Welcome to Nassau

Hi, I’m Ngozi Cash—call me “Guzzy.” I’m a Nassau-based travel concierge and the founder of Bahamas Up Close.

I created this guide because cruise passengers repeatedly ask me the same important questions: What can we fit into our time? Where do we meet? Will we make it back to the ship? What happens if the weather changes?

This guide will help you plan a fun Nassau day without unnecessary stress.

Ship Time

Ships usually arrive early in the morning, and morning excursions normally depart around 10:00 AM. Complete check-in promptly to avoid complications.

Round-trip travel by boat or jet ski is roughly 30 minutes. Boarding and disembarking may take 10–15 minutes each way. Depending on the wind and conditions, a four-hour excursion generally provides about three and a half hours of activity time.

Do not wait until the last possible moment to plan. Always check the cruise line’s daily notice.

If your ship arrives after 1:00 PM, your excursion options may be reduced, but you may still be able to enjoy jet skis, shopping, local food and nightlife. Most downtown shops and tour operators close after approximately 4:00 PM.

The Four Main Cays

Most half-day water excursions visit one or more cays—pronounced “keys”—near Nassau:

Choose Your Nassau Day

Start with your available time and travel group.

I Have About Four Hours

Experiences to consider

• 4-in-1 excursion package
• Parasailing
• Swim with sharks
• Jetcar
• ATV, buggy or scooter city tour/rental
• Guided jet-ski tour or rental

Your four-hour plan

1. Bring at least one physical credit card, towels and a smile.
2. Leave the ship and meet your concierge or operator.
3. Complete one primary activity.
4. Return to the downtown/port area.
5. Protect a comfortable return-to-ship buffer.

I Have About Six Hours

Experiences to consider

• 4-in-1 excursion—with extra beach time when available
• Family fishing with optional snorkeling, turtles or pigs
• Parasailing
• Swim with sharks
• Jetcar

Your six-hour plan

1. Bring at least one physical credit card, towels and a smile.
2. Leave the ship and meet your concierge or operator.
3. Complete one primary activity.
4. Return to the downtown/port area.
5. Allow time for shopping if desired.
6. Protect a comfortable return-to-ship buffer.

I’m Traveling With Children

Family-friendly possibilities

• Jet-ski rental or tour—age and passenger restrictions vary.
• Segway tour
• Air-conditioned bus city tour
• Double-decker bus city tour
• Buggy city tour or rental
• 4-in-1 excursion package
• Swimming pigs and turtles
• Family fishing
• Private luxury yacht

Know before you go

• Confirm minimum ages and operator restrictions before booking.
• Children’s life jackets are normally available; confirm sizes in advance.
• Bring towels and sun protection.
• Snacks, bottled water and soft drinks are commonly included, but verify your specific tour.
• Foldable strollers may be possible; ask before arrival.
• Excursion vessels are often canopied center-console boats carrying approximately 10–15 passengers.

Couples and Private Groups

• ATV, buggy or scooter city tour
• Sunset cruise
• Private snorkeling trip
• Premium private Pura Vida yacht with water toys, island hopping, swimming pigs and optional private chef.
• Private or family fishing

Your couples or celebration plan

1. Choose one experience that matches the occasion.
2. Confirm meeting, boarding and return timing.
3. Tell your concierge about birthdays, proposals or celebrations in advance.
4. Allow time downtown if you want to shop or dine.
5. Protect a comfortable ship-return buffer.

Excursion Finder

Morning or Afternoon?

Half-day turtle, swimming-pig, fishing and private boat/yacht excursions commonly depart around:

• 10:00 AM
• 1:30 PM

Before choosing, send your ship name, arrival date, arrival time and departure/all-aboard time.

Where Will I Meet My Operator?

• Meeting points vary. Some operators meet guests near Prince George Wharf or outside Señor Frog’s.
• Before arrival, you should receive a confirmation, booth image and instructions.
• Review your confirmation and keep a screenshot on your phone for quick access.
• Do not assume every activity departs directly from the cruise port.

What to Bring

• Government-issued identification if required
• Booking-confirmation screenshot
• Swimwear and towels
• Reef-conscious sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Water
• Cash for optional purchases and gratuities
• At least one physical credit card when required by the operator
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Motion-sickness medication if needed
• Cruise-ship contact and schedule information

Weather and Backup Plans

• Nassau weather can be localized and change quickly.
• Rain in the forecast does not automatically mean cancellation; brief showers often pass.
• Operators make safety decisions using actual sea and wind conditions.
• Monitor your messages—WhatsApp is preferred.
• Cancellation and refund terms vary by product.
• Bahamas Up Close can help identify alternatives when possible.

Seven Common Mistakes

1. Confusing the ship’s departure time with its all-aboard time.
2. Forgetting that leaving the ship can take time.
3. Booking an afternoon excursion that ends too late.
4. Assuming every activity leaves from the cruise port.
5. Waiting until arrival to ask about availability.
6. Failing to bring the correct items or identification.
7. Choosing by price without checking duration and logistics.