Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises
From lazy lounging on the beach to action-packed water adventures, cruise ship shore excursions in the Bahamas are packed with fun in the sun and sea.
Whether you're looking to get wet, get chill or get stuff, you'll find a way to do it on a shore excursion here. You can swim with pigs and dive with sharks. You can cruise the islands on ATVs or skim across the water on a wide array of vessels. Tours often include time to shop the straw markets, and many also include traditional Bahamian lunches, snacks and/or beverages.
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The list of Bahamas tours and activities includes options to suit almost everyone. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. Ready? Let's dive in.
Prices for the same tours can vary across cruise lines and third-party sellers, so tours are listed below by price ranges, using the following shorthand (per adult):
$= $0-50. $$= $51-99. $$$= $100-199. $$$$=$200-499.
Best Nassau, Bahamas shore excursions
Island food and culinary tour
3-3.5 hours, easy, $$.
Bahamas food and beverage excursions are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the culture of the islands. You'll feast on island specialties and favorites such as conch fritters or salad, rock lobster, traditional cornbread-like Johnny cakes and tropical punches laced with rum. Most cruise lines offer food tours that stop at multiple local eateries. There may be walking involved, so be sure to read your cruise line's description.
Blue Lagoon beach break
Varies, easy to moderate, $$-$$$.
Some of the best excursions in Nassau are to Blue Lagoon Island, a privately owned island with a beach, food, water sports and other activities. You can choose the standard beach break option with lunch, beach games and use of water noodles and tubes. Or you can upgrade to a tour that includes snorkeling or swimming with stingrays, dolphins, sharks and even sea lions. Additional activities can be purchased upon arrival on the island.
Scuba diving with sharks
4.5 hours, moderate, $$$-$$$$.
If you are a certified scuba diver and have ever considered diving with sharks, this is your excursion. The shark dives involve one reef dive, followed by a second dive with everyone kneeling in the sand on the bottom as the shark feeder doles out his goodies. You've heard the term "sharknado?" It's a real thing and being in one is an adrenaline rush you'll never forget.
I should warn the shark-timid among you that because Caribbean reef sharks are plentiful in the waters surrounding Nassau and because dive shops have been doing baited shark dives here for years, you may encounter sharks on any dive in Nassau, though at a bit more distance than during the shark feeds. In fact, I've never not seen a shark while diving here.
Paradise Island and Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark
All day, moderate, $$$$.
Excursions that include access to Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas seem to no longer mention the name of the mega-resort that made Paradise Island famous. If you've always wanted to go, excursions labeled Aquaventure are your ticket.
The day pass includes access to miles of beaches, the on-site casino, and the Aquaventure water park featuring 141 acres of slides, swimming areas, river rides, and wave areas. The pass also allows you to dine in the resort's eateries, explore a myriad of shops or even add an aquatic animal experience like a dolphin swim.
You can purchase Atlantis day passes independently, but the advantage of booking your visit as an excursion is that transportation will be included.
Related: A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port
Best shore excursions in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Freeport island tour, beach and shopping
4 hours, easy, $.
Shore excursions that bundle a tour with a beach break and shopping are always a good choice in the Bahamas. You get to see a bit of the island, learn its history, shop for souvenirs and get in some coveted beach time, all with easy transportation. This kind of tour is especially useful if you've never been to Grand Bahama Island. For a small amount of money, you get to scope the place out for your adventures on your next Bahamas cruise.
Pirate's Cove beach, zipline and waterpark
4 hours, moderate, $$$.
If zip lining is your thing, this is a good place to get your fix. The beachside zip line has options for starting at 50 feet up or 30 feet, making it ideal for newbies wanting to try the experience. Since this excursion also includes time at the beach and floating water park, consider it a deal.
Glass bottom boat shark experience
3 hours, easy, $$$.
Want to see Caribbean reef sharks without putting your toes in the water? This excursion takes you on a glass-bottom boat ride to waters where Caribbean reef sharks have been fed. The boat has ample deck space for sunning when you aren't watching the action below the boat. It's a fun way to spend a day out on the water with an opportunity to see these predators and other colorful tropical fish without fear. Typical Bahamian refreshments round out the fun.
Blue hole snorkeling
5 hours, moderate, $$$.
My rule of thumb is to snorkel at every opportunity while in the Bahamas. It's a fun and easy way to take a peek beneath the waves at the colorful sea life found in these waters. When you book a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas, gear is provided, including snorkeling vests to keep you afloat.
For the best Bahamas snorkeling, choose a blue hole snorkeling excursion. Blue holes are found throughout the Bahamas and are essentially open-topped caverns, so it's like swimming in a fishbowl. Some are landlocked, where they may be filled with either fresh or salt water, and inhabited by a wide range of aquatic life, including crabs, lobsters, octopus and fish. Others are offshore, below the surface of the ocean, creating a mini reef environment to explore.
This excursion involves a lengthy ride, but it's definitely worth it.
Swim with the pigs
1.5 hours, easy, $$$.
Swimming pigs are kind of a big deal in the Bahamas. Animal lovers can enjoy time in shallow water watching (and even feeding) these silly pigs. Most of the cruise line private islands also offer pig swims, but the one in Freeport does not involve a boat ride, which may make it more appealing to some. You'll also get time to hang out on Crystal Beach and buy lunch.
Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
Best Bahamas shore excursions from cruise line private islands
Snorkeling from shore or by boat
Varies, moderate, $-$$.
Cruise ship private islands make snorkeling easy. Most of the islands will offer snorkeling gear for rent, and you can snorkel right from the beach. (If you, like me, never miss an opportunity to put your face in the water, consider buying your own snorkel gear for future sailings.) Optional boat excursions to primo snorkeling spots are also possible from some islands.
1-1.5 hours, moderate, $-$$.
Kayaking from the cruise line private islands gives you a new perspective of these fun playgrounds. Tours are led by experienced guides who can point out sea life in shallow water while leading you along the shore of the tropical paradise. Beginners are welcome and life jackets are provided.
Stingray City Bahamas
1.5 hours, easy, $$.
While the Stingray City experience has been popular in Grand Cayman for years, it's relatively new to the Bahamas. Stingray City Bahamas is located among the Berry Islands, home to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay. You'll be taken on a short speedboat ride to a shallow sandy spot in a location where stingrays congregate. Your guide will provide fish to feed the rays, which swoop in and suck the fish from your hand. It's a fun outing if you haven't done it before and it doesn't take away too much of your beach time on the island.
Horseback riding by land and sea
1.25 hours, moderate, $$$.
Carnival offers a horseback riding tour from Half Moon Cay that includes a brief venture into the sea with your horse. The minimum age is 10. As the mother of a horse-loving daughter, I can tell you that riding in the ocean was one of her favorite cruise memories ever. No riding experience is required, but you must be able to follow directions and pay attention to your guide for your own safety as well as that of the horses and other riders. One other thing to know: There will be poo, both on land and in the water.
Related: Visiting a cruise line's private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes
Bottom line
Bahamas shore excursions typically focus on activity in the water, but if shopping, food tours or sightseeing are more your thing, you'll find those options as well. The Bahamas is made up of a culturally rich collection of islands that have a reputation for welcoming visitors with arms wide open. From simple beach break excursions to full-day tours, you can easily find something that floats your boat in the Bahamas.
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REAL-LIFE WATER WORLD
Bahamas cruises.
Soak up island views and aquatic adventures with a cruise to the Bahamas.
A respite for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to light blue beaches, translucent underwater caves, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles. These can all be found throughout a beautifully scattered string of 700 islands (most of which are uninhabited). Cruise to the Bahamas to take a dive and witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis, and shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau. The Bahamas has an island for every taste and style, and it's easy to enjoy its subtropical charm during an overnight stint or a week-long cruise. Discover the magic with a Bahamas cruise.
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FIND YOUR SUN-DRENCHED PLAYGROUND
Home to enchanting shades of blue and deliciously warm breezes, the Bahamas is the ideal place for adventures involving the sea. The best Bahamas cruises will allow you to dive and discover underwater worlds, meet marine animals and shop for island souvenirs by the ocean.
INTO THE BLUE
Dive and drift through warm waters to reach colorful coral reefs in Bimini like Rainbow Reef. See mysterious shipwrecks like Theo's Wreck and Sea Star Wreck in Grand Bahama. And take part in some thrilling wall diving — where you can explore deep reef edges — in New Providence.
AQUATIC ADRENALINE IN ATLANTIS
For water thrills and close encounters with marine creatures, head to lush and majestic Atlantis, the fantasy resort by the sea that boasts the world's largest open-air marine habitat and what is perhaps the most exhilarating waterpark around: Aquaventure.
SHOP SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE
Shop in the Bahamas with an ocean breeze blowing your way as you explore the crafts center in Bimini, the straw market in Grand Bahama and the exclusive hub that is Crystal Court in Atlantis resort.
BEYOND THE BEACH
Beyond the coasts lie more wonderful discoveries. Saunter the lively streets of Nassau, chill by a freshwater pool in Perfect Day at CocoCay, or get a history lesson at the Heritage Museum during your cruise to the Bahamas.
ROADS LESS TRAVELED
Shake off the sand and delve deep into towns like Nassau and Freeport and the remote island of CocoCay. Take a nature walk or a Jeep adventure through the pine forests, or stretch your legs at the Rand Nature Center, which offers bird-watching and installations by local artists.
THIS IS YOUR PERFECT DAY
To take your vacation experience to an entirely new level, visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a perfect day is waiting. Swim in the Bahamas' largest freshwater pool, go down the tallest waterslide in North America, and chill with a book in the only private overwater cabanas in the Bahamas.
PLAY IN PASTIMES
Out of all the towns in the Bahamas, Nassau encapsulates this destination's heritage with many historical landmarks. Stop by Fort Charlotte, the Queen's Staircase, Pompey Square or the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas and get a dose of its past.
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DECK DEFYING DAYS
Fill your days on a short escape with Oasis Class thrills — onboard Allure of the Seas ®. Tame waves on two FlowRider® surf simulators. Zipline nine decks up. And catch jaw dropping entertainment, night after night. All while sailing to the picture-perfect shores of The Bahamas and our private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay.
EXPLORE ALLURE OF THE SEAS
EXPLORE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ISLES
If you’re craving crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and island vibes turned way, way up, these getaways check all the boxes. Each week-long sailing onboard Adventure of the Seas includes two thrill- and chill-filled days at our top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay — plus stops in Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel .
EXPLORE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Bahamas Cruises Insider
As a subtropical destination, the Bahamas is blessed with year-long comfortable temperatures that range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes packing an easy chore, with only spring and summer frocks to carry for your trip.
To get around, take the local jitneys, the buses making the rounds to Nassau and Cable Beach. Visit the Bahamas and hop on the ferry to get to Paradise Island, the home of the Atlantis resort.
For those looking to encounter some of the Bahamas famous aquatic critters, October to January is the best time to see Tiger Sharks, December to March is when Hammerhead Sharks migrate through Bimini, and you can find Oceanic Whitetips April to June.
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Quick Bahamas & Key West Vacations
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Look for the "Bahamahost" sticker when getting a taxi — the label identifies those belonging to a program that promotes excellent service to tourists.
If you happen to visit on the second Friday of the month, go find the Government House and witness the Changing of the Guard, a British custom that's been performed since 1958.
The Bahamian dollar is kept at the same value as the U.S. dollar, making it easy to pay, as both are used interchangeably.
LOCAL CUISINE ISLAND TWIST AND TANG
There's a lot of similarity between the soul food of the southern U.S., and Bahamian cuisine, that blends the Caribbean tang with its very own spice, creating a trademark flavor unique to the region.
FRUITS OF THE SEA
Little-known as a culinary ingredient in the continental U.S., conch is a large mollusk (akin to clams) with a meaty texture. Locals use it to prepare conch salad, conch fritters, conch chowder and more.
PEAS N' RICE
Pigeon peas are mixed with onions, tomatoes and spices, and incorporated into cooking rice. Often simply called Peas n' Rice, but there's a lot of savory flavors thrown in, like tomato paste, fresh thyme and salted pork or bacon.
CITRUS DELIGHT
Switcha, which many locals consider the official Bahamian drink, blends lemons and limes to concoct a powerful accompaniment to dessert or a refreshing beverage on a hot sunny day.
RELATED PORTS
Laze in a beachside hammock or get your thrills at Thrill Waterpark on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Jump onboard a Bahamas cruise to stroll along the waterfront of capital city Nassau and see its distinctive pastel-colored buildings. Or explore waterfalls and botanic gardens on Grand Bahama Island.
Nassau, Bahamas
Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
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11 Best Nassau, Bahamas Excursions Cruisers Should Try
Nassau , the capital of the Bahamas , is popular with cruise lines , offering a bit of island sun and bargain shopping close to Florida. But with such a popular cruise port, it may be difficult to choose between the many Nassau, Bahamas excursions available, whether they are ship-sponsored or independent excursions.
Booking Nassau excursions through your cruise line or independently is the most convenient way to explore the island. From walking, cycling and e-scooter tours to afternoon tea experiences and glass-bottom boat excursions, there are so many options that picking one is never easy.
Not to worry. Cruises typically spend about eight hours here, which means you have plenty of time to explore beyond the Nassau cruise port . To help you make the most of your day, we have put together a list of our 11 favorite Nassau excursions. Read on to learn more about all there is to do in and around Nassau from your cruise ship.
Nassau, Bahamas Excursions Under Two Hours: Boat Tours and British Heritage
With so many stunning beaches in Nassau to choose from, peeling away from the sand and the sea can be difficult. The good news is that there is a wide array of Nassau, Bahamas excursions you can try if you want to combine some beach time with other activities, all within the handful of hours your cruise ship will be docked in town.
1. Glass-Bottom Boat Tour with Live Commentary and Free Water
Duration : Two hours
Activity level : Easy
Minimum age : No age restrictions
Glass-bottom boat excursions are great for those traveling with family . Cruisers of all ages can spot the island’s rich marine life from the comfort of the hydrofoil boat while the crew shares information about underwater creatures and local history. It’s a fun, easy way to spend a couple of hours, and depending on the size of your group, you might even be given a private tour.
Excursions often start and end either at Paradise Island or Nassau’s Cable Beach, making them easy to combine with some beach time and even other short Nassau excursions and activities. If you are also looking to swim and explore the rich sea life, make sure your excursion includes snorkeling time.
2. Afternoon Tea Experience at the Historic Graycliff Hotel
If you need a break from the sun, make your way to the Graycliff Hotel for a decadent afternoon tea experience. The service is served in one of the covered porches overlooking the tropical gardens of this historic colonial mansion and includes a selection of imported and local teas, coffee, sandwiches, scones and petit fours.
You will also be offered chocolates made in the hotel’s own chocolate factory, which can also be toured as a separate excursion and is a fun activity for the whole family.
While the afternoon tea experience is suitable for small children, there is no price difference between adults and kids, and it might not be ideal for the youngest family members or picky eaters.
3. Nassau Highlights Boat Tour: Historic Sites, Beaches, and Mansions
Duration : 1.5 hours
If you don’t have much time to spare but want to get a nice overview of the city’s highlights, book one of the many boat tours that sail past some of Nassau’s attractions. Most will offer views of Potter’s Cay Dock, Fort Montagu, The Cloisters, the area’s stunning mansions and the local sailing club. You will also see many of the island’s popular beaches, such as Junkanoo Beach and Arawak Cay.
These excursions in Nassau, Bahamas don’t make any stops during the tour, but they are great for passengers on a tight schedule and those who simply want to get a quick glimpse of the city and surrounding areas.
Nassau Excursions Under Four Hours: Rum and Food Tastings, and Island Highlight Tours
Most Nassau excursions for cruisers will take anywhere between three and four hours. While this means you’ll have fewer opportunities to combine multiple in a single day, these activities allow visitors to take a deeper dive into the history and culture of The Bahamas .
4. Rum Tastings and Culinary Tour of Downtown Nassau
Duration : 3-4 hours
Minimum age : Adults only (18+)
These food and drink walking tours are the perfect way to get a good sense of the local culture and history. A local guide walks a group of up to 10 adults through the Bahamas’ rich heritage, its icons and some of the products that make the archipelago famous.
Most tours will hit many of the same spots, including a chocolate factory, a cigar workshop, a rum distillery and a winery. Each, however, will have its own unique surprises, such as a stop at a local eatery for free conch and lobster fritters, or a short visit to Bob Marley’s home. It’s worth comparing different options to see which one is a better fit for you or your group.
Bear in mind that visitors under 18 will not be allowed to take part in rum, wine and cigar tastings. In some cases, they will not even be allowed to join the tour.
5. Guided ATV Tour with Lunch and Drink
Duration : 3.5 hours
Minimum age : 10 years old; drivers must be 21 or older and have a valid driver’s license
ATV tours are a fun, comfortable way to explore Nassau’s attractions. The guide will meet you at the cruise port for a half-day of driving around and exploring the island. Lunch is typically included in these tours, as are bottled water, a helmet and live commentary from the guide.
Most of these excursions in Nassau, Bahamas hit all the highlights, including the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte, the Government House, Fort Montagu, Fort Fincastle, local rum distilleries, and one or two beaches. You’ll also have the chance to swim and snorkel, but you’ll have to bring your own gear .
6. Cultural Walking Tour of Downtown Nassau Attractions
Duration : 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Activity level : Medium
First-time visitors looking to get an overview of the island should join one of these Nassau, Bahamas excursions. Most of them offer great value for money, as they are cheaper than those that include use of a vehicle, lunch and drinks. Guides are generally quite savvy of the local culture and history.
These tours hit many of the top attractions in town but are not overly strenuous, as there are many stops and you’ll be able to sit down every now and then during the excursion. You’ll be stopping at rum distilleries, a famous chocolate factory, a winery and landmarks such as Queen’s Staircase and Atlantis Resort (at the latter, don’t expect to tour the grounds -- you will only be taken to the lobby).
If you are on a tight schedule, make sure your tour offers the option to be dropped off at the cruise port. We recommend starting the day with this tour so that you can explore the local beaches before going back to your cruise ship in the afternoon.
7. Historic Downtown Nassau Bike or E-Scooter Tour
Duration : Four hours
Minimum age : 12 years old for e-scooter tours
Another fun way to explore downtown Nassau is by joining an e-scooter or bike tour. These excursions are typically longer than walking tours, and since you’ll be on a vehicle rather than on foot, you will get the chance to see not only the highlights in the city center but also other attractions a little bit farther out.
During these tours, local guides share information about the landmarks visited, which include Queen’s Staircase , Fort Fincastle , Water Tower , Government House , the National Art Gallery , and historic squares such as Rawson and Parliament. Most of these tours also include stops at a chocolate factory and a rum distillery for a taste of island products.
Excursions in Nassau, Bahamas Under Five Hours: Private Cabanas and Buggy Rentals
Booking excursions in Nassau, Bahamas that last up to five hours will give you the opportunity to venture farther away, avoid the crowds and spend more time at each location. While shorter tours typically allocate between five and 30 minutes per attraction, five-hour excursions have a more relaxed pace.
8. Pearl Beach: Private Cabana, Water Activities and Lunch
Duration : Five hours
This shore excursion offers three of the Caribbean classics: relaxation, snorkeling and good food. While what is included in the excursion varies by operator, most include use of a private cabana for the duration of the excursion, drinks (the most expensive tours offer unlimited drink packages), a Bahamian barbecue lunch and roundtrip ferry rides to Pearl Island .
Visitors of all ages are welcome -- and kids ages 3 and under are generally free -- but some operators have a minimum age requirement of 8 years old to join snorkeling and other water activities such as kayaking . As for what to bring, don’t forget your sunscreen and snorkeling gear.
9. Buggy Rental in Nassau for Exploring on your Own
Duration : 4+ hours
Minimum age : Drivers must be 25 years of age or older; infant seats available
Cruisers who prefer the freedom of exploring independently can rent a beach buggy to drive around the island. These four- to six-seater automatic vehicles give visitors the chance to pick their itineraries and spend as much time in each place as they wish. Rentals are for a minimum of four hours and can go for as long as you wish.
Most of these tours offer free pickups and drop-offs at the cruise port. However, the vehicles are often in a different location -- remember to plan accordingly so you don’t miss your ship .
Best Excursions in Nassau Over Five Hours: Swimming with Pigs and Snorkeling
The best excursions in Nassau are those that allow visitors to truly immerse themselves in the experience. While a quick stop at the beach or a short walking tour is a nice way to spend a few hours between other activities, longer tours will allow you to do more of the things you like without the need to keep an eye on the watch.
10. Sun Cay Boat Trip, Lunch, and Swimming with Pigs
Duration : 5+ hours
Minimum age : 6 years old
If a unique experience is what you’re after, this is one of the best excursions in Nassau. This tour gives you the chance to splash alongside the famous swimming pigs of the Bahamas , a rarity not found in many other places. While there are pigs in several of the archipelago’s islands, Pig Beach is the most popular one due to its proximity to Nassau.
After a short boat ride from the cruise port to Sun Cay (a.k.a. Pearl Island) you’ll have about a half-hour to interact with the animals before being served a traditional Bahamian lunch of fish, chicken and plantains. These excursions typically include rental loungers on the beach. Upgrades such as snorkeling gear and kayaks are available for an additional fee.
Those who would rather combine swimming with the pigs with other activities can book a boat tour to Rose Island , which are generally shorter.
11. Nassau Reef, Shipwrecks and Movie Site Snorkel Excursion by Boat
Duration : 5.5 hours
Minimum age : 4 years old
This excursion takes you to a handful of great snorkel and diving spots around Nassau, including locations featured in movies, shipwrecks and coral reefs. The final itinerary varies depending on weather and sea conditions, but you can expect to visit at least one or two sites that you will recognize from movies such as "Flipper" and "Jaws" (including the sunken airplane).
A guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing fun facts about the marine life you’ll encounter. While some of the shipwrecks are quite deep, others are closer to the surface and are suitable for amateur snorkelers and divers.
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