Yet visitors are missing out on genuine colonial-era history if they dont also spend time exploring the historic architecture and attractions located steps from the cruise pier. What started as baskets to carry fruit and other . The archipelagos spectacular natural environment features brilliant blue skies, warm temperatures and exceptionally clear waters. There is a small entrance fee to visit the museum. 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. 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Most beaches are free and open to the public, and some are located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. Updated: September 11, 2022 The Blue Lagoon Island excursion is on of the main attractions in The Bahamas, and just a 40-minute - 3 miles (5 km) - scenic boat ride away from the cruise port in Nassau. Its also possible to take a taxi to reach Nassaus best-kept secrets when it comes to hand-crafted, original art and crafts, plus apparel and home goods: 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. 1:00 PM Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises. Our favorite shore excursion in Nassau is a day trip to Pearl Island. It's also close to Paradise Island, home to the world-famous Atlantis Resort. Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel! Browse more of our Nassau shore excursions and tours below to find your perfect getaway. Best Nassau, Bahamas shore . Nassau Shore Excursion: Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour 903 Tour Nassau's landmarks and highlights, including a visit to the Atlantis Resort aboard a comfortable minivan. By taxi: Taxi operators are staged around the Prince George Wharf area. worlds busiest passenger cruise port, Port Canaveral, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port. Ever dreamed about a private island getaway? We were the 6th time out, and the staff told us that several things that weren't allowed were starting to be added back, such as the dance party on pool deck in, My wife and I are regular cruisers on Royal Caribbean, so while I am not normally the type to write reviews, it would seem helpful to add insight to the relatively new experience of post-Covid cruising out of the Bahamas by writing about our July 2021 cruise. Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises - The Points Guy Start Times: However, locals parade up and down the beach offering chairs for rent and beverages sale. 10 Most Overrated Cruise Ship Shore Excursions . Learn More , The port Terminals Driving Tunnel Parking Highlights Shopping, Discover all Reviews and Travel Guides to The Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Caribbean. All products are developed in-house, crafted by the shops talented sewing team and visitors are encouraged to drop in at the factory, speak with the staff and watch the printers at work. Breathtaking views, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, Caribbean music, full service bar. Rose Island, Spanish Wells Pigs, Exuma Pigs, Allens Cay Iguanas and more Options. 9:00 AM Nassau Shore Excursion: Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour Located 30 minutes away from the cruise port by boat, Pearl Island offers a small, turquoise beach, bar and lunch buffet, lounge chairs, watersports equipment, and more. Its 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. Cruises to Nassau, Bahamas | Royal Caribbean Cruises One the COVID life and all that goes with it. Set sail in Bahamas' deep blue waters and learn how to catch Billfish and more on this private deep sea fishing tour in Nassau. Nassau's best activities can be broken down into a few categories: Beaches Islands for a beach day Day passes at resorts Adventures on and in the water Food & drink History & museums Walk around downtown Nassau Beaches New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, has plenty of beaches to choose from. Cruise lines make a . Choose three of our most popular excursions bundled together for a special discounted price. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the worlds largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive Whether youre looking for a beach day, hoping to try local foods, or learn about Bahamian history and culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from in Nassau. 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. Sweeping views from the forts bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock. The activities and excursions were exciting and fun. A 15-20 minute boat ride from Nassau's port. Many guests that try to wing it on their day in Nassau end up disappointed and unsure of the best way to spend their day. A four course meal paired with wines from the award winning wine cellar and a chance to explore this extraordinary wine collection. Swim with dolphins during one of our dolphin encounters, learn to scuba dive, enjoy snorkeling among stingrays and the beautiful Bahamian coral reefs, or dive down in your own personal SUB for a one-of-a-kind diving experience. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Nassau has it all. 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Our driver is also a guide and our vehicle handles those with mobility issues. Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territorys undisputed favorite dish. Embarkation Royal Caribbean Cruise Excursion - Review of Pearl Island Bahamas All rights reserved. Language: English is the official language. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost. If you want to get a taste of city life, take a walking tour of downtown and nearby sightseeing destinations. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. Todays downtown district offers 20 square blocks featuring architecture and monuments dating to this compelling era, most within walking distance of the cruise pier. Obviously, all cruise lines also offer a basic beach day package to relax on a double hammock, participate in water activities or sip umbrella drinks. Enjoy sailing and snorkeling in the beautiful Bahamian waters. 39. First I want to say we are grateful to be in the US were we still have some freedom. All cruise lines offer Scuba Diving shore excursions to different sites, options and combos - the James Bond wreck and the Jaws Cessna are two top film set-dives not to be missed. This cruise includes two perfect days at CocoCay, a stop in Cozumel, and a stop in Freeport. 8:30 AM Come with us on this awesome sightseeing tour! Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Its a common port on short Caribbean cruise itineraries, offering, Odds are if you take a Royal Caribbean cruise to somewhere in the Caribbean, there is a good chance you will stop in. Pearl Island Bahamas (Nassau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Finally a fun way to get to the beach for a great snorkel! The boat ride from the cruise port to Blue Lagoon is included in the fare, which is usually around $85-100. 1:00 PM. There is a small fee to enter the museum. Up, Up and Away Helium Balloon 8. Day pass holders also have beach access. As a VIP guest on Blue Lagoon Island, guests will receive lunch as well as unlimited Bahama Mama cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. One way around this is to find a nearby restaurant or bar when you need a restroom. 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. 9:40 AM. There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. Nassau Opens First Non-U.S. TSA PreCheck Screening Checkpoint Watch a cigar rolling demonstration then sample a variety of delicious Caribbean rums. Hit all the must-see historical highlights with this fun, informative walking city tour of downtown Nassau. The boats crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship. A hybrid sea and land tour is also available, where guests start the tour on a catamaran and end with a land tour of downtown Nassau. First, not all public beaches in Nassau have restrooms or cover if it starts raining. We've never seen these anywhere else! 12 Coolest Slides On Cruise Ships Long Weekend Cruises Swim, play, hug, kiss, and dance with dolphins - what a cool experience! For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 9:30 AM You can also look for a resort offering day passes. Discover Nassau for an introduction to the Bahamas' best and most beautiful highlights, including downtown Nassau, Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort, Junkanoo Beach, Arawak Cay, and Nassau Harbor. 279 Reviews Full Details Excursion Size:Standard Excursion Type:Cultural, Scenic Food/Beverage:Not Included Activity Level:Easy Excursion Duration:2 Hours and 30 Minutes Pearl Island Beach Escape Price: $105.00 Amenities and activities at the resort are split into two categories: areas open to the general public and areas available only for guests or day pass visitors. Nassau was at the heart of piracy from 1690 to 1720, when Nassau was taken over by English privateers who became lawless pirates. Several hotels and resorts in Nassau offer day passes, which allow cruise ship guests to access the resorts amenities for the day. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Background, wife and I are longtime cruiser almost exclusively with Royal Caribbean. Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. A kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeards Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. You know who you are, so prepare for your dreams to come true and learn how to make your own chocolates under the tutelage of a master chocolatier and indulge in tasting delicious gourmet chocolates. 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 . We arrived at the Port of Bayonne around noon with a 1:45 pm check-in time. As a side note as much as I lo #28 of 237 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Nassau Outdoor Activities, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Tours, More East Bay Street | East Bay Shopping Centre, Nassau, New Providence Island Open today: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Save Pearl Island Escape with Snorkeling Experience and Lunch 405 Book in advance from $115.00 per adult Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances. An unknown error has occurred. 11:45 AM, Start Times: Start Times: We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs). Aquaventure Water Park Shore Excursion | Nassau Cruise Port Guide Its just our experience based soon to areas. A private island getaway to your own private, exclusive ocean-view cabana is waiting for you on beautiful Pearl Island. Start Times: Learn the basics of scuba diving and enjoy your first dive alongside your professional instructor in a perfect setting for those new to the sport. Discover Nassau Town & Atlantis | Paradise Island Day Tour Let's dive in. Related: Which cruise brand is best for you? Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Daredevil's Peak Waterslide 9. In any of the famous beaches close to Nassau, the cruise traveler will be able to snorkel but the best places are the coral reefs offshore. 7 of the Best Nassau Shore Excursions with Norwegian - NCL You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. 10:20 AM Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. Just about every conceivable water sport is available to Nassau visitors via cruise ship excursion. This is a fun-tastic day! Enjoy a wine lover's dream at one of the Caribbean's first Five-Star restaurants. 8:40 AM 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 your cruise line or local tourist information before planning your cruise, excursions and 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. And while Nassau is best known for crystal clear beaches and world-famous resorts, the port offers plenty of activities for all interests. Photo Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Management The museum has relics and artifacts on display, such as an extensive sample of items in a Bahamian grocery shop in 1900 to an exhibit of tools used during slavery. WOW - this is the ultimate experience with dolphins! On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. Whether it's snorkeling with dolphins, scuba diving with sharks, or simply kicking back on the beach, our wide selection of Nassau shore excursions has something for everyone. John Watlings Distillery is a distillery located on a historic estate founded in 1789. Admission is $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for children 4-17. Start Times: View Excursion. As an independent provider of shore excursions, ShoreTrips is not affiliated with any cruise line. Start Times: The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home. Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. Unlike some ports, Nassau is a port day you want to prepare for before arriving. A delicious lunch and swim is also on the itinerary. Nassau. Stops include a favorite family owned "down home" eatery serving soul-warming Bahamian classics, locally sourced jams, salts, and island bush teas from a specialty spice merchant, and Nassau's best Euro-Caribbean fusion and an organic, fair trade Chocolatier featuring hand-made truffles by an award winning pastry chef will guarantee you experience a taste of Nassau. It boggles my mind why someone would want to book an excursion to get a tour of a local museum when they can just walk into the museum and do it themselves. Went to the Bahamas and rode ATV's in the jungle of, The restaurants were not worth the extra cost.