Bahamas Port of call
A day within reach.
Downtown is right outside the cruise port, so you can build a useful day around walking, a food stop or nearby Junkanoo Beach. Decide how far you want to go before adding a taxi or an island excursion.
Option 1
Choose a plan for the stops, food, walking and extra costs. Suggested plans are flexible; use your ship’s all-aboard time to set your return.
Hours and prices checked Oct 1, 2026.
Downtown Nassau
Browse the nearby squares and Straw Market, then stop for something to eat close to the port.
Loading map…
Stops, in order
Your town & market plan
Local tip
Inside the port. The Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo is part of the cruise port, an easy stop before you head into town or on the way back.
Set a return reminder
Your phone uses its own clock; if it differs from ship time, set the reminder by ship time.
Hours and prices checked Oct 1, 2026.
Nassau Cruise Port: nearby landmarksNassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQNassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: getting around (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: about the port
Junkanoo Beach
Make the nearby beach your main stop, with refreshments and rentals available from vendors.
Loading map…
Stops, in order
Your beach break plan
Local tip
Want pools and slides?. Margaritaville Beach Resort, near Junkanoo Beach, sells day passes to its water park and pools. Check what the pass includes, its hours and its price on the resort’s site before you go.
Set a return reminder
Your phone uses its own clock; if it differs from ship time, set the reminder by ship time.
Hours and prices checked Oct 1, 2026.
Nassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo BeachNassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo Beach (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: getting around (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQNassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau: day passes
Arawak Cay Fish Fry
Make local food the focus, choosing a vendor and meal that fit the time you have ashore.
Loading map…
Stops, in order
Your bahamian lunch plan
Local tip
The cheapest ride. Jitneys run west from downtown; the official tourism site lists about $1.50 one way with exact change. Ask the driver whether the bus stops at Arawak Cay before you board.
Set a return reminder
Your phone uses its own clock; if it differs from ship time, set the reminder by ship time.
Hours and prices checked Oct 1, 2026.
Nassau Cruise Port: Arawak Cay Fish FryNassau Cruise Port: getting aroundNassau Cruise Port: Arawak Cay Fish Fry (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: getting around (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Paradise Island (official tourism site): getting aroundCount from when you can get off the ship, or ashore by tender, to the all-aboard time, using ship time. Times on these plans are our estimates, with time to spare; they cannot promise a plan fits your sailing.
Short plans need up to 4 hours in total, medium up to 6, long more than 6. A plan with a connection still to confirm has no total.
What to do in Nassau on a short cruise stop · A worked example with transfer and return allowances.
Select a terminal or place to see its location and open directions.
Open Nassau Cruise Port in Google Maps
Choose a place for its location, then open Google Maps for directions. Confirm the terminal on your cruise documents; a map result does not establish your ship’s berth or an accessible route.
Local know-how
Checked Oct 1, 2026. Confirm fares and hours locally before paying.
Paradise Island
Nassau Paradise Island lists a roughly 10-minute crossing and an approximate US$7 fare per person, checked Oct 1, 2026. Ask whether the ticket is one way or return; boarding and waiting are extra. Confirm your departure pier and last boat back.
Nassau Paradise Island (official tourism site): getting aroundParadise Island
Our suggestion: the road back over the bridge can be slower than the ride out. Set your return from the all-aboard time rather than from how long the outward trip took, and know when the last water taxi leaves.
Nassau Paradise Island (official tourism site): getting aroundBudget ride
Jitneys are the public minibuses locals use. Nassau Paradise Island lists an approximate US$1.50 one-way fare, checked Oct 1, 2026, with exact change paid on exit. Confirm your route and fare with the driver; no fixed waiting time is verified here.
Nassau Paradise Island (official tourism site): getting aroundInside the port
The rebuilt cruise port includes the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo, shops, places to eat and an outdoor amphitheater. It is a short taste of Bahamian culture without leaving the port. Check the museum’s hours and admission on the day.
Nassau Cruise Port: about the portBefore you go ashore
The port has free Wi-Fi, but mobile data abroad can be expensive. Download the area around the port in your map app while you still have the ship’s Wi-Fi, so you can find your way back without a signal.
Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQRawson Square and Parliament Square sit across Bay Street from each other. The Straw Market is another nearby stop. Check the route against your own walking pace and the weather.
Nassau Cruise Port: nearby landmarksTaxis leave from the port’s Arrivals Plaza; public minibuses are called jitneys. Before boarding either, confirm destination, fare, payment and the return pickup. Current route-specific fares are not verified here.
Nassau Cruise Port: getting aroundThe port lists Paradise Island departures from its Ferry Terminal every 30 minutes, 9 am–noon, checked Oct 1, 2026. This is an outward schedule, not a maximum wait or a return timetable. Confirm your boat’s return dock, last service and boarding access before buying a ticket.
Nassau Cruise Port: getting aroundTaxis leave from Arrivals Plaza. For an accessible vehicle, arrange it before going ashore and confirm boarding, chair dimensions and a return pickup for your chosen destination. The port directs ship-side wheelchair assistance requests to the onboard team. Checked Oct 6, 2026.
Nassau Cruise Port: getting around (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)A collection of food vendors serving dishes such as cracked conch, fritters and fried fish. The port publishes walk and drive estimates, shown in the food plan’s transport evidence. Hours and prices differ by vendor; leave time for the return.
Nassau Cruise Port: Arawak Cay Fish FryThere are eateries and shops within the port if you want a shorter outing. Food and drinks cost extra; check the individual outlet’s menu and opening time.
Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQPublished information checked Oct 1, 2026. Confirm current prices before paying.
Beach day
Ask the price of chairs and umbrellas before accepting them. Drinks and food are extra.
Nassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo BeachFish Fry
Vendor prices and hours vary. Budget separately for the ride if you take a taxi.
Nassau Cruise Port: Arawak Cay Fish FryGetting around
Confirm the destination, currency, total fare and return pickup before boarding.
Nassau Cruise Port: getting aroundOption 2
Prefer an organized outing in Nassau? Browse tours with Viator, then check the exact meeting point, departure, inclusions and cancellation terms before booking.
Tour duration is only part of your time ashore. Allow for getting to the meeting point, early check-in, any transfers outside the tour and your return reserve. Confirm the ship’s clock, all-aboard time and any earlier last tender. These results have not been checked against your sailing.
Search up to one year ahead. Schedules are indicative; confirm available departure times and your group’s final price on Viator.
We may earn a commission when you book through these links. How we are paid.
Port details
Nassau Cruise Port is at Prince George Wharf beside downtown. For Junkanoo Beach, tourism gives an approximate 800 m (0.5-mile) distance and a 10-minute walk; the port publishes 13 minutes. Treat these as rough port-area estimates, checked Oct 5, 2026, and add your actual gangway-to-exit time, crossings, heat and walking pace. Other beach and attraction routes remain separately unverified.
Nassau Cruise Port: nearby landmarksNassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo Beach walk estimate (checked Oct 5, 2026)Nassau Paradise Island: Junkanoo distance (checked Oct 5, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: Arawak Cay Fish FryNassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQNassau Cruise Port: getting aroundNassau Cruise Port: getting around (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Beach option: Junkanoo Beach. Tourism gives about 800 m (0.5 mile); published walking estimates differ, about 10 minutes from tourism versus 13 minutes from the port. Add the actual ship-to-exit approach and check beach rental prices. Checked Oct 5, 2026.Nassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo Beach walk estimate (checked Oct 5, 2026)Nassau Paradise Island: Junkanoo distance (checked Oct 5, 2026)
Use your actual terminal. Any quoted walk starts at the location named, not automatically at the gangway. Allow for port access, weather and your walking pace.
First steps ashore
Ships usually dock at the cruise facilities listed below. Your ship confirms the actual berth and any change to tender arrangements.
Your ship confirms the arrival pier and any tender arrangements for your sailing.
| Place | Location | What it means for your day |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise piers | Prince George Wharf, downtown Nassau | Your ship gives the berth and all-aboard time. Save these before walking ashore.Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ |
| Taxi stand | Arrivals Plaza | Use the port taxi stand for destinations beyond downtown. Agree the fare and return plan first.Nassau Cruise Port: getting around |
Port hours vary by ship and date in Nassau. Check your sailing itinerary for scheduled arrival and departure, then the onboard app or daily notice for all-aboard, ship time and any last-tender deadline. Subtract clearance, both transfers and a return buffer before choosing an outing. Scheduled arrival is not your guaranteed time ashore.
Our suggestion: keep a short independent visit around downtown and choose one beach or food stop. For farther boat outings, compare meeting points and the operator’s return arrangements.
Sources checked Oct 1, 2026
UK FCDO: Bahamas safety adviceTake your ship card or wearable, the identification specified in the ship’s port briefing, any tour ticket and a way to pay. Save your terminal name, return deadline and ship’s emergency contact offline. Ask whether your original passport is required for this visit; do not assume a phone photo replaces required identification. Bahamian and U.S. dollars. The port says both are accepted at equal value. Carry some cash and check for a service charge before adding a tip.
Sources checked Oct 1, 2026
Royal Caribbean: shore-excursion documents and planningCarnival: identification when reboardingU.S. Department of State: cruise travel planningNassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQWait for the ship’s announcement that passengers may go ashore. Follow its gangway, shuttle or tender instructions and any ticketing order. Keep your ship identification ready when leaving and returning. Allow for terminal access checks, queues and security screening before reboarding; tender passengers also need to meet the last return boat.
Sources checked Sep 24, 2026
Carnival: identification when reboardingRoyal Caribbean Group: boarding and port-call screeningUK government advice recommends staying in downtown Nassau and avoiding walks beyond the main tourist areas, especially alone. It reports violent crime in tourist as well as residential areas. A walkable route is not a security guarantee; check current advice and your ship’s briefing.
Sources checked Sep 24, 2026
UK FCDO: Bahamas safety adviceBahamian and U.S. dollars. The port says both are accepted at equal value. Carry some cash and check for a service charge before adding a tip.
Currency checked Sep 20, 2026
Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQNassau Cruise Port is at Prince George Wharf. Allow time to walk from your ship through the port.
Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQNassau Cruise Port: getting aroundThe port directs wheelchair requests to the onboard team. Arrange any accessible vehicle before leaving the ship.
Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQOn the Western Esplanade, west of the port. The port publishes an approximate walk, shown in the beach plan’s transport evidence. It does not identify a particular berth or accessible route. Vendors sell refreshments; confirm rental and service charges.
Nassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo BeachCheck exactly which beach, pool, towels, food and drinks the pass includes, plus transport and cancellation terms. Do not assume walking into a resort gives access to its pools. No resort day-pass price is verified in this guide.
Our suggestion: explore the nearby squares and market, then choose either a beach break or a meal. Add Arawak Cay only if your time ashore allows the extra distance.
Our suggestion: stay around downtown or make Junkanoo Beach your main stop. Set your return time before heading out, allowing for the port walk, security and queues.
Nassau observes daylight saving time; follow the ship’s clock and all-aboard time. The port provides free Wi-Fi. Check roaming charges with your phone provider before using mobile data.
Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQTaxi fares, venue hours, beach facilities and accessible transport need checking for your visit. Take your ship’s required identification and port-agent contact with you.
The port, beaches and places to explore
490 itineraries in the catalog
From our sister site, It’s All Inclusive
In the Bahamas you choose the island first: Cable Beach and Paradise Island near Nassau, or quieter lodges on Andros and San Salvador.
Nassau Cruise Port is at Prince George Wharf beside downtown. For Junkanoo Beach, tourism gives an approximate 800 m (0.5-mile) distance and a 10-minute walk; the port publishes 13 minutes. Treat these as rough port-area estimates, checked Oct 5, 2026, and add your actual gangway-to-exit time, crossings, heat and walking pace. Other beach and attraction routes remain separately unverified.
Nassau Cruise Port: nearby landmarksNassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo Beach walk estimate (checked Oct 5, 2026)Nassau Paradise Island: Junkanoo distance (checked Oct 5, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: Arawak Cay Fish FryNassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQNassau Cruise Port: getting aroundNassau Cruise Port: getting around (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Sources checked Oct 1, 2026
Ships usually dock at the cruise facilities listed below. Your ship confirms the actual berth and any change to tender arrangements. Check the terminal comparison above for the different arrival areas.
Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQNassau Cruise Port: getting aroundSources checked Oct 1, 2026
Beach option: Junkanoo Beach. Tourism gives about 800 m (0.5 mile); published walking estimates differ, about 10 minutes from tourism versus 13 minutes from the port. Add the actual ship-to-exit approach and check beach rental prices. Checked Oct 5, 2026.
Nassau Cruise Port: Junkanoo Beach walk estimate (checked Oct 5, 2026)Nassau Paradise Island: Junkanoo distance (checked Oct 5, 2026)Sources checked Oct 1, 2026
Our suggestion: keep a short independent visit around downtown and choose one beach or food stop. For farther boat outings, compare meeting points and the operator’s return arrangements.
UK FCDO: Bahamas safety adviceSources checked Oct 1, 2026
Walk the nearby sights. Rawson Square and Parliament Square sit across Bay Street from each other. The Straw Market is another nearby stop. Check the route against your own walking pace and the weather. Taxi or jitney. Taxis leave from the port’s Arrivals Plaza; public minibuses are called jitneys. Before boarding either, confirm destination, fare, payment and the return pickup. Current route-specific fares are not verified here.
Nassau Cruise Port: nearby landmarksNassau Cruise Port: getting aroundNassau Cruise Port: getting around (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Nassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQ (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Sources checked Oct 1, 2026
Take your ship card or wearable, the identification specified in the ship’s port briefing, any tour ticket and a way to pay. Save your terminal name, return deadline and ship’s emergency contact offline. Ask whether your original passport is required for this visit; do not assume a phone photo replaces required identification. Bahamian and U.S. dollars. The port says both are accepted at equal value. Carry some cash and check for a service charge before adding a tip.
Royal Caribbean: shore-excursion documents and planningCarnival: identification when reboardingU.S. Department of State: cruise travel planningNassau Cruise Port: visitor FAQSources checked Oct 1, 2026
Port hours vary by ship and date in Nassau. Check your sailing itinerary for scheduled arrival and departure, then the onboard app or daily notice for all-aboard, ship time and any last-tender deadline. Subtract clearance, both transfers and a return buffer before choosing an outing. Scheduled arrival is not your guaranteed time ashore.
UK government advice recommends staying in downtown Nassau and avoiding walks beyond the main tourist areas, especially alone. It reports violent crime in tourist as well as residential areas. A walkable route is not a security guarantee; check current advice and your ship’s briefing.
UK FCDO: Bahamas safety adviceSources checked Sep 24, 2026
Local guide checked Oct 1, 2026. New practical guidance carries its own source dates. Published prices, hours and terminal use can change. Our outing suggestions are editorial advice, not cruise-line schedules or return guarantees. Cruise-line links illustrate their own policies; your line’s instructions govern your sailing.
_01.jpg){kind=link}
