7 Best Day Trips from Nassau

Among the best things to do on your trip to the capital of the Bahamas you will find excursions and experiences that will allow you to explore the surroundings of Nassau, such as Exuma or the Blue Lagoon. Are you up for discovering them in this article?

Exuma is a group of approximately 365 islets with unspoilt nature and stunning mangrove scenery. By booking a tour to Exuma from Nassau you can swim, snorkel and relax on the sand.

Among the islets visited, you will have the opportunity to see different species of animals:

• The swimming pigs at Big Mayor Cay Beach, with whom you can interact freely.
• The Bahamian iguana colony, a surprising species of lizards, weighing up to eight kilograms.
• The nurse sharks, with which you will have the unique opportunity to swim and pet them without taking any risk.

Details of interest

• Price: from 693€ per person.

• Duration: six hours approx.

• Means of transport: car and plane.

• Advantages: you will be able to interact with giant iguanas, swimming pigs and harmless sharks in a natural paradise setting.

• Disadvantages: not suitable for wheelchair users or prams.

You'll have the opportunity to try various water sports, swim with pigs and explore unique reefs. Booking a trip to Rose Island from Nassau starts with a ferry transfer from Nassau Harbour to Rose Island.

During this ride, you'll enjoy a privileged view of the Caribbean and be amazed by the shades of blue in these waters. Once you're on Rose Island, you'll have several options for fun:

• Snorkel with the help of your guide.
• Get up close and personal with the marine fauna of this region**(tropical fish, turtles and more**).
• Meet the Bahamian pigs, which are also found on Rose Island.
• Take a kayak ride to explore the turquoise waters of this beach paradise at your own pace. Your guide will give you safety equipment and some paddling tips.
• Lay down and relax on the sand.
• Play volleyball.
• Taste Bahamian food from the restaurants near the beach.

Details of interest

• Price: from €245 per person.
• Duration: approximately six hours.
• Means of transport: ferry.
• Advantages: you won't have to worry about food or drinks, as these are included in the excursion.
• Disadvantages: Complementary activities, such as snorkelling and kayaking, have an additional cost.

About 20 minutes by ferry from the port of Nassau you'll find another of the city's tourist attractions where you can spend a different kind of day. This is Pearl Island, a paradise where you can swim, discover marine life and enjoy water sports.

Booking a day trip to Pearl Island from Nassau gives you a different perspective of the city and its surroundings from the comfort of a ferry. You'll see the Caribbean waters, the white sandy coastline and the lush vegetation of this region.

When you reach the beach you can snorkel to get in touch with the marine life of these reefs (turtles, rays, colourful fish). You will also have the opportunity to kayak along the coast, relax on the sand, swim in the crystal clear waters, take pictures and taste the local gastronomy.

Details of interest

• Price: from 87€ per person.

• Duration: about five hours.

• Means of transport: ferry.

• Advantages: you will spend a different kind of day in a paradisiacal place far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Disadvantages: this activity is not suitable for people with heart conditions.

A scenic sunset boat ride from Nassau is one of the must-do activities during your time in the capital of the Bahamas. You'll get a unique perspective of the city and the entire coastline as the sun sets over the horizon.

This type of experience usually starts with a pick-up from your hotel or downtown and transfer to the Nassau Harbour. There, you will board a boat and cruise along the coast. You will be able to sit comfortably on the deck and enjoy the sea breeze.

You will witness a true natural spectacle: the breathtaking Caribbean sunset, full of multiple nuances. You will see the last rays of sun light breaking through the clouds and reflecting on the blue waters of the Caribbean. You will also see how the city comes to life thanks to the artificial light, to offer a lively nightlife.

Details of interest

• Price: from 106€ per person.

• Duration: a couple of hours.

• Means of transport: boat.

• Advantages: you will be able to watch the Caribbean sunset from a privileged perspective in the comfort of a boat.

• Disadvantages: some tours do not include a transfer from the port to the city or your hotel.

• Tip: complement this tour with another excursion to further discover the city, such as booking a food tour of Nassau, for example.

If you want to enjoy a day of relaxation and fun at your own pace, then a getaway to Blue Lagoon Island from Nassau is a great option.

You'll need to get to the Paradise Island ferry terminal and from there you'll start your adventure. Once you dock at the harbour of this private island, you'll be able to do some of the following activities:

• Take a st roll around and discover the wildlife.
• Relax in a hammock to recharge your batteries.
• Dive into the turquoise waters of the beach, in order to swim freely.
• Play table tennis or beach volleyball in the designated areas.
• Go to the artificial pools to watch sea lions and dolphins and even interact with them.
• Play water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling or water biking.

Details of interest

• Price: 94€ per person approximately.
• Duration: six to eight hours.
• Means of transport: boat.
• Advantages: you can relax and have fun at your own pace on a beach far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Disadvantages: if you plan to do any water or sporting activities, you will need to hire the necessary equipment.

If you're an off-road enthusiast, then it's a good idea to rent a buggy in Nassau to discover the area at your own pace.

Some places I recommend taking a buggy tour are as follows:

• Love Beach: an uncrowded beach with turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling or relaxing on the sand.
• Arawak Cay area: you will find a variety of restaurants and a lively nightlife.
• Cable Beach: you will find crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, water sports and the Island Luck casino, considered one of the largest in the capital of the Bahamas.
• Paradise Island: a resort with beautiful beaches, water activities and dreamy natural spaces.

Details of interest

• Price: from €349 per buggy.

• Duration: from four to 24 hours.

• Means of transport: buggy.

• Advantages: you can create your own route, explore the places of your interest and stop for as long as you wish at each one.

• Disadvantages: You will need to have a valid driving licence.

Discovering the west coast of the island is another must-do excursion during your visit to Nassau. You'll be able to see hundreds of colourful fish, enjoy the underwater art of Briton Jason DeCaires Taylor and feed sharks.

This type of excursion departs from the city's harbour. There, you will board a boat and, together with a guide, you will sail along the west coast of New Providence, enjoying a privileged panoramic view of the Caribbean and its surroundings:

• The sculpture of a girl, about five metres high and weighing 60,000 kilos, submerged in the sea and protruding at low tide.
• The school of nurse sharks, each up to three metres long. You will be able to feed them from the boat in a safer way.
• The tropical fish that inhabit these waters.

Details of interest

• Price: from 100€ per person.

• Duration: approximately five hours.

• Means of transport: boat.

• Advantages: discover the wildlife of the west coast of the city and the submerged art in these waters.

• Disadvantages: The excursion does not include any food or drink.

• Always carry UV protection with you.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast for Nassau, as there are rainy days throughout the year.
• Don't forget your water bottle. This will keep you hydrated at all times.
• Have your identification documents handy, as you may need them when boarding the ferry or plane.
• Cash or credit cards are a must because, depending on the excursion, you may have to buy your own food, drinks and even hire your own equipment for some water activities.

Nassau has plenty of tourist attractions. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and discover some amazing wildlife, then a trip to one of the paradisiacal islands around the city is ideal.