Royal Caribbean offers many cruises to the Bahamas, and each visit is a new opportunity.
With hundreds of tours to choose from, what's the best shore excursion in Nassau?
The capital of the Bahamas is known for its tropical climate, colonial harbor, beautiful beaches, and small neighboring islands.
According to the Nassau Cruise Terminal website, the port hosts 4 million cruise visitors a year.
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Guests visiting the island can choose from a wide range of activities, from ATV adventures to snorkeling to beach breaks.
You can have a fantastic day in port no matter what excursion you book.
But certain activities stand out—here are the 9 best Royal Caribbean excursions to book for your day in Nassau.
1. Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon Island
Blue Lagoon Island is located 30 minutes from Nassau Harbor, home to a dolphin program.
This life-changing trip includes an informative orientation and then the opportunity to stand in waist-deep water while meeting friendly, gentle dolphins.
Dolphins are beautiful and very intelligent—interacting with these animals is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will surprise you.
Phones and cameras aren't allowed on the animal platforms, but media staff will capture photos and videos of the experience.
Children between 4 and 12 years old must be accompanied by a ticketed adult to the excursion.
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Guests between 13 and 17 years old must have a waiver signed by an adult parent or guardian.
2. Pearl Island Beach Escape
One of our favorite excursions is the Pearl Island Beach Escape.
Pearl Island is a small, private getaway located a short boat ride from the port of Nassau.
On the way to the Island, you can view local architecture and learn the area's history.
At Pearl Island, guests can relax in the sun or shade, play on the white sand beach, go for a swim, snorkel, kayak, or play board games.
The island also has a bar, a small buffet-style restaurant, and an iconic lighthouse that provides a view of the neighboring islands.
This excursion is a great option for people of all ages because you can choose your level of activity while on the island.
Lifeguards also stand guard by the beach.
However, you will have to step up and down from the boat and should be mindful of seasickness while heading to Pearl Island.
3. Scale the Queen's Staircase
Fans of walking and history can tour the Queen's Staircase, a unique part of the island's history.
The 60-step staircase provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City and was carved between 1793 and 1797.
Enslaved Bahamians carved the staircase out of solid limestone.
You can absolutely tour the Queen's Staircase on your own for free, or join a walking tour excursion to hear a tour guide's knowledgeable perspective.
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4. Food and Rum Tasting
The Caribbean produces most of the world's rum, and rum serves as one of the island's most popular beverages.
A food and rum tasting tour will take you on a journey of tasting traditional Bahamian dishes such as conch fritters and johnnycakes.
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While discovering local culinary gems in the island's historical district, you'll wash each dish down with a glass of locally made rum.
5. Experience the luxurious Baha Bay Water Park
The Baha Bay Water Park at Baha Mar won a Tripadvisor's Choice Award in 2024 for its gorgeous beachfront, relaxing island, and luxe waterpark.
Baha Bay access is offered for Baha Mar Resort guests, but Royal Caribbean visitors can purchase a package with lunch included.
The waterpark features more than 30 attractions, including thrilling waterslides, a casino pavilion, and a dueling water coaster.
With the lunch-included Royal Caribbean shore excursion, you'll receive access to world-class dining options.
Guests can also lay back and relax on the Baha Bay beachfront sands.
The beautiful private island is the perfect tropical escape.
6. ATV adventure
While visiting Nassau, you'll notice many tourists enjoying a thrilling ride onboard a motorized all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
If you don't mind getting a little dirty, ATVs are a thrilling way to see the island.
This city tour allows you to follow a guide or explore on your own ATV, viewing famous landmarks and beautiful landscapes.
Depending on the tour, each guest will visit different places, but common spots include the Bahamas Rum Factory, the Caves, Fort Montagu, Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Fort Charlotte, and John Watling's Distillery.
Guests must have a valid driver's license to drive an ATV, and be at least 12 years old to ride one.
7. Sunken Sculpture snorkeling
Options abound on Nassau for anyone who loves snorkeling, but one shore excursion offers a boat ride to Sun Cay.
Equipment and life jackets will be provided. Guests can swim and stare through the clear waters to explore an underwater sculpture garden and encounter vibrant tropical fish.
After touring the local reefs, return to the white sand beaches of Sun Cay.
The minimum age to participate is 8 years old.
8. Visit the world-famous Atlantis resort
Atlantis Bahamas is located on Paradise Island, so you'll need to purchase a shore excursion or a taxi boat ride to visit.
The stunning oceanside resort features 3,000 hotel rooms over five distinct hotels: The Royal, the Beach, the Coral, the Cove, and the Reef.
Guests can enjoy the 123-acre water park, shops, the Atlantis Casino, celebrity chef restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, or the Madara Spa.
For animal-lovers, the Atlantic also has the world's largest open-air marine habitat.
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Don't forget to plan ahead when it comes to getting back to the ship on time.
9. Enjoy Junkanoo Beach
Another free excursion option is to visit Junkanoo Beach. This is the closest beach to the cruise terminal and makes for a popular beach stop for cruisers.
It also has bathrooms, showers, and changing facilities available, so you don't have to worry about changing before you get off the ship.
After enjoying a day in the hot sun and splashing in the ocean, you'll find several bars and restaurants nearby.
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