Never Been to Nassau

[basketballmom]

Maybe you can help us. We will be sailing the Carnival Glory in July. The ship docks at Nassau from 7-2. What are some ideas for what to do while we are there? DH wants to visit Atlantis (but I'm not going to waste time booking a room as CS). What about snorkeling? Where are there good areas to go snorkeling? Best places not too far from where the ship docks? Thanks for your input!

[debbie9703]

We too are going to be in Nassau for a short time. We don't know how there is any time to do anything worthwhile. We have already been to the straw market. We will probably get off the ship as early as we can and head over to Cable Beach( picked this beach after reading these posts) We plan on staying for a couple hours and then head to Senor Frogs for lunch and maybe some early partying. We will mainly do this for our 20 yr old daughter and her friend. I would also like do shop a little but doubt there will be time.

[laurasue]

From what I've read, the only good snorkeling in Nassau is off shore, by boat. And since so many cruise ship itineraries don't work well with local snorkeling excursions, your best bet may be to book through Carnival, if they offer one. Perhaps someone can shed more light on this?

 

We'll be in Nassau in May, but our cruise ship is docked until midnight or so, so we've planned a snorkel excursion with Stuart Cove's. They do have a morning tour you could try and make, but the timing might be tight if you're not one of the first to make it off the ship.

[two cruisers 723]

We're on the Carnival Fantasy in 8 days. I'm not sure what excursions your ship will offer. But with ours, there's a 2-1/2 hour snorkeling tour to Athol Island that begins as soon as we dock (which is 10:00 for us). And by taking that trip, we're back by 12:30 and have the rest of the afternoon to lounge on the beach. Since we'll be there overnight, we fortunately have the entire day. But if they offer a short excursion pretty early since your ship gets in early, maybe you could take that and have some time to do something else when it's over. We'll be going to the British Colonial Hilton just a few minutes walk from the ship and using their pool and beach. But that does cost $15 a person. It's worth it to us as opposed to going to Cable beach because you don't have to take the time to get transportation to and from Cable beach and thus, have more time to spend on the beach relaxing. Plus, you have to pay for the travel. So unless you take a bus to Cable beach, the cost of the taxi is about the same as the cost of the day pass to the British Colonial Hilton. Enjoy whatever you decide to do and make the most of your time in port.

[cocoapuff6929]

I would recommend the Yellowbird tour boat----Free rum drinks and a 3 hour ride to a private island....Book it when you get on board...C

[grvdggr71]

If you don't want to waste the money booking CS for such a short amount of time in port, perhaps Carnival has a shore excursion that goes to Atlantis where you can visit the aquariums and the casino. Royal Caribbean had such an excursion for about $29 a person. However, this will not include access to the pools, slides, and beaches.

[Jeanne S]

Try to take one of the excursions offerered to Athol or Blackbeard's Cay

[MizzouMary]

Our group is thinking about the Yellowbird, but one does not drink. Would this still be an appropriate tour?

 

Also, can someone who has been on the Yellowbird tour answer the following questions:

 

1.) Are the lounge chairs at Pearl Island included? If not, how much is the chair rental fee?

 

2.) Is there a shady place where someone can get out of the sun if needed?

 

3.) Are there any eating establishments on or around the beach area?

 

4.) Is there a restroom available?

 

5.) Can you snorkle on the Yellowbird tour and do they include the gear?

 

6.) Are there any vendors who rent water toys, etc.?

 

Thanks for your help!

[scubagirrl]

The Yellowbird is not necessarily a booze cruise, so your non-drinking traveler would not be out of place.

As for lounge chairs, they are $5 ea. and are only on the OPEN beach.

Shade is provided along the stretch of walkways with Umbrellas and Palapas over the picinic tables. No other shading is available. There a grill with hotdogs and burgers as well as a daiguiri bar. The grill line is usually a bit long. There are restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms on the island.

They rent snorkeling gear, but the snorkeling off the island is really not that good. Just a mat of sea grass. There are private jetski, bananaboat and parasailing vendors that will show up to take you out.

Although there is a nice sea garden off the back end of the island, those who have not signed up for that tour are not allowed to use it. I haven't seen anyone there in awhile, so I don't know which tour that would be.

Yellowbird is a fun trip to a tiny island.

This link has a couple of pictures of the island.

http://www.island-helicopters.com/tours/pearl.htm

[MizzouMary]

Thanks Scubagirl!! One other question. Can one go up in the tower that is pictured, or is that off-limits?

[scubagirrl]

Thanks Scubagirl!! One other question. Can one go up in the tower that is pictured, or is that off-limits?

 

Yes, there are stairs leading to the tower. It's a great view.

Have fun!

[tambo913]

Great pictures!

[Nliedel]

I really enjoyed the Yellowbird Tour and will do it again (not next trip, we are swimming with the dolphins instead). The snorkeling was not fabulous but the beach is nice and the water is lovely.