Yes, Nassau is very easy to see on your own on a cruise stop. All ships dock at Prince George Wharf in downtown Nassau, and you walk out onto Bay Street at Rawson Square in about 2-5 minutes. The Straw Market is about 5 minutes away, the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle about 13 minutes on foot. With 3-4 hours ashore it is simple, and our city guides help you plan the day.
From Prince George Wharf to downtown Nassau
- Walk off the ship through the port's arrivals area and out onto Bay Street at Rawson Square, downtown Nassau's main street. It takes about 2-5 minutes.
- For Paradise Island, turn right out of the port along Woodes Rogers Walk to the water taxis by Prince George Wharf. Boats run roughly every 30 minutes and the crossing takes about 10 minutes.
- Taxis wait at the port, but they are not metered: agree the fare before you get in. They are useful for Cable Beach, about 20 minutes away, or the Paradise Island beaches.
- Local jitney minibuses stop near the port; route 10 runs west to Cable Beach in about 20 minutes. You do not need them for downtown.
A Nassau port day, hour by hour
- 0:00Off the ship and out onto Bay Street at Rawson Square.
- 0:10While it is still cool, walk inland about 13 minutes to the Queen's Staircase and climb up to Fort Fincastle.
- 1:15Back down to Bay Street for the Pirates of Nassau Museum and the Nassau Straw Market.
- 2:15Lunch downtown: open the food guide on your phone and pick a place near Bay Street, then cool off at Junkanoo Beach.
- 3:15Walk back to Prince George Wharf, only a few minutes away. Be on board at least an hour before all-aboard time.
Tips for Nassau when time is short
- Downtown is right outside the port, so you can start sightseeing within minutes of leaving the ship.
- The Queen's Staircase has 65-66 limestone steps up to Fort Fincastle. The walkway between the cliffs is shaded, but the climb is steep in the heat, so do it first.
- With up to six ships in port, Bay Street and the port exit get very crowded; go early or late in the day for quieter streets.
- It is hot and sunny most of the year: carry water and sunscreen.
- If you go to Paradise Island, keep a close eye on the time: queues for the water taxi and taxis back can be long when several ships are leaving.
- Open the city guides on your phone before you go ashore: they also work offline and give a tip for each place, so you can choose where to eat without mobile data.
Why take our city guides ashore
- They work offline, so you don’t need mobile data or roaming in port.
- Six guides in one: where to eat, what to see, what to do with kids, going out, day trips and saving money.
- A short list of places worth your limited time, with a tip for each one.
- Buy before you sail and open them on your phone as soon as you step ashore.
Nassau cruise stop: questions
Can you walk from Nassau cruise port to downtown?
Yes. The port is in downtown Nassau: Bay Street is just outside, the Straw Market about 5 minutes' walk and the Queen's Staircase about 13 minutes' walk.
Do cruise ships tender in Nassau?
No. Ships dock alongside at Prince George Wharf, which can take up to six ships at once.
How do I get from Nassau cruise port to Paradise Island?
Take a water taxi from the waterfront next to the port (about 10 minutes, roughly every 30 minutes), a taxi, or walk about 2 miles over the bridge, which has little shade.
Are Nassau taxis metered?
No. Agree the fare with the driver before you set off.
Do the city guides work without mobile data?
Yes. Once opened on your phone they also work offline, which helps in ports where roaming is expensive.
Can I buy just one guide?
Yes. You can choose a single guide, such as the food guide, or all six guides for the city.
Port and transport details checked in November 2026. Docking positions and timetables change, so always check your ship’s all-aboard time and your cruise line’s port information before you set off.