Nassau is one of the easiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. Ships dock at the Nassau Cruise Port on Prince George Wharf, right on the edge of downtown, so you can walk off the ship and be on Bay Street in minutes. Junkanoo Beach, the Straw Market and the Queen’s Staircase are all within walking distance, and Paradise Island and Atlantis are a short taxi or water-taxi ride away. This guide covers what to do near the port, which excursions are worth paying for, and how to get back on time.
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Nassau at a glance
- Where ships dock: Nassau Cruise Port, Prince George Wharf, downtown Nassau. No tender boats.
- Walk to town: Yes. Bay Street and the Straw Market are right outside the terminal.
- Closest beach: Junkanoo Beach, about a 10-minute walk west of the port.
- Currency: Bahamian dollar, pegged one to one with the US dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere.
- Best for: a relaxed beach day, a do-it-yourself walking tour, or a splurge at Atlantis.
Where cruise ships dock in Nassau
All cruise ships in Nassau use the Nassau Cruise Port at Prince George Wharf. The terminal was rebuilt and reopened in 2023 with a new arrivals plaza, shops, restaurants, a Junkanoo museum and an outdoor amphitheater, so there is plenty to do before you even reach town. Up to six ships can dock at once, and on busy days the walk from the far berths to the terminal can take 10 to 15 minutes.
Taxis and tour operators wait at the terminal exit. Fares are set by zone, but always agree the price, and whether it is per person or per car, before you get in.
Things to do within walking distance
- Junkanoo Beach: the closest beach to the ship, free to use, with bars and chair rentals. It can be busy on multi-ship days.
- Bay Street and the Straw Market: Nassau’s main shopping street and its famous craft market, both steps from the terminal.
- Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle: about a 13-minute walk. The 18th-century staircase was carved out of limestone and leads up to the fort and a lookout over the harbor.
- Graycliff: a historic hotel with a cigar factory and chocolatier, about a 12-minute walk uphill.
- John Watling’s Distillery: a rum distillery in a colonial estate, about 15 minutes on foot, mostly uphill.
- Margaritaville Beach Resort: about a 13-minute walk west, with a pool and water park that sell day passes.
Best Nassau shore excursions
You do not need an excursion to enjoy Nassau, but these are the trips cruisers rate most highly. Booking independently is usually cheaper than through the ship. If you do, choose a tour that returns at least an hour before all-aboard.
| Excursion | Time from the ship | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantis, Paradise Island | About 10 minutes by taxi | Water slides, the aquarium and resort pools. Day passes are expensive, but you can visit the casino and marina for free. |
| Blue Lagoon Island or a private beach | Short ferry ride | A quieter beach day, with dolphin and sea lion encounters |
| Snorkeling and swimming pigs | Half-day boat trip | Reefs, sea turtles and the famous swimming pigs near Rose Island |
| Cable Beach and Baha Mar | About 20 minutes by taxi | A longer, calmer beach and a luxury resort day |
| Historic walking or food tour | Starts near the port | Conch fritters, rum cake and colonial history |
Food and drink near the port
Try conch, the Bahamas’ signature dish, as fritters, salad or cracked conch. Arawak Cay, known as the Fish Fry, is a strip of local seafood shacks about 15 minutes west of the port on foot. It is the best place for an authentic lunch. For something cold, look for a Kalik or Sands beer, both brewed in the Bahamas.
Tips for a day in Nassau
- Agree taxi fares first. Confirm the total, and whether it is per person, before you set off.
- Expect vendors. Bay Street and the Straw Market can feel busy. A polite “no, thank you” is enough.
- Leave a buffer. Traffic between Paradise Island and downtown can be slow in the afternoon, so aim to be back an hour before all-aboard.
- Use sunscreen that is reef-safe if you are snorkeling.
If your Bahamas itinerary also includes a private island day, see our guide to Princess Cays vs Half Moon Cay to see how the two resorts now compare.
Many Bahamas and western Caribbean itineraries also call at Key West; our guide to things to do in Key West on a cruise covers where ships dock and what fits into a port day.
Many Bahamas cruises start in Florida; our Fort Lauderdale cruise port guide covers Port Everglades terminals, parking and getting there from the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk from the Nassau cruise port to town?
Yes. The terminal opens straight onto downtown Nassau, with Bay Street and the Straw Market a few minutes’ walk away.
What is the closest beach to the Nassau cruise port?
Junkanoo Beach, about a 10-minute walk west of the terminal. Cable Beach is quieter but needs a taxi.
Can you visit Atlantis without a day pass?
Yes. Non-guests can visit the casino, the marina village and the shops for free. You need a day pass for the water park, pools and beaches.
Do I need Bahamian dollars?
No. The Bahamian dollar is worth the same as the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere. You may get change in Bahamian dollars.
Planning a Bahamas cruise? See this week’s cruise deals, our guide to the best Caribbean cruise ports, and more cruise port guides.
