Best tours of Nassau

In Nassau, a dream destination to enjoy paradisiacal beaches, you can take a variety of tours to get to know its culture, art, gastronomy and colonial architecture, in addition to enjoying its exuberant nature.

Lorena Morales

Lorena Morales

11 min read

Best tours of Nassau

Getting to know Nassau | Mizarro

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, a country made up of some 700 islands and islets located in the Caribbean Sea, and a must-see destination for beach and marine life lovers. There are many things to see and do in Nassau, including a wide variety of tours that will allow you to get to know this city in depth.

From tours to learn about the culture and history of the Bahamas or snorkeling activities to discover the coral reefs, to tours to taste typical Bahamian dishes and learn about the colonial architecture of the city. Here you will find the most interesting excursions you can do in Nassau, so you can make the most of your stay in the island.

1. Take a gastronomic tour of downtown Nassau

Nassau Food| ©Errol Bodie
Nassau Food| ©Errol Bodie

A very interesting way to get to know Nassau is to try the delicious Bahamian dishes on a gastronomic and cultural tour. In addition, as they usually take place in the historic district of the city, they allow you to see its most representative buildings, such as the Government House, which is located on Mount Fitzwilliam, and the Governor's Mansion.

They are usually tours that are conducted in small groups of people, and accompanied by an expert in local cuisine. It is an experience that allows you to taste delicious dishes in the best restaurants, and usually gives you a lot of information about the history and culture of Nassau. Tastings usually consist of different varieties of food, drinks, chocolates and desserts.

These tours are available every day of the year and are suitable for all ages. Don't forget to let us know in advance if you are vegetarian or follow a special diet, so that the guide can make the best recommendations.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 80 € for adults and about 50 € for children under 13 years old.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to taste the best dishes of the local gastronomy, while touring the historic center of Nassau and learning about its culture.
  • Disadvantages of this option: may be suspended in case of bad weather.

Book a gastronomic tour

2. Take an architectural walking tour of Nassau

Government House| ©Larry Syverson
Government House| ©Larry Syverson

For people interested in learning about the culture and history of Nassau, walking tours are ideal. These guided tours are usually accompanied by a local expert who can give you a lot of information about the sites you visit, so you can learn a lot about Bahamian culture.

The tours usually start in the historic center of Nassau, and include visits to emblematic and historic buildings such as Government House, the Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, the Water Tower, the traditional Graycliff Chocolate Factory, the Bahamas Museum of Art, Rawson Square, the John Watling Distillery and the Nassau Straw Market.

These tours can be taken every day of the year, and even include entrance fees to the various attractions. They are usually conducted in small groups, which ensures that you can always hear the guide's commentary (some tours provide you with headphones). Note that tastings at food and beverage outlets are not always included in the cost.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 34 € per person approximately.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you can learn a lot about the culture, history, architecture and gastronomy of Nassau and the Bahamas, while visiting emblematic buildings.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not all tours include transportation to and from the hotel.

Book a guided tour in Nassau

3. Join a cultural and culinary tour by jeep

Jeeps for the tour| ©Toryn
Jeeps for the tour| ©Toryn

Another fun way to see the highlights of Nassau is to join a Jeep Wrangler tour. This type of tour usually includes food and beverage tastings at traditional stores in town, and a typical Bahamian lunch. In addition, some tours propose a visit to Junkano World, a museum where you can see costumes and other objects representative of the Junkano, the cultural expression of the Bahamas.

It is an interesting way to see the most emblematic sites of the city such as the old Queen's Staircase, the Montague, Fincastle, Nassau and Charlotte forts, and The Caves, a cave with historical importance where bats live.

These activities allow you to visit the city's traditional stores, such as Tasty Teas Bahamas, where you can try various specialty teas; the John Watling distillery, famous for its rums and piña coladas; or Arawak Cay Fish Fry, a restaurant where you can sample local seafood and fish.

Please note that, due to the type of vehicle used, it is likely that small children will not be able to participate. It is also advisable to let the tour organizers know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 90 € for adults and 80 € for children approximately.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: jeep.
  • Advantages of this option: it is a fun way to get to know the emblematic sites of the city, with lunch, drinks and tastings included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: children over 5 years old can participate.

Tour Nassau by jeep

4. Enjoy water sports at Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach| ©Erin Young
Junkanoo Beach| ©Erin Young

An alternative to full-day excursions in Nassau is to rent water sports equipment for a full day at the beach. Equipment rentals are usually available every day of the year starting in the morning, and you can use them as many times as you wish. Also at this beach you can join a boat excursion to see the surrounding coral reefs.

These equipment and items usually include single and double kayaks, surfboards, inflatable floats, paddle boards, tricycles, and beach volleyballs and beach soccer balls. Snorkeling equipment, which is one of Nassau' s most popular marine life discovery activities, is also often available.

Junkanoo Beach has a staff that can assist you throughout the day in handling the elements and equipment. However, please note that equipment rentals do not usually include surfing or snorkeling lessons. The transfer to the beach is not usually included either. Anyway, Junkanoo Beach is located just one kilometer from downtown Nassau and you can get there without problems.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 40 € for adults and 29 € for children approximately.
  • Duration: about 7 hours.
  • Transportation: usually not included.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to use the equipment as long as you wish during the rental period.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is possible that the transfer to Junkanoo beach and surf or snorkeling lessons are not included in the rental cost.

Enjoy marine activities at Junkanoo Beach

5. Tour Nassau on all-terrain quads

ATV fun| ©luciole17
ATV fun| ©luciole17

For lovers of sports and adventurous activities, ATV tours have an ingredient of excitement that makes them different. They are undoubtedly a fun way to see the highlights of Nassau and then relax on the beach.

The vehicles are easy to operate, and you will have the helmet and all the elements you need. In general, you will be accompanied by a guide who will be in charge of giving you instructions and interesting information about each place you visit. It is important that you check if you are provided with headphones or if you should bring your own, so that you can listen to the guide without problems.

Among the sites included in these tours are the Queen's Staircase, an 18th-century carved stone staircase; Government House; Forts Charlotte and Fincastle; the John Watling Distillery; Arawak Cay and the New Providence Caves, which have historical and ecological significance.

As these tours require driving, the companies in charge may require a minimum age to participate or ask you to have a driver's license.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 180 € for adults approximately.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: individual all-terrain vehicles.
  • Advantages of this option: it is a fun and different way to see the best of Nassau. Usually includes bottled water and a typical Bahamian lunch.
  • Disadvantages of this option: May require a minimum age to participate.

Tour Nassau by ATV

6. Get to know the shores of Nassau

Nassau Coast| ©Mike LaMonaca
Nassau Coast| ©Mike LaMonaca

One of the best things to do in Nassau is to take a tour of its coastline, where the city's traditional chocolate shops, distilleries and stores are located. These tours usually include a visit to the most emblematic attractions, such as the 18th-century Queen's Staircase, made of hand-carved stone; and the Versailles Gardens and the French Cloister, where there is a beautiful view of the ocean.

You can also visit stores such as The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, a renowned rum cake factory; Graycliff Chocolatier, which offers more than 17 different flavors of chocolates; and the John Watling Distillery, famous for its delicious piña coladas and rums. Some tours also often include a visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where you can learn about the history of the pirates who ruled the Caribbean.

These activities usually include tastings and admission to some of the attractions and feature a local guide knowledge able about the history and culture of the city, who provides valuable information about the sites you visit.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 130 € for adults and about 80 € for children.
  • Duration: about 3 hours and a half.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned van.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit emblematic sites of the city in a comfortable way, while learning more about its culture and history.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the entrance fee to the Pirates of Nassau may not be included.

7. Explore the island of Nassau in a 4x4 vehicle at your own pace

Buggys| ©Kārlis Dambrāns
Buggys| ©Kārlis Dambrāns

If you prefer a more intimate experience and tour Nassau at your own pace, a good option is to rent a buggy to tour the island. It is very convenient if you are traveling with your family or friends, since the vehicles have a capacity for up to 6 people. You can rent it for a few hours or for the whole day and they are usually available all year round.

Besides being a fun experience, these vehicles have a great panoramic view, since they have no doors or windows. Since the tour you can take is completely free, it is advisable to do some research on the sites in Nassau you want to see before renting this vehicle, to make the best use of your time.

It is a requirement that drivers must be over 25 years of age and have a valid driver's license. Also, due to the characteristics of the vehicles, this experience is not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant women.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 415 € for approximately 4 hours and around 650 € for the whole day.
  • Duration: from 4 to 24 hours.
  • Means of transport: 4x4 vehicle.
  • Advantages of this option: it allows you to tour Nassau according to your preferences and at your own pace.
  • Disadvantages of this option: as the escort is not usually included, you may have to plan the tour on your own.

Rent a buggy in Nassau

8. Take a cultural tour of Nassau by bicycle

People on Bicycles| ©Paul Jarvie
People on Bicycles| ©Paul Jarvie

A city tour by bicycle is perfect for lovers of this eco-friendly means of transportation, and for those who want to get to know Nassau's culture and history in depth.

Keep in mind that, they are tours in which you must have an average physical condition or be used to riding a bicycle to enjoy the experience, although usually there are several stops to rest.

Among the most emblematic sites of Nassau that are usually visited on these tours are the Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, the Governor's House, Graycliff Chocolate Factory, the Bahamas Museum of Art, Rawson Square, the John Watling Distillery and the Straw Market. Arawak Cay Beach, where you can sample typical Bahamian food and beverages, is also often visited.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 55 € per person approximately.
  • Duration: about 4 hours.
  • Means of transportation: bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get to know the most representative sites of the island, and learn more about its culture, history and art.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this type of tour may require a minimum age to participate. Not all of them include the transfer to and from the hotel.

Tour Nassau by bicycle

9. City bike tour for the whole family with Junkanoo Beach

Getting to know Junkanoo| ©_sien_
Getting to know Junkanoo| ©_sien_

If you have traveled to Nassau with your family, and they are interested in touring the city on two wheels, they can book a guided bike tour designed for both children and adults to enjoy.

These types of tours have bicycles available for children ages 6 and up, as well as seats for small children on some adult bicycles. Generally, the number of bikes available for children is smaller, so it is advisable to book the tour in advance.

The experience usually includes transportation to and from the hotel, bottled water, helmet and all the elements you need. It is even common to be given a headsetso you can listen to all the guide's comments without problems.

Among the attractions that are usually visited during these tours are Fort Charlotte, the Tasty Teas tea factory, the John Watling distillery, the Graycliff chocolate factory, the typical food restaurants of Arawak Cay and Junkanoo Beach, where they usually give you time to swim and enjoy the beach.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 118 € per person approximately.
  • Duration: about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Means of transport: bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: these are tours for the whole family that allow you to see the most emblematic sites of Nassau. They usually include free time to enjoy the beach.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it usually does not include food, meals or tastings.

10. Nassau Coastal Tour with snorkeling and time at the beach

Snorkel day| ©ollie harridge
Snorkel day| ©ollie harridge

This type of tour is ideal for people who want to see the most emblematic of Nassau and enjoy its paradisiacal beaches. In addition, they usually include full equipment for snorkeling, which is one of the favorite activities in the Bahamas, in addition to boat rides around Nassau and scuba diving.

Among the sites often visited on this excursion are the Queen's Staircase, a 66-step stone staircase built in the 18th century; the Graycliff Chocolate Factory; and Providence Cave, a bat roost that may have been a pirate's lair.

The snorkeling site is near Nirvanna Love Beach, on a coral reef of about 16 hectares. You can also choose not to snorkel and just enjoy the beach or swim in the ocean.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 200 € for adults and 140 € for children approximately.
  • Duration: about 5 hours and a half.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned van.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit emblematic sites of the city in a comfortable way, spend time on the beach and snorkel if you wish.
  • Disadvantages of this option: you need to be in average physical condition to enjoy the whole excursion.