7 Best Day Trips from Nassau

Nassau is a coastal city that you'll want to discover in its entirety. But if you have time you should visit its surroundings, dotted with history and nature. Doesn't that sound nice?

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

7 min read

7 Best Day Trips from Nassau

Cruises in Nassau | Fernando Jorge

Among the best things to do on your trip to the capital of the Bahamas you will find excursions and experiences that will allow you to explore the surroundings of Nassau, such as Exuma or the Blue Lagoon. Are you up for discovering them in this article?

1. Take a trip to Exuma from Nassau

Exuma| ©Ana Alexandrino
Exuma| ©Ana Alexandrino

Exuma is a group of approximately 365 islets with unspoiled nature and a breathtaking mangrove landscape. By booking a tour to Exuma from Nassau you will be able to swim, snorkel and relax on the sand.

Among the islets visited, you will have the opportunity to see different species of animals:

  • The swimming pigs of Big Mayor Cay beach, with which you will be able to interact freely.
  • The Bahamian iguana colony, a surprising species of lizards, whose weight reaches up to eight kilograms.
  • The nurse sharks, with which you will have the unique opportunity to swim and pet them without taking any risk.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 693€ per person.

  • Duration: six hours approx.

  • Means of transportation: car and plane.

  • Advantages: you will be able to interact with giant iguanas, swimming pigs and harmless sharks in a natural paradisiacal environment.

  • Disadvantages: not suitable for people in wheelchairs or strollers.

Exuma excursion reservation from Nassau

2. See Rose Island Beach from Nassau

Rose Island| ©laurent gilli
Rose Island| ©laurent gilli

You will have the opportunity to practice various water sports, swim with pigs and explore unique reefs. When you book a trip to Rose Island from Nassau you will start with a ferry transfer from Nassau harbor to Rose Island.

During this ride, you will enjoy a privileged view of the Caribbean and be amazed by the shades of blue of these waters. Once you are at Rose Island, you will have several options to have fun:

  • Snorkel with the help of your guide.
  • See up close the marine fauna of this region**(tropical fish, turtles and more**).
  • Meet the Bahamian pigs, which are also found on Rose Island.
  • Take a kayak ride to explore the turquoise waters of this beach paradise at your own pace. The guide will give you safety equipment and some paddling tips.
  • Lay down and relax on the sand.
  • Play volleyball.
  • Taste Bahamian food from the restaurants near the beach.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 245€ per person.
  • Duration: approximately six hours.
  • Means of transportation: ferry.
  • Advantages: you won't have to worry about food or drinks, as these are included in the excursion.
  • Disadvantages: complementary activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking, have an additional cost.

Book Rose Island excursion from Nassau

3. Day trip to Pearl Island from Nassau

Pearl Island| ©tom.fraley
Pearl Island| ©tom.fraley

About 20 minutes by ferry from the port of Nassau you will find another of the tourist areas of the city where you can spend a different day. This is Pearl Island, a paradisiacal place where you can swim, discover marine species and practice water sports.

When you book a day trip to Pearl Island from Nassau you will enjoy a different perspective of the city and its surroundings, seen from the comfort of a ferry. You will see the Caribbean waters, the white sand of the coast and the lush vegetation of this region.

When you arrive at the beach you can snorkel to be in contact with the marine life of these reefs (turtles, rays, colorful fish). You will also have the opportunity to kayak along the coast, relax on the sand, swim in the crystal clear waters, take pictures and taste the local cuisine.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 87€ per person.

  • Duration: about five hours.

  • Means of transport: ferry.

  • Advantages: you will spend a different day in a paradisiacal place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

  • Disadvantages: this activity is not suitable for people with heart conditions.

Book excursion to Pearl Island from Nassau

4. Take a scenic cruise from Nassau

Boat ride| ©R'lyeh Imaging
Boat ride| ©R'lyeh Imaging

Taking a panoramic boat ride at sunset from Nassau is one of the must-do activities during your stay in the capital of the Bahamas. You will contemplate a unique perspective of the city and the entire coast, while the sun sets on the horizon.

This type of experience usually begins with the pick-up at your hotel or downtown, to be transferred to the Port of Nassau. There, you will board a boat and sail along the coast. You will be able to sit comfortably on the deck and enjoy the sea breeze.

You will witness a true natural spectacle: the imposing Caribbean sunset, full of multiple shades. You will see the last rays of sun light breaking through the clouds and reflecting on the blue waters of the Caribbean. You will also observe how the city comes to life thanks to the artificial light, to offer a lively nightlife.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 106€ per person.

  • Duration: a couple of hours.

  • Means of transport: boat.

  • Advantages: you will contemplate the Caribbean sunset from a privileged perspective in the comfort of a boat.

  • Disadvantages: some tours do not include transfer from the port to the city or your hotel.

  • Tip: complement this excursion with another one to continue discovering the city, such as booking a gastronomic tour of Nassau, for example.

Book a gastronomic tour of Nassau

5. Escape to Blue Lagoon Island from Nassau

Blue Lagoon Island| ©Dolphin Encounters
Blue Lagoon Island| ©Dolphin Encounters

If you want to enjoy a day of relaxation and fun at your own pace, then a getaway to Blue Lagoon Island from Nassau is a good option.

You will have to go to the Paradise Island ferry terminal and, from there, you will start your adventure. Once you dock at the port of this private island, you will be able to do some activities such as the following:

  • Take a walk around the place and discover the wildlife.
  • Rest in a hammock to recharge your batteries.
  • Dive into the turquoise waters of the beach, in order to swim freely.
  • Play ping-pong or beach volleyball in the areas assigned for those sports.
  • Go to the artificial pools to watch the sea lions and dolphins and even interact with them.
  • Practice water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling or water biking.

Details of interest

  • Price: 94€ per person approximately.
  • Duration: six to eight hours.
  • Means of transportation: boat.
  • Advantages: you can relax and have fun at your own pace on a beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Disadvantages: if you plan to do any aquatic or sporting activity, you will have to rent the necessary equipment.

6. Take a buggy tour from Nassau

Buggys| ©Kārlis Dambrāns
Buggys| ©Kārlis Dambrāns

If you are an off-road enthusiast, then you will find it a good idea to rent a buggy in Nassau to discover the area at your own pace.

Some places I recommend you to go by buggy are the following:

  • Love Beach: an uncrowded beach with turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling or relaxing on the sand.
  • Arawak Cay area: you will find a great variety of restaurants and a lively nightlife.
  • Cable Beach: you will find crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, water sports and the Island Luck casino, considered one of the largest in the capital of the Bahamas.
  • Paradise Island: a resort with beautiful beaches, water activities and dreamlike natural spaces.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 349€ per buggy.

  • Duration: from four to 24 hours.

  • Means of transportation: buggy.

  • Advantages: you will be able to create your own route, explore the places of your interest and stop as long as you wish in each of them.

  • Disadvantages: you will need to have a valid driving license.

Book a buggy rental in Nassau

7. Go to the west coast of New Providence from Nassau

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

Discovering the west coast of the island is another must-do excursion during your visit to Nassau. You will be able to see hundreds of colorful fish, enjoy the underwater art of the British Jason DeCaires Taylor and feed sharks.

This type of excursion departs from the city's port. There, you will board a boat and, together with a guide, you will sail along the west coast of New Providence, enjoying a privileged panoramic view of the Caribbean and its surroundings:

  • The sculpture of a girl about five meters high and weighing 60 thousand kilos, submerged in the sea and protruding at low tide.
  • The school of nurse sharks up to three meters long each. You will be able to feed them from the boat in a safer way.
  • The tropical fish that inhabit these waters.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 100€ per person.

  • Duration: five hours approximately.

  • Means of transportation: boat.

  • Advantages: discover the wildlife of the west coast of the city and the submerged art in these waters.

  • Disadvantages: the excursion does not include any food or drink.

Tips for an excursion from Nassau

Water bottle| ©Steve Johnson
Water bottle| ©Steve Johnson
  • Always carry UV protection with you.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast for Nassau, as there are rainy days throughout the year.
  • Don't forget your water bottle. This way, you will be able to stay hydrated at any time.
  • Have your identification documents handy, as you may need them when boarding the ferry or plane.
  • Cash or credit cards are indispensable because, depending on the excursion connected, you may have to buy your own food, drinks and even rent equipment for some water activities on your own.

Why is it advisable to take an excursion from Nassau?

Pearl Beach| ©macronix
Pearl Beach| ©macronix

Nassau has a lot of tourist attractions. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and discover amazing wildlife, then you should take a trip to one of the paradisiacal islands around the city.