Cruises to Nassau
Nassau — the sun-drenched capital of The Bahamas and the busiest cruise port of call in the entire Caribbean. The city sits on the small island of New Providence, adrift in the turquoise waters of the Atlantic just 180 miles (290 km) from the coast of Florida. Here, the pastel colonial facades of Bay Street stand shoulder to shoulder with the towers of the Atlantis resort, and the spirit of the 18th-century pirate republic blends seamlessly into the rhythm of a modern tropical city. Powder-white sand, emerald lagoons and the best shopping in the Caribbean have made New Providence the main gateway to The Bahamas for travelers from around the world.
For a cruise passenger, Nassau is above all an ideal port of call: ships arrive here daily after sailing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral or Port Everglades, bringing passengers ashore for a few hours among forts, beaches and coral reefs. In 2025 Nassau Cruise Port welcomed a record 6.1 million cruise passengers — up 7% year-on-year, with the number of ship calls rising to nearly 1,600. That made Nassau not just the most-visited cruise port in the Caribbean, but one of the busiest cruise terminals on Earth. 🚢
📋 Before you set sail on a cruise to Nassau, or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
🇧🇸 Country: The Bahamas (Commonwealth of The Bahamas)
📍 Island: New Providence
👥 Population: about 296,500 residents (2022 census), nearly 74% of the country's total population
📐 Island area: 80 sq mi (207 km²)
🗣️ Language: English (official); Bahamian Creole is widely spoken informally
💵 Currency: Bahamian dollar, BSD (pegged 1:1 to the US dollar; USD is accepted everywhere)
🕐 Time zone: EST (UTC-5), EDT (UTC-4) in summer — the same as US East Coast time
☀️ Climate: tropical, with a mild, dry winter (77–81 °F / 25–27 °C) and a hot, humid summer (86–90 °F / 30–32 °C); hurricane season runs from June through November
✈️ Nearest airport: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) — about 10 miles (16 km) from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Nassau Cruise Port (Prince George Wharf)
🗺️ Berthing line length: 7,316 ft (2,230 m) across 6 berths
🏛️ The history of Nassau — from pirate republic to the Caribbean's busiest port of call
⏳ More than 350 years of turbulent history
Nassau's history began in 1670, when English settlers founded a small settlement called Charles Town on the shore of New Providence. Long before their arrival, the island was home to Lucayan people, related to the Taino, who called this land “Nema” — “middle water.” In 1684 Charles Town was burned to the ground by a Spanish-French fleet, and when the settlement was rebuilt in 1695, Governor Nicholas Trott gave it a new name — Nassau, in honor of Prince William of Orange-Nassau, who by then was already reigning over England as King William III.
An even more dramatic chapter followed: in the early 18th century Nassau turned into a genuine “pirate republic.” By around 1713 more than 1,000 pirates had settled here — twice the number of law-abiding residents. The town was ruled by the likes of Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and John Rackham, nicknamed “Calico Jack,” alongside the female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. The pirate Thomas Barrow even declared himself “Governor of New Providence” on his own authority. Order was finally restored in 1718 by royal governor Woodes Rogers, who offered the pirates a pardon in exchange for giving up their trade. The motto of his mission — “Expulsis Piratis Restituta Commercia” (“Piracy Expelled, Commerce Restored”) — later became the official motto on the coat of arms of The Bahamas.
⚔️ From Loyalist colony to independent nation
In 1783, after Britain's defeat in the American Revolution, thousands of Loyalists arrived in Nassau together with their enslaved people, establishing cotton plantations on the island and significantly reshaping its population. In 1834, with the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, thousands of freed people became the foundation of the modern Bahamian nation. In the early 20th century, during American Prohibition, Nassau turned into a smuggling hub — warehouses along Bay Street were stacked with rum bound for Florida via bootleggers' boats. During World War II, the Governor of The Bahamas was none other than the former King of the United Kingdom, Edward, Duke of Windsor.
On July 10, 1973, The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom, remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The second half of the 20th century and the early 21st century turned New Providence into the region's tourism and offshore-finance capital: the Atlantis mega-resort opened on Paradise Island in 1994, followed by the Baha Mar resort complex in 2017. Today tourism, and cruising in particular, remains the backbone of the country's economy.
⚓ Nassau Cruise Port — the gateway to The Bahamas
📊 Scale and layout of the port
The modern Nassau Cruise Port sits right in the heart of the city, at Prince George Wharf, just a few minutes' walk from Bay Street. In 2019 the Government of The Bahamas granted a 25-year concession to operate the port to a consortium led by Global Ports Holding, together with the Bahamas Investment Fund (representing more than 3,500 Bahamian shareholders) and the Yes Foundation. From June 2021 to May 2023 the port underwent a major redevelopment costing about USD 300 million, and the official reopening of the revamped terminal took place on May 26, 2023.
Today the port has 6 berths with a total berthing line of 7,316 ft (2,230 m), two new marinas for water excursions, a covered arrivals terminal, more than 60 retail outlets, the Port Marketplace featuring authentic Bahamian craft goods, a 3,000-seat amphitheater, and the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo. ✨
🚢 How many ships the port can host
Following its redevelopment, Nassau Cruise Port can welcome up to six large cruise ships simultaneously, including three Oasis- or Icon-class vessels at once. Maximum daily throughput has risen from roughly 20,000 to about 33,000 passengers. The record was set on June 8, 2026, when the port welcomed 33,254 cruise passengers from six ships in a single day — among them Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Caribbean Princess, and Disney Fantasy.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Nassau
Nassau Cruise Port receives ships from virtually every leading cruise brand in the world: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Virgin Voyages, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. That makes Nassau an essential stop on virtually every Bahamas and Caribbean cruise itinerary. 🌍
💡 Fun facts about Nassau and its port
A few lesser-known details make getting to know the island even more rewarding:
🏴☠️ New Providence is the only island in the world that was once home to an official “pirate republic.” Between 1713 and 1718 the town was effectively run by pirate chiefs rather than royal officials.
🦩 Although New Providence covers only about 1.5% of The Bahamas' land area, it is home to nearly three-quarters of the country's entire population.
🏛️ The motto on the coat of arms of The Bahamas — “Expulsis Piratis Restituta Commercia” — is a direct reference to Governor Woodes Rogers' campaign against the pirates of Nassau in 1718.
🎭 The annual Junkanoo festival, held in Nassau on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day, traces its roots to the traditions of 18th-century enslaved Africans and remains the country's most vibrant cultural event.
🌉 Paradise Island, home to the Atlantis resort, was known as Hog Island until the 1960s and is connected to Nassau by two bridges.
🎬 Nassau and its surrounding waters have appeared in several James Bond films, most notably Thunderball (1965).
🏰 Fort Charlotte (1788) is the largest fort in The Bahamas, named after the wife of King George III, yet it never fired a shot in anger throughout its history.
⚓ Nassau Cruise Port has broken its single-day passenger record twice in recent years — in March 2025 (30,538 passengers) and in June 2026 (33,254 passengers) — each time confirming its status as the busiest port of call in the Caribbean.
📍 Nassau's must-see highlights for cruise passengers
A cruise ship's stay in Nassau typically lasts between 6 and 10 hours, so it pays to plan your route in advance. A detailed list with photos, addresses, and opening hours is available in the “Highlights and Attractions” section; below is a brief overview of the landmarks that define the island.
🪜 The Queen's Staircase — 65 steps carved by enslaved laborers out of solid limestone in the late 18th century, leading up to Fort Fincastle.
🏰 Fort Fincastle — a fortress shaped like a ship's bow, perched on a hill above the city with the best view over the port and Paradise Island.
🏛️ Fort Charlotte — the country's largest fort, with underground tunnels and cannons overlooking the harbor.
🛍️ Bay Street and the Straw Market — Nassau's main shopping street and The Bahamas' oldest craft market, right at the port's doorstep.
🎉 The Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo and the Pirates of Nassau Museum — an immersion into the island's carnival culture and pirate history.
🏊 Paradise Island and the Atlantis resort — a mega-resort with a water park, underwater aquarium, and casino, linked to the port by two bridges.
🏝️ Blue Lagoon Island — a private island a 10-minute ferry ride away, known for its beaches and dolphin encounters.
🦩 Ardastra Gardens — a tropical zoo famous for its marching flamingo parade, the national symbol of The Bahamas.
✨ Why include Nassau in your cruise itinerary
Nassau is a rare example of a port of call where every minute ashore adds to the traveler's experience.
First, there's its proximity to the US: most Caribbean and Bahamas cruises depart from Florida, so the sailing time to Nassau is just 12–18 hours. 🌊
Second, there's an incredible concentration of experiences packed into a small area: a pirate fortress, colonial architecture, the best shopping in the Caribbean, and powder-white beaches — all within 10–15 minutes of the gangway. 🏖️
Third, Nassau is a great launch point for combined itineraries: from here it's easy to pair a visit to the island with day trips to private islands such as Blue Lagoon Island or Perfect Day at CocoCay. 🏝️
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the ideal Bahamas or Caribbean cruise with a call at Nassau, take care of the details of your flight connection through Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and offer exclusive rates from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Nassau
Nassau sits on the island of New Providence, and its cruise terminal isn't tucked away on the outskirts — it's right in the heart of the Bahamian capital. Nassau Cruise Port on Prince George Wharf is just a few minutes' walk from Bay Street, the main shopping street, which makes the logistics here far simpler than in most major ports worldwide. Still, there are a few things to know: the island's only airport follows the British tradition of driving on the left, official taxis have no meters, and a few routes are worth planning ahead of time. Below is a step-by-step, fact-checked guide with every transfer option, current prices, and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯
📍 Where exactly is the Nassau cruise port
The cruise terminal is officially called Nassau Cruise Port and sits on Prince George Wharf — practically in the center of the capital, on the island of New Providence. The complex has six main berths capable of accommodating the world's largest cruise ships at once — on peak days the port handles up to six ships in a single day. Berths 1–4 line the main pier closer to downtown, while berths 5–6 sit a little farther east.
The main passenger hub is the modern Festival Place terminal, built as part of a major port redevelopment worth roughly 300 million USD. It houses customs, shops, cafes, and a desk for tours and transportation.
📌 GPS address: #1 Prince George Wharf, Nassau, The Bahamas
🚶 Distance to downtown: about 400 meters (0.25 miles), a 5–8-minute walk to Bay Street
❗ Important: your ship's exact berth is always listed on your cruise voucher. On busy days several ships from different lines can be docked at once — double-check your berth number and ship name before hopping into a taxi or shore-excursion bus.
✈️ From Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) to the cruise terminal
Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) sits roughly 16 kilometers (about 10 miles) from the cruise port — it's the island's only full-scale gateway, receiving flights from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere in the Caribbean. The drive to the port takes 20 to 30 minutes.
🚕 Taxi — the most common option
Official Bahamian taxis are licensed, carry yellow license plates marked “TN,” and line up right outside the arrivals hall.
• Travel time: 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic
• Fare to the cruise port (as of 2026): around 36–42 USD per vehicle (rate based on 1–2 passengers)
• Extra passengers: a 5 USD surcharge per person beyond two
• Luggage: one suitcase and one carry-on per passenger are included; each extra piece costs 2.20 USD, and oversized items (golf bags, boxes) cost an extra 3.30 USD
• Payment: cash, though most cars also accept cards
⚠️ Important: Bahamian taxis don't use meters — fares are set by government-regulated zones, but always agree on the price with the driver before you get in.
🚐 Private transfer — a comfortable, fixed-price option
Book at least 24 hours ahead; a driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and wait up to an hour after your flight lands.
• Sedan (1–3 passengers): from 45 USD one way
• Minivan (1–6 passengers): from 76 USD
• SUV (1–7 passengers): from 83 USD
• Large minivan/minibus (1–12 passengers): from 115 USD
• Advantages: a fixed price that includes tolls and tip, an English-speaking driver, and no waiting in the taxi line
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — just share your flight number when booking your cruise.
🚌 Jitney (local minibus) — the budget option
Local jitneys are the cheapest way into town, though they run without a fixed schedule and aren't practical with large suitcases.
• Route: Route 10 runs along Bay Street and continues into downtown, passing the cruise port
• Fare: 1.25–3.50 USD depending on the route, paid in exact cash to the driver
• Note: jitneys have no fixed timetable — you flag them down at the roadside, and they can get crowded at peak times
⚠️ Not recommended for first-time visitors traveling with heavy luggage — a taxi or private transfer is more reliable.
🚙 Renting a car at the airport
International rental brands such as Avis, Hertz, and Budget, along with several local providers, operate both at the airport and downtown.
❗ Important: The Bahamas follows the British tradition of driving on the left, with the steering wheel on the right-hand side of the car — worth keeping in mind if you plan to drive yourself to the port.
🏙️ From downtown Nassau and Paradise Island to the cruise terminal
If you've spent a night or a few days at a hotel in Nassau or on nearby Paradise Island, there are several ways to reach the port:
🚕 Taxi from your hotel — 10–24 USD depending on the area (for example, 18–24 USD from Cable Beach, or 15–20 USD from Paradise Island hotels, including the 1 USD bridge toll). Fast (10–20 minutes) and convenient with luggage.
🚶 On foot from Bay Street — the shortest option if you're staying downtown:
• Distance: about 400 meters (roughly a quarter mile) from the main shopping street
• Time: 5–8 minutes
• The route runs along the straight streets of the historic city center
⛴️ Water taxi from Paradise Island — a scenic alternative for those staying on Paradise Island:
• Price: about 6 USD per person one way
• Travel time: about 10 minutes across Nassau Harbour
• Frequency: every 15–20 minutes; the dock is located right by Prince George Wharf
• Hours: roughly from 9:00 a.m. until 30–60 minutes before the day's last ship departure
• Payment: cash only
🚌 Jitney (local minibus) Route 10 — runs along Bay Street from Cable Beach through downtown to the port, fare 1.25–3.50 USD.
🚗 By your own car — parking near the port (and car rental)
There is no dedicated visitor parking on the grounds of Nassau Cruise Port itself — the port officially states that public parking isn't available on-site. A few nearby alternatives do exist, however:
🅿️ The Pointe Parking Garage — a multi-story garage just a few minutes' walk from the port:
• Address: W Bay Street, Nassau
• Approximate rate: around 4 USD for the first hour, 3 USD for each additional hour (rates are worth confirming right before your trip, as they can change)
• Capacity: about 900 parking spaces across seven floors, with on-site security
🅿️ Public parking on Elizabeth Avenue — another option near downtown, closer to the eastern end of the waterfront.
🅿️ Triple B Parking — a lot on East Street, also within walking distance of the port.
🚙 Car rental: Avis, Hertz, Budget, and several local companies operate downtown and at the airport.
❗ Important: The Bahamas drives on the left (steering wheel on the right) — a significant difference from mainland North America and Europe, so drivers should stay especially alert during their first hours behind the wheel.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The Festival Place terminal was designed with accessibility in mind:
✅ Ramps, wide doorways, and level flooring throughout the terminal
✅ Terminal staff assist with luggage and escort services
✅ A wheelchair for getting around the port grounds can be requested in advance through your cruise line
✅ For individual needs or extra assistance, it's best to contact the port administration directly ahead of time
📞 Port contact for accessibility requests: info@nassaucruiseport.com, +1 242 603 1870
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Nassau functions mainly as a port of call rather than an embarkation port — most large ships stop here for a few hours as part of a longer Caribbean cruise, rather than starting or ending their voyage in Nassau. So the golden rule for passengers is simply to be back on board before the “all aboard” deadline.
🕐 Standard boarding deadline: typically 60–90 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure time — the exact time is always printed on your Ship Card or in the day's onboard bulletin.
🕐 Buffer-time tip: plan to be back at the pier at least 90 minutes before departure, especially if you're returning from a distant excursion or taking the water taxi back from Paradise Island.
❗ Important: the ship will not wait for latecomers — catching up with it at the next port is entirely at your own expense and effort. Every Four Gates Group voucher includes the exact departure time for your specific cruise.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Years of arranging Caribbean cruises have taught our specialists a few tricks that save time, money, and nerves in Nassau:
💵 Carry small US dollar bills. The US dollar is effectively the Bahamas' second currency (pegged 1:1 to the Bahamian dollar) and is accepted everywhere, while change is often given in local currency.
🤝 Always agree on the fare with your taxi driver up front. Bahamian taxis don't use meters, and while fares are government-regulated, drivers don't always volunteer that information to tourists.
🚫 Uber doesn't operate in Nassau. Only local pre-booking taxi apps are available — head to the taxi stand right at the port, or arrange a transfer in advance.
🚗 Remember to drive on the left if you rent a car — it's the most common source of confusion for visitors during their first minutes behind the wheel.
🏝️ Spending the whole day on Paradise Island? Factor in the round-trip water taxi (about 10 minutes each way, plus waiting time) and head back with a comfortable margin — it's easy to lose track of time on the beach or at the casino.
🧴 Sun protection is a year-round must. The Bahamian sun stays strong even in the “cooler” months — keep a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with you at all times.
📱 Download an offline map of downtown Nassau. Mobile coverage in some areas of the port and city center can be unreliable on days when several ships are in port at once.
📞 Nassau cruise terminal contacts
Nassau Cruise Port (general information): +1 242 603 1870
Bahamas Taxicab Union (airport dispatch): +1 242 323 5818
Bahamas emergency services (police, ambulance, fire): 911 or 919
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
Getting around on a Nassau cruise day is far simpler than at most major cruise ports worldwide — the terminal sits right in the heart of the capital, and the top sights are just a few minutes' walk away. The key is to agree on taxi fares in advance, keep some cash US dollars on hand for small expenses, and never lose sight of the all-aboard deadline. The Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients through every stage of the trip — from choosing the best flight to arranging a private transfer with a name sign waiting in the arrivals hall. Reach out to your manager, and your day in Nassau will go off without a hitch. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Nassau Landmarks and Attractions: The Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Nassau — the capital of the Bahamas and one of the most recognizable faces of the Caribbean: turquoise water, pastel-coloured colonial architecture, straw hats on Bay Street, and the aroma of rum straight from the barrel. The city is designated a UNESCO Creative City for crafts and folk art — one of only three Caribbean cities to hold this honour. For a cruise passenger with 8–9 hours in port, the key is splitting your time wisely between the historic centre by the pier and the resort islands nearby. Below is a verified guide to the key landmarks, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and exact directions from Prince George Wharf cruise port to every attraction. 🎯
⛓️ 1. Queen's Staircase & Fort Fincastle
💡 Interesting facts:
The Queen's Staircase is one of Nassau's most photographed landmarks: 66 steps hand-carved straight out of solid limestone rock (the bottom step is now hidden beneath a layer of asphalt, leaving 65 visible today). The staircase was named to honour Queen Victoria's 64-year reign. At the top stands Fort Fincastle — a small fortress shaped like a ship's bow — beside which rises The Water Tower, 125 feet (38 m) tall, built in 1928 to maintain water pressure on the island. It's the highest point in Nassau, offering panoramic views of the harbour and Paradise Island. 🏯
🔹 The fort was shaped like a ship's bow by design, to “cut through” a seaborne line of attack.
🔹 The staircase was carved so soldiers could rush down from the fort to the town quickly in case of alarm.
🔹 The Water Tower's interior is now closed to visitors, but the tower itself and the fort's lookout point remain open.
📜 History:
The steps were carved in 1793–1794 by enslaved workers on the orders of the British colonial administration, meant to link Fort Fincastle to the town centre for a quick deployment of the garrison. Fort Fincastle itself was built in 1793 on the orders of Lord Dunmore to defend Nassau harbour from pirate and foreign raids, though it never saw a single battle — its cannons were never fired in combat.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes uphill from Prince George Wharf — the climb is fairly steep, so bring water
• Taxi: 5–7 minutes, approximately 8–10 USD
• Address: Elizabeth Avenue, Nassau
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Viewing the staircase from outside: free, open 24 hours
• Fort Fincastle: admission approximately 5 USD, daily 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
⚠️ Tip: there are noticeably fewer tour groups here early in the morning — head up right after your ship arrives.
🏰 2. Fort Charlotte
💡 Interesting facts:
Fort Charlotte is the largest of New Providence's three forts, spanning roughly 100 acres (40 hectares). The complex features a moat, underground tunnels, dungeons, and 42 cannons — and, like Fort Fincastle, it was never used in battle. Its ramparts offer one of the best views of Nassau harbour and Paradise Island. 🌊
🔹 The complex also includes the Fort Stanley bastion and the western Fort D'Arcy section, added later.
🔹 On Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m., costumed re-enactors stage a living-history demonstration, with a ceremonial cannon firing at noon.
📜 History:
The fort was built in 1788 on the orders of British Governor Lord Dunmore, and named after King George III's wife, Queen Charlotte. Together with Forts Fincastle and Montagu, it was meant to defend Nassau from pirates and from Spanish and French fleets, during a period when control of the Bahamas repeatedly changed hands.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• Taxi: 10–15 minutes, approximately 12–16 USD (Nassau taxis run on a zone system with no meter — agree on the fare before you get in)
• Jitney bus: routes heading toward West Bay Street, roughly 1.25 USD
• Address: West Bay Street, about 1 mile (1.6 km) west of downtown
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Adults: 5 USD
• Children under 12: 2 USD
• Seniors 65+: 3 USD
• Opening hours: daily 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
🏴☠️ 3. Pirates of Nassau Museum
💡 Interesting facts:
This interactive museum right in downtown Nassau immerses visitors in the “Golden Age of Piracy” — the years 1703–1718, when Nassau was in effect an unofficial “pirate republic.” According to the then-governor of Bermuda, the town's population of only a few hundred was at times outnumbered by over a thousand pirates, including Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read. 🏴☠️
🔹 The self-guided visit takes about 30 minutes and features sound-and-light recreations of boarding battles, a full-scale pirate ship replica, and displays on tools of punishment — including marooning on a desert island.
🔹 Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
📜 History:
Nassau's pirate free-for-all ended in 1718, when the newly appointed royal governor, Captain Woodes Rogers, arrived on the island with a royal pardon for any pirate willing to lay down arms, and firmly crushed the resistance of those who refused. This clash between the pirates and the Crown forms the backbone of the museum's exhibits.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• On foot: 5–7 minutes from the pier, at the corner of King Street and George Street
• Taxi: 3–5 minutes, approximately 6–8 USD
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Admission price — please check the official website or on-site, as pricing changes periodically
⚠️ Tip: no advance booking is needed — the museum takes walk-in visitors all day, with no queue.
🧺 4. Straw Market
💡 Interesting facts:
The Straw Market on Bay Street is one of the largest woven-goods markets in the world, home to hundreds of local craftswomen under one roof. You'll find woven hats, bags, mats, dolls, conch-shell jewellery, and wood carvings — haggling is standard practice here, so don't be shy about negotiating the price. 🛍️
🔹 The tradition of straw plaiting (using palm leaves) predates the Bahamas' tourism era — baskets and fish traps were once woven for everyday use.
🔹 After World War II, growing numbers of North American visitors turned the craft into a full-blown industry.
🔹 The market accepts both US dollars and Bahamian dollars, at a 1:1 exchange rate.
📜 History:
The market's current building dates to the 1940s, a natural extension of a centuries-old plaiting tradition carried on by generations of Bahamian women. Today the Straw Market is more than a shopping stop — it's a living symbol of Nassau's craft heritage, recognized by UNESCO.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• On foot: 3–5 minutes — the market sits almost directly across from the pier exit
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Admission: free
• Opening hours: daily, roughly 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (may vary by season and by how many ships are in port)
🏖️ 5. Junkanoo Beach
💡 Interesting facts:
Junkanoo Beach is Nassau's only downtown beach within walking distance of the centre, also known as Western Esplanade. White sand, warm turquoise water, and beachfront lounge bars make it a favourite with tourists and locals alike. 🏝️
🔹 On Saturdays, local communities hold cookouts and fundraising events right on the beach.
🔹 Sun-lounger rentals, horse and pony rides, and water sports are all available on site.
🔹 The beach takes its name from Junkanoo, the Bahamas' vibrant carnival of colourful costumes, drumming, and street parades, held every year in Nassau on 26 December and 1 January.
📜 History:
This stretch of coastline west of the pier was traditionally used by the local community for recreation and celebrations, and as cruise tourism grew it developed into a proper beach with bars and services for visitors, while keeping its status as a “people's beach.”
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes west along the waterfront from Prince George Wharf
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Beach access: free, open 24 hours
• Sun-lounger/umbrella rental: roughly 10–15 USD per day
🦩 6. Ardastra Gardens & Zoo
💡 Interesting facts:
Ardastra's biggest stars are its world-famous pink flamingos, trained to march in formation on a keeper's command. The flamingo is the Bahamas' national symbol, and this is the place to see the famous show live. 🦩
🔹 The marching flamingo show runs three times a day: 10:30 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
🔹 More than 200 species of animals, birds, and reptiles live across the four-acre (1.6-hectare) tropical grounds.
🔹 Every day at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. visitors can hand-feed the colourful lory parrots.
📜 History:
Ardastra Gardens and Zoo opened on the grounds of a former private estate and gradually grew into a conservation centre focused on protecting native species, notably the Caribbean flamingo, which was itself under threat of extinction in the Bahamas as late as the 20th century.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• Taxi: 10–12 minutes, approximately 12–16 USD. Address: Chippingham Road, Nassau
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Adults: 16 USD
• Children: 8 USD
• Children under 3: free
• Opening hours: daily 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:00 p.m.), closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day
🌊 7. Atlantis Paradise Island
💡 Interesting facts:
Atlantis is a 141-acre (57-hectare) mega-resort with its own Aquaventure water park, combining water slides, a 1-mile (1.6 km) lazy river, 11 pools, and the half-mile Paradise Beach. The park's signature attraction is the “Leap of Faith” slide, with a near-vertical drop through a shark-filled aquarium. 🦈
🔹 The Dig, an oceanographic exhibit, showcases over 50,000 sea creatures amid the ruins of a “sunken Atlantis.”
🔹 The resort stands on the site of the former Paradise Island Resort hotel, and over the years has become one of the Caribbean's most recognizable silhouettes thanks to the Royal Towers arch.
📜 History:
The current Atlantis complex opened in 1998, built on the site of earlier hotel properties on Paradise Island, and quickly became the Bahamas' flagship resort brand. The island itself, once known as Hog Island, was renamed specifically to support its tourism development.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• Water taxi: 5-minute walk to Woodes Rogers Wharf → ferry to Paradise Island (departures roughly every 30 minutes, 6 USD one way) → 10-minute walk to Atlantis. Total time 20–30 minutes
• Taxi: 10 minutes across the Paradise Island Bridge, approximately 20 USD per car (better value for groups of 3+)
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Aquaventure day pass (adults): approximately 170 USD
• Children 4–12: approximately 120–130 USD
• Opening hours: typically from 9:00 a.m.
⚠️ Tip: booking online in advance gets you a lower price than buying at the gate, and protects you from day passes selling out on peak days.
🐬 8. Blue Lagoon Island
💡 Interesting facts:
This private islet, three nautical miles (5.5 km) from Nassau, is known for its powder-white beaches, dolphin encounters, and calm coves of clear, shallow water — a popular choice for families with children. 🐬
🔹 The island has several separate beach areas, hammocks, sun loungers, and dedicated snorkelling zones.
🔹 Dolphin and sea lion programmes run under the supervision of professional trainers in marine enclosures.
📜 History:
The island, also known as Salt Cay, was developed into a tourist resort offering marine-mammal encounter programmes, while keeping its natural lagoon and mangroves largely untouched.
🚢 Getting there from the port:
• By ferry, departing directly from Prince George Wharf — the crossing takes about 25 minutes
💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Beach day (no dolphins): from 75 USD
• With a dolphin encounter: from 130 USD
• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., last ferry off the island around 5:00 p.m.
🎨 9. Other attractions worth a visit
• 🏛️ Government House (East Hill Street) — an 18th-century pink building, the official residence of the Bahamas' Governor-General. On the second Saturday of every month at 11:00 a.m., a Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place here, featuring the Royal Bahamas Police Force band — about 30 minutes, free admission.
• 🖼️ National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) (West Street and West Hill Street) — a collection of Bahamian art housed in the historic Villa Doyle. Tue–Sat 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sun 12:00–5:00 p.m., closed Mondays; admission by suggested donation.
• 🥃 John Watling's Distillery (Buena Vista Estate) — a free tour with a complimentary rum sample daily 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; the premium tasting (6 rums, plus a certificate) costs roughly 80 USD.
• 🗼 The Water Tower — a 125-foot (38 m) tower next to Fort Fincastle, the highest point on the island; the interior is currently closed to the public, but the exterior view and panorama are free.
• 🏖️ Cable Beach — a resort district west of downtown with hotels, casinos, and a long stretch of beach; a taxi from the port costs roughly 18–24 USD.
• 🌴 Clifton Heritage National Park — a protected area with an underwater archaeological park, walking trails, and the Ocean Atlas sculptures; a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.
• ⛵ Rose Island — a less-touristy neighbouring island for a beach day, reachable only by boat or as part of a tour.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Nassau Itineraries for an 8–9-Hour Port Day
A cruise call in Nassau typically lasts 8–9 hours — ships generally arrive between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and depart between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Realistically, you can fit in 3–5 stops with the right plan. Below are three options depending on your budget and preferences.
🥉 Itinerary #1. Budget — up to 20 USD per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 15–20 USD + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave Prince George Wharf
Walk to the Straw Market.
🕘 9:10–9:50 a.m. — Straw Market
Free browsing, souvenir shopping, and haggling with the vendors.
🕙 10:00–10:30 a.m. — Pirates of Nassau Museum
Self-guided visit (about 30 minutes), diving into the history of the “pirate republic.”
🕥 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Queen's Staircase & Fort Fincastle
Climb the staircase (10–15 minutes uphill on foot), tour the fort (5 USD), and take in the harbour panorama from the Water Tower.
🕛 12:15–1:15 p.m. — Lunch downtown or at Arawak Cay (the “Fish Fry”)
Local fare — fried fish, conch — roughly 12–18 USD.
🕐 1:15–3:30 p.m. — Junkanoo Beach
10–15 minutes on foot, swimming and relaxing on the town beach, with a lounger rental if you like.
🕞 3:30–4:00 p.m. — Head back to the port
On foot along the waterfront.
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Fort Fincastle: 5 USD
• Lunch: 12–18 USD
• Buffer (souvenirs, drinks): 5–10 USD
💸 TOTAL: approximately 22–33 USD per person
🥈 Itinerary #2. Optimal — 85–110 USD per person
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 90 USD + food
🕗 8:30 a.m. — Leave the port for Woodes Rogers Wharf
A 5-minute walk, then board the ferry to Blue Lagoon Island.
🕘 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Blue Lagoon Island
Beach day (75 USD): swimming, sun loungers, and a dolphin encounter if you'd like to add one (extra charge).
🕐 1:15 p.m. — Ferry back to Nassau
🕜 1:45–2:30 p.m. — Lunch downtown
Roughly 15–20 USD for a main course and a drink.
🕝 2:30–3:15 p.m. — Straw Market and Bay Street
Shopping and a stroll down the historic street.
🕞 3:15–4:00 p.m. — Queen's Staircase & Fort Fincastle
A quick climb up, photos from the panoramic lookout.
🕟 4:00–4:30 p.m. — Head back to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip ferry to Blue Lagoon Island: typically included in the island package
• Blue Lagoon Island beach day: 75 USD
• Lunch: 15–20 USD
• Fort Fincastle: 5 USD
💸 TOTAL: approximately 95–100 USD per person
💡 Swapping Blue Lagoon Island for the Aquaventure water park at Atlantis raises the budget to roughly 190–200 USD, but adds the slides and The Dig oceanographic exhibit.
🥇 Itinerary #3. Premium — a private tour from 300 USD per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 300–400 USD + admission tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ A private driver with a name sign meeting you right at the gangway
• ✅ A comfortable car or minivan for the full day
• ✅ A professional, licensed English-speaking guide
• ✅ Skip-the-line tickets to every stop on the itinerary
• ✅ A private boat or VIP transfer to the islands, if desired
• ✅ A flexible route we can adjust on the fly
You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us directly however is most convenient for you:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕗 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 9:00–10:30 a.m. — Fort Charlotte with a guide
A private tour of the fortress, plus — schedule permitting — the historic re-enactment with a cannon firing.
🕥 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Ardastra Gardens
A private viewing of the marching flamingo show, crowd-free, plus feeding the lory parrots.
🕛 12:15–1:30 p.m. — Seafood lunch on the waterfront
For example, a restaurant at Arawak Cay or downtown — roughly 30 USD and up per person.
🕜 1:45–4:30 p.m. — Aquaventure at Atlantis (VIP entry)
A private transfer across the bridge to Paradise Island, a skip-the-line day pass, and access to the slides and Paradise Beach.
🕟 4:45–5:15 p.m. — Rum tasting at John Watling's Distillery
A premium tour with a tasting of six rums and a certificate.
🕠 5:30 p.m. — Head back to the port in a comfortable car
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide and driver with car (9 hrs): from 200 USD
• Skip-the-line ticket to Fort Charlotte: 5 USD
• Ardastra Gardens: 16 USD
• Aquaventure (Atlantis): approximately 170 USD
• Premium rum tasting: 80 USD
• Lunch: from 30 USD
💸 TOTAL: from 300 USD per person (for 2+ people — priced per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Nassau with licensed guides, gangway-to-gangway transfers, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Reach out to your cruise specialist — and your day in Nassau will be planned exactly to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to know before you head into town
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship won't wait — catching up with it at the next port is on your own dime.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card.
💵 Cash and currency: the official currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), which circulates alongside the US dollar (USD) at a fixed 1:1 rate; US dollars are accepted everywhere. Carry 50–100 USD in cash for small expenses (taxis, the market, tips).
👟 What to wear: comfortable shoes, light clothing, and a swimsuit underneath — most itineraries include a beach or the water.
📱 Internet: free Wi-Fi zones are available downtown and near the pier; download an offline map in advance for navigation.
🔐 Safety: stick to the tourist areas (downtown, the waterfront, Cable Beach, Paradise Island); be extra alert in the evening and on side streets, and always agree on a taxi fare before you get in.
☀️ Sun protection: a tropical climate, with summer temperatures reaching +32 °C (90 °F). A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
⚓ Docking: in Nassau, ships typically dock directly at Prince George Wharf — tender landings by launch are rarely used here — but always confirm the exact arrival method on your cruise documents.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the venues concerned.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals