Free Things to do in Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port!

Imagine stepping off your cruise ship

Near Nassau Bahamss from a cruise ship

and finding yourself in a vibrant, sun-soaked paradise where history, adventure, and tranquility coexist. Welcome to Nassau the capital of the Bahamas—a place where every street whisper tales of pirates and royalty, and every beach invites you to bask in its beauty. With a plethora of free activities just waiting to be explored, Nassau offers cruise travelers, family vacationers, and adventure seekers an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.

Welcome to Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port

Nassau is more than just a stop on your cruise itinerary; it's a gateway to endless adventure. Situated on New Providence Island, Nassau's cruise port is a bustling hub that welcomes thousands of visitors daily. But don't be fooled by the crowds—the city's charm lies in its ability to offer intimate experiences even amidst its popularity.

Daily Ship Arrivals, Port Capacity and other info.

Nassau Cruise Port area

Nassau's cruise port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean, with up to seven cruise ships docking each day. This means that at any given time, the port can accommodate thousands of passengers, awaiting their chance to explore this tropical paradise. Despite the high traffic, the well-organized port ensures that visitors can disembark smoothly and start their Nassau adventure without delay.

Cruise passengers always have the opportunity to buy shore excursions from their cruise line or buy from a third party like Viator. When you buy from Viator you do tend to save a few bucks, which is one of the many great things about buying from a third party. Just make sure to triple check that the tour will be back before your ship leaves. The cruise ship will leave without you. Tours and shore excursions are not free to do from the cruise port area, but I figured I would mention it, in case you have enough time on the Island to do both, a tour an explore free places on your own.

Most of the time I have visited Nassau, I have explored on my own. I have done a scuba tour that left 5 hours in the afternoon free to explore on my own. On another trip I used the whole day to explore on my own and traveled around a good bit with a taxi and walking to a nearby area. Another trip, I just bought a day pass to Atlantis and spent the whole day there enjoying the beach and resort. I have visited many of the beaches too, via a taxi and cable beach is one of my favorites. 

With that being said I am an experienced traveler, but that should not stop you from traveling on your own without a tour. Just be mindful of your surroundings and you should be fine. The Bahamas in general has moved up the scale to a level 2 based upon the United States rating for crime and water safety. Personally, I do not worry about this, I have never had a problem in the Bahamas.

Unmissable Free Things to do Near Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port

One of the best things about Nassau is that many of its top attractions are within walking distance of the cruise port. Let's take a stroll through some of the must-visit places that won't cost you a dime.

Saxaphone Player at pier area when heading to Straw Market

• The Straw Market - 5-Minute Walk Just a short 5-minute walk from the cruise port, the Straw Market is a lively bazaar where you can find handmade Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, and local art. It's a perfect spot to pick up a memento of your trip or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Buying items are not free, but just looking around and doing "window shopping" as you would call itis free. You usually find decent deals here and nice souvenirs too. I bought a purse here 16 years go and still use it to this day.

• Junkanoo Beach - 10-Minute Walk If you're in the mood for some beach time, just head over to Junkanoo Beach, which is only a quick 10-minute walk from the port. This awesome beach has soft sand, clear waters, and a lively vibe. Whether you want to swim, catch some rays, or join a beach volleyball game, Junkanoo Beach has got you covered. It's the ultimate spot for a beach day when you're in Nassau and it's the closest beach to the cruise port. This beach is typically very busy, For those who want a day of relaxation or water fun, Junkanoo Beach is the perfect choice right in the heart of Nassau's beach scene. Whether you're lounging in the sun, taking a dip in the ocean, or exploring the nearby areas, Junkanoo Beach guarantees a memorable time for visitors.

Historical Sites Around Nassau

Nassau is steeped in history, and many of its historical sites are easily accessible from the cruise port. From the list below you can walk to many of them, but there are still several I would take a taxi to.

Junkanoo performers and dancers

• Downtown Nassau - 5-Minute Walk Downtown Nassau is a mere 5-minute walk from the cruise port and serves as the heart of the city. Here, you'll find a mix of shops, restaurants, cultural landmarks and historic sites, that showcase the island's unique blend of influences.

• Bay Street - 5-Minute Walk Bay Street, a quick 5-minute walk from the port, is Nassau's main thoroughfare. Lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, it's a great place to soak in the local vibe and do some window shopping. This is a great place to sample some local cuisine, which will not disappoint at all.

• Pompey Square - 5-Minute Walk Pompey Square, a 5-minute walk from the port, is a public square that often hosts free events and performances. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the local culture.

• Pirates of Nassau Museum - 5-Minute Walk Although the Pirate Museum itself has an entry fee, the area around it is rich with pirate history and free to explore. Just a 5-minute short walk from the port, it's a must-visit for any history enthusiast.

• Statue of Queen Victoria - 7-Minute Walk Situated in Parliament Square, just a 7-minute walk from the port, the statue of Queen Victoria is a testament to Nassau's colonial past. It's a great spot for history buffs to snap a photo and learn a bit about the island's British heritage.

• Parliament Street - 7-Minute Walk Parliament Street is a colorful stretch just 7 minutes from the port, lined with colonial buildings painted in pastel hues. It's an ideal place for a leisurely stroll and some Instagram-worthy photos.

• Nassau Public Library - 7-Minute Walk A 7-minute walk from the port will bring you to the Nassau Public Library, which was once a colonial jail. Today, it offers a unique blend of history and literature, all free of charge. The Garden of Remembrance is located just next door, which is free and absolutely stunning. For a peaceful moment in this bustling city take a quick little stroll here.

Paradise Island 

• Paradise Island - 10-Minute Ferry Ride, or take a taxi across the bridge Just a 10-minute ferry ride from the port, Paradise Island is a world of its own. While some attractions here may require an entry fee, there are plenty of free beaches and scenic spots to enjoy. This is walkable across the bridge, but I do not recommend.

• Cloister and Versailles Gardens - 10-Minute Ferry Ride or taxi A 10-minute ferry ride to Paradise Island will bring you to the Cloister and Versailles Gardens. These beautifully manicured gardens are free to explore and offer a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island

• Atlantis Resort and Casino - 10-Minute Taxi Ride While gambling at the Atlantis Resort Casino on Paradise Island requires some wagering, the casino itself is free to enter and marvel at the opulent decor. It's just a 10-minute taxi ride from the port, just across the bridge. If you are interested you can do a day pass to the Atlantis Resort to explore the water park including pools and slides, beaches, aquariums and more that this amazing resort has to offer. This is a great place to visit with a day pass. On one of my trips to Nassau, I purchased the day pass. It was neat to walk through the resort, but the outside is the draw to this place, the pools and beaches are wonderful. The shark exhibits are very neat, and even the aquarium inside the resort is great.  I may not ever do it again, but I was very happy with buying the day pass once to explore this beautiful resort.

Although not a far walk, consider taking a taxi.

Personally, I would rather save my legs, and in the Caribbean sun I tend to take a taxi very often. Taxis can be found throughout the island. Uber is not available on the island.

Nassau Government House- 15 minute walk

• National Art Gallery of the Bahamas - 10-Minute Walk The National Art Gallery, only a 10-minute walk from the port, offers free admission on certain days. It showcases Bahamian art from the colonial period to the present, providing a cultural feast for the eyes. If walking to the Art Gallery via Market Street, you will pass, Balcony House Museum, 2 blocks north of there is Gregory's Arch, and 1 block west is the Nassau Government house, which is only 1 block away from the Art Museum. So, while you are walking, take a look around you will always stop something interesting in Nassau.

• Graycliff - 10-Minute Walk Graycliff, a 10-minute walk from the port, is a historic mansion that now houses a hotel, restaurant, and cigar factory. While some activities here have a fee, wandering the beautifully manicured gardens is free.

• Fort Fincastle - 12-Minute Walk Perched at the top of the Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle is just a 12-minute walk from the port. While the fort's interior requires a small fee, exploring the exterior and enjoying the panoramic views is free.
  

The Queen's Staircase

• Queen's Staircase - 12-Minute Walk One of Nassau's most iconic landmarks, the Queen's Staircase, is only a 12-minute walk from the port. Carved out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 18th century, this 66-step staircase leads to Fort Fincastle and offers stunning views of the city.

• Buena Vista Estate - 15-Minute Walk A 15-minute walk from the port will bring you to the Buena Vista Estate, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion. While the interior may require an entry fee, exploring the gardens and taking in the architecture is completely free.

• Fort Montagu - 15-Minute Walk Located a 15-minute walk from the port, Fort Montagu is the oldest fort still standing in Nassau. Its strategic location offers beautiful views of the harbor and it's free to explore the grounds.

• Ardastra Gardens - 20-Minute Walk Ardastra Gardens, although a bit further at a 20-minute walk, is worth the trek. This lush garden and zoo offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets, where you can enjoy the flora and fauna without spending a cent. This is not a free activity, but I thought I would share. Tickets are $35.00

Parliament funeral parade outside Cemetry where Anna Nicole Smith is buried

• Anna Nicole Smith's Grave - 20-Minute Walk For those interested in pop culture, a 20-minute walk will take you to the grave of Anna Nicole Smith. It's a quiet, reflective spot that provides a moment of pause amidst your adventures. I honestly did not walk this; I took a cab. The day I was there, a funeral parade was happening for a Parliament member of the Bahamas. It was very neat to see all the people lined up on the parade route, the music, dancing and horse drawn carriage. Honoring the dead is something to behold in any culture, and it was such a pleasure that I was able to see this on a visit from a cruise ship.

• Blackbeard's Tower - 20-Minute Walk For a touch of pirate lore, take a 20-minute walk to Blackbeard's Tower. Though the tower itself is in ruins, the area offers scenic views and a sense of adventure. The tower itself is permanently closed, but it is still neat to see the ruins.

• Arawak Cay - 25-Minute Walk Known locally as the "Fish Fry," Arawak Cay is a 25-minute walk from the port and offers a taste of authentic Bahamian cuisine. While the food isn't free, the vibrant atmosphere and live music make it worth the visit.
  

Free Beaches Just a Taxi or Ferry Ride Away

Nassau is blessed with some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and many of them are just a short taxi or ferry ride from the cruise port. Junkanoo, mentioned earlier in this blog, is the only one I consider to be within walking distance, but these offer different views and may not be as crowded, with just the cost of a taxi away.

Cable Beach

Near resort at Cable Beach

Cable Beach is like the ultimate chill spot with its long stretch of white sand and clear blue waters. Just a quick taxi ride from the port and you're there, ready to swim, catch some rays, and do some people-watching.

Cable Beach in Nassau is all about beauty and relaxation, offering a top-notch seaside experience filled with luxury, tranquility, and natural splendor. From its perfect sands to its azure waters, Cable Beach is the definition of a tropical paradise. Known for its luxurious resorts, upscale amenities, and top-notch hospitality. If you purchase a day pass at the resorts you will have to pay for them, but you can still access the beach for free in a variety of places. Personally, I have enjoyed my time at this beach.

Whether you're after a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo beach adventure, Cable Beach is the place to be. It promises tranquility and beauty that will give you memories to cherish. Let Cable Beach wrap you in luxury and leisure, where every moment feels like a celebration of life's little pleasures.

Cabbage Beach

If you're looking for a chill spot, head over to Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island. It's a cool free beach with awesome views and a fun vibe. Just hop on a quick ferry from the port, and you're there! Cabbage Beach is like something out of a postcard - super peaceful and perfect for beach lovers. You can gaze at the turquoise waters and chill out on the soft sands of this dreamy paradise.

When it comes to relaxing in a tropical oasis, Cabbage Beach in Nassau has got you covered. Picture-perfect white sands and crystal-clear waters make it a top spot to unwind, recharge, and soak in the beauty of the Bahamian coast. Come escape the hustle and bustle at Cabbage Beach, where you'll find tranquility and stunning views. Feel the sand between your toes as you walk along the shore, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.

For the adventurous souls out there, Cabbage Beach offers a variety of water sports and fun activities. From snorkeling in vibrant reefs to parasailing above the sea, there's plenty of excitement to add to your beach day.

Snorkeling at Love Beach

Love Beach

Love Beach is just a quick taxi ride away and is a super chill spot for snorkeling and chilling out. It's tucked away in a quiet spot, making it a real hidden gem among Nassau's beaches. This beach is my absolute fave, the ultimate snorkeling spot on the island. Love Beach is a small, secluded paradise near the Nassau airport, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by lush greenery and pristine white sands, so tranquil and charming.

Although the ocean floor might be a bit rocky, the waters at Love Beach are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling fanatics who want to check out the awesome marine life below. Dive in and explore the vibrant coral reefs and underwater world in the beautiful azure depths.

Unlike the more crowded beaches in Nassau, Love Beach gives you more privacy. Relax in peace as you soak up the sun or take leisurely walks along the shore, listening to the calming sounds of the waves.

Saunders Beach

Saunders Beach is a great spot to chill with the family, located on West Bay Street and just a taxi ride away. The waters are calm, and there's plenty of room to stretch out, especially if you're traveling with kids.

Locals love Saunders Beach, which is pretty close to the cruise ship. I wouldn't recommend walking there, though, as it's a bit of a hike. The vibe here is super chill, and it's a safe and worry-free beach for visitors. Nestled along the beautiful Nassau coastline, Saunders Beach is all about those pristine white sands and peaceful vibes. It's a top choice for a relaxing day by the sea, whether you're a local or a tourist.

This beach is a hit with the locals on weekends and holidays, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for those looking to unwind and catch some rays. The Bahamian hospitality here is top-notch. Saunders Beach is known for being a safe and peaceful spot, making it a worry-free destination for visitors looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just chill with a good book, this beach has got you covered.

Located conveniently on West Bay Street near Downtown Nassau, Saunders Beach is a perfect escape for cruise passengers wanting to enjoy the beauty of Bahamian beaches without straying too far from the port.

Balmoral Island

Balmoral Island is a quick ferry ride from the port and offers a slice of paradise with its soft sands and turquoise waters. While some activities have a fee, and of course the ferry will cost you, access to the beach itself is free.

Blue Lagoon Island

Blue Lagoon Island, accessible by ferry, is a fantastic destination for a day trip. While some attractions require a fee, and the ferry has a few, you can enjoy the beach and beautiful scenery for free.

Conclusion

Nassau, Bahamas, is a treasure trove of free activities and beautiful sights, all waiting to be explored. Whether you're a cruise traveler, a family vacationer, or an adventure seeker, this vibrant city offers something for everyone. From historical landmarks to stunning beaches, Nassau invites you to discover its charms without spending a fortune.

I feel that this blog has giving you a good idea of free things to do in the Nassau Bahamas cruise port. Ready to make the most of your Nassau adventure? Start planning your trip today, and don't forget to share your experiences. Safe travels and happy exploring!