Nassau, Bahamas

There are lots of things to see in Nassau (downtown). When you get off the ship, there is a straw market near the end of the pier with typical tourist souvenir offerings and knock-off purses. Definitely negotiate for the purses. I think Customs only allows one knock-off purse per person on return to the US. There are horse & buggy rides available just outside the pier gates. If you walk around Nassau, be aware that the roads and sidewalks are very uneven so watch where you’re walking.

There are tons of options available, which is great because you will be there two different times. There are forts, a pirate’s museum, Ardastra Zoo, National Art Gallery, Slave Museum, Queens Staircase, jet ski, parasailing, snorkeling, golf, deep sea fishing, private islands, dolphins, sea lions, etc.

BLUE LAGOON ISLAND
This is a really popular spot for a day visit. We visited this island on our very first cruise in 1993 but it has definitely expanded since then.

http://www.bahamasbluelagoon.com/

Although Pre-booking (via website) is the only guarantee to get on the boat, you can appear at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal about 30 minutes before any ferry and purchase a beach pass if they are not full. Beach is closed Thursdays and Sundays.

The Paradise Island Ferry Terminal is on Paradise Island. A quick $5 cab ride from the dock.
Ferries leave at 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Ferries return at 11am, 2pm and the last boat back is at 4pm.

They now offer dolphin and sea lion encounters on Blue Lagoon Island. It is through a locally-owned company. Dolphin swim is $185pp, Dolphin Encounter is $98pp and Sea Lion Encounter is $80pp. Go to http://www.dolphinencouters.com/ for details or to book.

ATLANTIS RESORT
Another popular option is to catch a cab over to Atlantis and just walk around and enjoy the areas that have free access (hotel, restaurants, casino) or you can buy a day pass. During the winter months, the pools, beaches and slides close at 5pm, in the summer 6:30/7pm.

Nassau Atlantis Property Tickets purchased at Atlantis: These packages are not sold in advance but may be purchased from any of the cashier stations located in the Lower Lobby Royal Towers, the Lower Lobby Coral Towers; and the Temple of the Moon in the Casino. I have pasted the day pass from the Atlantis site below:

- Discover Atlantis Aquaventure Package:. Adult Price: $110.00 . Children (ages 4-12) Price: $80.00 . Included: Access to the Dig (aquarium) and other marine habitats, beaches and water park including: slides, pools, river rapids & private lagoons . Not included: meals . Availability: limited based on guest occupancy; sold on first come, first serve basis
- Discover Atlantis Beach Day Package:. Adult Price: $65.00 . Children (ages 4-12) Price: $30.00 . Included: The Discover Atlantis Aquarium Tour, access to west beach and all marine habitats. . Not Included: access to pools, slides and private lagoons, meals . Availability: limited based on guest occupancy; sold on first come, first serve
- Discover Atlantis Aquarium Tour:. Adult Price: $35.00 . Children (ages 4-12) Price: $26.00 . Includes: access to predator lagoon, the dig, ruins lagoon . Not included: access to beaches, pools, slides and private lagoons, meals
- Lockers: In addition to these packages; guests can also rent lockers at the Day Visitor Center, located at the rear of the Mayan Temple. Guests will be charged $50 for any unreturned locker key (room charge or credit card only for lockers). . Small Locker: $5.00 . Medium Locker: $7.00 . Large Locker: $10.00 Day visitors who choose not to participate in the water attractions or tour are welcome to enjoy our fantastic restaurants, duty free shopping, and world class casino.

NOTE: Bring your own water as purchasing water at Atlantis is very pricey!!

BRITISH COLONIAL HILTON
You can purchase a day pass at the Hilton to enjoy their pool and facilities. The pass is $40pp and includes a $30pp food voucher. It is 2 blocks from the pier and within easy walking distance.

TOURS
Island Marketing - http://bahamascruiseexcursions.com/NassauExcursions.htm
This company offers all sorts of tours around Nassau. The “Taste of Nassau Island Tour” is $30pp.

BEACHES
Two beaches that get good reviews on the discussion boards are:
Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach (no bathrooms) – both on Paradise Island. You should be able to catch a cab to either. Going price is around $4pp or there are local jitneys (vans) that cost around $1.25pp.

OTHER OPTIONS

FLYING CLOUD CATAMARAN tours: http://www.flyingcloud.info/Half day cruise – leaves at 9:30am and 2pm for 3.5 hr cruise and snorkel. $70 pp

SNORKEL TOURS - http://www.stuartcove.com/ $52 adult (pre-booked) or
http://www.blueholewatersports.com/ Snorkel tour $40 adult

GOLF
Check out info on two of the golf courses in (or near) Nassau : Paradise Island Golf Course and Cable Beach Golf Course.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bahamas/0205020113.html