Best Nassau Shore Excursions From Cruise Port in 2023

Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour

The Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour is a great Nassau shore excursion for families and first-time visitors to become acquainted with Nassau and the Bahamas. Your 2.5-hour tour begins with pickup service at the cruise line pier. Then you drive through historic Nassau looking and learning about the fantastic history and architecture of Nassau. Your first stop will be at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory where you will have 15-minutes to sample and learn about making rum cakes. Next you will stop at Paradise Island where you will have 30-minutes to explore the grand Paradise Resort complex. From here you will go to the Queen’s Staircase, where you will have sufficient time to climb the limestone stairs to the top of Bennet’s Hill and visit Fort Fincastle. If you don’t feel like climbing the stairs, you will be transported up Bennet’s Hill so that you have plenty of time to soak up the panoramic view of Nassau and the Bahamas. Your last stop on your tour will be at Graycliff Chocolate Factory where you learn about the process of making chocolate making before you go to the sampling room. On this Nassau shore excursion you can decide to visit Junkanoo Beach for superb snorkeling opportunities or you can simply ask for drop-off service back to your cruise ship pier.

Cultural Heritage Sightseeing Tour

The Cultural Heritage Sightseeing Tour is a great Nassau shore excursion for families that are interested in learning more about the history of Nassau and the Bahamas. Your 3.5-hour tour starts with pickup service from the cruise ship pier, where you will be taken for a drive through historic Nassau viewing the incredible architecture of buildings such as the pink and white parliament building which was constructed in 1729. As you are transported your expert guide will give pass along interesting bits of history of Nassau and the Bahamas. Your next stop will be at Graycliff Chocolate Factory, where you will have 30-minutes to view the chocolate making process and sample some of Graycliff’s sweets. From Here you will be driven to the biggest fort in the Bahamas. Constructed in 1787, Fort Charlotte will offer big views of the western end of the island. After this stop you will spend 30-minutes at the Ardastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Center where you will get up close and personal with hundreds of species of animals that live in the Bahamas. Next stop will have you shopping for 30-minutes at the Mimi Straw Market located on Cable Beach as well as enjoying a complimentary tropical daiquiri. The last stop is at the Cave of New Providence which is believed to be a former liar for numerous pirates over the years. You can end you Nassau shore excursion here and rent snorkeling gear at the famed Junkanoo Beach or you can proceed back to your cruise ship pier.

Half-Day Historical Sightseeing Tour

The Half-Day Historical Sightseeing tour is an ideal Nassau shore excursion for families and first time visitors to Nassau to learn about the island region. Your 3.5-hour tour begins with pickup service at the cruise ship pier. You will begin by driving through historic Nassau and learning interesting facts from your expert guide. The first will be to the 65-foot bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island where you spend 30-minutes exploring the Cloisters. You will then be transported to the Queen’s Staircase where you have 45-minutes to climb the limestone slave-constructed staircase to the top of Bennet’s Hill. Once on top, you will be able to visit the 1793 Fort Fincastle and shop in the open air market. Don’t worry, if you don’t want to climb the stairs, you can take stay on the coach and be driven to the top. Next you will stop at the famous Graycliff Chocolate Factory for 20-minutes where you will enjoy in the best chocolate in Nassau. From here you will go to the John Watling’s Distillery and learn the rum making process as well as a sample of the rum. The last stop on your Nassau shore excursion will be at the Pirate Museum where you will plenty of time to explore the history of various pirates associated with Nassau. Your tour ends with drop-off service at the cruise ship pier.

Sightseeing and Snorkeling Tour

The Sightseeing and Snorkeling tour is the perfect Nassau shore excursion for all travelers and families. Your 5.5-hour tour will begins with pickup service at the cruise ship pier. From here you will drive through the historic city of Nassau learning about the history and architecture from an expert guide. You will stop at the Queen’s Staircase, where you will have the opportunity to climb the 102 slave-constructed limestone stairs to the top of Bennet’s Hill. Once on top, you can take breath taking photographs from Fort Fincastle or shop at the mini-straw market. If, necessary you can take a taxi ride up to the top of Bennet’s Hill, so no matter what you will be able see all the sights. After this, you will travel to Graycliff Chocolate Factory. During your 20-minute tour of the facility you will meet the Garzaroli family and sample their tasty sweets. Next you will travel to a cave that was once a pirate liar and have 15-minutes to explore this fascinating cave. Your last stop will be the white sands of Nirvana Love Beach, where you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling at an offshore 40-acre coral reef known as the Garden. You will enjoy a complimentary lunch on the beach and plenty of time to chill on the soft sand and swim in the warm waters. Snorkeling equipment is provided and alcoholic beverages can be ordered for an additional fee. Your Nassau shore excursion ends with drop-off service at the cruise ship pier.

Rum and Food Walking Tour

The Rum and Food Walking Tour is an ideal walking shore excursion that combines local flare with exquisite food and drink opportunities. Your 2.5-hour tour begins a couple of blocks from the cruise ship pier at Smuggler’s Beer Garden located on Georgia Street. Here you will enjoy your first taste of Caribbean rum and frolic in fun like a regular pirate of the Caribbean. Next you will wander with the streets your expert guide to three other locations to enjoy Bahamian specialties of booze-infused chocolates, a variety of snacks and even conch fritters. As you travel the streets you will learn about important buildings within Nassau and an in-depth lesson on rum-running history. Your last stop will be at the famed John Watling’s Distillery which is situated on the Buena Vista Estate, where you will learn the process of making rum from sugar cane to fermentation in white-oak barrels and the legendary stories of John Watling, the pirate. Overall, you will sample six different rums as well as enjoy two cocktails and splendid Bahamian snacks. Your Nassau shore excursion ends at John Watling’s Distillery, which is within walking distance to the cruise ship pier.

Bahamas Snorkel Adventure

The Bahamas Snorkel Adventure is a great Nassau shore excursion to spend the day with your family while you explore the wonderful coral reefs that surround Nassau. This 5-hour tour is available in the morning or afternoon and begins with pickup service from the cruise ship pier. From here you will ride a water vessel out to explore the amazing colors of the underwater world. You will snorkel around two different locations with an expert guide who will point out different creatures and features of the coral reef. If the weather cooperates during the excursion, you will be able to snorkel safely above a gathering of sharks which will be swimming at a lower depth. Or you might choose to just watch your guide feed the sharks from the comfort of your vessel. Your excursion includes all necessary snorkeling equipment. Your Nassau shore excursion ends with drop-off service to the cruise ship pier. Participates must be four years of age or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

SUB Bahamas Adventure

The SUB Bahamas Adventure is a unique Nassau shore excursion for you to explore the fabulous beauty of the underwater world. Your six-hour morning or afternoon tour will begin with pickup service from the cruise ship pier, where you will watch a short instructional video on how to maneuver your Scenic Underwater Bubble (SUB). After the video, you will be transported by a custom-built vessel to one of the many famous coral reefs around Nassau. From here you will jump in the water and enter your seahorse-shaped SUB. You will steer your craft downward to 15-feet and explore the coral reef at a speed of two knots, which ensures you plenty of time to watch the beautiful underwater scenery. You will follow your expert guide around the coral reefs learning and viewing about the wonderful world of marine life. You will be amazed at the colors, the marine life and the machine during your SUB adventure. Your Nassau shore excursion ends with drop-off service at the cruise ship pier. You must 12 years of age or older to participate and at least five feet in height.

2-Tank Dive Adventure

The 2-Tank Dive Adventure is perfect a shore excursion for the certified scuba diver who is looking for new underwater territory to explore. This 5-hour tour is available in the morning or afternoon and will start with a pickup at the cruise ship pier. You will proceed to one of many renowned diving spots around Nassau and experience a combination of dives which include one of the following pairs of dives; a wall and reef, wreck and a reef or a wreck and a wall. Your dive in the Bahamas will be highlighted by a wall that begins some 40-feet underwater and continues downward for 6,000 feet where the wall meets the Tongue of the Ocean. Each portion of the wall exhibits outstanding marine life at all levels. Most wreck sites you will explore will be around 60-feet down and very from the James Bond wreck to the Cessna used in the movie Jaws or a 100-foot freighter. The shallow reefs start about 20-foot underwater and offer viewing of vibrant coral formations as well as numerous species of colorful marine life. Your Nassau shore excursion ends with a drop-off at the cruise ship pier. Your excursion includes the use of tanks, weights and weight belts. All other necessary equipment can be brought with you or rented for a small fee. You must be 10 years of age or older and show your diving certification card at time of check-in. Divers who have not completed a dive in three years will be asked to take a short refresher course before participating in one of the scheduled dives.

Resort Diving Course

The Resort Diving Course is an excellent shore excursion for people who want to learn the basics about scuba diving from certified professional. Your 5-hour tour is available in the morning or afternoon and begins with a pickup at the cruise ship pier, where you will first watch a short educational video on the intricacies of scuba diving. From here you will be taken to a nearby swimming pool or a beach for your first underwater breathing experience. Don’t worry the water will be shallow enough for you stand while you learn more basic diving techniques. Your second dive experience of the tour will be from a boat where you will scuba dive a shallow reef with a qualified instructor. During your dive, the instructor will help you with diving techniques as you explore the fabulous underwater world on this guided tour. Your excursion includes the use of all scuba diving equipment except for a wetsuit, which can be rented onsite for a small fee. Your Nassau shore excursion ends with drop-off service to the cruise ship pier.

Shark Diving Adventure

The Shark Diving Adventure is an ideal Nassau shore excursion for active divers with a sense of adventure. Your 5-hour tour starts with a pickup at the cruise ship pier in the afternoon. From here you will be taken to a combination of sites such as “Shark Wall North” and “The Runway” or “Shark Wall” and “The Arena.” All of these locations offer excellent opportunities to see a concentration of Caribbean Reef Sharks. Your tour includes two dives; the first is a free swim in which you will encounter sharks along a coral wall. The sharks will be curious at this point and will enhance the natural encounter of the experience. The second dive involves shark feeding by experienced guides. While kneeling in a semi-circle on the ocean floor, your expert feeder will place a bait box for the sharks and release food. You will be amazed how the expert feeder can keep the sharks in a polite state-of-mind while they interact with each other in this natural setting. Your dive includes tanks, weights and weight belts. Other equipment is available for rent. Your Nassau shore excursion ends with a drop-off at your cruise ship pier.

Exuma Powerboat Adventure

The Exuma Powerboat Adventure is a perfect Nassau shore excursion for cruise ship passengers who want to see a unique view of Nassau and visit your own private island. This 9-hour tour starts with a pick up at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel, which is an easy ten minute walk from the cruise ship pier. From here you will take a ride in a powerboat to your private island, while a qualified guide points out places of interest. You will dock at a small private island which will be your very own paradise for the day. Once docked at the private island you will have many options for entertainment, relaxation or both. You can choose to participate in a guided snorkeling tour and view the incredible sea life as well as the colorful reefs. You will have time to relax on the golden sand beach and soak up the sun. You can even feed the stingrays and sharks that are swimming close to shore. Upon your arrival there is an open bar which serves all-types of refreshments and your Nassau shore excursion includes a tasty lunch of conch salad, Caribbean-style grouper, grilled steaks as well as plenty of fresh fruit. You will be returned to your starting point with plenty of time to make your departure.

Nassau Food and History Bus Tour

An ideal Nassau shore excursion for first time visitors that want to take in all the sights as well as indulge in some great Bahamian cuisine is the Nassau Food and History Bus Tour. This 3.5-hour adventure begins with complimentary pick-up service from your hotel or port-of-call where you will meet your expert guide who will inform you of all the intriguing history of places you see throughout the day. During your exciting day on the island this excursion will take you to six different places where you will indulge in all the island delicacies from different flavored rums to conch fritters to unique jerk chicken. While you drive from stop to stop you will see many historical places such as the 1789 Fort Charlotte built by Lord Dunmore, the Queen’s Staircase and the Government House. There is a stop at a local history museum where you can stroll through the interactive exhibits and you will even get to visit an authentic Bahamian cake factory. After you have indulged yourself with rum, beer, food and history you will be transported back to your port-of-call or hotel.

2-Hour Jeep Island Tour

One of the easiest Nassau shore excursions that is fun to try and packed with fun is the 2-Hour Jeep Island Tour from Nassau. Your 2-hour journey starts with free pick-up service from your port-of-call or hotel where you will be transported to meet your tour guide and board your open air jeep. Once on the road your tour guide will explain all the fascinating places you will see which include historic buildings like the Government House and Fort Fincastle. Other interesting places you will visit are the John Watling’s Distillery, Arawak Cay where the fish fry is tasty and you will see the Caves filled with Buffy Flower Bats. On the way to Sand Roads you will have time to take photographs at Fort Charlotte which was built in 1789 by Lord Dunmore. After you have seen and heard the brilliant history of the island you will be treated to a Bahamian style lunch complete with your favorite island cocktail or beverage. Your Nassau shore excursion concludes with drop-off service back at your hotel or port-of-call.

ATV Rentals

A great way to see the island for people that don’t like tour groups is to try the ATV Rentals. Your 8-hour self-guided Nassau shore excursion begins with pick-up service at your port-of-call where you will be transported to pick-up your Kawasaki 300cc automatic ATV. Once you listen to a safety meeting and learn how to operate your ATV you will be on your way. There are numerous self-guided maps for you to use when exploring the island that include stops at the Queen’s Staircase, the historic Government House and Fort Charlotte which was constructed in 1789 by Lord Dunmore. Other exciting places you can visit while you zip through the streets on your ATV are the Arawak Cay, Bob Marley Resort and you can check out the Old Fort Bay where many James Bond movies were made. While you are navigating the island you are free to stop at numerous restaurants to try some fantastic conch fritters and your favorite island libation. When you are done exploring you will have transportation back to your port-of-call.

Open Top 4x4 Jeep Rental in Nassau

If you are tired of group tours and feel you want to explore on your own then the ideal Nassau shore excursion for you to try is an Open Top 4x4 Jeep Rental in Nassau. Your 4-hour adventure starts with complimentary pick-up service from your port-of-call or hotel where you will be taken to your open air jeep. After a quick safety meeting you will set out on your own with one of the many maps that are furnished to you. There are numerous routes on the island for you to explore including a trip to the Queen’s Staircase, a 1928 Water Tower and you can stop when you want to enjoy a refreshing Bahamian libation. Other places of interest to see include Arawak Cay where you can indulge in an authentic Bahamian Fish Fry, the Caves which are filled with Buffy Flower Bats, and the 1789 Fort Charlotte constructed by Lord Dunmore is a must see. One last stop before your return the jeep can be made at Old Fort Bay where one of the many James Bond movies where made. Your Nassau shore excursion concludes when you return the open air jeep.

Nassau Scooter Rental

One of the best Nassau shore excursions for people who like to adventure on their own is to try a Nassau Scooter Rental. Your self-guided journey begins when you select a scooter rental from Woodes Rodgers Wharf located next to the cruise ship port for 4, 8 or 24 hours. Once you listen to a short safety meeting about navigating your scooter you can select your own path of discovering the island. There are several routes you can follow which will be explained to you at the time of rental. While you ride at your own pace you can discover places such as Fort Charlotte, Arawak Cay, the Queen’s Staircase and you can drive to Paradise Island where you can have a libation at Atlantis Resort. No matter what you want to visit on the island you can easily get there without hassles when you rent a scooter and don’t forget to stop for lunch at the outdoor market where the conch fritters are tasty.