Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas — a British Commonwealth nation of 700 islands spread across the western Atlantic. Located on the island of New Providence with a population of over 260,000, Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, with up to 7 ships docking simultaneously. Tourism is the dominant force in the economy, and the city has developed extensive infrastructure to welcome the millions of visitors who arrive each year.
Nassau's close proximity to Florida — just 185 miles from Miami — makes it a natural first stop on countless Eastern Caribbean itineraries. The city offers a compact and walkable historic downtown, world-class duty-free shopping, excellent beaches, and a unique dual identity: Nassau's traditional colonial character sits alongside the mega-resort spectacle of Paradise Island, connected by two bridges across the harbor, and home to the famous Atlantis Resort.
The Baha Mar development on Cable Beach has added a second major resort corridor — a sprawling complex of casinos, restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels that rivals Atlantis in scale and has significantly expanded Nassau's luxury tourism offering.
Know Before You Go
Hot Tip
Nassau – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Nassau
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Ships dock at Prince George Wharf Cruise Terminal — within walking distance of Bay Street shopping, restaurants, and the water taxi to Paradise Island. Cruise passengers walk through Festival Place, a large open space with artisan craft vendors and island tour information.
🏛️ New Nassau Cruise Facilities
Nassau's upgraded cruise facilities — designed to better accommodate today's mega-ships — opened Phase 1 in May 2023, featuring new ship berths, a modern terminal building, a museum, and a theatre for events and performances. Phase 2 opened in 2024, adding family-friendly attractions, new dining, and expanded shopping.
Getting Around Nassau
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
About 5 minutes from the dock to Bay Street — the duty-free shopping area and the famous Straw Market. This is Nassau's most walkable zone. Pick up a walking tour map at Festival Place before heading out.
🚕 Taxis
Plentiful at the pier when ships dock. Taxis do not use meters — always agree on the fare before getting in. A typical ride to Paradise Island (Atlantis) is approximately $11. Drivers often offer island overview tours — a good option for those wanting to cover multiple areas efficiently.
⛴️ Water Taxi
The most enjoyable way to reach Paradise Island — boards just off Bay Street within easy walking distance of the pier. Cost is approximately $4 one way. A scenic and fun 10-minute ride across the harbor.
🚌 Jitney Buses
Run from downtown Nassau to Cable Beach throughout the day for approximately $1.25 per ride (varies by route). Exact change required. The most affordable way to reach Cable Beach. A genuinely local experience.
🚗 Car Rental
Available at the airport but tends to be expensive for a single port day. Note that driving is on the left side of the road in the Bahamas — plan accordingly. Generally not necessary given the availability and affordability of taxis and water taxis.
Things To Do in Nassau
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Nassau packs an impressive range of activities into a compact area:
Fort Charlotte — An 18th-century British fort with underground passages, dungeons, and spectacular views over Nassau harbour from the ramparts. One of the finest historic forts in the Caribbean and free to enter. About 10 minutes by taxi from the pier.
Queen's Staircase — 66 steps carved from solid sandstone in the 18th century by enslaved workers — each step representing a year of Queen Victoria's reign. A short walk from Fort Charlotte with excellent views from the top. Free and fascinating.
Pirates of Nassau Museum — An interactive museum tracing Nassau's golden age of piracy, complete with life-size exhibits, pirate paraphernalia, and a full-scale replica pirate ship you can explore. Fun for all ages and one of Nassau's most distinctive attractions. Located in the historic downtown area.
Atlantis Resort — Paradise Island — The iconic mega-resort is worth visiting even without booking the full water park experience. Day passes cover the grounds and beach access — note that pools and water slides typically require separate premium passes. Take the water taxi from Bay Street ($4 each way). The marine habitat and aquarium displays inside the resort are extraordinary and visible with basic grounds access.
Resort Day Pass — Spend the day at a resort instead of the ship — Nassau ResortPass options include Margaritaville Beach Resort and others with beach access, pools, dining, and watersports included.
Baha Mar Complex — The massive Cable Beach development including multiple hotel brands, casinos, restaurants, beach clubs, and the ESPA spa. A full day's worth of options without leaving the property. About 10 minutes by taxi or jitney from downtown.
Beaches & Outdoors in Nassau
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Nassau has excellent beaches across New Providence and Paradise Island:
Cable Beach
Nassau's most famous beach — a long stretch of white sand about 10 minutes west of downtown by taxi. Anchored by the massive Baha Mar resort complex with casinos, beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports. Day passes available at several Baha Mar properties for full resort amenities.
Cabbage Beach — Paradise Island
The best free beach in Nassau — a 10-minute walk east of Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. The same gorgeous turquoise water as the resort beaches with no admission fee and significantly fewer crowds. Bring your own snacks and drinks as vendors are limited. Take the water taxi to Paradise Island and walk.
Junkanoo Beach
The closest beach to the cruise pier — on the other side of the Margaritaville Beach Resort. Convenient for those who want sand and water without venturing far from the ship. A compact urban beach with a lively atmosphere.
Goodman's Bay
Between downtown and Cable Beach — less commercial than Cable Beach and less crowded than the tourist-facing beaches. A good middle-ground option for those wanting a relaxed experience without paying resort prices.
South Ocean Beach (Adelaide Village)
About 30 minutes by taxi from the cruise port — far from Nassau's congestion and tourist crowds. One of the most beautiful and least visited beaches on New Providence. Worth the taxi fare for those wanting a genuinely uncrowded Bahamian beach experience.
Shopping in Nassau
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Nassau is one of the best duty-free shopping destinations in the Caribbean — here's where to go:
Bay Street — Duty-Free Shopping
Nassau's main shopping artery — a 5-minute walk from the pier. Diamonds International, Del Sol, and dozens of duty-free shops selling jewelry, watches, perfume, liquor, and electronics line the street. The most concentrated duty-free shopping in the Bahamas.
Nassau Straw Market — Bay Street
450 vendors selling woven bags, hats, jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs in a Nassau tradition spanning generations. Bartering is expected and encouraged. If you want to browse the market style without Bay Street crowds, a smaller version operates at Cable Beach. Arrive early before the ship crowds fill the stalls.
Festival Place — Cruise Terminal
Right at the pier — artisan craft vendors selling local goods and souvenirs. The most convenient shopping for those not venturing far from the ship.
Marina Village & Bahamas Craft Centre — Paradise Island
Accessible via water taxi — Marina Village has designer and retail shops alongside restaurants and cafes. The adjacent Bahamas Craft Centre carries handmade crafts, Junkanoo art, jewelry, and clothing. A more upscale and less hectic shopping experience than Bay Street.
Dining in Nassau
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Nassau has excellent dining across every budget — from Bahamian classics to waterfront fine dining:
Local Dishes to Try — Cracked conch (deep-fried or in salad), conch fritters, conch chowder, Bahamian stew fish, rock lobster, Johnny cake, peas and rice, and guava duff (a traditional Bahamian dessert). These dishes are available throughout Nassau's local restaurants and the Fish Fry.
The Fish Fry — Arawak Cay
West Bay Street · Casual Bahamian · $
A collection of colorful small restaurants offering authentic Bahamian food in a super-relaxed atmosphere — benches, picnic tables, cold Kaliks, and fresh conch. Head to the middle of the complex rather than the restaurants that approach you at the entrance. Try Andros or Candies for the best food. The most authentic local dining experience in Nassau.
Café Matisse
Bank Lane (beside the Police Station) · Italian · Upscale Casual · $$$
Located in a beautiful old Bahamian mansion with a relaxing garden patio — a romantic and atmospheric Italian restaurant just a short walk from the pier. One of Nassau's most consistently praised dining experiences.
Bahamian Cookin' Restaurant & Bar
Trinity Place · Local Bahamian · $ · ~10 min walk from pier
A local favorite for homemade Bahamian cuisine at genuinely affordable prices. Stew fish, cracked conch, peas and rice — the real thing at the right price. Popular with locals and in-the-know cruisers.
Señor Frog's
Bay Street · Mexican Bar & Grill · $$ · 5 min walk from pier
Right next to the pier — always a fun atmosphere with Mexican-style bar and grill fare, frozen drinks, and a party energy that Nassau's cruise crowd gravitates toward. Not the most authentic dining but consistently entertaining.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day
Spend the day relaxing on the beach. Included is transportation to Blue Lagoon, lunch with burgers, fruit and chips, and...
Book This Tour →Discover Nassau Town & Atlantis
⏱ 2 hours · Easy activity
This extensive tour takes you through Nassau and important sites of New Providence Island, then over to Paradise Island ...
Book This Tour →Sail and Snorkel Cruise
⏱ 3.5 hours · High activity
Board a sailboat catamaran where your captain will take you to some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. When you clim...
Book This Tour →Nassau – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
Is Nassau safe for cruise passengers?
Nassau is generally safe in the tourist and cruise port areas. Exercise normal caution and stay in well-traveled areas.
Can I walk from the cruise port in Nassau?
Yes — Prince George Wharf is right in the heart of downtown Nassau. Bay Street shopping and the Straw Market are within easy walking distance.
What currency is used in Nassau?
The Bahamian Dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar. Both are accepted everywhere.
Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos
Real tips from real cruisers who've visited Nassau.
No tips yet — be the first to share your experience!
Share Your Experience at Nassau
Your tips help other cruisers plan their port day. All submissions are reviewed before publishing.