If you’re planning a trip to the Bahamas, then Nassau is a must-visit destination. This beautiful city is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant Bahamian culture. There are plenty of things to do and see in Nassau that will make your trip unforgettable.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the island’s history, soaking up the sun on the beach, or trying delicious local cuisine, Nassau has something for everyone.
Some of my personal favorite activities include visiting the historic forts, taking a boat tour to see the stunning coral reefs, and strolling through the colorful streets of downtown Nassau.
Visit Nassau’s Beaches
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, then Nassau’s beaches are definitely the perfect place to soak up the sun and relax. With crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, they’re literally the definition of paradise.
Here are two of the best beaches to visit in Nassau:
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is one of Nassau’s most popular beaches and for good reason. With over two miles of soft white sand and crystal clear waters, it looks like something from a postcard.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy right on the beach including jet skiing, parasailing and even snorkeling. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience then you can hire a sun lounger and just relax whilst enjoying the stunning views.
Cable Beach has plenty of amenities nearby including various restaurants, bars, and shops. My personal favorite place to stop by for a snack is Mexicaba – their veggie bowl is super delicious!
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience then you can stay at one of the many resorts that are located along the beach.
The best one by far is Grand Hyatt Baha Mar which actually has a resident population of flamingos that just wander around the resort greeting guests!
Not many people know that you can actually see flamingos in the Bahamas but you certainly can if you know where to look.
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is a local favorite so you’ll see fewer tourists here meaning it feels a bit quieter than Cable Beach. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views, it’s the perfect place to experience the local culture and just sit back and relax. The beach is located just a short walk from downtown Nassau so it’s easy to reach if you’re staying in the city.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on the beach including beach volleyball, snorkeling, and jet skiing. There are also numerous food and drink options available including tons of local favorites like conch fritters and Bahama Mama cocktails (try some, you won’t regret it!).
Nassau’s beaches are the perfect place to relax, unwind and soak up the sun. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back experience or an action-packed adventure, there’s definitely something for everyone here.
Swim With Pigs
One of the most unique things to do in Nassau is to swim with the pigs. Yes, you read that right! You can actually swim with pigs in the Bahamas…who knew?
Here’s how:
Rose Island
If you’re staying in Nassau then the closest place to see the pigs is on Rose Island which is just 25 minutes away by boat.
Once you arrive, you can spend a few hours on the island and enjoy hanging out with the pigs whilst also enjoying the white sandy beaches.
The pigs just wander around the beach and you can either swim alongside them or feed them some of their favorite snacks.
There are several tour companies that offer excursions to Rose Island for swimming with the pigs which makes the whole day super easy and laid-back.
This tour is one of the best and includes several other snorkeling experiences too.
Day Trip To Exumas
If you’re looking for a longer tour then you can book a tour from Nassau that includes a 30-minute flight to and from the Exumas.
The famous swimming pigs of the Exumas have become super famous in recent years and can be found on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island.
The pigs are known for their friendly and curious nature as well as being super cute. You’ll be able to swim and interact with them in the crystal clear waters of the island. The experience is truly unique and unforgettable and it’s no wonder that swimming with pigs has become one of the most popular activities in the Exumas.
There are several tour operators that offer excursions to Pig Island from Nassau. This is a great option if you want to explore more of the Bahamas but it would be a full day out (7 hours+).
I personally think that swimming with pigs in the Bahamas is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Nassau. It’s a unique experience that you definitely won’t forget about in a hurry.
Explore The Underwater World
Another one of the best things to do in Nassau is get out into the water to snorkel amongst the extensive coral reefs and see a variety of sea creatures.
The Bahamas is home to a wide variety of marine life and, with its crystal clear waters, it’s super easy to meet sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, eels, and even reef sharks!
Nassau is a literal paradise for both snorkelers and divers so you won’t be disappointed.
Snorkeling With Turtles
One of the best snorkeling experiences you can have in Nassau is swimming with sea turtles. There are actually tons of places to swim with turtles in the Bahamas and Nassau is, hands down, one of the best.
These gentle creatures can be found in the waters all around New Providence island and snorkeling with them is an unforgettable experience.
One of the best spots for snorkeling with turtles is Green Cay, a small uninhabited island just off the coast of Nassau. This tour includes transport from Nassau to Green Cay to snorkel.
Once you arrive, you can swim with turtles, colorful fish, and even rays. The water is both shallow and calm making it perfect for beginners.
For somewhere in Nassau itself, you can head over to Cable Beach where turtles are also spotted regularly.
If you’re a scuba diver then the Pumpkin Patch dive site is an incredible spot where you’ll see way more than just turtles. It’s suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.
There are plenty of snorkeling companies that offer snorkeling tours from Nassau. They’ll often take you to the best spots and provide you with all the necessary equipment so all you have to do is just enjoy the experience.
Pro Tip: Make sure to respect the turtles and their habitat by keeping a safe distance and don’t ever touch them.
Wild Dolphins
It’s also possible to see wild dolphins in the Bahamas. In fact, the Bahamas is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
There are numerous tour operators that offer dolphin-watching tours where you can see these majestic creatures swimming and playing. During the tour, you’ll ride on a boat to areas where dolphins are known to congregate, giving you the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat where they belong.
You’ll get the chance to see several species of wild dolphins including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins.
Explore Nassau’s Historical Sites
If you’re a history buff like me then Nassau is the perfect destination for you. Nassau is actually home to a ton of interesting historical sites that offer a glimpse into the Bahamas’ rich and diverse past.
Here are two of my favorite historical sites to explore in Nassau:
Fort Fincastle
One of Nassau’s best historical sights is Fort Fincastle. This small fort was built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore and was originally used to protect Nassau from both pirates and invaders. Today the fort offers those who visit a glimpse into the country’s military past.
The fort is located on top of Bennet’s Hill, which is the highest point in Nassau, and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. The fort itself is a small but impressive structure, with a unique shape that resembles a ship’s bow. It’s made from limestone and has several interesting features like a drawbridge, a water tank, and several cannons.
If you choose to visit Fort Fincastle then you’ll be able to explore the fort, learn about its history and enjoy the epic views of the city from the top of Bennet’s Hill.
Queen’s Staircase
One of the must-see spots inside Fort Fincastle is The Queen’s Staircase. This 102-ft staircase was carved out of solid limestone by 600 slaves in the late 18th century and took 16 years to complete.
It was eventually renamed in honor of Queen Victoria who played a significant role in the abolition of slavery in the Bahamas. Today the Queen’s Staircase is a popular tourist attraction where you can climb to the top for stunning views of Nassau from above.
Whether you’re interested in military history, pirates, or the history of slavery in the Bahamas, Nassau has something for everyone. So be sure to add these two historical sites to your list of things to do in Nassau.
Indulge In Bahamian Cuisine
Bahamian cuisine is a unique blend of African, Caribbean and European influences and is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. There are several must-try dishes that you simply just have to try during your visit to Nassau.
One of the most popular dishes is conch salad which is made with fresh conch, onions, peppers, and citrus juice.
Another must-try dish is cracked conch which is a deep-fried conch fritter that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Other popular dishes you can try are peas and rice, which is a staple in Bahamian cuisine, and johnnycake, which is a sweet, fried bread that is often served with breakfast.
And of course, no trip to the Bahamas is complete without trying some of the delicious seafood like grilled lobster, fried fish and shrimp scampi.
Joining a Nassau food tour is one of the best ways to taste as many of these dishes as possible. With so many delicious dishes to choose from, your taste buds are sure to be delighted afterward.
As you can see, Nassau is a destination that offers something for everyone. From its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to its rich history and bustling nightlife, Nassau definitely has it all.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just want to go on a relaxing vacation, you’re sure to fall in love with Nassau.
