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Plan Your Trip to Nassau: Best of Nassau Tourism

Explore Nassau

At 21 miles long and seven miles wide, Nassau is a small island that packs a punch thanks to clear skies, miles of brilliant beaches, and stretches of vivid coral reefs perfect for snorkelling. Cruises pulling into port are greeted by the pastel-coloured buildings that line the coast—an iconic view for all, but particularly the groups of travellers who visit by ship every day. Just 184 miles from Miami, Nassau still feels worlds away; and while it’s home to a number of luxe resorts and hotels, there's tons of local flavour, too. Grab some fried fish from one of the many food shacks in Arawak Cay, check out The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, and don’t miss the photo ops at Government House. If you're lucky enough to visit during the Junkanoo Festival, get ready for parades, costumes, dancing, and absolute Bahamian joy. More recs below.
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How to do Nassau in 3 days

Secret beaches, an underwater sculpture garden, an all-inclusive resort, and more
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A family-friendly guide to Nassau

The tricky thing about family holidays is that it's hard to find a destination with something for everyone. We travelled to the Bahamas when my three children were toddlers, tweens, and teens, and it delivers for every age group. We've arrived by plane (there are so many direct flights into Nassau that you can avoid massive layover meltdowns) and by ship, and every time, the islands gave each of us the holiday we desperately needed.
Cheryl M, Boston, MA
  • The Coral At Atlantis
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    Our favourite place to stay in the Bahamas for a week is the one you've probably heard of over and over again. Atlantis has become a household name for a reason. It’s one of those properties you can spend ten days at and still not have enough time to do everything. The pools and beaches are great for all ages. No one minds your noisy, messy baby. Slightly older children will be exhausted by the water park and the incredible marine habitats, and parents will appreciate the numerous dining options and bars scattered throughout the property.
  • Marina Village
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    No matter how old my three children are, they always enjoy meandering around the Marina Village on Paradise Island, next to Atlantis. Live music often accompanies your stroll through craft shops and a top-notch ice cream parlour. On select nights, we watched the Junkanoo parade featuring performances by local Bahamians. If you're visiting from the cruise port or another resort, you can take a water taxi for about $4 per person.
  • Carmine's
    1,818
    Anytime we are in the Bahamas, we dine at the Italian family-style restaurant Carmine's, located in the Marina Village. The portions are large and meant to be shared. The best thing about Carmine's, besides the ravioli, is that the dishes are reasonably priced, which is only sometimes the case in the Bahamas. Since this restaurant is popular, be sure to book a booking to avoid waiting.
  • Baha Bay Water Park
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    We arrived on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on our most recent trip to the islands. Since we had already been to Atlantis, we decided to try the Baha Bay Water Park in the Baha Mar resort. You can purchase day passes directly through the resort or the cruise ship. The best part of this water park is that there are cabanas that you can rent with access to a pool and Cable Beach. My husband and I lounged by the pool while our three teens relished the rides.
  • Cable Beach
    2,323
    When your family wants to hit the beach, Cable Beach is one of the most accessible options. The crystal-clear blue-green ocean views and the soft sand provide that Caribbean vibe you think of when daydreaming of the Bahamas. We took public transportation there from the cruise port, and the best part is that access to the beach is free. If you hop on the #10 bus, it's only $1.25 per person each way and about a 20-minute ride.
  • Junkanoo Beach
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    This beach is much smaller and more crowded compared to Cable Beach. But it's also only about a fifteen-minute walk from the cruise port. Junkanoo is a free public beach with an option to rent chairs or umbrellas. IIf you are short on time, this is a great option; otherwise, Cable Beach is worth the trip.
  • Straw Market
    2,261
    Located within walking distance of the cruise port is the infamous Straw Market. My daughters are artsy and crafty, so they appreciate the handmade Bahamian souvenirs you can find here. It's similar to a flea market with a variety of vendors, most of them local. Be sure to bring your negotiation skills to get the best price for your souvenir and have some cash (American dollars) on hand.
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