excursions in nassau bahamas royal caribbean

Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers ™

Best Shore Excursions for cruise passengers to Nassau cruise port in 2023

Photo of snorkel close to Nassau cruise port

The best and the most popular shore excursions for passengers on a cruise to Nassau port: Reviews of Atlantis, Blue Lagoon, Scuba, Seaworld Explorer, Glass Bottom Boat, and more ....

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 26, 2023

Nassau and New Providence Island have a good number of attractions, landmarks, and sites to explore, which all cruise lines offer on shore excursions with different packages and all sorts of combinations.

The super famous Atlantis Resort is the site that has more tours on offer but if the cruise passenger just wants to relax on the beach or enjoy active pursuits like Scuba diving there are many other tours to choose from.

Most of the excursions can only be booked onboard but some can be booked with third-party on-line services or as savvy cruises like to say 'independently' . If you just want to relax on the beach, Junkanoo Beach is within walking distance from the cruise port.

However, if you want something more exclusive you should go on a tour to the Blue Lagoon , the Pearl Island , the Balmoral Island or the pool of the Graycliff hotel . On this page, you will find the Editor's Choice of excursions organized by Cruise Lines and available onboard but also those that can be booked directly or with third-party services.

Discover Atlantis (and other excursions)

Atlantis is a world in itself with such an array of attractions - beaches, shops, water park, golf course, and casino - that all cruise lines offer at least half a dozen different tours to fully enjoy this site.

Photo Courtesy of Atlantis

The most basic shore excusion is titled “Discover Atlantis Tour”, which can be combined with a day at the beach and many othe different activities. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. To find out more about all the shore excursions in the Atlantis Resort and how to explore on your own Read the full review

Balmoral Island (Dolphins, Stingrays and Beach Break)

Photo Courtesy of Balmoral Island

Only offered onboard by Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises, this excursion to the pristine Balmoral Island (a private atoll) is an excellent way to spend the day in Nassau. Cruise Travelers can book this shore excursion directly. The Half-Day Beach Break Shore Excursion can be combined with other activities such as a Dolphin Swim.

Read Full Review ❯

Blue Lagoon (Dolphins, Sea Lions and Beach Break)

Just 40-minute scenic boat ride away from the Cruise Port in Nassau, the Salt Cay is better known for its main feature - a Blue Lagoon where visitors can enjoy different interactions with Dolphins and Sea Lions. Obviously, all cruise lines also offer a basic beach day package to relax on a double hammock, participate in water activities or sip umbrella drinks.

Glass Bottom (Boat Tour)

Photo of Glass Bottom Boat Excursion in Nassau

Photo Courtesy of Glass Bottom

If you don't like to get wet but enjoy seeing the underwater world, this is the right shore excursion. This under 2-hour tour starts with a narrated cruise in Nassau's harbor before reaching the 'Sea Gardens'. Once by the living coral, the excursionist will have a unique viewing.

Graycliff Hotel (Chocolate, Cigars or Lunch)

Photo Courtesy of Graycliff Hotel

Renowned for its wine cellar with over 250,000 bottles from over 400 vintners in 15 countries, the Graycliff Hotel is equally praised for its Cigar and Chocolate factories that are a delight to tour. The swimming pool is inviting and there are quite a few different excursion to choose from including a 3-course Wine Luncheon.

Highlight of Nassau (Landmarks and Paradise Island)

Photo Courtesy of Management

For those not interested in water sports or beach activities of any sort, Nassau has a good number of historical landmarks that can be visited on Highlights Tours. All cruise lines offer this type of tour with stops and photo ops in places like the Fort Charlotte, Queens staircase, the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay among others.

Pearl Island (Beach Break)

Photo Courtesy of Pearl Island

If you are cruising to Nassau with Royal Caribbean, this shore excursion to Pearl Island has to be booked onboard with the Shorex desk. But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line).

Scuba Diving (for Certified Divers)

Photo of Scuba Diving Excursion in Nassau

For those that are Certified Divers, Nassau has a few very interesting sites to explore. All cruise lines offer Scuba Diving shore excursions to different sites, options and combos - the James Bond wreck and the Jaws Cessna are two top film set-dives not to be missed.

Seaworld Explorer (Semi Submarine)

Photo Courtesy of Seaworld Explorer

This excursion is another great option for cruise travelers that do not wish to get wet and want to contemplate the stunning underwater world of The Bahamas. The Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submarine with a 5 feet under-water air conditioned observatory. This excursion is offered by most cruise lines and offered with many different combos.

Snorkel Adventures (Moderate Activity)

The translucent, crystal clear waters of The Bahamas are an invitation for snorkeling. In any of the famous beaches close to Nassau, the cruise traveler will be able to snorkel but the best places are the coral reefs offshore. All cruise lines offer different tours and combos for the novice or experienced snorkelers.

Sub-Underwater (Motorbike Adventure)

Photo of Sub-Underwater Adventure in Nassau

This excursion is one of the most exciting and fun activities when cruising to Nassau. You will have the opportunity to ride an underwater motorbike and enjoy the splendor of a shallow reef. Not all cruise lines offer this shore excursion and cruise travelers may book it directly on-line However, if cruising to Nassau with Carnival you will need to book with the onboard Shorex desk.

More Nassau Reviews

Day Passes and Beach Breaks

Photo of Sandals Private Island in Nassau

Discover the Top 10 Hotels and Resorts offering Day-Passes for a Breach Break in Nassau, Reviews, Prices, what's included, Activities, how to get there and more ...

Overview Nassau

Where and What Basic Info | Map Weather | FAQ

At The Pier and Terminal

Terminal | Get to Town Basics | Taxi Fares Info Desk | Tours

Highlights Nassau

Atlantis | Junkanoo Beach Blue Lagoon | Arawak Cay Balcony House | Fort Fincastle

Activities Nassau

Adastra Gardens British Colonial | Fat Tuesday Graycliff Hotel | Segway

Landmarks Nassau

Garden of Remembrance Government House | Public Library Parliament Square | Straw Market

Shopping Nassau

Restaurants Nassau

Athena Café Fat Tuesday Hard Rock | Señor Frog's Sharkeez | Via Caffe

Facts Nassau

History | Trivia Population | Religion Area | Economy

► Explore: Top Reviews - Caribbean Ports Discover the Most Popular Caribbean Port Reviews - Grand Turk, Barbados, Miami, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Falmouth, Curaçao, Aruba, Key West, St Thomas and more ... Learn More ►

Share This Nassau Port Review

The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local your cruise line or local tourist information before planning your cruise, excursions and tours of Nassau. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

Submit a Correction / Suggestion.

Terms of Use
Legal & Privacy

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.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter

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

excursions in nassau bahamas royal caribbean

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories: