Abacos © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

There are various Eastern Caribbean cruises that feature Nassau as a port of call, bringing cruising tourists from all corners of the world to enjoy the exotic towns, gorgeous beaches and subliminal weather of the Bahamas. While in Nassau, visitors will find interesting museums and colonial buildings to explore, as well as festive restaurants, bars and shopping complexes. A trip to neighbouring Paradise Island ensures some peace and quiet, as well as great snorkelling, on Caves Beach and Love Beach. Nassau is located on the north-east coast of New Providence Island and cruise ships calling here dock in Prince George Wharf, at Rawson Square in the centre of town. This port can accommodate as many as six cruise ships at any one time. At the port, Festival Place offers a Tourist Information desk, as well as internet access, various vendors and a café.

Contact

Ministry of Tourism
+1 (242) 302 2000
www.bahamas.com
There is a Tourist Information desk at Festival Place in the port.

Transport

In Nassau, taxis are plentiful and can be hailed in the street. Rates are fixed but surcharges apply for more than two passengers. Rental cars and scooters are also available.

Attractions

Explore the ocean floor with Hartley's Undersea Walk, or take a guided tour of colonial Nassau in a horse-drawn carriage. Visit the Bahamas' only zoo, the Ardastra Gardens, to see the famous marching flamingo show, or try the Pirates of Nassau Museum for a swashbuckling good time. Climb the Queen's Staircase to view Nassau from the island's highest vantage point, Fort Fincastle.

Restaurants

Sun and... - trendy restaurant serving a vast selection of fresh seafood dishes

Andros - fresh seafood in the Fish Fry district

Cafe Matisse - Italian food in a romantic courtyard setting

Best Dish

Conch fritters

Shopping

Rawson Square, where passengers disembark, is in the centre of town and offers an array of duty-free shops. Nearby, Bay Street, the main shopping street, is home to designer stores like Gucci and Cartier, as well as a few souvenir shops. The famed Straw Market is also close by and a great place to find souvenirs such as locally produced straw hats and bags.

Best Buy

Handmade Junkanoo masks

Excursions

Traverse the Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera Island.

Ponder mysterious stone blocks believed to be part of the Lost City of Atlantis

Snorkel the world's deepest 'blue hole', found in Long Island's warm waters.

Tan on the beaches of Paradise Island