The 5 best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

Start your adventure with the Best of Nassau excursion, a relaxed introduction to the city’s most treasured sites. The tour kicks off with a climb up the Queen’s Staircase: a 66-step limestone path carved by enslaved people in the late 1700s. It leads to Fort Fincastle, where sweeping views and a centuries-old water tower await.

If you prefer your forts with a side of ocean breeze, head to Fort Charlotte. It’s the island’s largest fortress, complete with hidden dungeons and a drawbridge that once defended the harbor. Or swing by Fort Montagu, a smaller outpost with big stories as the site of the first U.S. military action outside the country.

After soaking in the history, you can head over to the Bahamian Straw Market, where the real souvenir is the experience. Expect handcrafted bags, woven hats and plenty of good-natured haggling.

When you want more indoor time (and air conditioning), Nassau delivers on culture too. At the Pirates of Nassau museum, you’ll board a replica pirate ship and discover how this peaceful port was once a haven for swashbuckling mischief. The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas gives a deep dive into the island’s complex past, from Lucayan roots to British rule. And don’t miss the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, where local painters, sculptors and photographers capture life in the islands with bold color and emotion.

Let’s be honest: if you’re in Nassau and not getting wet, you’re doing it wrong. As you float over coral gardens or make friends with four-legged swimmers, the water takes center stage.

For certified divers, the Two Tank Certified Scuba Dive excursion is a must. Dive into underwater walls, blue holes and shipwrecks that have made Nassau a top contender for the best snorkeling in Caribbean waters. 

Prefer to stay closer to the surface? The Stuart Cove Snuba & Snorkeling Adventure blends the freedom of snorkeling with the depth of scuba, no certification needed. Both of these excursions give you front-row access to colorful reefs and curious marine life. Many Nassau beaches allow you to bring your own gear if you want to explore on your own schedule.

Looking for something a little more... piggy? Yes, the Swimming Pigs & Sun Cay Beach Club with Lunch excursion is real, and yes, it’s wildly popular. Set sail to Sun Cay, where you can splash around with friendly pigs before enjoying a relaxing lunch by the sea. The same trip also offers the chance to swim with dolphins, making it one of the top fun things to do in Nassau Bahamas (especially for families).

Whether it’s snorkeling with parrotfish or paddling alongside porkers, you’ll quickly see why this island has earned its reputation for world-class Bahamas snorkeling.

Atlantis is an island within an island, and one of the most unforgettable stops on any Eastern Caribbean cruise. Located just across the bridge on Paradise Island, this massive marine playground has something for every type of traveler.

If you’re cruising with kids (or just a fan of epic slides), the Aquaventure Oasis at Atlantis excursion grants access to 141 acres of water attractions, with everything from lazy rivers to 60-foot drops. The Mayan Temple’s Leap of Faith water slide launches you through a clear tunnel submerged in a shark tank — because why not?

Beyond the thrills, there’s plenty of upscale calm. Adults can unwind by the pool with a tropical drink or explore the Atlantis Marina, home to designer boutiques and luxe dining. For guests eyeing a best Caribbean island for couples getaway, this is where beachy fun meets indulgent escape.

Inside, the resort’s marine exhibits and aquariums feature more than 50,000 animals, including stingrays, sea turtles and sawfish. It’s one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, and it feels like stepping into a living, swimming postcard.

If you're craving warm sand and a spot to chill between excursions, Nassau has the answer. These Nassau beaches each have their own personality: some lively, some lowkey and all worth the towel time.

• Blue Lagoon Beach: A dreamy private island retreat, great for families and day-pass guests. Think calm waters, hammocks and optional encounters with dolphins or sea lions.
• Cabbage Beach: Popular and easily accessible from Paradise Island, this beach is perfect for body surfing, sunbathing and people-watching.
• Jaws Beach: A quiet, low-traffic stretch of sand with calm, shallow water. Plus a fun trivia twist: scenes from Jaws: The Revenge were filmed here.
• Paradise Beach: Adjacent to the Atlantis resort, this public-access beach is postcard-perfect but can get busy. Go early to snag a good spot!
• Junkanoo Beach: Just a 10-minute walk from the cruise port, it’s ideal for guests on a short Caribbean cruise who want quick sun and swim time.
• Love Beach: A local favorite with great snorkeling and fewer crowds. Bring your own gear and discover coral just offshore.

From buzzy beach bars to quiet coves with reef access, Nassau’s shoreline is as varied as its guests, which is why it is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean to explore in a single day.

No cruise to the Bahamas is complete without tasting the island’s signature dishes. Bahamian cuisine is fresh and full of local pride. It’s built around seafood, citrus and spice with a side of island flair.

Join the Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class excursion to learn firsthand how locals prepare favorites like cracked conch, rock lobster tails and pigeon peas and rice. This hands-on experience turns up the heat in the best way, blending storytelling with sizzling technique.

On the streets and at beachside shacks, look for classics like:

• Conch salad
• Cracked conch
• Johnnycakes
• Bahamian stew fish

As you dive into a local recipe or sample something fresh from a roadside stand, Bahamian foods and cuisines tell the story of the islands bite by bite.

These simple steps can help turn a fun day in port into a flawless one.

✔ ️ Pack smart. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water to stay cool and protected in the tropical heat.
✔ ️ Plan ahead. Nassau’s charm is in its variety, but transportation can be limited. Booking excursions in advance saves time and stress./
✔ Carry cash. Local vendors prefer cash, and small denominations ($1s, $5s, $10s) go a long way at markets and beach bars.
✔ Check schedules. Some attractions (like museums and historic forts) may have limited hours or guided-tour windows.
✔ Wear comfy shoes. When exploring forts or markets, cobbled streets and stairs are common.

Princess makes it easy to experience the best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas. With curated shore excursions, seamless transfers and expert local guides, you'll spend less time planning and more time soaking up paradise.

Princess brings the same excellence to every tropical port, including this jewel of the Bahamas. Whether you're on a Western Caribbean cruise, an Eastern Caribbean cruise or a short Caribbean cruise, Nassau always delivers big on island flavor and laid-back adventure.

Ready to swim, snack and sightsee your way through the Bahamas?