Photo courtesy of Amber Nolan
The Bahamas are often the first (or last) stop for many cruises sailing from South Florida, with Freeport (Grand Bahama Island) and Nassau being the two main hubs for large passenger ships. In addition to stunning white sand beaches and tourism hot spots like Port Lucaya and Atlantis resort, these two islands have unique excursions such as shark diving, cave exploration, kayaking, and swimming with dolphins.
Here are some of the best shore (and water) excursions in the Bahamas.
Nassau
Blue Lagoon Island Experiences
Blue Lagoon Island (also known as Salt Cay) is a stunning, family-owned island that is home to a beautiful white sand beach and swimming lagoon, as well as dolphins and sea lions with opportunities to get close to these gentle creatures.
A number of excursion options are available through most major cruise lines, booking websites, or through the island itself. These include simple beach days with lunch and use of water sports or dolphin swims and sea lion encounters. Prices range from around $70 to $250, (depending on the selection) and last four to six hours.
Underwater Bubble Submarine
One of the Nassau's newest attractions is the Scenic Underwater Bubble (SUB), a personal underwater viewing tank that is a mix between a motorcycle and a fish-bowl helmet. Visitors are brought by boat to a shallow 20-foot coral reef where they can drive their own personal SUB as air is pumped into the "bubble." This five-hour excursion is offered by Stuart Cove's and is also bookable through ShoreTrips.com and ShoreExcursioneer.com. Prices range from $130 to $160.
Culinary Tour of Nassau
Experience the Bahamian flavors and specialty dishes during food and drink tastings from six different locations and get behind the scenes with Nassau's chefs on a culinary tour. Guides also give visitors information on the architecture and history of downtown Nassau. This newer excursion is available from ShoreTrips.com, and Tru Bahamian Food Tours and costs between $70 and $90. The three-hour walking tour covers over a mile of ground, so bring comfortable shoes.
Shark Diving
This tour tops the list because it is one of the few places on the planet where cruisers can get up close with sharks during a feeding - and is perfect for adrenaline junkies. The first dive goes to one of four sites (usually the shark wall) where reef sharks surround divers, and the second is an observational shark feeding performed by a trained professional. This five-hour excursion is offered by Stuart Cove's and is also bookable through ShoreTrips.com and ShoreExcursioneer.com. Prices range from $170 and $200. Travelers must be certified divers to participate.
Freeport (Grand Bahama Island)
Peterson Cay Kayaking and Snorkeling
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Grand Bahama Island, the uninhabited island of Peterson Cay is the smallest national park in the Bahamas. The kayak and snorkel combination tour includes a one-mile paddle (each way) to the pristine island followed by relaxing and snorkeling with tropical fish. The tour then heads to a beach restaurant for swimming, lounging, and lunching. This five-hour tour is offered by most major cruise lines and costs around $70.
Freeport Segway Tours
Cruise along the coastline of Grand Bahama Island and enjoy outstanding views of the sparkling water with an easygoing Segway ride. The guided tour also includes time for swimming and lounging at a beach club in addition to shopping in the Port Lucaya Marketplace - home to a straw market, shops, and restaurants. This excursion is available through Carnival for around $90 per person and lasts five-and-a-half hours. Other providers like Viator.com offer similar (but shorter) three-hour trips for around $75 and pick up travelers from major hotels.
West End Eco Sightseeing Tour with Snorkeling
There are a number of different snorkeling excursions on Grand Bahama Island, but the eco-snorkel combines time in the water with sightseeing. The tour visits underground caverns and Eight Mile Rock, the largest town and coastal community in Nassau which is located off the typical tourist path. Lunch and snorkeling are also included. This excursion is offered through Calabash Eco Adventures or ShoreExcursioneer.com and costs around $90 for five hours.
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