The Best Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas: Tours, Beaches & Water Adventures
Nassau is the kind of place where your days can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want them to be. One moment you’re floating in impossibly blue water, and the next you’re boarding a boat, wandering historic streets, or heading out on an excursion you didn’t realize would become a trip highlight. Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or planning to explore beyond the resort, Nassau offers plenty of ways to experience the island—especially on and around the water. From guided tours to unforgettable ocean adventures, these are some of the best things to do while you’re in Nassau.
1. The Swimming Pigs
This is one of the most recognizable, Instagrammable activities. If you see photos of people frolicking in the water with pigs, they are most likely in The Bahamas. The original swimming pigs are actually wild and most notably live in Big Major Cay, known as Pig Beach in The Exumas. If you are staying in Nassau, the Exumas are a bit more complex to get to as the experience is a bit pricier and it requires taking a small flight to get there. Now, interactive encounters with pigs can be found on other beaches like Pearl Island and Rose Island at a much cheaper rate.
I booked an experience at Cable Beach/Manor Beach through J&S Tours, and it was a lovely experience. The pigs are harmless and are exponentially more preoccupied with eating that they wouldn’t have time to hurt people. The experience starts with feeding (fresh fruit, chicken and pasta), then an opportunity to cuddle with the smaller pigs, and finally an opportunity to be photographed with the pigs in the water. The handlers and staff are excellent at teaching the easiest ways to interact with the pigs and helping you get the best photos.
2. Nassau Straw Market
A visit to the Nassau Straw Market is a must, even if you don’t purchase anything; if you appreciate handcrafted items, it’s just beautiful to see. The straw market is more or less a warehouse where all of the vendors are selling either similar versions of the same general tourist souvenirs like t-shirts and shot glasses or distinct, finely-crafted, unique items. It’s a good place to get souvenirs of all kinds to take home, but mainly straw products as the market is named for. You may see vendors intricately weaving unique hats, bags, and bowls right there in the market. You’ll need cash to make purchases, and although you probably could haggle, it isn’t necessary as many vendors will offer a discount almost immediately.
3. Parasailing
I have always wanted to go parasailing, and I’m glad I chose Nassau to do it. I booked this experience through TripAdvisor, and for the cost, I think it was absolutely worth it. The business owner loves water sports and has done them his entire life, as his dad originally started the business in the 70s.
I was picked up from my hotel and driven to the dock. Once I was on the boat, I signed a waiver, put on a life vest, and was strapped into the harness in no time. I was the only participant the day that I went so the operators allowed me to stay in the air a little longer than 7 minutes. The view from the sky is absolutely incredible, so if you’re not afraid of heights, then I most definitely recommend this experience.
4. Walking Tour
I like to book food tours whenever I visit a new place so that I get a good sense of what I’m supposed to be eating while there. Food tours often are walking tours in the sense that as you’re going around getting to taste different food, you’re also getting to tour the area and often learn a bit of history and culture at the same time.
I booked a great experience with Tru Bahamian Food Tours through Airbnb with amazing host Captain Ron. He’s incredibly knowledgable, a lot of fun, and his tour is interactive in that he asks trivia questions and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. On this tour, I tasted three different conch dishes, switcha which is Nassau’s official drink and version of limeade, rum cake, refreshing chocolates and more.
5. Hit The Beach
On any island, you’ll want to hit the beach. There are many beaches in Nassau and the one you choose to go to will likely depend on where you’re staying. My hotel was at Junkanoo Beach so all I had to do was cross the street and I was there. At Junkanoo Beach, there are plenty of food and drink options like Gloria’s Place and The Drunken Monkey if you want to enjoy lunch or a refreshing cocktail while you’re there. If you spend quite a bit of time at this particular beach, the locals will get to know you quickly.
6. Snorkeling or a Reef Excursion
Even if you’re not a diver, Nassau’s nearby reefs are an easy win. Many half-day tours include snorkeling stops with vibrant fish and coral, and it’s one of the simplest ways to experience the water beyond lounging on the beach.
7. Visit Graycliff Bahamas
Graycliff is housed in one of the island’s first great homes. This historic estate is best known today for its luxury experience, its museum, and chocolate experience, all of which give you a deeper look at Bahamian craftsmanship and legacy.
The Graycliff Heritage Museum highlights centuries of Bahamian and Caribbean history, with exhibits that touch on art, archaeology, and the island’s cultural roots.
The chocolate tour is a standout part of the Graycliff experience. Graycliff Chocolatier is one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate factories in the Caribbean, and the guided experience walks you through how cacao is transformed into finished chocolate right on-site. You’ll learn about the process, see the equipment in action, and, most importantly, sample their creations.
Nassau has more than just beautiful beaches. It’s a place where you can experience adventure, culture, and downtime all in one trip. The island gives you plenty of ways to fill your itinerary, and no matter how you choose to experience it, Nassau is a wonderful place to visit for solo travelers, couples and groups.
