the Caribbean pirate era of the 17th and 18th centuries, when the town served as a pirate sanctuary until 1718 when British Governor Woodes Rogers expelled the buccaneers. Today's downtown district offers 20 square blocks featuring architecture and monuments dating to this compelling era, most within walking distance of the cruise pier.

As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. Or, book a cruise ship excursion highlighting historic forts, Bahamian cuisine, "land and sea" programs, private island experiences and even Junkanoo-style music and dancing.

Historic sites near Prince George Wharf include Parliament Square, which houses the Bahamas' House of Assembly, the Senate Building and Supreme Court in pink pastel colonial buildings. A statue of Queen Victoria erected in the early 1900s also stands at the site.

The Queen's Staircase or "66 Steps" are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennett's Hill. Sweeping views from the fort's bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock.

The Queen's Staircase, Nassau, Bahamas

Bahamian culture was also shaped by Africans who arrived in the territory as slaves from Sierra Leone and other West African nations. Other Black people traveled to the Bahamas directly from Africa, Bermuda and Haiti, some enslaved by ex-British loyalists from Georgia and South Carolina, and others as ex-soldiers who won their freedom fighting for the British during the American Revolutionary War.

Several historic sites around Nassau recognize this influence, including Adelaide, Fox Hill and Gambier. These three historic villages were settled by liberated Africans in the 1800s and still maintain their African heritage. Cultural and sightseeing tours to these villages can be arranged. Nassau's Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Sun and fun: Water sports

Nassau offers a multitude of activities focused around the archipelago's beautiful blue waters and magnificent natural environment. Just about every conceivable water sport is available to Nassau visitors via cruise ship excursion. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs ).

Swimming pigs of the Bahamas in the Out Islands of the Exuma. (Photo by

Other cruise ship tours feature glass-bottom and jet boat excursions, catamaran sailings paired with reef snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and exclusive beach days with private cabanas.

While the luxurious Baha Mar resort on Nassau's Cable Beach does not offer day passes, savvy and sybaritic cruisers will reserve a room for the day for access to the property's premium facilities and amenities, including a private beach and beach club, motorized and nonmotorized watersports, a series of pools with shaded lounge chairs, cabanas and waterfall features. You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points to book a day at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar . Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Both cards offer hefty welcome bonuses, 130,000 and 150,000 points, respectively, after you meet the required spend of $2,000 within the first three months of account opening for the Surpass and $4,000 in the first three months of account opening for the Aspire. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can also look for a resort offering day passes .

ResortPass is currently selling day passes to the SLS Baha Mar for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $400 per Bungalow Pool Cabana or Baha Bay Beach Club Cabana that accommodates up to four people. You can also book day passes at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $325 for a beach cabana accommodating up to four people.

Nassau's nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home.

At Blue Lagoon, cruisers can swim in a calm lagoon, enjoy kayaking, water-biking or snorkeling tours, play with water toys like floats and inner tubes, or simply relax in a beach hammock under coconut palms. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities.

Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas

Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau.

Cruise travelers whose ships arrive early in Nassau may want to take the approximately one-hour drive to Stuart's Cove, where they can experience snorkeling, diving and swimming with sharks.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Best beaches in Nassau

There's no shortage of great beaches in and around Nassau. In addition to the nearby private-island beach experiences, there are several local beaches within walking or short driving distance.

Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, offering travelers an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy some sun and fun. You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach. Don't forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. Some will package a bucket of beer with chairs and an umbrella.

Cabbage Beach

Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Nassau just over the bridge that spans the islands. While beautiful. the beach's waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities. However, locals parade up and down the beach offering chairs for rent and beverages sale. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot.

Related: 7 tips for visiting Atlantis on a budget

Cable Beach

Cable Beach Nassau, Bahamas

Cable Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Prince George's Wharf and is accessible via taxi. A cheaper alternative is the No. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. The 2.5-mile-long beach is often described as Nassau's best, but it's one of hundreds across the Bahamas distinguished by bleach-white sands and remarkably clear blue waters. Cable Beach is home to several top Nassau resorts and offers a full array of watersports activities.

Other top Nassau beaches

Montague Beach is situated east of the Paradise Island Bridge and is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. The beach is also a preferred spot for wading and picnicking.

Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views.

The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. Sandyport Beach is connected by a small bridge to the Venice-like resort Sandyport development near Cable Beach.

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Where to eat and drink

True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas' indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor.

Local favorites

Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territory's undisputed favorite dish. Conch fritters are bite-sized flakes of conch meat fried in batter seasoned with goat pepper, hot sauce and sea salt, plus common Bahamian vegetables.

Conch fritters Bahamas

Peas and rice: Referred to locally as "peas n' rice," this traditional Caribbean dish, prepared in local Bahamian fashion, features deep brown pigeon peas and white long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, thyme, tomato paste, goat pepper and salted pork or bacon. The ingredients combine to provide the rice its signature brown coloring.

Johnny cake: Made of flour, milk, butter, sugar and baking powder, this breakfast food is more bread than cake, with a texture that combines dense bread with a slightly sweet cake. As with other staple dishes, Johnny cakes are found around the Caribbean, with the Bahamas version traditionally baked in a large round pan until lightly browned then sliced and served in wedges.

There are a handful of Nassau food experiences visitors should definitely target during their day in port, from the casual to the exclusive. They include:

Potter's Cay conch shacks

The Potter's Cay conch shacks can be found beneath the high-arching bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island. Adjacent to lively fruit markets, the brightly colored conch shacks feature nearly 40 chefs in different shacks cooking fresh conch dishes in myriad ways.

Besides being a great place to sample an authentic Bahamian lunch featuring the freshest conch fritters and local dishes, the Potter's Cay shacks are a great place to interact with locals, other visitors and the chefs themselves as they chat about the day's catch and argue over a game of dominoes.

Check first with a local or with a frequent Bahamas visitor (like a travel advisor) to determine which stall is the best for the day. With 25 years in the same location, McKenzie, a former conch fisherman turned restaurateur, is a local celebrity among Potter Cay purveyors, with a shack positioned as the first on the bridge's west end.

Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant

About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirate's headquarters. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the world's largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops.

The highlight, however, may be the hotel's five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. The sumptuous restaurant features four air-conditioned dining rooms and a garden dining area, with each room decorated to reflect the Graycliff's origins as a private home.

In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual."

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Where to shop

When you're shopping in the Bahamas, look for souvenirs like:

  • Original paintings, carvings and craftwork
  • Handmade garments in bright tropical colors
  • Wood carvings

Nassau's Bay Street retail district is steps of the cruise ship dock, but there are a few hidden shopping spots just a short taxi ride away.

Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. It's ideal for folks seeking last-minute souvenirs and gifts just before they depart aboard their ship and for arriving passengers in search of shopping close to the port.

Once an open-air affair, Nassau's long-running Straw Market is located in the center of the retail action on Bay Street and also offers Bahamian gifts, crafts and souvenirs. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances.

Straw Market, Nassau, Bahamas

It's also possible to take a taxi to reach Nassau's best-kept secrets when it comes to hand-crafted, original art and crafts, plus apparel and home goods:

Bahama Hand Prints

Established in 1966 by artists Helen Astarita and Berta Sands, Bahama Hand Prints (near the corner of Ernest Street and Okra Hill) offers "bold and brilliant" designs across a wide range of garments, accessories and home furnishings. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs.

Alannah and David van Onselen, who purchased the company in 2018, have retained Helen and Berta's signature style and the shop's collection of vintage designs, while new print designs have been added to the catalog. All products are developed in-house, crafted by the shop's talented sewing team and visitors are encouraged to drop in at the factory, speak with the staff and watch the printers at work.

Craft Cottage Bahamas

Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home décor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. On the grounds of the Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery in Eastern Nassau, the charming shop and gallery features a diverse and eclectic array of Bahamian-inspired items and emphasizes traditional crafting techniques.

The facility is housed in a traditional Bahamian-style home that shares the grounds with a variety of local Bahamian artists who also use the property to work on their own art and products. The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products.

Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features

Bottom line

While Nassau sometimes gets a bad rap as a "touristy" port of call and is often inundated by cruise travelers, the Bahamas' capital city is actually a diverse port with an impressive array of historic attractions, a variety of beach experiences, distinctive cuisine and extensive shopping opportunities. Nassau's Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries.

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25 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas on Your Cruise

You've never had more reason to get off the ship in Nassau. See what this port stop has to offer...

J. Souza

With over 4 million cruise passengers a year stopping at this cruise port, Nassau has become a very popular destination for cruise ships in the Bahamas.  It’s also become a perfect port of call for shore excursions.

Things to do in Nassau

Looking for things to do in Nassau, Bahamas?  You’re in luck!  There are plenty of activities in Nassau to give you reasons to get off the ship.  Whether you want a relaxing beach, fun water sport activity, boat tour, shopping day, historical museum, or wildlife excursion you can find something for everyone in your group.

Even if you’ve been to Nassau before you can always find new and exiting excursions you probably didn’t even know existed.  There’s more to this cruise port than meets the eye.  So, look beyond the port itself and see what this popular port has to offer.

New Providence Island is only 21 miles long and 11 miles wide and yet is full of things to do.

Let’s check out some of the best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas on your next cruise.

Disclosure notice: This post contains affiliate links which will provide us with a small commission if you purchase through them, all at no cost to you.

1.  Visit the Best Beaches of Nassau

nassau beaches

Some of the clearest, most beautiful water in the world can be found at Nassau, Bahamas.  If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or a fun-filled day at the beach there is a white-sandy place for you.

Many believe that some of the best beaches in all of the Bahamas are located on Paradise Island, which is just offshore from the island of New Providence.  It’s still close to the cruise port, so don’t miss this opportunity.

Here are some of the best beaches to visit:

  • Cable Beach – Home to some luxury all-inclusive resorts, Cable Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Nassau. There are over 2 miles of coastline with perfectly clear waters and soft sand.   There is an assortment of restaurants and shops nearby.
  • Cabbage Beach – Located just a bridge away on Paradise Island, Cabbage Beach is probably the most beautiful beach you will find around the island. There are resorts close by, and the beach can be more crowded on the western side during peak season.   It’s a great place for walking along the beach and sunbathing.  You will fall in love with this beach if you’re a beach-lover.
  • Love Beach — Further to the west from the cruise port, Love Beach is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Nassau.  It’s well worth the drive if you ask me. It is a quiet, pristine beach that has some amazing coral reefs for snorkeling.  After all it is right near 40 acres of protected coral.   If you want a beach away from the bustle , this might be a great option.
  • Cove Beach – Another relaxing beach location, Cove Beach is located on Paradise Island. Palm trees and white sands welcome visitors to this tranquil destination.  It’s also right near The Cove Atlantis if you’d like a relaxing place to spend the day in port.
  • Junkanoo Beach – Although not one of my favorite beaches, it is popular with cruisers as it is just a 15-minute walk away from the pier and does have beautiful clear water. You can get some great views and pictures of your ship from here.  The beach has a more casual atmosphere.  You will often see some beach volleyball being played and some other beach games.  There are places to grab a bite or drink close by.    This is a great beach if you just want to pop in, have some beach time, and hit some shops on the way back to the ship.

Want to see more beaches in Nassau ?  Check out our post on the best beaches in Nassau here .

2.  Enjoy Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis

There are tons of things to do at Atlantis, Paradise Island.  We will mention a few in the other points of this post, but one of the most exciting things you can do is spend the day at Aquaventure.  This is a 141-acre water park that is a flat-out blast for kids and adults alike.

Being the largest water park in the Caribbean is only part of the park’s claim to fame.  There are 11 pools, high-speed water slides, lazy rivers, kiddie splash zones, and even a mile-long river-ride with intense rapids along the way.

The Power Tower offers 4 water slides from its heights, including a 200-foot long body slide and a 50-foot near vertical drop.    The Mayan Temple has 5 water slides, and one of them drops you 60-feet before plunging you into a clear tunnel underneath a shark-filled lagoon.

3.  Walk Around Atlantis on Your Own

things to do in Atlantis Nassau

Let’s say you just want to see what Atlantis is all about before paying for the Aquapark or other activities on the premises.  You can simply take an inexpensive water taxi from the cruise port to Paradise Island.  On the way, a tour guide will point out some interesting facts and stories about Nassau.

Once on the other side it’s a short walk to Atlantis where you can walk around the incredible architecture.  From the stunning lobby of the hotel you can see part of the aquarium and then walk outside to check out the beautiful facilities.  Waterfalls, lagoons, and marine life provide a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk.

There are high-end shops and restaurants around the resort as well.   Not to mention the infamous casino.

4.  Shop at the Straw Market

shopping in nassau

If unique, hand-crafted odds and ends made by local Bahamians are on your shopping list, you won’t be very far from a place that has it all once you get off the ship.

The Nassau Straw Market is right in the middle of Bay Street, just a 2-minute walk from the pier.  Once you walk out of the terminal take a right and you will see the market along the street.

You will find treasures like hand-woven straw hats, bags, and trinkets along with some of the most beautiful and interesting wood-carvings you’ve ever seen.

Be ready to utilize your negotiation skills and find a bargain.   You can use either U.S. or Bahamian cash.

Note:  There are plenty of other shops and stores along Bay Street as well that sell t-shirts, sunglasses, souvenirs and other touristy items.

5.  Climb the Queen’s Staircase

what to do in nassau

Carved out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 1700’s, the Queen’s Staircase consists of 66 steps that lead to the highest point of the island, Fort Fincastle.  The stairs were named after Queen Victoria for her part in abolishing slavery in the Bahamas.

Fort Fincastle overlooks the city of Nassau and the front of it is shaped like the bow of a ship.  It’s a great historical tour that allows you to see the cannons and fortifications of a different era.

Some of the Nassau tours will take you to this iconic location on the island ().    I have actually walked there from the port as well, although it’s a fairly long walk.

6.  Visit Blue Lagoon Island

blue lagoon island shore excursion

One of the most popular side trips from Nassau is the 3-mile boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island.    Also known as Salt Cay (since it was a salt marsh in the late 1800’s), the island is dotted by coconut palms and is surrounded by clear turquoise waters.  The hidden lagoon in the center of the island is perfect for swimming and relaxing on its sandy beaches.

The Dolphin Encounter on the island (more on this below) allows guests to get an up-close experience with both dolphins and sea lions.  This family-owned habitat is educational and fun for the whole family.

If watersports are your thing there are plenty of rentals made available as well.   You can rent paddle boats, canoes, and inflatables.  For a more relaxing experience there are hammocks all over the island as well.

Blue Lagoon Island has a rich history, which you can learn about on a Segway tour or walking tour.  From a pirate rest-stop to a WWII testing facility, the island has some very interesting roots.

See more information on a .

7.  See the Pirates of Nassau Museum

Exploring a full-size replica of the pirate ship Revenge is just part of the Pirates of Nassau Museum.  This is an interactive experience that lets visitors peer into the life of a pirate in 1716.

Some of the fun exhibits include walking through a shanty town at twilight, learning about female pirates, facing the infamous Black Beard, understanding what happened to the most famous pirates, and being able to see flintlock pistols, cutlasses, and other artifacts from the pirate era.

The museum is located in the heart of Nassau, an easy walk from the cruise port, and admission costs $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for children 4-17.

Nassau was at the very center of Caribbean pirate activity, so this is a fun way to learn some history while keeping the kids entertained.  The stocks out front provide a great photo op as well.

8.  Enjoy a Dolphin Excursion (Several Locations)

If you want to have a magical experience with these fascinating mammals there are plenty of places to choose from in Nassau.  Keep in mind there is a difference between swimming with dolphins and dolphin encounters.  Encounters are usually cheaper and in more shallow water.  Swimming with dolphins can involve deeper water and life vests.

Get a picture of a dolphin giving you a kiss, shake the dolphin’s fin, and even enjoy a foot-push across the water, also known as dolphin water-skiing.

Here are some places that offer dolphin excursions around Nassau.  All of the below places have both “swims” and “encounters” with dolphins.

  • – Atlantis offers all kinds of activities with dolphins at Dolphin Cay, one of the world’s largest open-air marine mammal habitats. The 11-acre lagoon provides dolphin excursions for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, or even just sitting on a beach and enjoying being close to the dolphins.  Atlantis offers a great educational experience as well, and you can spend time with sea lions in addition to dolphins.
  • – We already mentioned Blue Lagoon Island,  and this is another popular place for dolphin excursions.   A local family runs the dolphin habitat, and the entire island is an excursion itself.  This is one of the highest-rated dolphin experiences for cruisers in Nassau.  There are sea lions on Blue Lagoon as well.
  • Balmoral Island – The ferry ride to Balmoral Island is about 30 minutes from Nassau. After your excursion with the dolphins you can enjoy white sandy beaches, 2 pools, the use of noodles and innertubes, and even free WiFi.   There are plenty of loungers by the beach to relax after your time with the dolphins.  There is also a stingray encounter on Balmoral Island.

9.  Dive with Sharks

You read that right.  Located on the south western side of New Providence Island, Stuarts Cove provides a very unique experience for thrill seekers.   Get up close and personal with Caribbean reef sharks on a 3.5 hour .  You will be within touching distance of 5-6 foot wild sharks.  How cool is that?  A Divemaster will feed the sharks with a pole, and it’s an electric experience.

There are 2 parts of the dive.  The first dive is a free swim near the Shark Wall where the sharks may follow you around.  They have been trained by the “dinner bell”.  The 2 nd dive is where you will actually feed the sharks and get to see these amazing creatures in a surreal way.   Don’t worry, the sharks want the bait more than you, but it’s still a great activity for adrenaline junkies .

Keep in mind that you must have your dive certification in order to book this excursion.  See more information on this .

10.  Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center

Made famous for the marching flamingos (a spectacular show to watch), this was the first zoo in the Bahamas. It is now home to over 200 animals on 4 acres of tropical gardens.

Any animal lover will absolutely love this place.  Visitors can hand feed the colorful Lory Parrots, check out the peacocks, play with the friendly domesticated pigs, and even spot a few lemurs.

The location is less than 2 miles from the cruise port.  The cost is $18.75 for adults and $9.50 for children 4-12.

11.  Visit Clifton Heritage National Park

Located on the western most side of the Island and near Jaw’s Beach, Clifton Heritage National Park offers hiking trails, ruins, snorkeling, and beaches.  There are actually 5 national parks on the island. This one is relatively new, opening in 2009.

There are 208 acres for the public to enjoy.  The park is jam-packed with a diverse eco-system that consists of cliffs, wetlands, dunes, coral reefs, and a variety of bird life.  It’s a great place for snorkeling the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden.  But many like it for just getting away from the busyness of downtown Nassau.  Outdoor enthusiast will enjoy the walking trails and a more relaxed environment.

The historical aspect of the park allows visitors to learn about the first inhabitants of the Bahamas, the Lucayan people.  Several buildings on the property are replicas, showing how these people lived.

12.  Go Swimming with Pigs

Sure, it sounds weird, but there’s a reason swimming with pigs near Nassau is such a popular activity.  The location of this excursion is actually in The Exumas which is an hour boat ride from Nassau.   Just the trip through The Exuma Cays is worth the trip, as you can soak in the stunningly pristine and turquoise waters around the islands.  It might be some of the clearest water you will ever see.

The cute little piggies are excellent swimmers and there are over 20 of them on Pig Beach.  Get your selfie with the piglets and swim around with them in a tropical paradise.  Kids love it, and it’s an unforgettable experience.

Some say the pigs got to the islands by surviving a ship wreck.  Others say that sailors left them there with the intent of coming back to cook them up later.  What’s the real story?  Take a visit and find out for yourself.

13.  Play with Stingrays

Don’t let any misconceptions scare you away from swimming with some stingrays.    The Southern Rays of the Caribbean are docile creatures that are more puppy-like than anything else.  Stingray City is a short boat ride from Nassau and is a natural habitat for these creatures.  These stingrays do not have barbed tails and are perfectly safe to touch and feed.  Get your camera ready for a photo-op because these rays will swim right up to you and might even ask for a kiss.

14.  Satisfy Your Taste Buds at the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay)

If you want great food that is truly authentic, eat where the locals eat.   Arawak Cay was built with sand that was dredged from Nassau Harbour in 1969.  Today it is known as the Fish Fry and is full of amazing restaurants offering authentic Bahamian food.

Restaurants as Goldies (Conch House at the Fish Fry) and Twin Brothers are some of the most popular eateries.  But there are plenty of places to tantalize your taste buds in this area.

Right off West Bay Street in Nassau the Fish Fry is only a short 1.3 mile walk from the cruise terminal.   So, you can hit some shops on the way back to the ship.  Whether you’re in the mood for shrimp, lobster, or even conch, any foodie will love the selections available at this location.

15.  Take a Culinary Walk Through Nassau’s History

Still on the topic of food, you can enjoy some delicious local food while learning about Nassau’s past on an .

This 2-hour historical adventure begins at Pompey Square and then leads to Christ Church Cathedral.  There you can appreciate the 1670 architecture of the first Bahamian church.    There are 3 tastings throughout the tour and you will see other sites like the Pirate Museum, the Towne Hotel,  Government House, Graycliff Hotel, a cigar factory, and Bahama Barrels.  The walks between shops are short, so it’s easy walking for anyone.  You will learn a lot about Nassau’s rich history, all while making sure your stomach stays happy.

16.  Experience Nassau’s Chocolate Factory

Graycliff Hotel is home to the best chocolatier on the island.   Not only will you have a chance to tour the factory and see how cacao beans are turned into chocolate masterpieces, but you will also have the chance to indulge your senses with some chocolate tasting of your own.

In fact, you can create your own chocolate using some unique ingredients like mango, lime, sweet-tomato basil, and bacon.  Who can turn that down?   An easy walk from the cruise port, this is a tour for the whole family.  And at the end you can shop for some truffles and treats at the boutique.

17.  Tour Around Parliament Square

parliament square nassau

Want to see some history on your own?  You can’t miss these pink, colonial style buildings that make up Parliament Square.  You can really get a feel for the British heritage Nassau carries when seeing the square that was built in 1815.

The House of Assembly, the Supreme Court, and the offices of the Leader of the Opposition are the buildings that make up the square.  Visitors can actually see the government in action and watch a lively debate by lawmakers when the House of Assembly is in session.  Judges and lawyers still dress in traditional British wigs and robes.

18.  Visit Fort Charlotte

Although it was never used in battle, Fort Charlotte is one of a few English forts on the Island and is one of the most impressive.  It is in fact the largest, at over 100 acres.  An easy walk to the west from downtown Nassau, this fort was built out of limestone in 1789.

The fort boasts a moat, dungeons, underground passageways, and 42 cannons that overlook the far west end of the harbor.  You can get tours of Fort Charlotte and learn more about life in the 18 th century.  If you happen to be in Nassau on a Wednesday or Friday, you can experience something special.  Characters dress up in period costumes and some of the cannons are fired off around noon.

19.  Ride a Bahama Jet Boat

Another activity for thrill-seekers, a ride on a is an incredibly fun experience.   You will see Nassau’s coastline in an ultra-fast ride full of twists and turns.   The 24-passenger boat will provide an hour of safe, fun, and exciting site seeing while zipping through the pristine waters of the Bahamas.  These things are fast, but the captains are well trained.  Get your heart racing, and try it out if you want an excursion in Nassau that will get your adrenaline pumping.

20.  Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Want a more leisurely boat ride in Nassau?  takes you to the Sea Garden where you can both feed and admire the fish and marine life.  Sitting 5-feet below the waves the vessel allows you to see clearly into the beautiful waters at this underwater world.  The boat will stay at the Sea Garden for an hour.  On the way to and from this location the tour guide will point out where several celebrities live on Paradise Island.  Some of the celebrities include Oprah, Jay Z and Beyonce, Mick Jagger and Bill Gates.

21.  Take an Underwater Scooter to Explore the Ocean

A SUB underwater scooter is a very cool way to really appreciate the marine life of Nassau.  You can take your own personal submarine into the water without ever getting your hair wet and have perfect visibility of the vibrant coral and fish.  It’s a 6-hour excursion in your Scenic Underwater Bubble, and it’s safe for any level of experience as long as you are at least 12-years-old.  The scooters go to 15-foot depths and travel at 2 knots.   The time underwater us only about 30-minutes, and that’s been the biggest complaint about this activity.

22.  Take a Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Cruise

Sure, you just got off a ship, but there’s nothing like sailing away on a catamaran to check out the very best places around Nassau to snorkel.  You will see lush coral reefs on this excursion.  Just the short sail to the snorkeling spot is very relaxing and enjoyable.  Upon arrival you will snorkel from the boat itself.  Flotation vests are required as the water may be fairly deep.

It is about a 45-minute sail to the snorkel location, and you will spend an hour snorkeling.  The captain will use the sail on the boat in most cases.   But the boat does have a motor if needed.  It’s a very cool experience sailing through the waters of the Bahamas.

Check out this .

23.  Take a Marley Resort Beach Day

Want to get away from the crowds but still enjoy a great beach with plenty of food around?  This might be the option for you.  This is an adult-only excursion that allows you to spend the day at a home used by Bob and Rita Marley when vacationing in Nassau.  It’s about a 30-minute car ride to Cable Beach where you will be let off.

You can tour the home and see memorabilia from Bob Marley’s life and then enjoy the private haven.  The private beach, pools, and hot tub are all included and lunch is provided around noon.  The food selection is based on the tastes of Bob Marley himself.   Check out this .

24.  Enjoy Some Bahamian Art

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is located in the historic colonial house of Villa Doyle built in 1860.  Any art enthusiast will appreciate the life and work of these Bahamian artists as their struggle and fight for independence can be seen in their works.  Each room has a theme that is reflected in the paintings and murals throughout.   It will take a good hour to explore the art inside the building and there are sculptures outside as well.  Admission is $10 for adults and children under 12 are free.

25.  Take a James Bond Adventure

This is the perfect excursion for you if you’re a fan of classic James Bond films.  The 4-hour tour and adventure will let you explore James Bond film locations through downtown Nassau.  You will then play the part of either a 007 agent or a rogue villain.  Missions (games) will be played throughout the tour.   As part of the tour a bus will take you along the northern shore and will let you off at a beach in Western New Providence.  This is where you will have an included lunch.

things to do downtown nassau

If you just want to get a basic tour of all the highlights of Nassau as a tour guide takes you around the island in an air conditioned vehicle you can book a .

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We did a wine blending class at Graycliff and brought home custom wines.

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Map: How to Get to the Free Beach in Nassau (Cabbage Beach)

Not sure how to get from your cruise ships to Cabbage Beach in Nassau? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Cabbage Beach near Atlantis

The beach sits right near Atlantis on Paradise Island. This is island sitting across the channel from Nassau and home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort. The resort is extremely high-end. While some parts of it — like the casino and the shopping areas — are open to the public, most of it is open to only guests or to those paying high prices to go on an excursion there.

But Atlantis sits on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the planet — Cabbage Beach. This area is open for anyone to enjoy.

Cabbage Beach is exactly what you’d expect from a nice beach. It has powdery white sand, electric blue water, and stretches what seems like forever (more than a mile).

The bad news is that Atlantis and other resorts have been built right next to the beach, all but cutting easy access for visitors to get to the beach unless they pay for access through the hotels.

The good news is that there is still a free public beach access; it’s just a bit of a trek to get through. If you want to head to the free beach during your cruise, here’s how to get there.

How to Get to the Free Beach on Paradise Island From the Cruise Ships

Nassau ferry

First things first, if you want to get to the free beach you will need to get over to Paradise Island. Taxi cabs run regularly from the cruise pier to the island. All you need to do it head to the taxi stand in the port area and they will get you situated.

If you take a cab, you can ask them to drop you off at the free beach access. A local cab driver will know exactly where to take you. This will be the easiest way to get back and forth. 

Still, many people head over to Paradise Island via the ferry from the cruise pier. This ferry departs from the cruise pier. You can see our guide here on where to catch it . Still others want to get to the beach after visiting Atlantis.

No matter where you are coming from, once you are on the island, getting to the beach is relatively simple as long as you know where to go. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the ferry dock or about 10 minutes from Atlantis.

The map below shows the location of the beach access, along with the route to get there:

Map of how to get to Cabbage Beach entrance on Paradise Island

If you are walking to the beach access, here are directions on how to get there based on coming from the ferry dock.

  • First, you’ll walk from the dock up to the road at the end of the Sydney Poitier Bridge (the bridge to Nassau). From there, you’ll come to a light at Paradise Beach Drive.
  • Once at the light, cross the street to the other side of Paradise Beach Drive. Then, immediately cross to the right so that you are walking on the north side of Paradise Beach Drive.
  • From here you will continue along the street for a couple of blocks until you come to the Comfort Suites hotel. Cross the street to the right, toward the hotel and then continue down the road (Paradise Island Drive) for about 1/4 mile.
  • You will then come to a road named Lakeview Drive. Take a left down this street until it dead-ends into Casino Drive.
  • Once you reach Casino Drive, take another left. After walking about a block, you’ll see taxis lined up on the side of the street and a sandy road cut through the trees, next to the Riu hotel. This path leads to Cabbage Beach.

If you walk to the beach, then expect it to take about 15 minutes from the ferry or about 10 minutes from Atlantis.

Don’t feel like walking back? There are lots of taxis available right at the beach entrance to take passengers back to the cruise ships.

What to Expect at Cabbage Beach

Never been to Cabbage Beach? If you’re picturing a desolate beach with no one one it, then think again.

The beach is popular with tourists and for good reason — it’s absolutely gorgeous. However, those crowds can make it busy, and vendors selling everything from drinks to parasailing rides walk up and down the beach.

On the beach you can purchase a number of items, including renting umbrellas and chairs.

Cabbage Beach price list

If you want a little more seclusion, we suggest heading down the beach to get away from the free entrance and things will be a little quieter.

The beach here is more than a mile long, so walking just a few minutes can find your own private spot. It’s a good idea to bring along a beach towel from the ship. As well, while there are umbrella rentals on the busy part of the beach, if you walk too far down there won’t be services available.

More on Visiting Nassau:

  • Everything About Riding the Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island (Atlantis)
  • 30 Fun Things for Cruise Passengers to Do in Nassau
  • Nassau: How to Make the Most of 8 Hours in Port on a Cruise

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Are there rest rooms available?

Well, there’s the ocean.

Is this the only entrance to Cabbage Beach? I have read it is CLOSED on weekends, what exactly does this mean?

Haven’t heard that before.

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Taxi cost from port to Atlantis

By Blondie511 , April 20, 2019 in Bahamas

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Cool Cruiser

I just can not find a recent price for the cost of a taxi from the Nassau cruise port to Atlantis.  I have found rates that are several years old, but nothing fairly recent.  We are a party of three.  THANKS SO MUCH!  

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About $4 pp, there are vans and they fill them.

jean87510

Can you walk there?

21 hours ago, jean87510 said: Can you walk there?

It’s a few miles, technically you can, but I believe it’s a busy roadway/bridge.

CILCIANRQTS

1 hour ago, mjkacmom said: It’s a few miles, technically you can, but I believe it’s a busy roadway/bridge.

And part of the walk is through a not-so-safe section of town...definitely not a tourist section.

Theosprey247

Theosprey247

Another option is the ferry 

scubagirrl

Current taxi rates can be found at:    http://www.bahamas-treasures.com/bahamas/Nassau_Taxi_Fares.html  

When returning from Atlantis, you may need to take a union cab.  The rate is $13 for the first 2 ppl.  $4 for each add'l person.

Shuttles may, or may not be available for your return trip.

On 5/1/2019 at 9:05 AM, scubagirrl said: Current taxi rates can be found at:    http://www.bahamas-treasures.com/bahamas/Nassau_Taxi_Fares.html  

Thank you for this!  It says there are taxi stands are most large hotels - do you know if there is one at the Nassau Downtown Hilton?  Also, it says the vehicle should display the "Bahama Host" sticker in the window - which window would that be displayed in?  

All the taxis at hotels, including the Hilton, will be trained by Bahama Host.  I've never seen a sticker, but have seen a card hanging by the mirror along with their license.

yoolykeme

When you get off the ship, you'll see a lot of hawkers.  They are trying to shuffle you to either a van or to the ferry.  Both are a fixed price of like $4pp.  When the van or ferry is full, then it'll go.  They will fill pretty quickly in the mornings.

The ferry will require you to walk through the marina portion of Atlantis, which is fun in itself.  The van will take you to the front door of the hotel.  if Atlantis is the central destination, and you just want to walk around, I'd suggest taking the ferry there, and then a taxi back.  You can go out the front door of the hotel and just jump in a van that is dropping people off.  They are probably going back downtown to the port area anyway.

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 Port Adventures Bahamas

Exciting shore excursions specially selected by Disney Cruise Line

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Bike and kayak at disney lookout cay at lighthouse point (lpt03).

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Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Swim (N41)

  • $259.00* (ages 10 and up), $259.00* (ages 6 to 9)

Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin/Sea Lion Observer - Must Be Booked With An Animal Encounter (N22)

  • $62.00* (ages 10 and up), $59.00* (ages 3 to 9), $29.00* (ages 0 to 2)

Blue Lagoon Island Sea Lion Encounter (N40)

  • $149.00* (ages 10 and up), $138.00* (ages 8 to 9)

Blue Lagoon Island VIP Beach Day - Adults Only (N96)

  • $127.00* (ages 21 and up)

Boiling Hole Reef Snorkel (LPT21)

  • * All prices subject to change without notice.

nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

The 7 Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries for 2024

W hether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • Cruise Packing List
  • Beach Packing List
  • Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
  • First-Time Cruise Tips
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

The Carnival Radiance at sea.

IMAGES

  1. Nassau (Bahamas) Cruise Terminal Guide: Review (2021)

    nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

  2. Discover Atlantis Excursion Review

    nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

  3. Nassau (Bahamas, New Providence Island) cruise port schedule

    nassau cruise terminal to atlantis

  4. Nassau Cruise Port Guide and Best Things to Do

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  5. 25 Unforgettable Things to Do in Nassau on a Cruise:Why Get Off the Ship

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  6. Nassau Island Tour to Atlantis

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VIDEO

  1. Beautiful Nassau Terminal Bahamas 🇧🇸

  2. October 2023 Carnival Sunshine Back-to-Back 2nd leg Nassau Day!

  3. BIG A!! TUG BOAT Nassau cruise terminal

  4. 5 Things to AVOID in NASSAU BAHAMAS!

  5. NEW! Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal update, GRAND OPENING 5/26/23! #shorts

  6. morning arrival at Nassau Atlantis,#nclcruise #Nassau #cruise #Atlantis #beautiful

COMMENTS

  1. How to Go to Atlantis and Paradise Island from Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port

    If you are simply a curious cruiser who wants to see Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort, there's an easy way to get to Paradise Island from the Nassau cruise port. Take the Ferry Boat! Of course, cruise ship shore excursions offer pricey packages to world-famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Excursions include the use its 141-acre ...

  2. Tips for Visiting Atlantis in Nassau (from a Cruise)

    For those who are visiting as part of a day trip on a cruise, the biggest attraction is the Aquaventure Water Park. According to Atlantis' website, the water park is spread out over 141 acres, much of which is lined with beaches. The park has a number of water slides as well as a "rapids river", which is a combination of a lazy and not-so ...

  3. Everything About Riding the Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island (Atlantis)

    The ferry to Paradise Island departs the cruise terminals and drops off near Atlantis. Map data: Google. In years past, you had to leave the cruise terminal area to catch the ferry. Now you can get a ride right near the ships. When you exit the cruise ship in Nassau, head to the middle docks (often where Carnival ships dock).

  4. How Far Is Atlantis From Nassau Cruise Port

    By Taxi: The distance from the Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis is approximately 5 miles. The taxi ride typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location of your cruise ship. By Water Taxi: The water taxi journey spans approximately 1.2 miles across the Nassau Harbor.

  5. How To Get To Atlantis From Cruise Port

    To reach Atlantis by foot or bike, you can take advantage of the island's well-maintained paths and trails. These paths cover a total distance of 10 miles and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are several walking routes that lead directly to Atlantis from the cruise port.

  6. How to Get to Atlantis Resort From Cruise Port

    Cruise passengers docking at Nassau can fit a visit to Atlantis into their day's schedule with no difficulty, as the resort is only 2 miles by road from the cruise port at Prince George Wharf.

  7. How to Get to Atlantis Resort From Cruise Port

    Cruise passengers docking at Nassau can fit a visit to Atlantis into their day's schedule with no difficulty, as the resort is only 2 miles by road from the cruise port at Prince George Wharf. A bridge connecting Paradise Island to Nassau is open to cars and pedestrians, and water taxis run between the two locales.

  8. 6 WAYS TO GET FROM NASSAU BAHAMAS CRUISE PORT TO ATLANTIS ...

    We show you 6 ways to get from Nassau Bahamas cruise port to the Atlantis Resorts. We go through the pros & cons of what you need to know when going to Atla...

  9. How to Plan a Day Trip to Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas

    To access Paradise Island by water, hop aboard a 15-minute ferry ride from Nassau to Paradise Island. The ferry departs from Nassau Cruise Port from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $3 for a one-way ticket. On your boat ride to Paradise Island, a guide will also give you a brief history lesson of the island and its many attractions.

  10. 10 Best Things To Do In Nassau Cruise Port + Port Guide

    1.9. Junkanoo Beach. When it comes to the Nassau beaches, the nearest one to the cruise terminal is Junkanoo Beach, located within a 20-minute walking distance from the port. It is a nice beach to spend your day at if you want to keep a low budget and still have a fun day.

  11. Can You Walk From Nassau Cruise Port to Atlantis?

    Walking from the Nassau cruise port to Atlantis can be a pleasant experience as you'll get a chance to see some of the beautiful sights of The Bahamas. Here are some of the places that you'll see on your way: Junkanoo Beach: This beach is one of Nassau's most popular beaches and is located just a few minutes away from the Nassau cruise ...

  12. How to Get to Atlantis Resort From Cruise Port

    If you're taking a cruise that stops in the Bahamas, take the opportunity to visit the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. At Atlantis, you can relax on the resort's private beach, visit the Marine Habitat and zip down slides at the Atlantis Aquaventure water park. From the cruise port in Nassau, the Atlantis Resort ...

  13. How to Get to Atlantis From Cruise Ship in Nassau

    Here is my journey from the cruise ship pier in Nassau to Atlantis Hotel and Casino. Here I take you along for the journey from Royal Caribbean Independence ...

  14. Best way to get from cruise port to Atlantis?

    A taxi is probably the easiest. There's also a water taxi right next to the cruise ship docks. I think it's $4 per person each way. However, they wait until the boat is completely packed before they leave so it can take a while. Once you're on Paradise Island, it's about a 10 minute walk to Atlantis.

  15. Aquaventure Water Park Shore Excursion Nassau Cruise Port (2023)

    Other excursions to Atlantis resort. Disney is the only cruise line that keeps the Discover Atlantis Tour and Beach Day cruise excursion - a 6-hour tour priced at $98.00 (ages 10, and up), and $83.00 (ages 4 to 9). The Shore Excursions Group offers a smiliar but shorter tour entitled Discover Nassau Town and Atlantis.

  16. One of many ways to get from cruise port to Atlantis!

    Nassau Water Taxi: One of many ways to get from cruise port to Atlantis! - See 426 traveler reviews, 122 candid photos, and great deals for Nassau, New Providence Island, at Tripadvisor. ... The water taxi is not the best way to get to Nassau and back from the Atlantis complex, trust me. It is $4 per person one way but for that same price you ...

  17. Nassau (Bahamas, New Providence Island) cruise port schedule

    Nassau cruise port schedule 2024-2025-2026, map, address, ship terminals, hotels, tours, shore excursions. ... Just offshore (opposite Port Nassau) is the world-famous Atlantis Paradise Island (privately-owned resort and residential property). Approx 40 mi (65 km) ...

  18. A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

    In 2019, the Bahamas hosted 5.43 million cruise visitors, more than any other global cruise port, and it greeted nearly 1 million more travelers than Cozumel, Mexico, the next most-visited port. Indeed, the modern cruise industry's first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami .

  19. Nassau: How to Make the Most of 8 Hours in Port on a Cruise

    Sitting just 180 miles from Miami, Nassau is a city sitting on the eastern half of a larger island called New Providence. This island is roughly 18 miles wide by 7 miles, and home to about 300,000 residents. That figure can grow by 20,000 or more people when ships call on the island.

  20. 25 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas on Your Cruise

    Check out our post on the best beaches in Nassau here. 2. Enjoy Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis. There are tons of things to do at Atlantis, Paradise Island. We will mention a few in the other ...

  21. Cruises to Nassau, Bahamas

    Cruise to Nassau and swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins, or spot colorful coral on a glass-bottom boat. And just across the bridge is beautiful Paradise Island, home to world-famous luxury hotels and resorts. Spend the day at the famous Atlantis and splash your way through its expansive water park, grab a piña colada at the Marina Village ...

  22. Map: How to Get to the Free Beach in Nassau (Cabbage Beach)

    Everything About Riding the Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island (Atlantis) 30 Fun Things for Cruise Passengers to Do in Nassau; Nassau: How to Make the Most of 8 Hours in Port on a Cruise; Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of) Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America Popular: 107 Best Cruise Tips ...

  23. Taxi cost from port to Atlantis

    The ferry will require you to walk through the marina portion of Atlantis, which is fun in itself. The van will take you to the front door of the hotel. if Atlantis is the central destination, and you just want to walk around, I'd suggest taking the ferry there, and then a taxi back.

  24. The Nassau Cruise Port: Travel Tips and Things To Do

    Nassau's cruise port is one of the most popular ports in the world. Each year it attracts nearly 4 million cruise passengers.The port even recently (the first phase opened to the public in 2023 ...

  25. Port AdventuresBahamas

    Nassau, Bahamas Atlantis Coral Tower Cabana (N65) ... To see Port Adventures, please reset all filters. * All prices subject to change without notice. For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. ...

  26. Upcoming Private Island Destinations

    Royal Beach Club, Paradise Island. Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island destination, has been the cruise line's iconic go-to private island destination in the Bahamas. But ...

  27. MSC makes another move to take on Royal Caribbean, Carnival

    Continue reading. That's a bold move by the cruise line to offer something that rivals Royal Caribbean's ( RCL) Oasis and Icon classes as well as Carnival's Excel class. MSC World America, which ...

  28. The 7 Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries for 2024

    3-Day Cruises From Florida Norwegian Sky from Miami. Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024 Departure port: Miami Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Starting price: $399 per person This three ...

  29. MSC Cruises Adds Second Ship in Port Canaveral for Winter 2025

    Cruises. MSC Cruises has announced that it will expand its presence at Port Canaveral by adding a second ship to the Florida port beginning in Winter 2025. MSC Grandiosa will begin offering 7-night and short Bahamas cruises starting in December 2025. The ship will join MSC Seashore at Port Canaveral, offering guests an even wider selection of ...