Why Everyone Should Visit Nassau Bahamas

Should I Visit Nassau Bahamas?

Yes, Of course you should visit Nassau Bahamas. Nassau is the Capital of the Bahamas.  Just off the coast of Nassau you will find  beautiful reefs and great snorkeling.

It is a great location if you are interested in an encounter with the dolphins.

Casinos are available for your pleasures while vising Nassau Bahamas.

In Nassau you will easily find local food at several of the restaurants and the local drinks will not disappoint at any of the local bars.

Where is Nassau Bahamas?

Nassau Bahamas is part of the New Providence Island.

 

How to Get to Nassau Bahamas?

You can fly to Nassau Bahamas by commercial carrier using Lynden Pindling International Airport, airport code LPIA.

Cruise ships stop in Nassau.

You can take a ferry from Grand Bahamas Island to Nassau.  Unlike that of the Ferry that goes from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini. There are currently no ferry’s from the US to Nassau.

 

Can I Island Hop from Nassau?

It is best to use Nassau as the main location if you are looking to experience multiple Bahamas Islands.

From the mainland of New Providence (Nassau) you are able to drive to Paradise Island.

You will be able to catch a ferry using https://www.bahamasferries.com/
This Ferry service will be able to connect you to Grand Bahamas, South Abaco, Eleuthera and Great Exuma.

 

Do Cruise Ships Stop in Nassau?

Absolutely! Nassau Bahamas is becoming a very large cruise port for the Bahamas. They are working on upgrading the terminal and it has come along way over the last year.

You will notice a large pier, now able to host a large amount of cruise ships. Currently they are able to host a total of six Cruise ships.

Even if you have been to Nassau before, you will be amazed at the changes they are making and is worth a stop while aboard a cruise.
Several cruise lines vising Nassau. Currently Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity, NCL, Disney and MSC Cruise Line will port at Nassau.

Should I Take a Cruise to Nassau?

A cruise is a great way to explore and enjoy visiting Nassau Bahamas. You are at port with plenty of time to get a taste of what the island has to offer.

You are given plenty of opportunities to use the beaches, taste the local food and snorkel all in a cruise port stop in Nassau.

How Far is The Beach From The Cruise Terminal?

If you are up to a 20 minute walk, then you can easily take advantage of the local free beach at Junkanoo Beach.

To reach the public beach, you will need to walk out of the cruise terminal, turn right. Walk straight to the end of the road, and then follow the road to the left and as it will snake around a hotel on the right. Continue on the street and you will see Junkanoo Beach on the right hand side.

The beach is free, but chairs and umbrellas are not. You can rent chairs and umbrellas from the rental stand as you enter the beach.

 

How to Get Around Nassau Bahamas

Getting around Nassau can be done by walking. Though it is not as easy to walk as some of the other Bahamas Island.

The walkways are uneven and in some areas are narrow. With the increased number of tourists some areas near the cruise terminals are very crowded and are not as easy to walk if you have a chair, or a stroller.

Should I Take a Taxi?

If you take a private taxi to the The Fish Fry – which is at the far end of Junkanoo Beach (cost was $12 per person, each way).

The beach near the Fish fry is much cleaner and not as full of litter like that part of the beach closest to the cruise terminal.

Atlantis is about a 2 mile walk from the terminal or a few minute taxi ride.

Make sure you have CASH available as credit cards are not accepted by most drivers.

 

What Other Things Can I do In Nassau Bahamas?

 

Straw Market and Local Shopping

First I would be amiss not to mention the infamous Straw Market. Years ago the straw market felt authentic as you walked from straw hut to straw hut. Those times are of the past, now it you will find it in a brick and mortar building. A bright Coral color building to the right side of the cruise terminal.

There is plenty of shopping available in Nassau, primarily you are going to find jewelry stores and souvenir shops.

Jewelry stores are popular in the Bahamas and Caribbean since they offer Duty Free Shopping.

If you are coming off a cruise ship, make sure you get the shopping insider map and visit the shops to get your free charms, bracelets, coins. etc. Each cruise line has its own agreement with different stores offering a freebie to get you in the door and then they have the deals for your ship.

If you are looking for jewelry it is a definitely worth checking out while you are in port.

What Kinds of  Water Excursion’s Are Available in Nassau?

If you are looking for a little more adventure than lounging at the beach – you may want to try:

Snorkeling anyone?

You can hop aboard a Catamaran and sail to the world famous Bahamas reef and do some snorkeling. There should be plenty of tropical fish and marine life for your viewing.

Take a snorkeling adventure  to the Sea Turtle haven of Low Harbour Cove. Jump a boat and  take a Pearl Island snorkeling adventure where you will snorkel around sunken Sculptures.

 

Are there Sea Life Encounters in Nassau?

Absolutely. You are going to want to head to Blue Lagoon Island for these adventures.

If you are looking for an adventure to meet the dolphins. Swim with the dolphins, snorkel with the stingrays or  interact with a California Sea Lion; this is where you are going to want to go.

Can You Swim With The Pigs?

Yup! This is the place – Pearl Island is where you will be able to go into the water and do the world Famous swimming with the pigs.

Is Fishing Good in Nassau

Fish are abundant near Nassau. You have a choice of different types of fishing.

You can bottom fish, which should land you some nice catch as the reef fish are abundant in the reefs that are there in Nassau.

The larger game fish are available for the deep sea fisherpersons. One could expect to catch Marlin, Snapper, Dolphin and Wahoo depending on the season you are going out on your charter.

Feeling Lucky – Try the Casino

Yes, there are casino’s in Nassau. The Larger casino would be found at Paradise Island at Atlantis Resort.

Tables games and slots are available in the casino.

Atlantis Resort

While Atlantis is technically not in Nassau – it is within a short drive over the bridge and you will be in Paradise Island – home to the infamous Atlantis Resort.
Atlantis Resort offers more than just a hotel. It is a metropolis of its own.
At Atlantis you can experience the largest waterpark of the Caribbean, with water play forts, lazy rivers and pools for your enjoyment.

Here you can enjoy the open air Marine Habitat, or take a swim with the dolphins.

If your just looking for the white sandy beaches – you will find it here at Atlantis.

Which is Better island to visit in the Bahamas – Nassau or Bimini

They are complete opposites of one another. Nassau is a large, heavy populated island. Nassau, is loud, and busy with people. Not to mention a ton of cruise travelers visiting the island daily.  If you like doing things, and having a lot of different experiences then Nassau may be your preferred stop.

Whereas Bimini definitely has a remote island charm. If you are looking for a relaxing and quiet place to visit then this is a definite stop. The small population of people living on Bimini also makes it very attractive as the beaches were clean, the residents were friendly.

 

Is Nassau Safe?

Nassau is a major city for the Bahamas. While I am sure there is crime, as it is found everywhere. I felt very safe walking around the island.

Travelers should always be aware of pick pockets and thieves from hotel rooms. You should never leave valuables out no matter where you travel.

Where to Stay in Nassau

One could expect to find a large selection when looking for places to stay while in Nassau.  From hotels, to private rentals, VRBO and Airbnb.

Other Tidbits!

Local Food you should try – Conch Fritters, Conch Salad, Fresh fish .. really anything Conch!

I highly recommend going to the Fish fry for Fresh Conch Salad and a Whole Snapper! Delicious!

Remember to protect the reefs – only reef safe sunscreen should be used in the water.

Yes! You should Visit Nassau Bahamas!!

 

Check out our other post about the Bimini BahamasWhy Everyone Should Visit Bimini Bahamas.