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.

Before You Go: Plan Your Trip to The Bahamas

Hotel: I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach. It's right on West Bay Street, directly across from Junkanoo Beach, and walkable to the straw market, downtown restaurants, and the cruise port. It's a good home base if you want beach access without paying Cable Beach or Atlantis resort prices. Check rates →

Airport transfers: You should know Nassau has no Uber or Lyft. Taxis at the airport run fixed zone fares (expect roughly $30–35 to downtown, plus a bridge toll if you're headed to Paradise Island), so agree on the price before you get in. Pre-booking a transfer skips the arrivals-hall taxi line entirely. Book a transfer →

eSIM: Hotel wifi in Nassau can be spotty, and since there's no rideshare app to fall back on, having data to call or text a taxi or pull up maps while you're out is useful here. Get an eSIM →

Travel insurance: Given hurricane season overlaps with a lot of Bahamas travel, cancellation/interruption coverage is worth having if you're booking flights and hotels separately. It's also worth it for medical evacuation coverage specifically because care on the outer islands is limited and evacuation to Nassau or the US isn't cheap. Compare plans →

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 a more accessible experience, and it was a lovely. The pigs are harmless and are much 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, and for the cost, I think it was absolutely worth it.

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.

Before You Head Out on the Water: My Thoughts on Travel Medical Insurance

Speaking of parasailing and water adventures, this is exactly the kind of trip where I would encourage you to think about your travel medical insurance before you go. Travel medical insurance like SafetyWing is essential, especially when my itinerary involves any kind of water activity or adventure excursion.

SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential is a travel medical insurance plan that's built with frequent and long-term travelers like me in mind. It stands out to me because it’s flexible—it runs on a subscription model that renews every four weeks automatically, so there's no scrambling to get covered between trips or before a last-minute getaway. You can also cancel at any time, which is convenient, considering how unpredictable travel plans can be.

The plan covers emergency medical expenses, which is the big one for me whenever I'm doing something like parasailing or snorkeling that carry a greater possibility of injury. It also covers travel delays and lost checked luggage, which anyone who's traveled internationally knows can happen without warning. And if you're traveling with little ones, children under 10 are included at no additional cost when traveling with a parent on the plan.

For a trip to Nassau where you're likely doing water activities, island tours, and beach excursions, having travel medical insurance in place gives you the freedom to actually enjoy those experiences instead of worrying about what happens if something goes wrong. In my opinion, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential is one of the best options for travelers who want solid coverage without being locked into a rigid annual plan. You can get started now with your own plan by clicking the button below.

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 knowledgeable, 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. The colors you'll see underwater around Nassau are unlike anything you'd encounter on a typical beach day. It's genuinely worth making time for even if you've never snorkeled before. Most operators provide all the gear you need and offer guidance for first-timers, so the barrier to entry is low.

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. Even if you're not a history buff, the setting alone is worth the visit. It's a stunning property with a story that feels very distinctly Bahamian.

My Final Thoughts

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 alike.