Nassau Excursion

[MrsBergs]

Hello... We are looking for a tour guide / company for an excursion for 4 adults and 3 teens in Nassau. Any recommendations and also what to do there that would entertain them...
Thanks

 

[auntlynne]

I’ve done two excursions at Nassau: Atlantis water park (twice) and Dolphin “encounter” - whatever term - at the Blue Lagoon.

Since then, two water “park” experiences opened. One is Margaritaville Resort (more like a Resort for a Day experience, with water feature access and possibly included food and beverages). This is within walking distance.

The other one is Baha Bay at Baha Mar. This looks more comparable to the Atlantis. And also requires some form of transport. Someone posted about this recently - with previous experience - and plans to return.

I’ve seen video reviews of these.

I have also just walked around the area near the port. But have joined the Sea Day in Port club for the last few years (ie, just enjoy the ship while docked).

 

[OpieDoodle]

This is really a loaded question. Its going to depend on what you're into. If you're into more lux resorts, casinos, restaurants, etc I'd say atlantis is probaby a good choice. Personally, we like Blue lagoon. You shuttle over by boat and its a private island. Not a whole lot of places to get in trouble, it has a floating adventure type park out there I'm sure tweens would love. Tons of excursion options or just plop on the beach and enjoy

 

[mjkacmom]

This is really a loaded question. Its going to depend on what you're into. If you're into more lux resorts, casinos, restaurants, etc I'd say atlantis is probaby a good choice. Personally, we like Blue lagoon. You shuttle over by boat and its a private island. Not a whole lot of places to get in trouble, it has a floating adventure type park out there I'm sure tweens would love. Tons of excursion options or just plop on the beach and enjoy

Taking a $200 pp excursion to Atlantis is all about the water park and beach, not restaurants and the casino.

 

[OpieDoodle]

Taking a $200 pp excursion to Atlantis is all about the water park and beach, not restaurants and the casino.

My point was you're talking built up resort, big water park, restaurants, etc (yes many people go just for the restaurants and the casino) so a lux resort paying $200+ per person or Blue lagoon which is abouott $80 a person for a beach day there. Not a big flashy resort.

 

[auntlynne]

@MrsBergs - not a lot of traction to your question. I think this is reflective of many people’s opinion of Nassau as a port stop. The ship is often pretty full during this stop.

And I haven’t seen a lot of reviews or reports of using tour guides or third-party vendors.

Some reports of visiting the Pirate Museum, a chocolate factory, a Junkanoo museum (the Jamaican music and dance style). People have walked to Junkanoo Beach for a water day. There are guides who will take you to a beach on the other side of the island.

Recently (maybe around Feb), there was a surge in gang-related violence (mainly directed at other Bahamians) which prompted an increased warning by the US State Dept. That would have scared some tourists - and could leave a long-lasting reticence by cruisers, even for years.

I suggest you check Viator/ TripAdvisor for activities. Also Shore Excursions Group. Cruise Critic covers the world of cruising beyond Disney, giving you more opinions.

Blue Lagoon does appear to have a nice beach set-up. One I expect to visit if ever in Nassau again. But they are experiencing the outfall of a fatal ferry/ water taxi event. Over time, it will be forgotten. The question is when will guests feel safe using the boat transfer again?

If you find an adventure for your family, please let us know.

The water in the Bahamas is beautiful. It’s a shame (for us tourists) that it hasn’t been packaged and presented in a way that allows us to enjoy it - while funneling tourist dollars into their economy.

Royal Caribbean is in the process of building a day-use facility near the cruise port for their guests (not included in cruise fare).

Hope you have a great cruise!

 

[Liastaob]

We've done both the Atlantis Waterpark and Blue Lagoon. Both of them are a bit janky. I don't honestly think I'd do either again; maybe Blue Lagoon if the family insisted. At least there the water was actually quite beautiful and nice to swim in.

Atlantis is very expensive for what you get. It honestly just made me miss Typhoon Lagoon. The long walk through the casino to get anywhere was kind of unpleasant.