What To Do In Nassau

[TBBUCS1]

HI THERE I'M FAIRLY NEW TO THE BOARDS SO BEAR WITH ME .WE ARE GOING ON THE THREE NITE CRUISE WITH OUR TWO DAGHTERS WHO ARE 2 AND 7. WE DON'T PLAN ON DOING ANY EXCURTIONS SO WE ARE WONDERING IF WE SHOULD GET OFF THE BOAT AND IF SO WHAT IS THERE TO DO. ANY BEACHES CLOSE? OR OTHER ACTIVITIES ALSO IS IT A SAFE AREA WE REALLY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED

 

[rejobako]

TB: I would suggest that the accessible beaches in Nassau aren't really all that spectacular; save that for Castaway Cay. If you want something touristy and you're good at rebuffing pushy locals, check out the strawmarket. If you want something more glitzy and slick, take a cab (work out the fare beforehand) to the Atlantis. As for me, I would suggest splitting the difference between grungy local and resort chic and just take a cab to Paradise Island, but don't go on Atlantis property. Instead, check out PI's more laid-back, less aggressive version of the straw markets, then take a stroll under the bridge to the Hurricane Hole, which is a cool little chickee hut bar and grill where you can meet some of the locals. There you can also walk the docks and see what the charter fishermen have brought in that day. PI also has some more upscale shopping, and everything you'd want to see there on a day trip is within easy walking distance.

If you're more into activities and watersports, I'd opt for a scheduled excursion. I live in Florida, however, so for me, the excursions seem drastically overpriced.,

Whatever you do, remember: Nassau is an acquired taste. If you expect Disney-esque cleanliness and attention to detail, you'll be disappointed. Instead, go grungy and have fun.

 

[UGAFan0829]

There are some things that you can do in Nassau without booking an excursion. I've read about others here who've gotten transportation to other parts of the island to do different things. I know there are ferrys that run over to Paradise Island, where Atlantis is, and of course there is a beach there, but I'm not sure if you can use it or not. They also have horse and buggies that will take you around the island, but I've heard that you should be cautious of those.
Also, there are some of the popular restaurants like Senor Frogs and Hard Rock Cafe. And then there's also the Straw Market. All of these are within very close distance to the ship.
As far as Nassau being safe, I will say this...it's probably a little different that what you're used to. Just be aware that there will be LOTS of people who ask to braid the girls' hair. And there will also be people who come up and try to put a bracelet on you and tell you that it's a gift and then ask for a "donation". If someone approaches you with one, just kindly tell them "No thank you". The same goes for those who ask to braid hair.
Hope this helps, and if you have any more ?'s, then ask away!

 

[webray]

Just a note..the locals told us to take a cab to PI instead of the little boat.

We had a blast in Nassau! Enjoy.

 

[zeldacruiser]

We took a cab to Paradise Island beach and it was good; no chairs to be seen where we were, though, so glad that we brought towels from the ship to sit on.

 

[tpmorley]

We saw the Queen's staircase, Fort Fincastle, the Pirate Museum and another little museum with lots about the history. The only thing we paid for was the Pirate Museum!

 

[mecook]

We saw the Queen's staircase, Fort Fincastle, the Pirate Museum and another little museum with lots about the history. The only thing we paid for was the Pirate Museum!

My DH has a very bad knee, so he's not able to do lots of walking. For that reason, we are planning on doing the a/c vehicle tour that goes to Queen's Staircase and two forts.

Tell me all about what you saw. I think I read something about a lighthouse being on the top of the staircase (great views or something)?

Melanie

 

[jeannief]

We didn't have a stroller, my children are not big "walkers" so they stayed on board in the clubs (their choice) and we walked around the straw market and town. Wish we had done more research on the whole thing, but after 3 days at the parks we appreciated the downtime and just went back on board and hung out by the pool with the kiddies.

 

[madisonsmom]

As for me, I would suggest splitting the difference between grungy local and resort chic and just take a cab to Paradise Island, but don't go on Atlantis property. Instead, check out PI's more laid-back, less aggressive version of the straw markets, then take a stroll under the bridge to the Hurricane Hole, which is a cool little chickee hut bar and grill where you can meet some of the locals. There you can also walk the docks and see what the charter fishermen have brought in that day. PI also has some more upscale shopping, and everything you'd want to see there on a day trip is within easy walking distance.

This sounds like something we have been looking for if we decide to get off the boat in Nassau. DH and I will be taking DD5 out of the country for the 1st time on this cruise, but we have travelled to Jamaica several times. We want to goto more local type places and smaller out of the way markets. Not really all that interested in going to Atlantis, but would love to know where on the island the markets and local restaurants(I'm hoping serve what the locals eat, as opposed to what tourists want to eat{does that make sense?}) Do you know how much a cab typically runs to get there? Thanks Rejobako!

 

[logan1_2000]

In many cases, making the Wonder your floating resort destination without touching land can be an excellent choice when in Nassau. Less crowded on board, pools, available deck chairs. To get off the beaten path enough to find true "local" food, I'm just not sure I'd want to go there in that town, esp. w/ little ones.

Fresh cut fruit and soft serve from Scoops right by the pool...ah, just 15 more days for me, and three days at sea to enjoy the ship on the Eastern...

 

[rejobako]

Not really all that interested in going to Atlantis, but would love to know where on the island the markets and local restaurants(I'm hoping serve what the locals eat, as opposed to what tourists want to eat{does that make sense?}) Do you know how much a cab typically runs to get there? Thanks Rejobako!

You're my kind of traveller.

I don't know what the current fare is from the docks to PI, as its been a few years since I've needed a cab while in Nassau, but I do know that there is a standard flat-fare rather than a meter. I would suggest that you ask around on the ship and see if you can find out what the standard fare is beforehand. Confirm the fare with the driver before you get into the cab, and definitely don't accept an offer to drive you around to "see the sights", as you'll likely spend a miserable couple of hours in a hot car with no air conditioning, then asked to pay an exhorbitant fee for what amounts to an uncomfortable joyride.

But, I digress. On PI, if you're interested in places where the locals eat, I might suggest the Hurricane Hole or the News Cafe (within easy walking distance of each other), which is just a little diner / internet cafe where some of the expatriots hang out during the day. It's not "bahamanian" food per se; instead, they serve a great egg/sausage croissant and sandwiches, but I like the feel of the place; laid back, authentic, nontouristy.

If you're back on Bay Street by the ships, there's a great local diner joint right next to the straw market called Cafe Skans. This is a favorite of the locals, again, just a nondescript restaurant that serves great food. One of their specialties is gyros. Last time I was in town we were trying to soak up some "comfort food" and get rid of hangovers (a friend who lives in Nassau took us out to some of the local dive bars . . . that was ahem, interesting); and Cafe Skans hit the spot. We met a beautiful bahamanian woman and her three year old son who were eating in the booth next to us, and had a great conversation about what it's like to live there, etc.

Those would be my suggestions. Have fun!

 

[madisonsmom]

thanks rejobako for the suggestions! They are places that I am definitely going to keep in mind. From things I have heard about Nassau it sounds to me like a bit of a pushy tourist trap in the main straw market area, but I know that can't be the whole area, as it is an island! There has to be a laid back part to it, lol!!

I know in Jamaica there were some areas that were much more "un-touristy" and the challenge is trying to find them(easy there, we were on the island for 7 nights and could as locals at the resort easily), as I would imagine there aren't too many Bahamians on the boat to ask about this.

Does anyone now of an off-the beaten path guide for Nassau?