What to do in Nassau if we don't book a shore excursion?

Looking for suggestions on what to do in Nassau if we decide not to book a shore excursion. We will be on the Allure and only docked from 7a-2p. The day before is embarkation day where we also have Mamma Mia booked. The show runs over two hours and I don't want to get the kids up early to make a shore excursion. Suggestions on what we can do in our own? What is near the dock? Any beaches close by or an easy taxi ride?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

How about just staying on the ship and enjoying the pools, etc, when it is practically empty?

We were there 12 years ago and I remember walking around the town, going to Senor Frog's for some kind of drink (I know it was popular, but I don't remember the name), and shopping at the straw market without ever taking a taxi.

But, I think it depends on how old your kids will be on the trip. It may be too much walking for super young kids.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

You can easily walk over to the beach. Junkanoo or something like that if I remember correctly. If you want to explore, the Queen's Staircase is a marvelous thing to see.

Looking for suggestions on what to do in Nassau if we decide not to book a shore excursion. We will be on the Allure and only docked from 7a-2p. The day before is embarkation day where we also have Mamma Mia booked. The show runs over two hours and I don't want to get the kids up early to make a shore excursion. Suggestions on what we can do in our own? What is near the dock? Any beaches close by or an easy taxi ride?

Junkanoo Beach is walking distance.

Junkanoo Beach is walking distance.

Just as I said. ;)

You could go to the Hilton and pay a daypass for $60 that includes use of all facilities ( including pools ) and $40 credit.

The last 2 times we've been in Nassau, we've gone to the British Colonial Hilton which is a short walk from the cruise terminal. You can buy a day pass there and use their pool, beach, towels and facilities. The day pass is $60 for adults but includes a $40 food and beverage credit. We found the resort to be very nice and well maintained and not at all crowded (they limit the number of passes they sell)...because you are only there till 2, and you are not wanting to get up and out too early you may not feel like it is worth the $$, but I still highly recommend it as something to consider.

There is a Cartier boutique.

I'm always disappointed with Nassau. Someday I'll learn to just stay on the ship. I found a Segway tour that receives good reviews....so we might try that for the next cruise.

You can ride a water taxi over to Paradise Island and walk the shops in the marina area of Atlantis and also enter the casino. $4PP each way.

You can walk to the Queens Staircase and Fort Fincastle ($1 to enter). About a 15 minute walk from the ship.

You can go to Bahamas National Art Gallery. They are very agreeable to haggle style pricing to enter. figure $5 pp and besides the nice artwork they have AMAZING air conditioning.

Right up the street from that is Greycliff Choclatier, and another block up is John Watlings Rum Distillery (free tour) with some great drink specials at the end of the tour.

Maybe you want to find a little local bar in the touristy area near the ship and grab a Bahamian beer. maybe the Bearded Clam. 2 for $5 beers

Maybe grab the #10 Jitney for $1.25 and use it to site see.

You can Google historic walking tour of Nassau and print out a map to do you own self-guided tour of the historic parts of Nassau.

Nassau is not a favorite port of mine, BUT there are lots of free and very cheap things you can do within walking distance.

Just as I said. ;)

I've got to learn to type faster.;)

I'm always disappointed with Nassau. Someday I'll learn to just stay on the ship. I found a Segway tour that receives good reviews....so we might try that for the next cruise.

We did the Seguay tour last month and loved it. They are very easy to drive. We will definitely book this again when in Nassau with those short port times.

You could taxi to Ardastra Gardens and spend a couple hours there. We took our kids there when we visited Nassau one time. It's a fun little zoo. We loved the flamingo show. They will call a taxi when you are ready to return to port. From the port, it would be about 15-20 min ride. They have a website if you want to check it out.

Depending upon how old your kids are they might like the pirate museum. My kids liked it when we were on the Oasis. With the limited time there we decided it wasn't worth it to do a day pass or go the Atlantis. It's a short walk from the pier and we did some shopping on the way back to the ship.

How about just staying on the ship and enjoying the pools, etc, when it is practically empty?

Yup, I consider it an extra sea day

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

This is an easy and fun little walking tour (about 2 hours'ish)

oooo...I love that map, Hoopster! Thanks for sharing. I am going to save it for the next time I am on a cruise that calls on Nassau

Another fun thing to do in Nassau:

http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/what-to-do/unique-tours-activities/graycliff-chocolatier/

I, too, would spend most of the day on the ship. Maybe get off when the shops open, and stroll through them for a bit....

Not much will be happening at 7am!

I think I am one of the rare ones, but I like Nassau. We tend to walk around. If you guys are into forts, Fort Charlotte is pretty cool. Fort Fincastle is neat but Fort Charlotte is much better. Of course, if you have never been before, you need to go to the Queen's Staircase. I tend to see it each time we go anyway just because I enjoy it. Before we get back on board there is a pub on land that is called the Pirate's Republic that brews beer onsite. They have drinks and free popcorn and allow kids. Like I said, I enjoy the town and allows find something interesting.

Have a great trip,

Rachel

Junkanoo Beach and the Pirate Museum.

http://www.pirates-of-nassau.com/museum.htm

We also like the British Colonial Hilton and Ardastra Gardens for convenient Nassau excursions.

Ardastra has Marching Flamingos - see website for details.

If you have never been to the island I would suggest doing a sight seeing trip to get to know the island. If you have been there before you should do something like snorkeling or just relax at the beach!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Another fun thing to do in Nassau:

 

http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/what-to-do/unique-tours-activities/graycliff-chocolatier/

Thanks for the link! Great ideas!

Sent from my SM-T807V using Tapatalk