For cruises departing the East Coast, perhaps no port is more visited than Nassau. Not only is the port known for a vast array of things to do, beautiful electric blue water, and fantastic weather, but it’s also just 180 miles from Miami — making it among the closest ports of call to the U.S. mainland.
And while we’ve covered dozens of things for cruise passengers to do in Nassau, there is one activity that’s popular among many cruisers — visiting hotels that offer day passes.
These passes are perfect for people visiting Nassau on a cruise. Instead of booking an actual hotel room in order to enjoy a resort’s amenities, you can book a day pass and enjoy your time at a resort as if you were a regular guest. This usually includes being able to use the pool, bar access, and a meal. It gives you a spot to enjoy the day at a lower cost than if you were to stay at the hotel.
Put simply, if you are looking for an easy and relaxing way to enjoy your time in Nassau, then day passes are a great option. Below we’ve rounded up several resorts for you to choose from. We’ve also included details on each pass and links to the hotel’s TripAdvisor page so you can read reviews from other travelers.
Atlantis
No hotel is as famous on Nassau as Atlantis. Not only does it have a unique architecture and sit prominently right by the cruise port, but it also offers a ton of things to do, from a casino to a waterpark, dolphin habitat, beach, restaurants, and more.
Atlantis offers a wide range of passes from beach passes to waterpark passes (which also include access to pools) to dolphin encounters and more. For passengers wishing to access the hotel’s pools, you’ll want the Atlantis Day Pass, which includes the resort’s pools and beach access. The price is $255 per adult and $140 per child 4-12 years.
You can read reviews of Atlantis here.
Graycliff Hotel
Hailed as the Caribbean’s first 5-star hotel, the Graycliff offers some serious old-school charm. That includes a gorgeous secluded pool that looks like paradise itself. Day passes run $125 per adult and include a welcome drink, access to the pool, a three-course lunch, and towels, changing rooms, and showers. Read reviews of Graycliff here.
British Colonial Nassau
The closest hotel to the cruise port we found offering a day pass is the British Colonial. It’s perhaps the most historic hotel on the island, originally built in 1900 before a fire destroyed it. It was then rebuilt in 1924 and has since served a posh clientele and was even featured in James Bond movies.
The grand hotel was recently renovated and features a huge garden area with pools and a private beach. And because it’s so close, you can walk here from the ship. For a day pass to enjoy the grounds, it’s $99 per adult.
Riu Palace
Located next to Atlantis, Riu Palace sits in an enviable spot right on Cabbage Beach. A day pass is offered that includes beach access with chairs, open bar, lunch buffet and snacks, as well as access to its large pools. The cost is $160, and the pass is available to adults only — you must be 18 or older. If you want a place that’s near the action but don’t want to go to Atlantis, this is the next best thing. Read reviews of Riu Palace here.
Breezes Resort & Spa
First things first, you need to be 14 or older to hang out at Breezes, so that means families with smaller kids will need to look elsewhere. But that also means Breezes is a good choice if you want to avoid kids while you relax.
For $100 per person, you get a whole lot. The resort offers meals and unlimited drinks in addition to beach access with chairs, and of course pool access. You can also upgrade to a package that includes water sports. One other thing to note — Breezes is on one of the wider stretches of beach so there is lots of space. It’s also near the Baha Mar Resort and Casino. Read reviews of Breezes here.
Baha Bay at Baha Mar
Have kids or simply want something that’s a bit more active than just lounging on the beach or by the hotel pool? Located about four miles west of the cruise port, Baha Mar is a massive hotel complex complete with casino, tennis courts, pool complexes and more. But for cruise passengers, it offers a day pass to its 15-acre waterpark.
The beachfront waterpark includes slides, pools, a 1,400′ lazy river, beach, standing wave, and more. There is even a casino pavilion for adults that want to try their luck. Adults and kids 48″ and taller at $160 per person. Those under 48″ are priced at $65. Read reviews of Baha Bay here.
Margaritaville Beach Resort
If you’re taking a cruise, then it’s likely you’re already familiar with the Margaritaville name. It’s restaurants are available in a number of ports. But right near the Nassau cruise port is the Margaritaville Beach Resort, which has the Fins Up waterpark. While not as large as the park at Baha Mar, a day pass here is less expensive and closer to the cruise ship (walking distance).
It features everything from the beach to waterslides to a lazy river, jump pool, climbing wall, and a FlowRider surf simulator. Of course, chairs, umbrellas, and towels are included, along with wi-fi. Prices start at $87 for adults and $63 for kids 12 and under but are higher if visiting on a weekend. Read reviews here.
More on Visiting Nassau on a Cruise:
- 12+ Fun Cheap (or FREE) Things to Do in Nassau
- 30 Fun Things for Cruise Passengers to Do in Nassau
- Blue Lagoon Island (Nassau): Full Review & Is It Worth It?
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How far is Sandals from the cruise port?
About 5 miles or 20 minute drive.
How much would a taxi cost?
For two people, expect to pay about $20.
You are way off of the price of Media… By 250%!
Do you mean Melia? Looks like they upped their price to $139 since the article was published, but now include food and drink. We’ve updated that section.