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Looking for fun things to do on your next trip to Nassau? I’ve got you covered!
With stunning beaches, abundant marine life, and rich cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to explore here. With so many options, it can be tough to decide what to add to your itinerary, so I’ve put together this guide to the island’s top experiences to make it easier.
Having visited Nassau numerous times, I’ve had the chance to enjoy everything from rum tours to swimming with pigs. So let’s dive into the best things to do in Nassau – trust me, you won’t want to miss these!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was swimming with pigs on Rose Island! Not only did we take a luxury cruise, snorkel in blue waters, and relax in the sun, but visit an animal sanctuary and swim with pigs! This is a true bucket list experience.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas
- 1. See Nassau’s top sights with a local guide
- 2. Swim with pigs on Rose Island
- 3. Explore Exuma Island including snorkeling, Pablo Escobar’s plane crash, and pigs
- 4. Taste your way through Nassau
- 5. Explore the entire island on an ATV
- 6. Taste rum and listen to Reggae on an adults-only tour
- 7. Learn about the Bahama’s pirate history on a jeep tour of the island
- 8. Go parasailing
- 9. Take a private sportfishing trip
- 10. Get your adrenaline pumping on a jet ski
- Where to Stay in Nassau
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas
1. See Nassau’s top sights with a local guide
- Price: $80 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Tour Nassau’s top landmarks including the Atlantis Resort, sample rum cake and visit a chocolate factory, try the BEST pina colada at John Watling’s Distillery, learn about Nassau’s culture and history from a local guide
- Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, A/C transportation, local guide, food and beverage samples
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check out the 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of Nassau, this Nassau Island sightseeing tour is the way to do it! Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit some of the island’s most iconic spots with a local guide.
It’s the ultimate “taste of Nassau” tour (and yes, there’s actual tasting involved!).
Things kick off with a stop at the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, where you’ll sample mini bites of their legendary rum cakes in flavors like pina colada, banana, and chocolate. Pro tip: grab a few to take home – they make great gifts (or snacks for later!).
Next, you’ll head to the famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. You’ll have 30 minutes to explore the beautiful lobby on your own and maybe even test your luck at the casino.
Then it’s on to the Queen’s Staircase where you can climb 65 hand-carved steps to get some amazing views overlooking the city. But if climbing seems like too much, you can always ride in the van to the top instead.
Next up was my favorite stop – the Graycliff Chocolate Factory! Here we sampled some melt-in-your-mouth chocolate before heading to John Watling’s Distillery to wash it down with a piña colada made with their famous local rum.
If you want an efficient way to explore all of Nassau’s highlights – this highly-rated tour is it. I mean, just look at the hundreds of 5-star reviews!
Book your spot on this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. Swim with pigs on Rose Island
- Price: $258 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Cruise out to a wildlife sanctuary, observe a variety of protected animals, take a dip in the water with the famous swimming pigs, relax on a private beach, enjoy a buffet lunch and an open bar
- Inclusions: Professional guide, Bohemian buffet lunch, boat transportation, alcoholic beverages, lemonade, snorkel equipment ($10 USD deposit required)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If swimming with pigs is high on your travel bucket list (like it was on mine!), then you have to book this 6-hour excursion to Rose Island. It’s the BEST thing I’ve done in the Bahamas!
This tour takes you to a private slice of paradise where you’ll lounge on white-sand beaches, snorkel in turquoise waters, and, of course, meet the famous swimming pigs!
The day starts with a scenic 30-minute boat ride from Nassau to Rose Island. Upon arrival, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. You can relax in a hammock, sunbathe on the beach, or head straight for the animal sanctuary like I did.
We saw many animals including royal peacocks and curly tail lizards. But the highlight was getting into the water to swim alongside the adorable pigs. Make sure you have your underwater camera with you because this is an experience you’ll want to share with your friends and family back home!
Besides the pigs, there are many other activities you can do on the island such as a guided snorkeling tour, kayaking, or river tubing (just bring some cash for the rental fee). And once you’ve worked up an appetite you can enjoy a delicious Bahamian-style buffet lunch.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, there’s also an open bar with unlimited drinks! It’s the perfect way to kick back and soak up the island vibes. This tour is very popular and tends to book up quickly, so make sure you secure your spot in advance.
Check out the 900+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
3. Explore Exuma Island including snorkeling, Pablo Escobar’s plane crash, and pigs
- Price: $450 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Explore Exuma island on a day trip, snorkel around Pablo Escobar’s plane crash wreck, interact and swim with the pigs on Pig Beach, see nurse sharks and Exuma rock iguanas
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, transportation, guide, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, snacks, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks/water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Craving the ultimate Bahamian adventure? This all-inclusive Nassau to Exuma day trip delivers from start to finish, with every detail taken care of so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride!
The day kicks off with a light breakfast as you cruise through the stunning Exuma Cays. The first stop is Allen’s Cay, home to the friendly Exuma Rock iguanas. Watching these curious creatures up close was such a unique experience. Next, it’s off to Pig Beach to swim with the world-famous pigs – and yes, you’ll even get to feed them carrots, which is as fun as it sounds!
The adventure ramps up with a snorkeling session at Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane. It’s like stepping into a scene from an action movie! But the adrenaline doesn’t stop there, because we also got to swim with nurse sharks!
I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant at first, but these gentle giants quickly put me at ease. It ended up being the highlight of my trip!
The grand finale is a stop at a secluded beach with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. The attentive crew made sure we always had a cocktail in hand and a snack if we were hungry, which we really appreciated.
I think this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of the Bahamas in one unforgettable day. With activities, meals, and drinks all included, you’ll be free to soak up every moment of paradise!
Read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book your trip to Exuma here!
4. Taste your way through Nassau
- Price: $92 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
- Highlights: Taste your way through historic Nassau on a walking tour, sample a variety of traditional dishes at local restaurants, sip on rum cocktails, explore some of Nassau’s historic landmarks
- Inclusions: Professional guide, 5 food samples, cocktails, in-store coupons, recipe book
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 2,900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re a foodie like me, then this food tour through historic Nassau should be at the top of your to-do list!
This small-group tour combines mouthwatering Bahamian cuisine with Nassau’s rich history and hidden gems. Our guide, Lisa, made the experience unforgettable, sharing insider knowledge and local secrets along the way.
We started with a stroll through Nassau’s colorful streets, stepping off the tourist trail to discover landmarks like Parliament Square and the Governor’s Mansion. We even got exclusive access to the Government House grounds for a stunning view over Nassau Harbor.
The food was next-level. We sampled conch fritters, Bahamian mac ‘n’ cheese, and guava duff from five family-run eateries. Each stop had its own vibe, from cozy cafes to the upscale Graycliff Heritage Village, which was actually the Bahama’s first 5-star restaurant!
The grand finale was John Watling’s Distillery where we got to sip on handcrafted rum cocktails while touring the Buena Vista Estate. It was the perfect end to a great experience.
We love how this tour wasn’t just about the food, but also about Nassau’s culture and history. You’ll leave with a better understanding of this city and a full belly (so make sure you come hungry!). It’s also one of the highest-rated tours in Nassau with over 2,700 5-star reviews, so you know it’s worth the hype!
Book this food tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
5. Explore the entire island on an ATV
- Price: $149 USD
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Drive your own ATV or ride as a passenger along the coastline, visit Nassau’s top landmarks like the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Montagu, enjoy lunch on the beach
- Inclusions: Local guide, ATV, helmet, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for an action-packed way to explore Nassau, this 3-hour ATV tour is it!
This guided tour takes you to some of Nassau’s most iconic spots, including Fort Charlotte, Queen’s Staircase, and the Caves of New Providence. Each stop comes with fascinating stories from your local guide, giving you a true taste of Bahamian history and culture.
The best part? You’re in control of your own 2-passenger ATV! You can choose to drive or ride as a passenger (that’s what I do!) as you take in the sights around you. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and sightseeing. Plus you cover much more ground on an ATV than a traditional walking tour.
If you don’t have any experience driving an ATV, don’t worry! The guides offer simple instructions to get you comfortable before you hit the road and you’ll have all the safety equipment you need.
Halfway through, you’ll stop for a delicious Bahamian lunch, which is the perfect chance to refuel, chat with other travelers, and soak in the island vibes. The lunch was delicious and it was served right on the beach – does it get any better than that?
This tour is perfect for adventurous souls and anyone who wants to see Nassau from a fresh perspective. We loved the mix of adrenaline, culture, and flavor – and we aren’t the only ones, just look at the hundreds of great reviews!
Don’t miss out – book your spot here before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Taste rum and listen to Reggae on an adults-only tour
- Price: $73 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Enjoy an adults-only tour in Downtown Nassau, visit a cigar shop, chocolatier, winery, and rum distillery, sip rum punch and listen to reggae music, swim at a beautiful beach
- Inclusions: Guide, unlimited rum punch, snorkeling equipment, reggae music
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Rum and reggae are the soul of Bahamian culture, and this adults-only party tour is the ultimate way to dive in!
From the moment you step on the bus, the vibe is electric – unlimited rum punch flows freely, and classic reggae beats keep the energy high. I did this tour on my last trip to Nassau, and let me tell you – it’s an absolute blast!
The adventure starts at the Graycliff Cigar Company, where I got to see master rollers craft cigars by hand. Even if cigars aren’t your thing, their artistry is impressive. Then came Graycliff Chocolatier, where I couldn’t resist sampling their delicious island-inspired chocolates (and yes, I took some home).
The next stop was Bahama Barrels, where we sipped unique wine blends before heading to John Watling’s Distillery. Here, I learned about rum-making and savored expertly mixed rum cocktails. We even passed Bob Marley’s former home – how cool is that?
The day ends at Cable Beach, where you can swim, relax, or soak in the tropical views. For just $73 USD, this highly rated tour is packed with stops, unlimited rum punch, and nonstop fun. So if you’re looking for the ultimate Bahamian experience, this is it!
Book this tour with over 500 raving reviews here!
7. Learn about the Bahama’s pirate history on a jeep tour of the island
- Price: $165 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Explore Nassau in a private jeep, learn about the history of piracy in the Bahamas, and visit notable landmarks
- Inclusions: Private guide/transportation, bottled water, entry fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Ahoy, mateys! If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the real-life “pirates of the Caribbean”, then you must go on this private pirate jeep tour!
Nassau has a rich history tied to the Golden Age of Piracy, and this tour brings it all to life with over 6 fascinating stops and tales of infamous buccaneers.
From the moment we climbed into our comfy, air-conditioned jeep, I knew this was going to be a fun day. Our local guide was a natural storyteller, blending pirate tales with history at every stop.
We explored Fort Fincastle, built in 1793 to guard against pirate attacks, and admired its strategic design. The Queen’s Staircase was another jaw-dropping site. Its impressive 65 limestone steps were carved by hand and are rumored to have witnessed many pirate activities.
But it was Graycliff Mansion that really stole the show for me. This iconic estate was once home to Captain John Howard Graysmith, a notorious pirate who was at the center of Nassau’s pirate action and left a mark on Bahamian history.
Whether it’s spotting hidden caves, snapping photos of Nassau’s scenic coastline, or learning about the legends who once ruled these seas, this tour is a “treasure trove” of adventure. You’ll be able to check many of Nassau’s top landmarks off your list while enjoying private VIP treatment – it doesn’t get any better than that!
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation before you depart!
8. Go parasailing
- Price: $100 USD
- Duration: 7 minutes
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
- Highlights: Go parasailing over the stunning Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, take in the scenic views along the coast from high in the air
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, instructors, equipment
- Rating: 4.2 stars (check out the 140+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Parasailing is one of those must-do activities that never gets old – trust me, I’ve done it countless times, and it’s always an unforgettable experience. But doing it over the stunning turquoise waters of the Bahamas on this parasailing experience? That’s next-level breathtaking.
From the moment I strapped into the harness and felt the boat take off, I was grinning from ear to ear. The panoramic views of Paradise Island were nothing short of amazing!
There’s something special about being up there, with the breeze in your face and the whole coastline beneath you. It’s the perfect way to see the islands from a whole new perspective!
The crew made it so easy, too. They gave a thorough safety briefing and were super friendly, which helped calm my nerves. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to soak in the Bahamian beauty from a unique perspective, parasailing here is an absolute must.
Plus, the convenience is unbeatable. Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off are included, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. Whether it’s your first time or your 10th, parasailing over Cabbage Beach is an experience you’ll never forget!
Secure your spot on this parasailing adventure in advance here!
9. Take a private sportfishing trip
- Price: $1,150 – $ 2,100 USD (per group up to 8)
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy a private boat tour around Rose Island, go fishing with the included equipment, snorkel around the reef, see sea turtles at Green Cay
- Inclusions: Private boat and crew, fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, ice/coolers, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re into sport fishing or want to give it a try, this private yacht tour is a must-do!
We had an amazing time on this 46′ Ocean Yacht tour, where we had the chance to fish, snorkel, and soak up the sun, all while cruising through some of the Bahamas’ most beautiful spots.
What I love most about this tour is the flexibility – you get to decide what you want to do from the moment you step on board. Want to fish for small catches or go after big game fish? The captain will take you to the best spots to make that happen. We spent part of the day bottom fishing and had an absolute blast pulling in some impressive catches!
The boat comes fully equipped with all the gear you need, including fishing rods, tackle, and bait, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Plus, there’s a cooler stocked with ice so you can bring your own beverages on board.
After you’ve had your fill of fishing, you can go snorkeling, swim with the pigs, see some sea turtles at Green Cay, or just kick back and relax on the beach. Since it’s just your group on board, you call the shots!
You can have up to 8 people per group and prices vary depending on the amount of time you want to spend out on the water. We recommend doing the full 8-hour day if you can so that you have time for multiple activities. Trust me, it’s a fun day you’ll never forget!
Check availability and book your private yacht tour in advance here!
10. Get your adrenaline pumping on a jet ski
- Price: $120 – $200 USD (per group of 2 people)
- Duration: 30 minutes or 1 hour
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
- Highlights: Ride a WaveRunner along the coast of Cabbage Beach, choose to ride alone or with a partner, feel the adrenaline rush while taking in the scenery around you
- Inclusions: Hotel/port pick-up/drop-off, jet ski rental, instructor
- Rating: 4 stars (check out the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Looking for an adrenaline-packed activity to do on your trip to Nassau? Then this jet ski adventure on Cabbage Beach is the way to go. I’ve done this a few times now, and each ride is just as exciting as the last!
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, this experience is perfect for getting your heart racing. After a quick safety briefing from the instructor, you’re ready to zoom off into the turquoise waters, jumping waves and taking those turns like a pro.
I loved the freedom of riding along the tropical coast, either with a partner or an instructor if you prefer. The best part? You’re in control of how fast or slow you want to go, but trust me, the thrill of hitting top speeds is hard to resist!
Cabbage Beach is beautiful, and cruising along its coastline with the wind in your hair is an unforgettable experience. Plus, round-trip transportation from your hotel or cruise port makes getting to the adventure super easy.
The price varies depending on if you book for 30 or 60 minutes, but whichever you choose we know you won’t regret this hitting the waves on this WaveRunner adventure!
Make sure you book this activity in advance here before it sells out!
Where to Stay in Nassau
Nassau isn’t the world’s cheapest place to stay, that’s for sure! However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find somewhere comfortable and luxurious to hang your hat while you explore all of Nassau’s things to do! Here are three hotel options for a luxury, mid-range, or budget traveler.
Luxury – $$$
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a fantastic hotel option for the luxury traveler. The rooms are modern and lavish, providing everything for an upscale stay. You can enjoy the 23 onsite restaurants, 6 pools, sea view rooms, spa, and private beach to make your stay even more relaxing.
Prices range based on room choice and season but start around $500 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Comfort Suites Paradise Island is a great choice for those with a mid-range budget! This hotel offers comfortable and modern hotel rooms, ranging from double rooms to king suites. It is located next to the Atlantis Paradise Hotel, which has amazing amenities, and guests at the Comfort Suites can use them!
Prices start at $250 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For the budget traveler, the Colony Club Inn & Suites is a comfortable stay that won’t break the bank. It’s located a little way out of the city center, but great if you have a rental car. They offer suite-style rooms with a kitchenette and patio, so this is a good option if you’re traveling with some friends.
Rooms start at $150 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
The Bahamas are iconic for a reason, and visiting Nassau is a total bucket list destination. We loved every second of our trip here, from snorkeling in the crystal clear water to soaring above it in a parasail. I know that if you check off just a few things on this list, you’ll have a memorable vacation!
Thanks so much for reading our blog! If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few other blogs that might be helpful as you plan your next getaway:
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