Nassau Cruise Ship Destination Port

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Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau Pier Webcam

The Bahamas are a chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba.

Nearly 3 million cruise passengers visit Nassau, Bahamas each year, making it one of the Caribbean's busiest ports. It is known for its turquoise waters, shopping, and wildlife encounters.

Nassau is the capital, largest city, and commercial center of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The city has a population of 220,000 (2006 est.) nearly 70 percent of the entire population of the Bahamas (303,611).

The Bahamas extend 760 miles from the coast of Florida on the north-west almost to Haiti on the south-east.

Good to Know	Personal Safety
News	Medical
Things to Do and See	Shopping
Area Events	Beaches
Reef Diving	Cave Diving
Family Attractions	Wreck Diving
Local Cuisine

Good to Know

The city, which functions much like a federal district, is located on the island of New Providence.  While there is no local government, it is governed directly as an administrative division of the national government.   

Port of Entry

Prince George Wharf at Rawson Square. The wharf can accommodate up to seven vessels at a time.

Time Zone

EST - observes US daylight savings time.

Map Coordinates

25°06′N 77°.34′W

Currency

Local currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), but US dollars, traveller's checks, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Average Temperatures

Water: 83º Summer - 78º Winter

Air: 86º Summer - 80º Winter

Dry Season is November-May.

Rainy Season is June-October with the wettest months between June-August.

Personal Safety

Shots Fired in Downtown Nassau Sends Tourists Running for Cover

Posted Feb 26, 2013

Police fired shots at a fleeing suspect in downtown Nassau. The shooting occurred around noon at Prince George Wharf and Frederick Street. No injuries were reported and the suspect was apprehended.

Security Message: Increase in Armed Robberies in The Bahamas

Posted 1/14/13  Nassau US Embassy

The Royal Bahamas Police Force recently issued a message citing concerns about the increased number of armed robberies in Nassau. In this message, the Royal Bahamas Police Force urged the public to be aware of their surroundings and remain alert to avoid being a victim of crime. In light of this, and a corollary increase in robberies against U.S. citizens in 2012, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens living in or visiting Nassau to remain cautious and vigilant with regard to their personal safety and security.

Armed robbery continues to be the primary criminal threat facing U.S. citizens in The Bahamas. According to local media reports based on police statistics, 1,099 cases of armed robbery were reported in 2012, a 10% increase from 2011. Shootings, sexual assaults and rapes also continue to occur in Nassau. For crime statistics for 2012 recently released by the Bahamian Police Commission on their website, click here.

If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. In The Bahamas, the nearest U.S. Embassy is located at 42 Queen Street in downtown Nassau, and can be reached at 242-322-1181. The Embassy staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Local Cuisine

Conch: A local favorite that be prepared as a fritter, in chowder, or in a salad. Conch is the meat of a large shellfish. Fried Conch Fritters are very popular.
 

Boiled Fish and Grits: The fish is simmered until it's done just right.

Stew Fish: First the fish is lightly floured and fried then added to a tomato-based sauce.

Peas and Rice: Another customary dish served with lunch and dinner.

Souse: A stew made from peppers, onions, lime juice, and meat, typically oxtail, pig's feet, or chicken.

Guava Duff: A empanada-like pastry that is boiled so the guava melts inside the dough. It's served with sugar and egg white sauce.

 

Things to do and see

Graycliff Estate

British colonial style estate built in the 1700s by the privateer John Howard Graysmith and established in 1844 as Nassau's first inn.

Fort Charlotte

Built in 1788, Fort Charlotte is the largest of the three major defenses on Nassau, with a moat, dungeons and underground passages to explore.

Paradise Island Attractions

Jokers Wild Comedy Club located at the Paradise Island Casino; Columbus Tavern set on a balcony overlooking Nassau harbor; Marley Resort and Spa;  16 luxury villas; an organic produce restaurant and an extensive spa.

Atlantis Resort and Casino

Located along the northern shore of New Providence Island. Take the 20 minute water taxi over from the Prince Edward wharf. The Resort offers a Marine Park with a seven-acre saltwater snorkeling lagoon, majestic waterfalls and the underwater ruins of "Atlantis" itself to explore.

The Atlantis resort unveiled Reef Atlantis in 2010  with the expansion of its Blue Tourism project: a collaborative effort aimed at studying and conserving natural reef habitats.

The Retreat

The Retreat is one of the Bahamas' national parks and the headquarters for the Bahamas National Trust. Open on only weekdays.

Hope Town Settlement on Elbow Cay

18th-century village built around a protected harbor - family-friendly spot .

Arawak Cay

The site where the Junkanoo Summer Festival takes place.

Fort Montagu and Montagu Beach

Historic fort east of Paradise Island, constructed in the 18th century to guard the eastern entrance to Nassau Harbor.

Ardastra Gardens & Conservation Center

More than 300 birds and reptiles and botanical gardens.

Parliament Square

Buildings built in the 1800's and currently houses the Bahamian government offices.

Potter's Cay Dock

Local vendors selling fresh fruits, seafood as well as the government's Produce Exchange. There is also a cafe that offers local specialties such as conch salad. Located on the Nassau side of Paradise Island under the eastern Paradise Island bridge.

Pompey Museum and the Historic Vendue House

Museum of slavery and emancipation opened in 1992.The Vendue House is the oldest building in Nassau, dating back to 1769.

Update: Dec 10, 2011

The Vendue House and Artifacts of the Pompey Museum were destroyed by fire on December 3, 2011

Beaches

Cable Beach

3 miles west of downtown Nassau.

Goulding Cay

Small island one mile offshore. Excellent snorkeling site.

Goodman's Bay

Just before the Cable Beach Resort. This beach has restroom and recreational facilities for children.

Saunders Beach

Located just east of the Cable Beach resort area. Popular with locals. 

Cabbage Beach

Located between the Atlantis resort and the Ocean Club on Paradise Island. Offers water sports such as water-skiing, snorkeling and parasailing.

Long Wharf

The beach of the Western Esplanade area

Reef Diving

Southwest Reef

15-30ft depth.

Elkhorn Gardens

Snorkeling just offshore of Goulding Cay.

The Cannonball Reef

Another site also filmed during many movies and known for great snorkeling and shallow diving.

Thunderball Reef

One of the most filmed reefs in the world (used in many James Bond movies). The reef starts in 5 ft. of water and reaches depths of 25ft.

Cave Diving

The Lost Blue Hole

A natural hole in the open ocean floor measuring about 100 ft. across and 220 ft. deep.

Trinity Caves

Shallow caves with 3 major openings. In 45 ft. of water, the caves go in about 30 ft. with the largest opening being 8 ft. across and 4 ft. high.

Pieces of Cake

Caverns located at a depth of 25ft.

Wreck Diving

The Mahoney Wreck

The site dates back to the 1800's and was a navigational hazard until it was blown apart. The remains are scattered in 30ft of water.

The Miranda Wreck

90ft wreck in medium depth water.

The Grennen Wreck

 Located at a depth of 60ft of water.

The Shipyard

 Consists of 4 wrecks that sit in 90ft of water. the 150 freighter, The Ana Lise; the 95ft Helena C; the 90ft Bahama Shell and a wooden-hull cargo ship sunk in 1994.

Click here for a complete list of dive sites.

Family Activities

Pirates of Nassau

Stepping back in time to the Golden Age of Piracy (1690-1720), the Pirates of Nassau promises a great family day out.

Blue Lagoon Island Close Encounter

Swim with the dolphins for approximately 30 minutes. Home of Universal Pictures Flipper.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Boats depart every hour to view the reefs and sea gardens of Athol Island from Woodes Rogers Walk which runs parallel to Bay Street along the harbor's edge.

Stingray Adventure at Blackbeard's Cay

25 minute boat ride aboard the Coral II, 65ft catamaran with a capacity of 250 passengers to Blackbeard's Cay to swim with Atlantic Southern Stingrays.  The tour costs $42.00 for adults and $37.00 for kids. All prices subject to change