Free Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas Cruise Port
Last updated on August 14, 2026
Looking for the best free things to do at the Nassau, Bahamas cruise port?
I’ve got the full scoop on free activities and a few cheap options worth trying, too.
As one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, chances are pretty good you’ll be stopping in Nassau if you’re cruising out of Florida or any of the east coast ports. Nassau Cruise Port, also called Prince George Wharf, is a huge port, able to dock up to six ships at once, and in 2024 welcomed more than 1,400 ships and 5 million passengers.
That’s a lot of people looking for fun things to do in Nassau!
I have personally stopped at this port of call four times in the last couple of years, and we are always on the hunt for new activities to try. Luckily, this vibrant port city offers a plethora of free and budget-friendly activities within walking distance of the terminal. You don’t have to purchase expensive shore excursions to have fun.
Here are 13 great free (or super cheap) things to do at the Nassau cruise port.
Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nassau
1. Relax and Play at Junkanoo Beach
Located just a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal, Junkanoo Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port – and it’s absolutely free.
This public beach features white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also great for families with small kids due to the gentle waves. The water is calm and warm.
While Junkanoo Beach is definitely not the most fabulous beach on the island (you’ll want to hit Cable Beach), it’s a great place to go if you just have one day in Nassau and want to squeeze in multiple activities.
There are plenty of spots to grab a bite or a drink right on the beach. The first place you’ll see when you reach Junkanoo Beach is the famous “Tiki Hut” restaurant. This beachside spot serves up local favorites such as hot dogs, fried fish, and ceviche. They also have great deals on beer and cocktails.
You’ll also see an array of colorful little huts lining the border between beach and sidewalk. Many of these charming little shacks have beachside decks, perfect for relaxing with a drink or bite to eat. That’s where I grabbed a drink and enjoyed the view for a pinch. It is not super fancy, but casual and fun and very authentic to the Bahamas.
Restrooms are available, and you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and even kayaks if you like. I just brought a few towels off the cruise ship and kept it cheap and easy. a great way to spend some time in Nassau if you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on an excursion or a taxi to visit Cabbage Beach near Atlantis on Paradise Island.
Top Tip: Visit earlier in the day to claim a good spot. Junkanoo gets crowded when multiple ships are in port. It’s also a great spot to watch your ship in the distance.
- Bay Street, Nassau
- Admission is free.
2. Take a Water Taxi to Paradise Island
For a fun and affordable adventure, hop on a water taxi from the cruise port to Paradise Island. The ride costs just $7 per person each way and takes about 10 minutes, offering nice views of Nassau Harbor along the way.
When I took the water taxi on our last trip, there was a local guide on board who pointed out lots of landmarks and offered historical insight for tips at the end. I gave him $5 because his narration was a lovely surprise, but if this happens to you please know tipping is optional.
Once you arrive, you’ll be steps from the iconic Atlantis Resort, where you can explore the public areas like Marina Village – a charming shopping and dining area with pastel-colored buildings and yachts lining the marina. You can also walk to Cabbage Beach, a long stretch of powder-soft sand that’s open to the public for free.
However, you won’t be able to enter the hotel lobby inside Atlantis or the water park without purchasing day passes.
Top Tip: When you step off your cruise ship you will see signs for the water taxi before you exit the port, so you can save yourself a walk. If you are already outside port security, there is another dock near the Straw Market.
- Inside the Nassau Cruise Port
- Ferry fare is $7 each way.
3. Climb the Queen’s Staircase
I love finding ways to incorporate things that are unique and even educational when visiting a new destination, and this spot checks all the boxes.
A fascinating piece of Bahamian history, the Queen’s Staircase is a 66-step solid limestone staircase carved by slaves in the late 1700s. It was later named in honor of Queen Victoria for her role in abolishing slavery.
The Queen’s Staircase is just a 10-minute walk from the cruise port, making it a convenient and accessible attraction if you are looking for something free to do.
► Travel Insight
If you are using your phone’s GPS to navigate to this attraction on foot, be sure to check the route before you set off! The first time I visited, my phone directed me through residential neighborhoods and up hills, and I ended up at the top of the staircase instead of the main entry at the bottom! You can also enter “Princess Margaret Hospital” as the location, which is located adjacent to the entrance.
The shaded pathway leading to the stairs is surrounded by tropical foliage and waterfalls. It is surprisingly peaceful despite being close to downtown Nassau! The staircase also provides a scenic route to Fort Fincastle above. Be sure to take the time to read the plaques and historical info displayed near the base.
As a popular tourist destination, the Queen’s Staircase can become crowded, especially when multiple cruise ships are docked. To enjoy a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the crowds have diminished.
Top Tip: Wear sturdy shoes – the stairs are steep and can be slippery when wet.
- Greenwich Street, Nassau
- Free to climb the stairs.
4. Visit Fort Fincastle
At the top of the Queen’s Staircase, you’ll find Fort Fincastle atop Bennet’s Hill. Shaped like a ship’s bow, it was built in 1793 to defend Nassau Harbor from pirates and invaders.
Entry into the fort itself costs just a few dollars, but the surrounding grounds and scenic overlooks are free to explore. When you combine wandering the grounds outside Fort Fincastle with a hike up the Queen’s Staircase, it is a great free excursion you can enjoy in Nassau.
Top Tip: Bring your camera – the panoramic views from here stretch across Nassau and out to sea. If you’re on a budget, skip going inside and just enjoy the photo ops.
- Prison Lane, Nassau
- Admission to enter the fort is $3 or you can explore the grounds for free.
5. Discover the Pirates of Nassau Museum
Just a few blocks from the cruise port, the Pirates of Nassau Museum is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Nassau. It’s an immersive experience where you can walk through life-sized pirate ships, dungeons, and exhibits detailing the Golden Age of Piracy.
I had passed by this building several times when in Nassau and finally on our last visit decided to plunk down a few bucks and go inside.
So glad we did! It is very well done. Small, dark, and very authentic – almost kind of creepy – which is cool! This interactive museum is definitely one of the best cheap things to do in Nassau, and it’s kid-friendly, too.
The museum is air-conditioned (a big plus) and offers just the right balance of history and entertainment.
Top Tip: If your kids love pirates – or you’re a history buff – this one’s worth the small fee.
- King and George Street, Nassau
- Admission is $14 for adults, $7 for children.
- piratesofnassau.com
6. Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation
Located just a short walk from the cruise terminal in Pompey Square, this museum is housed in a historic building once used as a slave marketplace. The exhibits provide powerful insight into the history of slavery and emancipation in the Bahamas.
It’s a serious topic, but an important one and worth your time if you want to learn about this less-than-spectacular piece of history in the Bahamas.
Top Tip: It’s a small museum, so plan for 30 to 40 minutes to explore it all. Combine your visit with shopping, lunch, or other activities near the cruise port.
- Bay Street, Nassau
- Admission is $5.
7. Visit the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo
Before you even exit the cruise terminal, you’ll see this bright and modern building beckoning you over!
The Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo showcases the color, music, energy, history, and culture behind the country’s most beloved festival.
The museum is small but packed with things like handcrafted costumes, traditional instruments, and interactive exhibits. You can even try on parts of the costumes or test your rhythm on the drums. It’s an easy, inexpensive stop and a great way to soak in some local culture without going far.
Top Tip: Great for families or anyone looking to experience some Bahamian flair without having to leave the safety of the cruise port.
- Inside the Nassau Cruise Port
- Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children.
- bahamasjunkanoomuseum.com
8. Shop the Port Marketplace
Located just inside the secure area of the cruise port, the Port Marketplace is a convenient and colorful spot to browse for souvenirs before heading back to your ship. Unlike the bustling Straw Market outside, this open-air market is only accessible to cruise passengers and has a more relaxed vibe.
The vendors here sell a variety of items – T-shirts, magnets, handmade crafts, snacks, and locally made goods. It’s clean, safe, and a good place to pick up last-minute gifts or enjoy a cold drink under the shaded areas before boarding your ship.
Honestly – it’s kind of like the Disneyland version of the Bahamas.
We usually do one final lap through here before getting back on the ship. The prices are reasonable (though I have never purchased anything), and you can even hear live music playing some days, which adds to the atmosphere.
Top Tip: If you’re tight on time or don’t want to wander far, this is a super easy way to take a piece of the Bahamas home with you.
- Inside Nassau Cruise Port
- Free to browse.
9. Shop at the Straw Market
Right in downtown Nassau and only steps from the cruise terminal, the Straw Market is a lively indoor bazaar where you can browse handmade Bahamian crafts including straw hats, bags, jewelry, wood carvings, and souvenirs.
While it’s free to explore, don’t be afraid to haggle – vendors expect it! I enjoyed browsing through the booths, but some of the items are on the pricier side so definitely try to bargain if something catches your eye.
Top Tip: If you’re shopping, bring small bills in U.S. dollars (widely accepted) and try to support local artisans.
- Bay Street, Nassau
- Free to browse.
10. Stroll Through Nassau Botanical Gardens
Tucked away behind Fort Charlotte, this 18-acre garden is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the port. It features over 600 species of tropical plants and flowers, including hibiscus, orchids, native palms, and the Bahamas national flower, the Yellow Elder.
Nassau Botanical Gardens is about a 30-minute walk from the cruise pier, or you can grab a quick taxi ride. The gardens are totally free to enter.
Top Tip: This is a nice, free alternative to Ardastra Gardens, which is located nearby.
- Chippingham Road, Nassau
- Admission is free.
11. Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre
This charming, small zoo is known for its marching flamingos and lush, tropical setting. Ardastra Gardens houses over 200 animals and includes walk-through bird enclosures, educational exhibits, and interactive experiences with tortoises and parrots.
Admission to the zoo is a bit pricy, but still way cheaper than similar attractions in the States. That is why I included it on this list of cheap things to do in Nassau when you’re visiting on a cruise. It’s a fun activity that will take a good chunk of the day, and there are fun add-on experiences available like rabbit feeding and an Interactive Tortoise Experience.
You can walk to Ardastra Gardens from the cruise port in about 30 to 35 minutes. Take a taxi if you are short on time, if the weather is very hot, or if you’re traveling with young kids.
Top Tip: Flamingo shows happen several times per day – ask at the entrance for times.
- Chippingham Road, Nassau
- Admission is $35 for adults, $25 for children.
- ardastra.com
12. Explore Parliament Square
Located just a two-minute walk from the cruise port, Parliament Square is the historic heart of Nassau’s government district. The pastel-pink buildings with white trim are classic examples of colonial architecture and house key government offices like the House of Assembly and the Senate.
The square is small, but beautifully kept, and it’s a great place to take a few photos and learn about Bahamian political history. There’s also a statue of Queen Victoria in the center of the square, commemorating the Bahamas’ British colonial past.
We visited Parliament Square for the first time on a cruise over Christmas, and the area was beautifully decorated for the holidays. You can explore on your own for free, or take a walking tour.
Top Tip: Combine your visit to Parliament Square with a quick stroll down nearby Bay Street for shopping, snacks, or a coffee break. It’s also a great spot for selfies with a colorful, distinctly Bahamian backdrop.
- Bay Street, Nassau
13. Tour John Watling’s Distillery (Free Tour & Rum Tasting)
Located about a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise port area, John Watling’s Distillery is set on the historic Buena Vista Estate, which dates back to 1789. You can take a self-guided tour of the storehouse where rums are aged and bottled, see exhibits showcasing the distillery’s history, and explore the beautiful grounds outside.
In addition to free tours, the distillery offers free tastings of their signature rums. There’s also a small gift shop and bar where you can purchase a cocktail or souvenir bottle. The setting is lush and peaceful – the perfect spot for a relaxed break from the busy cruise crowds.
Top Tip: Even if you don’t drink, the grounds are worth visiting for their beauty and historical value. Bathrooms and shaded seating are available.
- Buena Vista Estate, 17 Delancy Street, Nassau
- Admission is free.
- johnwatlings.com
Final Thoughts: Free Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas
Whether you’re docking in Nassau for the first time or returning for another tropical adventure, there’s no need to splurge on expensive port excursions to have a great time. There are plenty of cheap and even free things to do in Nassau Bahamas cruise port area. With a mix of history, beaches, shopping, and unique historical sites and cultural experiences all within walking distance, Nassau offers something for everyone.
From climbing the Queen’s Staircase to sipping rum at a historic distillery, your day in Nassau can be as relaxing or adventurous as you want it to be. Just pack your sunscreen, wear comfy shoes, and get ready to explore this vibrant island capital without breaking the bank.
► If you are visiting the Bahamas on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, be sure to check out this guide to Free Things to Do on CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
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Hi, thank you for this! Do you know if there are any second hand stores, or thrift stores type stuff there? I may be bringing an electric mobility scooter. How accessible are the streets?
Thank you!