Can I explore Nassau without an excursion?

While there are a number of things to do like chilling at the beaches, exploring Nassau's historical sites, renting a jet-ski or visiting the Atlantis Resort, you can have a great day just walking around the port area on your own, without an excursion.



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So, is it worth getting off the ship in Nassau? Yes! I think it's worth getting off the ship even if you prefer to skip the excursions (aka port adventures). Exploring on your own is a great way to spend the morning.

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You absolutely do not have to do shore excursions on a cruise. You are free to come and go at will from most cruise ships while they are in ports of call. Shore excursions are simply one means to explore the areas visited by the ship and to participate in available activities off the ship.

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While there are a number of things to do like chilling at the beaches, exploring Nassau's historical sites, renting a jet-ski or visiting the Atlantis Resort, you can have a great day just walking around the port area on your own, without an excursion.

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There are several minibuses, also known as jitneys, that will take you around Nassau. Head to Bay Street or Charlotte Street to find a jitney. Fares are typically B$1.25 but can cost up to B$3 if you head to a different zone.

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Buses, known locally as “jitneys”, run in downtown Nassau and Cable Beach several times a day. The cost for a one-way ride is approximately $1.50 per person, and exact change is required.

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If your ship is docked, you'll be able to simply walk off the vessel directly onto dry land via a movable ramp called a gangway. If it's anchored, you'll have to take a tender -- a small boat that ferries passengers ashore in groups.

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Find a port agent. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents. These officials can help you with contacting your ship and making travel arrangements.

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Taking Your Passport Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.

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In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

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Nassau's Paradise Island, as seen from above, is a popular tourist destination in The Bahamas. Photo by Tokar. Renowned for its pristine beaches, blue waters, and glowing hospitality, The Bahamas is a sought after destination for millions of tourists each year, particularly American citizens.

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(Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are not available in the Bahamas.)

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Why Is Nassau so Popular? Nassau is a popular port of call for many reasons. The port is just 305 miles (491 kilometers) from the world's busiest passenger cruise port, Port Canaveral, and even closer to PortMiami (185 miles / 298 kilometers) and Port Everglades (190 miles / 306 kilometers).

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Taxis are completely reliable and safe. Just make sure it is a licensed cab, very obvious, and you can't go wrong. If you are still nervous, you can call various cab/driver companies; all hotels, restaurants, etc will have numbers to call.

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