5 Shore Excursion Options for Nassau Bahamas

My first trip was a cruise, and it was such a great time I've gone on 10 cruises since that first one. Cruising is a great way to explore a new location by seeing multiple ports on one trip. Cruising can be a really affordable option for family vacations especially if you depart from your nearest port and don't need plane rides to get there. Don’t forget to check out Cruise Gadgets to Buy Before you Board.

A big part of planning your cruise is deciding what excursions to take. Excursions from the cruise line have the pros of including transportation, ensuring you are back long before the boat departs, and being vetted by the cruise line. Excursions outside of the cruise work the same as if you were traveling to the city yourself. There are tons of options through sites like Tripadvisor and CityPASS. My most recent cruise recommendation for excursion options from the port of Nassau is below. Hope you enjoy!

1. Walk to the Junkanoo Beach

Named after a dance parade held annually in the Bahamas, Junkanoo Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal. When you exit the terminal there are signs that show you which direction to walk. You can also take a quick 5-minute cab ride. In terms of ease and expense, walking to this local beach is a simple and no-cost option. Keep in mind, as the closest beach to the terminal, it's most likely to be very crowded. There are also a very large number of beach vendors selling everything from local cuisine to snorkeling tours, junkanoo punch, and handmade crafts.

2. Rent a Cabana via ResortPass

One of my favorite excursions is always a luxurious day by the pool. You can pay upwards of $200 per person to enjoy this experience via the cruise line activities or you can book a chair or cabana directly through the hotels with ResortPass. I'd recommend the Margaritaville option, especially if you have the tiny humans with you and want to take advantage of the activities at the Kid's Club or the Waterpark.

3. Take a cab to Cable Beach

If you're looking for a beach day that's a little quieter and has less foot traffic, Cable Beach has incredible views and crystal-clear waters. Even though the crowds are smaller, there are still vendors available to rent beach chairs, and umbrellas or purchase food and drink. There are also options for water activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and boat rides. Cab drivers are available at the entrance of the beach to take you back to the Port or you can schedule a time for your driver to pick you back up. The ride was about 15 minutes and cost $10 per person.

4. Book your Excursion through Tripadvisor

There are tons of excursions available through Tripadvisor. While they won't be as budget-friendly as negotiating with the vendors, this option will still save you on the price point being offered by the cruise line. Some of the many options available include swimming with the pigs, ATV adventures, island tours, and snorkeling.

5. Hit the Shops at Straw Market

In addition to a plethora of bars and restaurants located in Downtown Nassau, you'll also find the Straw Market which is a popular place to find gifts, trinkets, and souvenirs. The Market contains several competing stalls that sell everything from purses, jewelry, local seasonings, sauces, and other items. Please be aware that haggling is acceptable and expected here. For a less engaging/stressful experience, you can also head to many of the other downtown shops.

Hope you can take advantage of these tips. If I missed your favorite Nassau excursion, be sure to add it in the comments. Also, subscribe now and be the first to know when know blogs hit the streets! Don't forget your free copy of Cruise Gadgets to Buy Before You Board.

Happy Exploring!