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Nassau - what to do: walking distance, best beach, local tours etc?


kculater
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I will be arriving in Nassau on a Sunday from 7:00 am – 2:30pm in May. I’m debating getting off the ship or staying on to enjoy the activities onthe ship. The other 2 people traveling with me are debating the same thing. I’venever been to Atlantis but I’m not sure it is worth the money as there is apool and water slides on the ship ;). Is it really worth the money for the day pass especially with the time we are there? Is there a short tour with a beach breakavailable with local vendors that are not offered by the cruise line? Are therethings I can do on my own that is walking distance from the pier? I think Iread somewhere about a rum cake factory and rum distillery. I wouldn’t mindtaking tours of that, how far is that and how much if I take a taxi? I assumemost places don’t open until 9:00 am what could we do to get the most of out ofour time there and I like to get back on the ship an hour before it departs. Anyinformation is greatly appreciated.

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We plan on only doing a very short, low-budget visit while in Nassau so we can get back onto the boat and enjoy the ship without the large crowds. We're mainly interested in unique food and drinks, maybe seeing something cool, and then getting back on board.

 

So here's a little homework I've done so far. Click here to see a Google map of the port. From what I've gathered, most (if not all) cruise lines use this port at Nassau, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney. Probably the other big ones, but I'm not totally sure.

 

So that said, you can now see a few places to get to within walking distance. I've compiled a short, definitely not complete list of things to do within walking distance from the port. I may add to this list later. My summaries are based on what I've ascertained from reviews.

 

10 Minutes or Less Walking Distance from the Port:

 

Señor Frogs (Trip Advisor) - Seems like a Mexican/Carribean mix with a party atmosphere; loud and high energy. They have some unique frozen drinks. You can literally see the ships from this location and it's right on the water almost facing the ships. Crowded, a bit expensive, a tourist trap, but well-known and has a good reputation.

 

Exagon Restaurant & Lounge (Trip Advisor) - Exagon is much, much smaller than Señor Frogs, but not exactly a hole in the wall. It seems like a more relaxed place with reasonable (for being on vacation) food and drink prices. Lunch entrees average at about 14 bucks for something pretty nice, but I couldn't find any drink prices. Reviews are very positive. 200 feet down the street from Señor Frogs, so if you want to bar-hop, this seems like a good area to be in.

 

Frozen Paradise (Google Map, Facebook) - There's not much info on this one, which gives a little more of a hole-in-the-wall vibe. They don't have a website, their Google Map listing doesn't have the right name (listed as "Paradise frozen," but the logo in the pictures clearly say "Frozen Paradise"), and they're not listed on Trip Advisor or similar sites. But that said, the word-of-mouth on Facebook, while small, looks quite good. They also have hookah, if you're into that. Reviews on Google Maps, while little, are all positive. The highlights: free wifi, lots of frozen drinks, good food, very likely less crowded than the other places. Located right across from Exagon Bar & Grill; good for a bar-hopping loop!

 

Bahamian Cookin Restaurant and Bar (Google Maps, Trip Advisor) - This seems to be the place to eat if you want something authentic. Short version: get anything with conch in it. This place is less touristy than most; some people consider it a hole in the wall, others don't. But regardless, it's very, very highly rated across the board.

 

... I'll probably add to this later. :)

Edited by slugg
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The last cruise we went on we met a couple that said they hopped in a cab and went to Atlantis to explore. I don't know how much of it you get to see, but it's cheaper than paying for an excursion. We may do that in a few weeks since I've never been over there in the three times I've been in Nassau. There is also a pirate museum (since I'll have my two kids) in walking distance from the pier that we'll check out.

 

 

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The last cruise we went on we met a couple that said they hopped in a cab and went to Atlantis to explore. I don't know how much of it you get to see, but it's cheaper than paying for an excursion. We may do that in a few weeks since I've never been over there in the three times I've been in Nassau. There is also a pirate museum (since I'll have my two kids) in walking distance from the pier that we'll check out.

 

 

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I don't know how long ago that was, but you can only see the casino and marina village without a pass - can't see the pools, the beach, the lobby... The only pass that would be worth it for the OP is the aquarium, the slides don't even open until 10. We want to do short and cheap this time, might do the zoo and Junkanoo.

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We plan on only doing a very short, low-budget visit while in Nassau so we can get back onto the boat and enjoy the ship without the large crowds. We're mainly interested in unique food and drinks, maybe seeing something cool, and then getting back on board.

 

So here's a little homework I've done so far. Click here to see a Google map of the port. From what I've gathered, most (if not all) cruise lines use this port at Nassau, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney. Probably the other big ones, but I'm not totally sure.

 

So that said, you can now see a few places to get to within walking distance. I've compiled a short, definitely not complete list of things to do within walking distance from the port. I may add to this list later. My summaries are based on what I've ascertained from reviews.

 

10 Minutes or Less Walking Distance from the Port:

 

Señor Frogs (Trip Advisor) - Seems like a Mexican/Carribean mix with a party atmosphere; loud and high energy. They have some unique frozen drinks. You can literally see the ships from this location and it's right on the water almost facing the ships. Crowded, a bit expensive, a tourist trap, but well-known and has a good reputation.

 

Exagon Restaurant & Lounge (Trip Advisor) - Exagon is much, much smaller than Señor Frogs, but not exactly a hole in the wall. It seems like a more relaxed place with reasonable (for being on vacation) food and drink prices. Lunch entrees average at about 14 bucks for something pretty nice, but I couldn't find any drink prices. Reviews are very positive. 200 feet down the street from Señor Frogs, so if you want to bar-hop, this seems like a good area to be in.

 

Frozen Paradise (Google Map, Facebook) - There's not much info on this one, which gives a little more of a hole-in-the-wall vibe. They don't have a website, their Google Map listing doesn't have the right name (listed as "Paradise frozen," but the logo in the pictures clearly say "Frozen Paradise"), and they're not listed on Trip Advisor or similar sites. But that said, the word-of-mouth on Facebook, while small, looks quite good. They also have hookah, if you're into that. Reviews on Google Maps, while little, are all positive. The highlights: free wifi, lots of frozen drinks, good food, very likely less crowded than the other places. Located right across from Exagon Bar & Grill; good for a bar-hopping loop!

 

Bahamian Cookin Restaurant and Bar (Google Maps, Trip Advisor) - This seems to be the place to eat if you want something authentic. Short version: get anything with conch in it. This place is less touristy than most; some people consider it a hole in the wall, others don't. But regardless, it's very, very highly rated across the board.

 

... I'll probably add to this later. :)

 

I found the rum distillery. It is John Watling's Distillery. http://www.johnwatlings.com/. The website had a map you can see the distance. I saw a couple of comments where people walked it and some say they took a cab. I saw one person said the walk was further than they thought and recommended a cab. The website said it is walking distance from the cruise ships. It is small and something quick to do. Another option for low key and inexpensive.

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I will be arriving in Nassau on a Sunday from 7:00 am – 2:30pm in May. I’m debating getting off the ship or staying on to enjoy the activities onthe ship. .

 

Hi! For the amount of time that you are in port, I would not recommend Atlantis. You can't get into most areas without paying, and it is VERY expensive, and I just don't think you will have enough time to get your money's worth. There are several destinations within walking distance of the terminal - the ships dock in downtown Nassau, so lots of shopping. Senor Frogs if you want to get your party on ;-). If you're looking for a beach, Junkanoo Beach is nearby (~10-15 min walk) and free. Unfortunately, since it's a Sunday, many things don't open until 10am at the earliest. I recommend a lazy morning on-board then strolling the downtown late morning.

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The last cruise we went on we met a couple that said they hopped in a cab and went to Atlantis to explore. I don't know how much of it you get to see, but it's cheaper than paying for an excursion. We may do that in a few weeks since I've never been over there in the three times I've been in Nassau. There is also a pirate museum (since I'll have my two kids) in walking distance from the pier that we'll check out.

 

 

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I took a cab to Atlantis when I was younger in 2006. Granted, a lot can change in 10-11 years, but I distinctly remember not being able to do or see pretty much anything unless the whole family paid a ton of money. There was nothing else to do on Paradise Island - the whole thing is pretty much either Atlantis, or just parking for Atlantis. I think there were 2 or 3 tourist trap gift shops along the way, and that's it. We had to take a taxi back, obviously, after doing a whole lot of nothing.

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This is the walking tour we created and did last Thanksgiving.

 

Thank you! I've been trying to figure out something for this port and this gives me some good ideas. I don't go until the end of July but it will be just my kids and me so I know I have to be careful also. Been trying to do some research but everything seems expensive for a single mom budget.

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John Watling's is about a 15 minute walk from port. Seems a little longer becuse the last half of the walk is uphill!

 

Graycliff cigars and chocolate isn't very far from Watling's coming back towards port.

 

There is also the Nassau Pirate Museum that is just a block or so from Bay St.

 

We're planning on hitting these 3 places and maybe also the Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle and maybe Government House.

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I love this thread. Thank you, all, especially Sir Randy. I was supposed to go to Nassau last Sept but we missed that port. I'm going in Sept and Nov, hoping to do self-directed walking tour. When you get off the ship is there an information booth right at the port where I might get a map to carry around with me?

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We were in Nassau in February on Navigator and went to Junkanoo Beach. I would say it is closer to a 30 minute walk from the ship. On Sir_Randy's map, it is between Nassau and West streets. You have to walk AROUND #14 The Hilton, (Marlborough-W Bay Street). Senor Frog's is next to the Hilton by the water, but there is no exit to the beach.

 

The beach is pretty nice with a good and clean bath house to change. They will charge you for chairs, regular or lounge, or lounge with umbrella. I think it was $5, $10, and $20. We ended up taking a taxi back to the ship.

 

After leaving the downtown area, the vendors become MORE aggressive, (about like the cruise people trying to upsell specialty restaurants!!)

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We were in Nassau in February on Navigator and went to Junkanoo Beach. I would say it is closer to a 30 minute walk from the ship. On Sir_Randy's map, it is between Nassau and West streets. You have to walk AROUND #14 The Hilton, (Marlborough-W Bay Street). Senor Frog's is next to the Hilton by the water, but there is no exit to the beach.

 

The beach is pretty nice with a good and clean bath house to change. They will charge you for chairs, regular or lounge, or lounge with umbrella. I think it was $5, $10, and $20. We ended up taking a taxi back to the ship.

 

After leaving the downtown area, the vendors become MORE aggressive, (about like the cruise people trying to upsell specialty restaurants!!)

Some of the beach bars have free WIFI if you buy some drinks from them.
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I love this thread. Thank you, all, especially Sir Randy. I was supposed to go to Nassau last Sept but we missed that port. I'm going in Sept and Nov, hoping to do self-directed walking tour. When you get off the ship is there an information booth right at the port where I might get a map to carry around with me?
I am thinking there were maps, I had printed out mine but I am thinking I had a shiny folding one also?
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This is the walking tour we created and did last Thanksgiving.

 

Thank you! I've been trying to figure out something for this port and this gives me some good ideas. I don't go until the end of July but it will be just my kids and me so I know I have to be careful also. Been trying to do some research but everything seems expensive for a single mom budget.

I believe it is very warm and humid in July. You might want to take a cab to Queens Staircase, Fort Fincastle is at the top of the Staircase and to your right. Maybe take another cab to Junkanoo Beach, and then walk back to the ship when you are done at the beach. I do not know what cabs cost is Nassau, but the walk to the staircase is uphill.
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