Nassau Cruise Port Guide

Where ships dock and getting to town

Ships tie up at Prince George Wharf on the downtown waterfront. You leave through Festival Place, the welcome center, which has tourist information, restrooms and souvenir stalls. Bay Street, the main shopping street, is just a few minutes beyond it.

Regulated taxis line up outside Festival Place. Fares are set by the government and aren't metered, so agree on the fare before you leave. Water taxis to Paradise Island leave from near the wharf. Local jitney buses also run west along the coast toward Cable Beach.

Top things to do

Historic downtown on foot

• Parliament Square: a group of pink colonial-era government buildings a short walk from the wharf.
• Queen's Staircase: a staircase cut by hand into limestone in the late 1700s and later named for Queen Victoria. It's a shaded, uphill walk of about 15 minutes from the port.
• Fort Fincastle: a small 18th-century fort at the top of the staircase with views over the town and harbor.
• Pirates of Nassau Museum: an interactive, family-friendly museum about the city's pirate history, close to Bay Street.
• The Straw Market: stalls of handwoven bags, hats, carvings and souvenirs. Friendly bargaining is normal.

Paradise Island

Just across the harbor, Paradise Island is home to the Atlantis resort, whose aquarium and water park are offered as day passes or ship excursions. The island also has lovely public beaches. Cabbage Beach is long and beautiful, but the surf can be rough.

Rum, chocolate and gardens

Small rum distillery tours and chocolate shops are close to downtown. Ardastra Gardens, west of town, is known for its marching flamingos, the national bird of The Bahamas.

Beaches and excursion ideas

• Junkanoo Beach is the closest beach, a 10–15 minute walk west of the wharf. It's lively, with beach bars and chair rentals.
• Cable Beach, a few miles west, is quieter and lined with resorts. It's reachable by taxi or jitney.
• Snorkel and boat trips go to nearby reefs and small cays. Some excursions visit the famous swimming pigs on outer islands, which usually takes a full day with a flight or fast boat.
• Resort day passes are good for families who want pools, slides and food in one place.

Food to try

Conch is the signature ingredient, served as fritters, cracked (fried) conch or fresh conch salad with citrus, peppers and onion. Arawak Cay, known as the Fish Fry and a short taxi or longish walk west of downtown, is a strip of colorful local seafood shacks. Also try johnnycake, peas 'n' rice, guava duff for dessert and a Bahama Mama or a cold local Kalik beer.

Practical tips

• Currency: the Bahamian dollar is pegged one-to-one with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere. You may get Bahamian change.
• Walkability: excellent for downtown sights. Wear real walking shoes for the staircase.
• All-aboard: ships usually ask you to be back 30–60 minutes before departure. Leave extra time if you're crossing to Paradise Island.
• Safety: stay on busy, well-traveled streets, keep valuables close and use official taxis. Check your government's current travel advisory before you go.
• Driving is on the left if you're crossing streets or renting.

Best time to visit

Nassau is a year-round port. Winter and spring, roughly December to April, are drier and milder, which makes them ideal for walking tours. Summer is hot, humid and great for the water. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, so travel insurance and flexible plans are worth considering for late-summer and fall sailings.

Docking, transport and attraction details change. Check your cruise line's port information and the ship's daily planner before you go ashore.

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