Experience the best of the Bahamas with these top tours and excursions. From snorkeling adventures to swimming with dolphins, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise.
With over 700 islands and thousands of cays, the Bahamas offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and exploration.
Whether it's your first cruise or you've set sail many times before, every visit feels like the experience of a lifetime. Whether you stop in Nassau, Freeport or Bimini, your Bahamas cruise will be filled with breathtaking landscapes, exciting activities and authentic island experiences.
Best Bahamas Excursions
Don't miss out on the fun stuff! The best tours are likely to sell out. Here are the top picks you'll want to book before they're gone.
🐬 Top-rated tours in the Bahamas
1. Swimming with pigs – this experience is unique to the Bahamas
2. Exhuma Island Hopping – includes swimming with sharks
3. Snorkeling coral reef – and snorkeling with turtles!
Nassau: The capital of paradise
Your Bahamas cruise is likely to stop in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. Nassau offers a blend of history, culture and natural beauty that you won't want to miss. Begin your adventure by visiting the historic Nassau Straw Market, where you can shop for authentic Bahamian crafts and souvenirs.
Don't forget to explore the historic district of Nassau, where you can wander through charming streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings. Make sure to visit landmarks like the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle for breathtaking views of the city and the ocean.
Atlantis Paradise Island
Just a stone's throw away from Nassau is Paradise Island, home to the iconic Atlantis Paradise Resort. With stunning beaches, dolphin encounters and the famous Aquaventure water park you'll have plenty to see and do.
With Atlantis day passes, the resort offers a wide range of activities for cruise passengers to enjoy. Explore the aquariums and marine habitats, get a closer look at the stingrays, and even try your luck at the casino. Atlantis Paradise is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and those seeking relaxation alike.
Breathtaking beaches
One of the Bahamas' greatest treasures is its pristine beaches with white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. When your cruise ship docks, you'll have the chance to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Cable Beach, Cabbage Beach and Junkanoo Beach are among the most popular. Spend your day basking in the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters or indulging in water sports like snorkeling and jet-skiing.
Snorkeling and diving
The Bahamas is renowned for its vibrant underwater world. Whether you're an experienced scuba diver or a newbie, there are plenty of opportunities to explore marine life here. The Exuma Cays, Andros Barrier Reef and the Blue Hole are some of the top diving spots, where you can encounter colorful coral reefs, exotic fish and even some shipwrecks.
For those who prefer snorkeling, the Thunderball Grotto, located near Staniel Cay, offers an incredible experience. Dive into this underwater cave and be surrounded by schools of tropical fish. It's a surreal adventure that's not to be missed. Green Turtle Cay is also excellent for snorkeling.
Swim with pigs on Pig Beach
Imagine swimming in crystal-clear waters alongside a group of friendly pigs. Pig Beach, located in the Exuma Cays, is a unique and unforgettable experience for animal lovers and adventure seekers. These playful swine have become a beloved attraction, and your Bahamas cruise offers an opportunity to see this quirky destination.
“It was such a unique experience. It felt like something out of a movie, watching all of these massive piggies swim and play around in the water and on the beach.”
— Margaret Bigelow, Whimsy Soul
Explore the Exuma Cays
The Exuma Cays, a pristine archipelago of 365 islands, is a hidden gem that should be on every Bahamas cruise itinerary. The Exumas offer an unspoiled natural beauty that's perfect for exploration. You can take a boat tour to see the famous swimming pigs, feed the iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay or swim in the surreal Thunderball Grotto.
Conch salad and Bahamian cuisine
No Bahamas cruise is complete without trying the local cuisine. Conch, a type of mollusk, is a Bahamian specialty and can be enjoyed in various forms, including conch salad, conch fritters and cracked conch. Take a food tour, visit a beachside shack or a local restaurant to savor the flavors of Bahamian cuisine.
Pair your meal with a refreshing Bahama mama cocktail. A signature Bahamas cocktail, the Bahama mama is a tropical delight made with rum, coconut liqueur, coffee liqueur and various fruit juices. It's a fruity and refreshing drink often garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry.
Another traditional Bahamian cocktail is sky juice, which features gin, coconut water, condensed milk and a hint of nutmeg. It's a creamy and refreshing libation.
Pirate adventures
The Bahamas has a rich pirate history, and you can immerse yourself in the lore of swashbucklers by visiting pirate-themed attractions. Explore the Pirates of Nassau Museum to learn about the Golden Age of Piracy or embark on a pirate-themed cruise where you can dress up, search for hidden treasure and enjoy pirate-themed entertainment.
Visit Andros Island
Andros Island is the largest of the Bahamas' islands and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Explore the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest coral reef system in the world or take a guided tour to explore the island's rich history and indigenous culture.
Andros is renowned for its blue holes, which are underwater sinkholes that attract divers and explorers from around the world. These eerie, deep pools offer unique opportunities for underwater adventures.
Enjoy Junkanoo Festival
If your Bahamas cruise coincides with Junkanoo, the Bahamas' most vibrant and lively festival, consider yourself lucky. This annual event celebrated on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, features colorful costumes, lively music and energetic dance performances.
One of the most iconic aspects of Junkanoo is the elaborate costumes worn by participants. These costumes are made from a variety of materials, including crepe paper, cardboard and feathers.
Junkanoo is accompanied by rhythmic music played on instruments such as drums, cowbells, whistles and horns.
Wrapping It Up
A Bahamas cruise promises an unforgettable journey filled with natural wonders, rich history and vibrant culture. From exploring the historic streets of Nassau to swimming with pigs in the Exuma Cays, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this tropical paradise.
Make the most of your Bahamas cruise by exploring these top things to do and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or a taste of local culture, there's a Bahamas shore excursion that will make your cruise a vacation dream come true.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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