🇧🇸 Nassau, Bahamas — Cruise Port Guide
The Bahamas' lively capital blends pastel colonial forts and straw markets with the mega-resort glamour of Paradise Island's Atlantis.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Nassau
Best December-April for warm, dry weather around 75-85°F; June-November is hurricane season with higher humidity and rain chances.
Getting back to the ship on time
If your independent excursion involves the ferry to Blue Lagoon Island or Paradise Island, confirm the last return-ferry time carefully, since missing it means arranging your own way back before the ship sails without you.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Nassau
Atlantis Paradise Island
Ride water slides and see aquariums at the iconic mega-resort.
Cable or Junkanoo Beach
Relax on soft white sand minutes from the cruise port.
Queen's Staircase & fort
Climb 65 hand-cut limestone steps to hilltop Fort Fincastle.
Straw Market shopping
Haggle for straw bags, wood carvings and souvenirs downtown.
Blue Lagoon Island
Meet dolphins and sea lions on a nearby private island.
Pirates of Nassau museum
Walk through the city's swashbuckling golden-age pirate past.
Popular excursions
Atlantis Aquaventure day pass
Slides, river rides and aquariums at the Paradise Island mega-resort.
Swimming pigs boat excursion
Speedboat out to swim with the famous pigs off Rose Island.
What to eat
- Conch fritters
- Cracked conch
- Bahamian rock lobster
- Peas 'n' rice
- Guava duff
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Dec–Apr (dry season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 77° | 63° | 1.9" |
| Feb | 78° | 63° | 1.6" |
| Mar | 80° | 65° | 1.6" |
| Apr | 82° | 68° | 2.2" |
| May | 85° | 71° | 4.8" |
| Jun | 88° | 74° | 9.1" |
| Jul | 90° | 76° | 6.2" |
| Aug | 90° | 76° | 8.7" |
| Sep | 89° | 75° | 6.6" |
| Oct | 86° | 73° | 6.2" |
| Nov | 82° | 69° | 3.1" |
| Dec | 79° | 65° | 2.1" |
A little history
Nassau was a notorious pirate haven, once home to Blackbeard in the early 1700s.
Bahamians are warm and formal; greet with 'good morning' before business.
Tipping 15% is standard; many resorts add a gratuity automatically.
Junkanoo, a vibrant costumed street parade, is the heart of Bahamian culture.