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Dreaming of warm breezes, turquoise waters, and island adventures? If so, you might want to look in the direction of the Caribbean. Destinations like The Bahamas, in particular, stand out for their vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and countless opportunities for exploration.
Picture: Spend your vacation beachside or poolside at the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian in The Bahamas.
Nassau, located on the island of New Providence offers the most opportunities for fun in one place. From exploring serene beaches and lush national parks to venturing to historic museums and vibrant art galleries, there's always something interesting to do. Whether you’re craving mouthwatering cuisine, lively nightlife, rich culture, or thrilling adventures, you’ll want to check off as many of these 25 activities as possible!
Good to know: Island-hopping is easy from Nassau—you can catch a boat from this destination to most of The Bahamas' islands, turning this getaway into a multi-island adventure. Paradise Island is especially close, just a short trip across the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.
1. Take a Daytrip to Rose Island
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Experiencing the ‘Out Islands’ (islands other than New Providence) is a must while in The Bahamas, and Nassau serves as the central point for accessing these islands. Rose Island is a top choice for a day trip, easily reachable by speedboat. This idyllic spot feels like a sandbar, and you’ll fall in love with its tropical isolation. Nearby, a thriving reef invites exploration, making it ideal for snorkeling. Many tours to Rose Island include lunch, a welcome drink, and access to a beach bar that caters to all your needs throughout the day.
2. Spend Half a Day at Love Beach
Who knew plane spotting could be romantic? In The Bahamas, you can judge for yourself by venturing to Love Beach on New Providence Island. This beach offers a serene escape just about 20 minutes from downtown Nassau. Away from the more crowded beach locations, you can spend your time unwinding in a space with natural jacuzzis, hammocks, and cabanas nearby. Take it all in while counting just how many planes you spot flying overhead!
3. Enjoy the Baha Bay Water Park
With over 30 attractions on offer, the Baha Bay Water Park is a must visit for anyone looking for some excitement in The Bahamas. This water park includes thrilling slides, a lazy river and wave pool, a surf simulator, and family-friendly areas for younger guests. In between your waterpark day here, you can enjoy a variety of dining options that are sure to give you a taste of The Bahamas.
4. Explore Jaws Beach & Clifton National Heritage Park
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Jaws Beach is famous, given that it was once a film set for the blockbuster ‘Jaws: The Revenge’. Today, thousands still visit these shores to experience the location of one of cinema's most terrifying films. In reality, Jaws Beach offers a much more tranquil atmosphere, where visitors can unwind and enjoy breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues.
Just a short distance away is Clifton Heritage Park, where history and culture intertwine with amazing views. Upon arrival, take a moment to appreciate the diverse landscape that includes wetlands, rocky outcrops, and white sand beaches. As you explore the park, you'll encounter the architecture of the Lucayan people, the first inhabitants of The Bahamas, enriching your experience with a deeper understanding of the area's rich heritage.
5. Indulge on Barefoot Cay (Sandals Guests Only)
What if we told you that it was possible to spend your vacation at an all-inclusive resort with its own private island? Though this might seem like a far out vacation possibility, it’s a reality at the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian. This resort offers a fantastic array of inclusions and optional extras for a vacation that goes beyond expectations. And the private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, is located just a few minutes from the resort. During your vacation, you'll be able to get there with a quick (5-minute) ferry ride!
On Sandals Barefoot Cay at Sandals Royal Bahamian, you can look forward to spending houses on the serene beachfront. Or you can recharge at the spa and enjoy a massage or beauty treatment. After your spa session, relax in a private cabana, sip on beachside cocktails, go diving, or simply soak up the sun and good vibes of this beautiful island. We highly recommend this resort and private island for an unforgettable beach experience where the sparks are sure to fly!
6. Have Lunch with a View at Pink Octopus Restaurant
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Pink Octopus Restaurant in Nassau has a lively atmosphere that anyone seeking a good time will love. At this local eatery, you can enjoy casual dining featuring Caribbean cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Pair your meal with a selection of cocktails, wines, spirits, or refreshing juices. The Pink Octopus works closely with local farmers to source fresh ingredients, supporting Bahamian agriculture while delivering delicious dishes.
7. Take a Daytrip to Blue Lagoon Island
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If you want to go beyond Nassau, consider visiting Blue Lagoon Island with a day trip. This is a private island just three miles from Nassau. The island's tranquility and natural beauty create an ideal setting where you might spot dolphins or even sea lions swimming along its shores. Swimming with dolphins is a vacation possibility here, as is snorkeling on some of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas.
8. Taste Nassau’s Craft Beer at the Pirate Republic Brewery
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Enjoying refreshing brews in a pirate-inspired setting is always a good time—after all, who wouldn’t want to channel their inner buccaneer? Pirate Republic Brewery definitely delivers on that front. The team at this production craft brewry takes pride in sharing their humble beginnings with a homemade 5-gallon brewing system. Now miles away from those early days, they operate a thriving brewery that has earned several awards. As the first producer of craft beer in the Bahamas, this is a great spot for craft beer enthusiasts to take a tour and appreciate the artistry behind their brews. Plus, you can enjoy delicious food, rum, and cocktails right from the brewery!
9. Enjoy the Sunshine at Cabbage Beach
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Cabbage Beach stands out as one of Nassau's most breathtaking coastal gems. Here, you can enjoy just about every waterside activity you can imagine, from waterskiing and parasailing to jet skiing and snorkeling. There are quite a few places near this beach where you can relax with an ice-cold drink. Cabbage Beach is a short distance from the Nassau Harbour and it's an incredible place to soak up some sun!
Good to know: Cabbage Beach is a public beach. There's a wide range of restaurants and shops located in close proximity to this beach.
10. Enjoy the Live Music at Island House
There’s a lot to love about Island House in Nassau. This is a boutique hotel that also happens to be a popular place to relax and socialize. If you decide to spend some time here while in The Bahamas, you can enjoy leisurely beach moments, diverse dining, and lots more. Among the amenities: two restaurants, a café, a wine market, an art house cinema, a lap pool, a movement studio, squash courts, an art gallery, and a spa. Without a doubt, Island House is the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire day and still find plenty to keep you entertained.
11. Visit Junkanoo Beach & Downtown Nassau
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In The Bahamas, Junkanoo Beach in Nassau is a favorite with both visitors and locals. This is a lively beach spot with a convenient location where there’s always something going on. Aside from a chance to simply relax or swim, you’ll be able to enjoy stellar views of the cruise ships coming and leaving port. This beach has restrooms, changing facilities, and food stalls nearby. It’s located just a short walk from Arawak Cay.
12. Have a Lunch Time Party at Señor Frogs
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Señor Frogs is always a good time! This entertainment locale is near the Nassau cruise port, and it’s a cool place to have a drink and a delicious meal. “High energy and good vibes in a fun environment” are what you’ll find here. The entrance to this upbeat spot is so colorful that you simply can’t miss it. It's just past the Straw Market; thank us later!
Good to know: For a light island-inspired treat, try the conch fritters or the fresh and flavor-filled tacos!
13. Take a Picture at Versaille Gardens & Cloisters
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There’s no short supply of beauty in Nassau and one spot that’ll leave you mesmerized is the Versailles Gardens. With a visit to this attraction, you'll discover a vibrant array of flora and fauna in every color under the sun, along with the chance to explore the ruins of a 13th-century monastery. This historic site was imported directly from France to Paradise Island, adding a fascinating cultural layer to your visit. Walk with a camera to capture the moments!
Good to know: To get to the ruins of the monastery from Nassau, you can take a taxi or water taxi, which is approximately a 30-minute journey. The distance from Nassau to Paradise Island is about 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), making it a quick and convenient trip to explore this historic site.
14. Have a Cocktail at Bon Vivants
Bon Vivants is dedicated to sharing the art and history of the craft cocktail. This artsy spot has touches of inspiration from both the "lush history of our beautiful Bahamaland as well as the infamous life and writings of Ernest Hemingway". A visit to this cocktail bar and café can be worth it if you're looking for a spot with an extensive menu that includes cocktails, mocktails, nibbles, and so much more.
15. Make Your Own Chocolate at Graycliff Restaurant
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Graycliff Chocolatier offers a unique, educational and fun chocolate making experience for guests who can’t get enough of the delectable treat. You can sign up for a tour of the factory during which you’ll learn how cocoa beans are transformed into amazing chocolate treats. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop at this location. Graycliff Chocolatier is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Top-Rated Excursions in Nassau
1. Nassau ATV & Pig Interaction
Get excited about an ATV and swimming pigs adventure in The Bahamas! You can embark on this excursion with Island Routes starting with an ATV ride. Along the way, you'll learn about the colorful history of this destination and get acquainted with locations like the Rum Cake Factory, Queen’s Staircase, Rawson’s Square, Fort Montague, and the list goes on.
Then, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it'll be time to shift gears. Hop on a catamaran and take your journey to the sea. Rose Island is the destination, and once there, you can spend some time with the famous swimming pigs of The Bahamas. The day ends with swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding—it’s entirely up to you!
Good to know: This excursion spans around 5 hours and includes transfers.
2. Nassau Evening Catamaran Cruise
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A catamaran cruise by day is one thing, but at night, this really opens the door for an island experience like no other. For this Island Routes catamaran cruise, you’ll sail into the sunset just in time to savor the best views of the day. As the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, enjoy appetizers, drinks, and lively music as you settle into the more laidback pace of the islands!
3. Nassau Glass Bottom Boat Experience
A glass bottom tour with Island Routes makes it possible to scope tropical marine life while staying dry. This excursion is ideal if you’re looking to enjoy some time out on the water, but you’re not completely comfortable snorkeling, or you’d just prefer not to swim. Other benefits include environmental conservation as this type of exploration minimizes impact to delicate underwater eco-systems.
Good to know: Island Routes' glass bottom boat tour in Nassau not only makes it possible to enjoy sightings of vibrant coral reefs and sea life, but also scope some of Nassau’s historical landmarks along the way!
4. Swim with Dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island
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Heading to Blue Lagoon is another interesting trip you can embark on while in Nassau. This is a private island known for its eco-friendly appeal and gorgeous white sand beaches.
Island Routes offers a swimming with dolphins tour that includes a roundtrip ferry ride to and from Blue Lagoon Island. There, you’ll be able to interact with dolphins, enjoy the beach, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch. This tour is about 4 hours and 45 minutes long. This excursion starts at USD$191 per person.
5. Explore the Primeval Forest National Park
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The Primeval Forest National Park is located to the west of Nassau. Nature lovers will find their hearts at ease here – it is away from the busy Nassau streets, and if you let it, the lush, green Primeval Forest will completely consume you in a world of serenity. This is a wonderful place to enjoy the natural beauty of The Bahamas.
Inside the Primeval Forest National Park, you’ll find about 7.5 hectares of forest complete with tropical plants of all types, caverns, sinkholes, and other limestone formations. You can book a guided tour or walk around on your own as you explore the area that was officially named a national park in 2002. The entrance fee to get into this park is USD$10, but tours can cost more.
Things to Do in Nassau: Start Planning Your Getaway!
That about wraps up our list of 25 things to do in The Bahamas. When it comes to beach vacations, The Bahamas, is an inspired choice. With so many different islands to explore, it'll feel like you're enjoying several vacation destinations rolled into one!
When planning your Bahamian vacation, try to fit in some exciting excursions and activities for an enjoyable stay. Tours to top Bahamian attractions can easily be booked from Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas. To sum it all up, no matter if you are looking for delicious food, culture, exciting water sports, or just a relaxing beach getaway, Nassau has it all!
Pictured: At Sandals Royal Bahamian, guests can enjoy themed restaurants, swim-up bars, pools, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even a private offshore island. Eat and drink to your heart’s content, all while soaking in spectacular ocean views!
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