If you’re taking a cruise from anywhere on the East Coast, there’s a good chance it will include a stop in Nassau. The Bahamian capital city is one of the most visited cruise ports on the planet with millions of people visiting each year.
But if we’re honest, it’s not as kid-friendly as some other ports. For instance, cruises to Nassau often include stops at cruise line private destinations like Celebration Key and CocoCay that are build for families.
In comparison, Nassau is a real town. That means it doesn’t exactly lay out the red carpet for families with tons for kids to do within easy access. Still, there are options if you know where to look.
Having kids ourselves and having been to Nassau many times on cruises, we have a first-hand perspective of the best things to do…
Visit the Beach
You’d think that Nassau being an island would mean there’s tons of beaches right by the ship. The truth is that there actually aren’t that many beaches within walking distance but you do have a couple of options if you want to go swimming with the kids.
About a 15-20 minute walk west along Bay Street will bring you to Junkanoo Beach. This is the closest public beach (just past Margaritaville). On the east end it gets pretty busy, but there are loungers and umbrellas you can rent. If traveling with kids, we’d actually recommend walking down to the west end of the beach where things are a little quieter.
Second, you can take a taxi or ferry (more on the ferry below) to Paradise Island. This island, famous for being home to the Atlantis resort, has Cabbage Beach. It’s also one of the most popular beaches for cruise passengers, though a bit harder to get to. We have full directions here.
Ride the Ferry to Paradise Island
We mentioned the ferry ride to Paradise Island. Even if you don’t go to the beach, hopping on the ferry is a fun ride for kids. It picks up at the port and at last check costs $7 per person round trip. It’s a rustic boat and makes the 10-15 ride from the cruise port over to bridge at Paradise Island. Along the way, you get great views of the channel, the cruise ships, and the town. The boat crew also narrates the trip, telling you more about Nassau and the surrounding area.
It’s a fun little trip to take that you can’t do back home. Once on Paradise Island, you can head to the beach or visit Atlantis where tourists are allowed to visit the public areas of the resort.
Take an Excursion to Blue Lagoon
If we were going to recommend a family excursion, a daytrip to Blue Lagoon would be it. Blue Lagoon sits on a barrier island northeast of Nassau. It’s been built up similar to a cruise line private island in that it offers beaches, food, beautiful water, and more. Really, it’s everything you could want in a beach day.
Of course, the centerpiece is a large lagoon that’s protected from the rest of the ocean, meaning it’s a calm spot to swim, snorkel, and play no matter the weather. To get there also takes a fun boat ride back and forth from the cruise ship for kids that want to get that experience.
You can check your cruise ship’s excursion schedule to book a day here. See our review here.
Shop Souvenirs at the Straw Market
If you have a kid that loves souvenirs, it doesn’t get any better than the Straw Market. Exit the cruise port and hang an immediate right. After about five minutes down you’ll see the massive Straw Market, a brightly colored building on your left.
This spot is full of stalls selling any kind of inexpensive chotski you can imagine. If you want something with “Bahamas” written on it, this is your place.
Honestly, even if you’re hunting for souvenirs, it makes a nice indoor place to visit to get out of the heat and there’s plenty of window shopping you can do.
Hike the Queen’s Staircase
Having been to Nassau countless times, one of the neatest things you can do that’s free and near the port is to visit the Queen’s Staircase.
Queen’s Staircase is a set of 66 steps carved by slaves out of solid limestone. It took a staggering 16 years for more than 600 slaves to complete back in the 1700s. Today the staircase is named in honor of Queen Victoria, who abolished slavery during her reign. Take a visit for a classic photo op. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship.
We especially like that it’s formed into a mini canyon that’s covered with foliage across the top, making it a great place to find some shade and a cool breeze.
Tour Fort Fincastle
If you’re going to visit Queen’s Staircase, then at the top of the stairs you’ll find Fort Fincastle. This old fort is a popular tourist spot, with rows of vendors on one side that you can browse, or you can tour the fort itself.
For just a couple of bucks you can take a walking tour of the area that overlooks the port area. There are massive cannons that overlook the walls of the old stone fort and with a little imagination you can imagine what it might have been like sitting here on watch overlooking the city hundred of years ago.
Visit the Pirate Museum
The Bahamas has a long history of pirates, going back centuries. If you (or the kiddos in your family) are into pirates, then you’d likely enjoy some time at the Pirate Museum. With displays and exhibits of what it was like to be a pirate, you can learn a lot — and get a break from the heat of Nassau inside the air conditioned building. Be sure to get your picture with your head and hands in the pillory while you’re there.
Hit a Waterpark
Be prepared to open up your wallet, but if you want a guaranteed good time for the kids, check out one of several waterparks in the area. Specifically, three different hotels feature waterparks that you can buy access to as a cruise passenger:
- Margaritaville (Closest, $79 pp)
- Atlantis ($165 pp adult, $70 pp child)
- Baha Bay at Baha Mar ($160 pp adult, $65 pp child)
Keep in mind that you’ll need to arrange transportation to the waterparks. Margaritaville is within walking distance of the port. Atlantis and Baha Mar will require a taxi to get there.
Nice curation. Spent most of the time on the beach, but yeah, it’s a great place to visit especially if you’re with kids or single. Straw market is little bit expensive but good souvenirs. We spent 5 days, felt like too long and too quick at the same time. I followed this itinerary https://flibzo.com/i-spent-5-incredible-days-in-nassau-bahamas-heres-my-itinerary/ but your list is better as it missed couple of things