Amazing One Day in Nassau, Bahamas Itinerary: From Cruise Port

Are you about to spend one day in Nassau, Bahamas, and are looking for an amazing itinerary for your shore day? Then you are in the right spot!

Nassau is located on Providence Island, and is especially popular among cruise passengers because of all the amazing things you can do there.

Recently, the Nassau cruise terminal went through a major renovation and can now handle up to six ships at once, welcoming over 10,000 passengers on a busy day.

Making the most out of your shore day with all these other people on the island can be hard, but luckily, I’ve got the solution for you!

As an avid cruiser and a former cruise ship employee, I’ve visited Nassau multiple times and experienced it from every angle, from swimming with dolphins and snorkeling to simply strolling around and soaking up the local vibe.

In this 1-day Nassau itinerary, I’ll show you how to explore the city highlights on your own, right from the cruise port.

Table of Contents

• One Day in Nassau Itinerary: at a Glance
• Best Shore Excursions in Nassau, Bahamas
• Nassau Cruise Port Overview
• 1. Morning: Breakfast and Bay Street
  • Straw Market
  • Parliament Square
• 2. Late Morning: Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle
  • Queen’s Staircase
  • Fort Fincastle
• 3. Afternoon: Lunch and Junkanoo Beach
• Alternative: Chocolate Shop, Museums, and Cable Beach
• 4. Evening: Sunset Cruise and Dinner
• Bahamas Day Trip Ideas
  • Atlantis Resort
  • Pearl Island
  • Blue Lagoon Island
  • Snorkeling and Diving
  • Swimming Pigs
• Can I (Safely) Walk Around Nassau From The Cruise Port?
• Conclusion
• About the Author

One Day in Nassau Itinerary: at a Glance

If you are just here to get a quick glance at the Nassau itinerary without insider tips, you are in the right spot:

☀️ Morning: Breakfast and Bay Street

☀️ Late Morning: Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle

☀️ Afternoon: Lunch and Junkanoo Beach

☀️ Alternative: Chocolate Shop, Museums and Cable Beach

☀️ Evening: Sunset Cruise and Dinner

Best Shore Excursions in Nassau, Bahamas

My itinerary will keep you in the vicinity of the capital city of Nassau – you don’t need to book a guided tour to complete it.

However, if you want to see a bit more of the island, there are quite a few fun excursions I can recommend for your shore day.

If you are asking me, there are definitely some cool places on the island you should see, like the famous swimming pigs or Pearl Island. However, all of these excursions are pricey, so I would stick to Nassau itself if you don’t want to spend a ton.

Swimming Pigs with pickup: Amazing 4-hour Shore Excursion

Nassau Food and History Bus Tour (3.5 Hours)

Pearl Island Bahamas Snorkeling Experience and Lunch

Private Island Getaway Kayak, Snorkeling, Tropical Drinks, Beach (Justin’s Favorite)

Nassau Cruise Port Overview

Cruise ships dock at Prince George’s Wharf, just a 5–10 minute walk from Downtown Nassau and Bay Street, the city’s main thoroughfare.

The entire terminal area has recently been renovated and now caters well to cruise passengers.

You’ll find everything here, from shops and market stalls to cafés, bars, and services like tour and taxi bookings, even hair braiding.

Right next to the terminal is the ferry dock, where you can catch a water taxi to Paradise Island, home to the iconic Atlantis resort and some stunning beaches.

There’s no shuttle bus in the port, and there’s no need for one, as everything is easily walkable.

While some people say Nassau isn’t the safest place, in my experience, it’s worth exploring. 

Most bigger cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise or Celebrity Cruise have the Bahamas on their itineraries.

1. Morning: Breakfast and Bay Street

Once you exit the cruise terminal, you’ll find yourself on Woodes Rodgers Walk. It is a waterfront street that runs parallel to the pier.

It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, perfect if you skipped breakfast onboard and need a bite.

One of the cool, top-rated spots here is The Bearded Clam Sports Bar & Restaurant, where you can try jerk chicken, conch ceviche, or go for something heavier like burgers.

At the far end of the street, you’ll hit Señor Frog’s, a fun party spot with loud music and fantastic sea views if you’re in the mood to let loose.

Señor Frog’s sits right by Pompey Square, one of Nassau’s main squares. Here, you’ll find the Pompey Museum, which tells the story of slavery in the Bahamas. It’s closed on Sundays but worth a visit if you’re there on another day.

The museum also marks the start of Bay Street, Nassau’s main shopping street. Running parallel to Woodes Rodgers Walk, it’s just a five-minute walk from the pier.

You’ll find big-name jewelry stores like Effy, Colombian Emeralds, Little Switzerland, and Diamonds International, along with souvenir shops and a few local rum stores.

Parliament Square

Continue walking down Bay Street until you reach Parliament Square. There, you’ll see a pink colonial-style building with a statue of Queen Victoria right in front.

This area is home to the House of Assembly, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. It is all housed in these eye-catching, pastel-colored buildings dating back to the early 1800s.

It’s a great spot for a quick Instagram photo and a peek into the island’s British colonial past.

2. Late Morning: Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle

Queen’s Staircase

From Parliament Square, take the second street on your right and head slightly uphill along East Street.

As you walk, you’ll already spot the Water Tower, Nassau’s highest structure. It was once used as a lookout and is now one of the major landmarks on the island.

After about 10–15 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Queen’s Staircase. It is a beautiful historical site carved by hand out of solid limestone by enslaved Bahamians in the late 1700s.

The 66 steps were named in honor of Queen Victoria and are surrounded by tropical greenery, a peaceful, shaded spot that feels like a small oasis in the city.

Fort Fincastle

From the top of the staircase, you can access Fort Fincastle. It was built in 1793 to protect Nassau from pirates and invaders.

There’s a small entrance fee (a few dollars, cards weren’t accepted when I visited).

The fort itself doesn’t take long to explore, maybe around 30 minutes.

You’ll find old cannons, a few rooms with simple exhibitions, and best of all, you can climb to the top for a great panoramic view of the cruise port and Atlantis in the distance.

Around the fort, you’ll also see a few stalls where local vendors sell souvenirs, cold drinks, and snacks, perfect for a quick break before heading back down.

3. Afternoon: Lunch and Junkanoo Beach

After visiting the fort, head back down to Bay Street for lunch. You’ll find plenty of options here, from typical American spots to Italian, Korean, and other international cuisines.

If you’re looking to try something local, check out Bahamian Cookin’ Restaurant and Bar, which serves a good mix of fish, seafood, and meat dishes at reasonable prices.

If you’d rather eat with a sea view, head back to Lukka Kairi.

After lunch, it’s time for some beach time. Junkanoo Beach is the only beach within walking distance from the port, about 15 minutes if you walk straight from the terminal. 

It can get crowded (sadly, as you can see in my picture), but it has a fun vibe and plenty of facilities. It’s a great spot to relax without being too far away from the cruise ship.

Alternative: you can take a cab to Saunders’ Beach, Love Beach, or Jaws Beach if you want fewer crowds. Cable Beach is also a great choice. It’s about a 20-minute taxi ride from the cruise port and offers soft white sand, turquoise water, and a calmer vibe

Alternative: Chocolate Shop, Museums, and Cable Beach

If you’d rather skip the beach or just want something different, several landmarks within a 5–10 minute walk from Bay Street are definitely worth checking out.

The closest one is the Pirates of Nassau Museum, a fun and interactive museum perfect if you’re visiting with kids, or just curious about the island’s swashbuckling past.

Inside, you’ll find full-sized pirate ship replicas, life-like exhibits, and lots of info about Nassau’s pirate history.

Right across the street, you’ll see the Christ Church Cathedral. It is a lovely Anglican church built in the Gothic style. It’s quiet inside and open for visitors, offering a quick look into the island’s colonial heritage.

A few minutes away is Graycliff Chocolatier (my favorite!), where you can watch chocolate being made, sample some, or take a short chocolate-making tour. The shop is part of the larger Graycliff estate, which also includes a restaurant and a cigar factory.

Next door is the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas, featuring artifacts that span from the days of Columbus to modern Bahamian life. It’s compact but packed with history and some interesting stories. 

Just a bit further along, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas showcases contemporary and traditional works by local artists.

4. Evening: Sunset Cruise and Dinner

If your ship stays in port overnight, or even just into the evening, you might want to book a catamaran sunset cruise around Paradise Island, complete with a traditional Bahamian dinner. 

There are plenty of options available both online and at the port, and most cruises depart from the ferry terminal, which is right next to the cruise pier.

Not in the mood to hop on another boat? No problem. You can simply enjoy a relaxed evening at one of the waterfront restaurants, either on Paradise Island or just near the port.

Great food, a sea breeze, and a Nassau sunset… a perfect way to end your one day in Nassau.

Bahamas Day Trip Ideas

As I have mentioned before, you can also venture farther out of the city and see some beautiful things on your shore day in the Bahamas.

If you want to skip the city sightseeing and do something a bit more exciting, or you’re dreaming of a beach that looks straight out of a Bahamas postcard, there are plenty of great options available.

Atlantis Resort

Located on Paradise Island, Atlantis is one of the most famous landmarks in the Bahamas.

The resort is massive and includes a water park (Aquaventure), marine habitats, aquariums, casinos, restaurants, and luxury shops.

There are also several stunning beaches on the property. Keep in mind that access is limited unless you purchase a day pass.

It’s definitely on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for a fancy of fun, I totally think it is worth it!

Pearl Island

If you are in the mood for some relaxation without much of a fuss, Pearl Island is one of my favorite places to visit in the Bahamas.

Pearl Island is a small, laid-back place that’s perfect for a peaceful beach day.

It has super calm waters for swimming, decent snorkeling, and you can get a tasty lunch if you book the package.

Its most instagrammable feature is the white lighthouse. You can even climb up there for beautiful panoramic views of the beautiful ocean.

Blue Lagoon Island

A great alternative to Pearl Island is a shore excursion to Blue Lagoon Island. It is one of my favorite places to visit from the cruise ship in Nassau.

Blue Lagoon Island has a more active and spacious private island experience.

This place literally offers everything from dolphin and sea lion encounters to eco tours and water sports.

It’s a great pick for cruise passengers looking for a mix of beach time and activities.

The beach area is larger than Pearl Island, and the island also has more to explore.

Swimming Pigs

Yes, it’s a real thing, and it’s just as fun as it sounds. 🙂

While the famous Exuma pigs live further away, some tours now offer pig encounters closer to Nassau, usually on Rose Island, depending on the operator.

These trips usually include beach time, lunch, and a boat ride, and can be a half-day or full-day experience.

Can I (Safely) Walk Around Nassau From The Cruise Port?

Totally! You can walk around safely in Nassau from the cruise port, especially in the downtown area and along Bay Street.

That’s where you’ll find amazing shops, cute cafes, the Straw Market, and some instagrammable colonial buildings.

Just like any touristy place, be smart about it! Don’t flash valuables, and stick to the main areas.

If you’re heading to a beach or somewhere farther out, I’d grab a taxi instead—it’s cheap and way easier.

Conclusion

If you only have one day in Nassau on your Caribbean Cruise, you’d better make it count. The city of Nassau itself has lots of cool attractions, and you can see many within walking distance of the cruise port. 

Cruisers will be able to try typical Bahamian cuisine, like conch fritters, seafood with rice, and conch salad – with a sip of coconut water – before climbing up to a historical fort and seeing cute pastel-colored houses and the Government house. 

Of course, you can also venture out farther, see cool places like Fort Charlotte, Atlantis Paradise Island, John Watling’s Distillery, and the Aquaventure Water Park. 

Grand Bahama Island has much to offer, and you can easily spend a week there without getting bored. Just make sure to visit some markets where locals sell their crafts, like wood carvings, (maybe bring  Bahamian Dollar) to have a full, authentic experience.