Nassau, Bahamas, offers a former pirate haven, colonial forts, a local rum distillery and Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island. On days when up to six cruise ships dock in the harbour, the centre fills up fast; the record fell on 8 June 2026, when six ships brought 33,254 passengers in a single day. It pays to check the public ship schedule when planning your itinerary and to hit the historic streets early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
You can visit Paradise Island even without staying at one of its resorts, but entry to the Atlantis water park and aquariums requires an expensive full-day Day Pass. The famous swimming pigs aren’t in Nassau either — they live on Big Major Cay in the Exuma chain. A trip to Big Major Cay takes a whole day, since it means roughly two hours by fast boat, or a flight plus a boat ride. This guide gives you 22 tips on places and experiences, practical advice on transport and weather, and help with planning your trip.
TL;DR
- Getting from the airport: Uber doesn’t operate in the Bahamas. Taxis run from the airport at fixed rates based on your destination zone.
- Cruise ship peaks: When four to six ships are in port, the centre gets crowded. The public ship schedule helps you plan the sights for the morning or late afternoon.
- Paradise Island: Cabbage Beach is public and free. A full-day Day Pass to the Atlantis water park and aquariums costs hundreds of dollars.
- Pig trips: The famous pigs swim in the Exumas, about two hours away by fast boat. The pigs near Rose Island are not part of the famous Exuma colony.
- Fort Fincastle: The fort has been closed for renovation since March 2025. According to 2026 visitors, the Queen’s Staircase is freely accessible.
- Payments: The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. Restaurant bills add 10% VAT plus a frequently automatic 15% gratuity.
- Weather: The least rain falls from December to April. Hurricane season runs from June to the end of November.
The full destination guide: North America — guide and what to see
When to go to Nassau and practical information
Nassau sits on the northern coast of New Providence Island, and the harbour shapes what happens downtown. It pays to plan your trip step by step: sort out your flight and entry requirements first, then arrange transport and money, and leave the cruise ship schedule for the stay itself.
What to check before you go
- Ship schedule: The port website nassaucruiseport.com/schedule lists public arrival times. Check it in advance, because the centre gets busy on days with several ships.
- Fort Fincastle: The fort is closed for renovation. No reopening date has been confirmed.
- US layovers: An ESTA (electronic travel authorisation for the USA) is required even if you only change planes at a US airport.
- Transport: Uber doesn’t operate in the Bahamas. You can use taxis, water taxis and jitneys, the local minibuses.
Weather and when to travel
The island’s year splits into a drier season from December to April and a wetter season from May to October. In January, daytime highs sit around 26 °C and climb to 29 °C by April. Throughout the dry season, night temperatures stay between 18 and 21 °C and it rains on five to seven days a month. April averages 282 hours of sunshine. December to April is also high season, so accommodation is at its most expensive then.
From May, rainfall increases and temperatures rise in summer. The most rain falls in June (220 millimetres, 15 rainy days), while August has the most rainy days (18). In August, daytime highs reach about 33 °C, night temperatures hover around 25 °C, and summer humidity sits near 80%.
Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with the most storms from August to October. Hurricane Melissa hit the central and south-eastern Bahamas in October 2025 but missed Nassau. Many businesses slow down in September, so check what’s open at your hotel and nearby before you go. A pleasant compromise between the dry and wet seasons is November, when daytime highs reach 28 °C and it rains on roughly nine days, even though hurricane season is still running.
Flights and entry requirements
There are no direct flights to Nassau from major European hubs. The only direct connection from Europe is British Airways from London Heathrow, and the flight itself takes about nine and a half hours. Condor serves the destination only with a stopover, and the whole journey with one connection takes roughly 14 to 18 hours. Routing through London means you avoid a US transfer and therefore don’t need an ESTA. If you do change planes in London, check the transit requirements.
If you transfer in the USA, you need an approved ESTA, even if you never leave the airport. If you arrive in the Bahamas from the USA, your time in the Bahamas counts towards the ninety days an ESTA allows. Before flying from Nassau to the USA, you’ll go through US immigration and customs directly at the Bahamian airport.
According to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech citizens can travel to the Bahamas visa-free for up to three months, but the length of stay is set by the immigration officer’s stamp on arrival, so check it straight away. The UK authorities, for example, state a usual stay of only 30 days for their citizens, so the period written in your passport may be shorter than three months. On entry you need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure, a return ticket, proof of sufficient funds and a completed paper immigration card. The Covid-era Bahamas Travel Health Visa that older websites still mention was scrapped in 2022.
A yellow fever vaccination is compulsory only when arriving from selected South American countries and from Panama. If you need help on the ground, the Bahamas falls under the Czech embassy in Havana. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line is +420 222 420 222.
From the airport and around the city
Lynden Pindling International Airport lies in the west of the island, about 13 kilometres from the centre. Neither Uber nor Lyft operates in the Bahamas. At the airport you’ll find taxis with fixed rates by destination zone, set for two passengers. A ride to Cable Beach costs USD 29 (about €25) and to the centre USD 36 (about €31). A transfer to Paradise Island comes to USD 45 (about €39) plus USD 2 (about €2) for the bridge toll. Each additional person costs USD 5 (about €4.50), and a third and any further bag USD 2.20 (about €2). The price list is posted right by the taxi stand — check it before you ride. Taxi drivers usually get a tip of about 15%.
You can also get around the island by jitney, a local minibus that stops when you flag it down. A single ride costs roughly USD 1.50 (about €1.50) and is paid in cash, ideally with the exact amount. Minibuses run from about 6:30 until 18:00 or 19:00. Routes 10 and 12 link the centre with Cable Beach, but jitneys don’t go to Paradise Island. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises caution when using local buses after dark outside tourist areas.
The historic centre is easy to explore on foot. A bridge leads to Paradise Island, which you can cross on foot for free, while cars and taxis pay a toll on entry. Water taxis also run from the harbour to Paradise Island, with a single ride costing roughly USD 5 to 7 (about €4.50 to 6). If you decide to rent a car, expect to drive on the left.
Money and tipping
The Bahamian dollar is pegged one to one to the US dollar. US dollars are accepted without fuss in shops, restaurants and transport. Sellers may hand you Bahamian dollars in change, though, and those are hard to exchange outside the Bahamas, so spend them before you fly home.
Groceries and restaurant meals are expensive. A gallon of milk (about 3.8 litres) costs roughly USD 12 (about €10) and a dozen eggs around USD 8.35 (about €7). Dinner for four adults can run between USD 200 and 300 (about €170 to 260). Restaurants add 10% VAT to the bill, plus often an automatic 15% gratuity, sometimes even 18%. Check the bill carefully before paying so you don’t tip twice. Cash is handy for taxis, jitneys and stalls. The Atlantis resort, by contrast, takes no cash at all and operates cash-free.
Safety
The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently lists no warning for the Bahamas. The US State Department recommends increased caution (level 2 of 4) and refreshed its advice on 28 July 2026, flagging among other things gang violence in residential areas of New Providence. Over-the-Hill is the part of Nassau south of Shirley Street. The US State Department advises extra vigilance there because of gang violence.
The FCDO advises walking in groups after dark, not going into non-tourist areas alone and avoiding unlit places. It also warns about sexual assaults by jet ski operators in Nassau and notes the weak regulation of water sports. Jet ski riders may ignore swimmer buoys too. Only rent jet skis from licensed companies. At Junkanoo parades (a Bahamian street parade in costume at Christmas and New Year, see tip 22), the FCDO warns of theft and pickpocketing.
Electricity, water, time and language
Sockets are US types A and B, at 120 V and 60 Hz, so pack an adapter. Tap water in Nassau is generally not recommended for drinking — buy bottled. The Bahamas is six hours behind Czech time. The official language is English.
Where to stay in Nassau
When choosing accommodation, consider whether you want to be close to the port and attractions, or prefer beaches and resorts. Areas on New Providence island differ in transport, atmosphere and restaurant availability.
Downtown Nassau and the Junkanoo Beach area work well for shorter stays, lower budgets and easy walking access. From here you can reach the port and Bay Street on foot. Arawak Cay, where Fish Fry sits (a strip of stalls and restaurants serving local food), is roughly a 30-minute walk. In the center you’ll find the British Colonial Nassau, which combines history, beach and downtown in one place. Graycliff Hotel sits on a hill above Bay Street in a historic mansion and suits couples, food lovers and history buffs.
Paradise Island lies off the northern shore of New Providence and draws visitors to the Atlantis resort and adjacent Cabbage Beach. The resort fee at The Royal at Atlantis includes entry to the Aquaventure water park and aquariums. A more affordable option with free Aquaventure wristbands is Comfort Suites Paradise Island, and it works well for families who want the water park at a fraction of Atlantis prices. Wristbands are valid from 3 pm on arrival day until 11 am on departure day.
Cable Beach lies west of downtown and offers several kilometers of beach. Here you’ll find the Baha Mar resort with Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, the Baha Bay water park and a casino. On the same beach stands the all-inclusive Breezes Resort Bahamas All Inclusive. It works for couples and friends who want a stay without extra charges, because direct bookings don’t include resort fees or added taxes.
The west side of the island tends to be quieter and suits visitors who want to snorkel from shore or have a car. Near the airport you’ll find smaller hotels and guesthouses. Orange Hill Beach Inn Hotel sits across from the beach and works for quiet stays, lower budgets and first or last nights near the airport, ideally with a car.
Accommodation rates have 10% VAT and additional fees added. Resort fees at The Royal and The Coral at Atlantis run 77 USD (roughly €70) per room per night, while The Cove and The Reef charge 82.50 USD (roughly €75). More details are in the guide Where to stay in Nassau.
💡 Compare what’s currently available on this map — you’ll see immediately how prices change a few blocks away.
22 tips on what to see and do in Nassau
Opening times and prices change, so verify them before your visit.
1. Bay Street and Parliament Square
Bay Street is Nassau’s main avenue and leads into the political and commercial heart of New Providence island. This lively street is lined with brightly colored shops and colonial buildings. Right next to it sits Parliament Square, which you’ll easily recognize by its pink-and-white neoclassical Senate and House of Assembly buildings.
About five minutes’ walk from the port you’ll come across the historic Nassau Public Library & Museum building. This octagonal structure dates from 1797 and originally served as the city jail. The district is picturesque, but its rhythm is set by ships at the port.
On days when four to six cruise ships dock at the piers, Bay Street gets packed with crowds roughly from 9 am to 4 pm. If you want to explore the square in peace and photograph buildings without crowds, head here early in the morning before 9 am or after 4 pm.
💡 Tip: The ship schedule for each day is at nassaucruiseport.com/schedule. Check it the evening before and save downtown for morning or late afternoon. On days with several ships, head instead to Clifton, Love Beach or Jaws Beach.
2. Pompey Museum (slavery and emancipation museum)
A few steps from the waterfront stands the historic stone Vendue House, which bears the heavy past of the archipelago. In the 18th century it served as a marketplace and auction site for enslaved people. Today its rooms house the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation, which commemorates the era of slavery and the path to freedom.
The institution is named after Pompey, an enslaved man who according to tradition led an 1830 rebellion on the Exumas.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and closed on Sundays. Information about Thursday varies: some sources list shortened hours until 1 pm, so verify this before a Thursday visit. Admission for an adult costs approximately 5 to 5.50 USD (roughly €5).
3. Straw Market
The covered Straw Market on Bay Street is where vendors under a roof offer hand-woven straw baskets, hats, bags and souvenirs. The original market was destroyed by fire on September 4, 2001, and traders then spent ten years in makeshift tents. The new 12-million-dollar building opened on December 15, 2011.
Price negotiation is common when shopping. Much of the small merchandise is imported, so search carefully among the stalls for genuine local work. The market is open daily from 7:30 am to 5 pm.
4. Pirates of Nassau
In the eighteenth century Nassau served as a feared pirate haven, and this era is brought to life at the Pirates of Nassau museum on the corner of King Street and George Street. The exhibit covers the city’s history as a pirate base and walks you through a ship replica. The tour takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes and suits families with children.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission costs approximately 14 USD (roughly €12) for an adult and 7 USD (roughly €6) for children aged 4 to 17.
5. Junkanoo Museum at the port
Junkanoo is a traditional Bahamian street parade in costume with music, and the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo is dedicated to it right on Wood Rodgers Wharf pier in the Nassau Cruise Port area. The operator states that the roots of the Junkanoo parade reach back to enslaved African ancestors and the tradition spans over three hundred years. According to the operator, this is the only place in the city where you can experience Junkanoo year-round.
The exhibit includes explanation about this parade, displayed musical instruments and costume pieces. The program also includes a short parade demonstration, called a mini rush-out.
The museum opens daily including public holidays from 8 am to 4 pm, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. The guided Guided Experience program with commentary runs 45 minutes and costs 20 USD (roughly €18) per person. The extended Ultimate Junkanoo Experience takes about an hour, costs 35 USD (roughly €32), and includes a creative part where you make your own piece. A family package for two adults and two children runs 110 USD (roughly €100). Children under three enter free.
6. Queen’s Staircase and closed Fort Fincastle
From the port you can walk roughly 13 minutes or take a taxi about 5 minutes to the limestone Queen’s Staircase, nicknamed the 66 steps. According to 2026 visitors, the staircase is freely accessible and free of charge. Between 1793 and 1794, enslaved laborers carved it by hand from rock and it stands 31 meters high.
Later paving reduced the step count to 64. The late-eighteenth-century staircase received its name only later after Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne in 1837. In April 2024 they also unveiled a completed $200,000 reconstruction here.
Right above the staircase on Bennet’s Hill sits Fort Fincastle from 1793 in the shape of a paddle steamer, which later also served as a lighthouse. The fort and neighboring Water Tower have been closed since March 2025 for reconstruction. The tower restoration costs roughly 3 million dollars. The reopening date is not yet confirmed, so don’t plan a fort visit for now.
7. National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Fans of visual arts should head to the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. The gallery occupies Villa Doyle, a 19th-century mansion on West Hill Street, and exhibits works by Bahamian artists. You’ll find the smaller Doongalik Studios Art Gallery at 20 Village Road, open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The National Gallery opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. The doors remain closed on Mondays and during Bahamian public holidays. Admission for international visitors costs 10 USD (approximately €9), residents pay 7 USD (approximately €6), seniors and students 5 USD (approximately €5), and children under 12 enter free. A 10% VAT is added to online ticket purchases.
8. Graycliff: chocolate factory and cigars
On West Hill Street you’ll come across the historic Graycliff estate. This historic mansion houses a hotel with a restaurant alongside a chocolate factory and cigar manufactory.
Graycliff Chocolatier opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM except December 25 and January 1. The basic Factory Tour lasts about 15 minutes and costs from 10 USD (approximately €9). The longer Art of Chocolate & Factory Tour workshop takes about an hour, costs from 58.95 USD (approximately €50), and children aged four and up can make their own chocolate accompanied by an adult. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
The second part of the estate belongs to the Graycliff Cigar Company workshop, which welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The regular tour of the premises lasts about 20 minutes and costs from 10 USD (approximately €9). The menu also includes a ninety-minute Cigar Rolling program with rum tasting that begins at 11:30 AM.
9. John Watling’s Distillery
A fifteen-minute walk from downtown Nassau brings you to 17 Delancy Street. That’s where you’ll find John Watling’s Distillery, a rum distillery housed in Buena Vista Estate, a mansion dating from 1789. The estate gates remain open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed only on Bahamian public holidays.
According to the distillery website, the tour is free and requires no reservation. Several paid experiences are also available. The menu includes bottling your own bottle (Bottle Your Own) for 20 USD (approximately €17) and rum tasting for 80 USD (approximately €70). You can also add a mixology lesson for 80 USD (approximately €70) or cannon firing for 50 USD (approximately €45).
A café serving food also operates on the premises. Ask directly on-site about the availability of vegetarian dishes.
10. Fort Charlotte
According to the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism, Fort Charlotte is the largest fortress on New Providence island. It spreads across approximately 40 hectares on West Bay Street, roughly 1.6 kilometers west of downtown. Governor Lord Dunmore had it built in 1788 and named it after Queen Charlotte, wife of British King George III.
The tour route includes a dry moat, underground passages, and original dungeons. Forty-two cannons still stand on the ramparts, though not a single shot was ever fired in battle. On Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 AM, the complex hosts living history demonstrations in period costumes.
The drive from the port takes about 8 minutes by car, and you can walk there in roughly 30 minutes. Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission costs 5 USD (approximately €5) for adults, 2 USD (approximately €2) for children under 12, and 3 USD (approximately €3) for seniors, with local guides offering commentary for voluntary tips.
11. Arawak Cay and Fish Fry
On the Arawak Cay waterfront lies a strip of colorful stalls and restaurants known as Fish Fry, where cooks prepare mainly fried fish. The largest establishments include Twin Brothers restaurant, and Dino’s Gourmet Conch Salad stall is also well-known. The local specialty is conch, a large sea snail served as a salad with lime and vegetables or fried.
Vegetarians will find few options on the menu, but the stop is still worthwhile. The stop works even without food, perhaps for a soft drink or local Kalik beer.
Arawak Cay lies about 10 minutes by car from the port, and you can walk there in roughly 30 minutes. On Saturdays in summer 2026, the cultural Junkanoo Summer Festival took place on this open space. Business hours vary; Twin Brothers restaurant opens Monday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while other establishments and stalls have different hours.
12. Ardastra Gardens: marching flamingos
For wildlife watching, head to Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre zoo and gardens on Chippingham Road, which cover approximately 1.6 hectares. The most famous attraction here is the marching flamingos, with the Caribbean flamingo being the national bird of the Bahamas. Check with the ticket office at entry for flamingo performance times.
The grounds open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission costs approximately 35 USD (around €30) for adults and 25 USD (around €20) for children under 12. Visitors can also try feeding turtles and rabbits, which takes place at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM for 5 USD (approximately €5) per person.
13. Clifton Heritage National Park
On the western tip of New Providence island lies Clifton Heritage National Park, which offers a peaceful contrast to bustling downtown Nassau. John Wood of Savannah established the local cotton plantation in 1785, and by the early 19th century, up to 67 enslaved people were forced to work there.
In the park you’ll see remains of the Great House mansion, the enslaved people’s village, a cave of the original inhabitants of the Bahamas (Lucayan cave), and over 6,000 yards (roughly 5.5 kilometers) of stone walls. Part of the grounds includes an outdoor exhibition called Sacred Space or Genesis Garden featuring sculptures by Antonius Roberts and Tyrone Ferguson. The park administration also offers organized snorkeling trips.
The park opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Verify the current admission fee before visiting at cliftonheritageauthority.com or by calling 242-362-6729. You can drive here from downtown via Southwest Road.
💡 Tip: Easily combine your park visit with relaxation at Jaws Beach, which lies right next to the protected area.
14. Junkanoo Beach
Closest to the city center you’ll find the public Junkanoo Beach. From the cruise port, you can walk there in roughly 5 to 20 minutes depending on which pier your ship docks at. Beach access is free, bars operate right by the beach, and you can rent loungers for a fee. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, Western Esplanade beach continues a short distance to the west.
The proximity to the large ship anchorage brings more people and greater commercial activity. Expect pushy vendors on the beach who insist on their services. Only rent jet skis from licensed companies (see Safety for reasons).
15. Cable Beach and western beaches
Cable Beach stretches approximately 4 kilometers and entices with turquoise water. The Baha Mar resort complex grew up next to it with Rosewood, Grand Hyatt, and SLS hotels, alongside the standalone Sandals Bahamas Nassau resort (formerly Sandals Royal Bahamian). The beach itself is public and accessible for free, though loungers belong to the resorts.
On the way from downtown you’ll pass Goodman’s Bay Park with its public beach and the peaceful Saunders Beach, which a small islet protects from waves. On the western end of the island lie Love Beach and Jaws Beach, where you’ll meet fewer people and find good snorkeling conditions.
From downtown you can take the local minibus called a jitney to Cable Beach on routes 10 and 12. For the more distant Love Beach and Jaws Beach, it’s most practical to head out with a rental car on a full-day island circuit.
16. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island
The northern coast of Paradise Island is lined by a long sandy beach called Cabbage Beach, which directly adjoins the Atlantis and The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort hotel complexes. No lifeguards patrol the public section, and waves and currents can be strong here, so swim carefully with children.
The beach is public and public paths between the individual resorts will lead you to the water, so you can reach the shore even without a hotel wristband. On the sand you’ll encounter local vendors and jet ski operators. Only rent them from licensed companies (see the Safety section).
A taxi ride from the city center or the port takes 10 to 20 minutes, or you can head here on foot across the bridge, which pedestrians cross for free. From the Ferry Terminal at Nassau Cruise Port, a ferry runs every 30 minutes between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM according to Atlantis, and a water taxi departs from Prince George Wharf pier with the crossing taking about 10 minutes.
17. Atlantis without accommodation: Aquaventure, The Dig and Marina Village
The unmissable Atlantis resort stands on Paradise Island and its water complex attracts visitors staying elsewhere in the city. The Atlantis Day Pass is an all-day ticket to the Aquaventure water park, beaches, and aquariums. The area with slides spans roughly 57 hectares. The Atlantis operator itself states about its complex that it’s the largest open-air marine habitat in the world with more than 250 species of animals. The admission also includes The Dig aquarium: in tunnels inspired by sunken Atlantis live moray eels, jellyfish, and clownfish, and there’s also a submarine room with a laboratory.
You must purchase the all-day ticket in advance online because it’s not sold on site and the entire resort operates cashless (no cash accepted). Prices change by day and season. For adults from 13 years old, they come out to roughly 200 to 250 USD (approximately €180 to €220). Children from 4 to 12 years pay a lower rate, and the youngest under 3 have free admission. With the Day Pass you can use all hotel pools except the reserved Cove Pool. The water park always opens at 10:00 AM, from March 9 through September it operates until 7:00 PM, in October it closes at 6:00 PM, and from November through February at 5:00 PM.
On Reddit, opinions on the Day Pass value vary: some label it overpriced, others claim that if you can afford it, the complex is worth one visit. If you don’t want to spend on the water park, according to a blogger from 2023, the Marina Village harbor lane and the casino can be entered for free, though it’s expected you’ll spend money in the complex. In the Atlantis resort you’ll also find restaurants with vegetarian dishes, for example Carmine’s, Chop Stix, or Nobu.
💡 Tip: The Day Pass can be canceled free of charge no later than 4 days before arrival, after which it’s non-refundable. You’ll pick up your wristband at the Atlantis Adventures Desk near The Coral building.
18. Fort Montagu and the eastern coast
At the eastern end of East Bay Street stands a stone fort right by the water, Fort Montagu. The British built it from local limestone; construction began in 1741 under the leadership of Peter Henry Bruce and was completed by July 1742. According to the Ministry of Tourism (bahamas.com), it’s the oldest surviving fort on New Providence Island.
Directly below the fort lies Montagu Beach, a local beach with a view of Paradise Island. The fort sits outside the busy city center, and you can easily combine the visit with a short stop by the water.
The entrance fee to the fort according to 2023 data was a symbolic 2 USD (about €1.80) per person. If a local guide takes you on with commentary, it’s customary to give them a small tip on top of the basic entrance fee. Better verify prices and opening hours directly on site before your visit.
19. Snorkeling and diving
Stuart Cove’s is a base for snorkeling and diving located on Coral Harbour Road in the south of New Providence Island, operating daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The operator includes free pickup in the tour price directly from hotels in Nassau, on Paradise Island, at Cable Beach, and from cruise ships.
The Snorkel Adventure Trip snorkeling cruise departs morning and afternoon. When booking via the website, it comes out to 118.80 USD (about €110) for an adult and 70.80 USD (about €65) for a child from 4 to 11 years. By buying online you save 10 USD (about €9) per person compared to the on-site price. Children under 4 are not allowed on the boat. A companion without snorkeling pays 81.60 USD (about €74) for the cruise as an adult or 68.40 USD (about €62) as a child. In winter you can add wetsuit rental for 14.40 USD (about €13).
According to the operator, Stuart Cove’s also offers shark diving and underwater film sets. With other vendors, research your chosen company in advance. According to the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), the water sports sector in the Bahamas is poorly regulated and many unregistered operators work on beaches, so it pays to stick with established names.
20. Blue Lagoon Island and Rose Island
From Nassau harbor you can sail within half an hour to surrounding islets. One of them is Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay on maps), where the catamaran cruise takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes. Dolphin Encounters organizes the Island Beach Day program here, which according to the operator costs from 109 USD plus 10% VAT per person (about €120 with tax) for all ages. It includes return catamaran, buffet lunch, lounge chairs, access to the lagoon, and an inflatable Aqua Park.
For adults 18 and over, there’s an Adults-Only Beach Day variant for 139 USD plus 10% VAT (about €153 with tax). Programs with dolphins and sea lions are paid separately on the island and are ethically questionable, as these are animals kept in captivity. You can still enjoy swimming in the lagoon and relaxing on the beach even in the basic beach program without them.
The second stop, roughly 20 minutes by boat from the city, is the small island of Rose Island with white beaches and coves, where boat companies run trips combined with swimming with pigs. But the animals are not the original Exuma colony, and trips to them are offered by private operators (see tip 21). Cruise prices vary by program and are indicative: Baha Water Tours lists 159 USD (about €145) for an adult and 80 USD (about €73) for a child from 6 to 12 years for a route through four islands. A four to five-hour trip with Island Adventures costs 199 USD (about €181), and the Sandy Toes trip comes out to 229 USD (about €208) including lunch and bar.
21. The Exumas and pigs on Pig Beach
The famous Pig Beach is not located in Nassau or anywhere on New Providence Island. The original pig colony lives on Big Major Cay Island in the Exuma archipelago, which requires a full-day expedition from the capital. The fast boat trip takes roughly two hours one way across open sea, or you can choose a forty-minute flight and continue by boat. The cruise can be choppy in the wind, and in stronger winds carriers may cancel cruises.
A full-day shared fast boat trip usually takes around eight hours and depending on the itinerary has several stops. It comes out to roughly 330 to 450 USD (about €300 to €410) per person. The plane and boat combination costs roughly 510 to 849 USD (about €465 to €773). Typically it’s iguanas at Allen’s Cay, swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, the Thunderball Grotto cave famous from James Bond films, and sand bars. Check the specific route with the carrier.
During the encounter itself on Big Major Cay, be considerate toward the animals: don’t feed the pigs on the sand, don’t sit on them, and don’t drink alcohol near them.
22. Junkanoo: Boxing Day, New Year and Summer Festival
Junkanoo is a Bahamian street parade full of costumes and music. Boxing Day Junkanoo (the December 26th parade) takes place on Saturday, December 26, 2026, in downtown Nassau, where the parade passes along Bay Street and Shirley Street from 2:00 to 8:00 AM. On January 1, 2027, the New Year’s parade follows in the same format.
Tickets for the bleachers are sold through the ALIV Events app and at ALIV branches, in partnership with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence. In the 2025/2026 season, sections A through D cost $25 USD plus 10% VAT (around €25 with tax). Sections E through G and M at Rawson Square typically sell out first and cost $45 USD plus 10% VAT (around €45 with tax), with current prices available in the app at purchase. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) warns about pickpockets during festivals (see the Safety section).
A similar atmosphere can be experienced at the summer Junkanoo Summer Festival, whose 2026 edition ran from June 9 to July 29, with events on Fridays at Woodes Rogers Walk waterfront and Saturdays at Arawak Cay. Check the Ministry of Tourism website for the next edition’s dates. Outside parade season, you can explore the tradition year-round at the port’s Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo (see tip 5).
Beyond Nassau
From Nassau, you can take a boat to Harbour Island, Eleuthera island, or the Exuma Cays. Bahamas Fast Ferries operates high-speed service between the islands; check the operator for prices and schedules. Tours to the swimming pigs on the Exumas are described in tip 21, while nearby Rose Island and Blue Lagoon are covered in tip 20.
The Bahamas comprise over 700 islands, with about 30 inhabited. If you have more time, you can combine your trip with other destinations in the region:
- What to see in Miami: Miami is a common transit point when traveling via the USA, and cruise ships to Nassau depart from its port.
- Florida: You can reach Nassau on 3 to 5-day cruises from Florida ports including Miami, Port Canaveral, or Fort Lauderdale, and Breeze Airways has been flying from Tampa since June 2026.
- Punta Cana: The Dominican Republic offers a comparison with another Caribbean destination focused on all-inclusive resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nassau and how do I get there?
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas on the island of New Providence, east of Florida. There are no direct flights from most European cities. The easiest connection is via London: British Airways flies from Heathrow directly to Nassau in about nine and a half hours. Another option is to travel via the USA, which requires an ESTA even for a simple layover.
Do I need a visa for the Bahamas?
No, most European and North American nationals can travel to the Bahamas for tourism without a visa for up to three months. The exact permitted length of stay is determined by the immigration officer’s stamp upon entry; UK authorities typically grant their citizens 30 days. You need a passport valid for six months beyond your departure date, a return ticket, and a paper immigration card. The COVID-era Bahamas Travel Health Visa was abolished in 2022.
How expensive is the Bahamas?
Prices in the Bahamas are high. The Bahamian dollar has a one-to-one exchange rate with the US dollar, and US dollars are commonly accepted throughout the islands. A 10% VAT tax is added to restaurant bills, and often an automatic 15% gratuity as well. Entry fees to most museums and forts run around 5 to 20 USD (approximately €5 to €20). The Atlantis Day Pass costs roughly 200 to 250 USD (around €190 to €240). A full-day excursion to swim with pigs in the Exumas runs 330 to 450 USD (approximately €310 to €430) per person.
When is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
From December to April, the Bahamas is relatively dry, with rain five to seven days a month and temperatures around 26 to 29 °C. This period falls outside the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, but accommodation tends to be most expensive then. Summer is hot with temperatures over 32 °C and more rain.
What language is spoken in the Bahamas?
The official language in the Bahamas is English, which will serve you well in hotels, restaurants, and local transport.
Can you visit Atlantis without staying there?
Yes, you can access the resort with a one-day Atlantis Day Pass, which must be purchased in advance online. For adults, it costs roughly 200 to 250 USD (around €190 to €240) depending on the day you choose, and includes the Aquaventure water park, aquariums including The Dig, and the beach. Atlantis does not accept cash. You can visit the adjacent public beach, Cabbage Beach, for free.
Is Nassau safe?
The tourist center is generally fine during the day, but the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 advisory for the Bahamas, urging increased caution due to crime. In the Over-the-Hill area south of Shirley Street, the U.S. advises heightened vigilance. Avoid walking alone outside tourist zones in the evening. Rent jet skis only from licensed operators, as the UK Foreign Office warns of sexual assaults by jet ski operators in Nassau.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
