Day Trips and Tours from Nassau

The capital of the Bahamas is a vibrant little city, but Nassau can quickly seem busy and built up. To see the true magic of what this island nation has to offer, take a day trip from Nassau to one of its nearby reef islands or one of the remote corners of the island.

Swim with friendly pigs, laze in the aquamarine water, feel the white sand between your toes and indulge in the sumptuous setting of your own island paradise.

Nassau is an easily navigable city and it is only a hop, skip and a jump to get to nearby islands like Rose Island or Blue Lagoon Island or to venture to the island’s far west for a relaxing day out of the city.

Rose Island

A day trip to Rose Island is one of the most popular excursions from Nassau. The island is only a 20-minute boat ride from the city but it seems worlds apart with its unspoiled magnetism. All around the island, you will find nothing but alabaster-white sand and shockingly blue water, the true markings of paradise.

But an excursion to Rose Island doesn’t only offer serene surroundings. You are also spoiled for choice when it comes to activities on the island. Snorkeling tours from Nassau are among the top picks for avid adventurers with a large number of sea turtles living in these tropical waters.

You can also go kayaking, play beach volleyball, join a private party experience or simply laze in a hammock all day.

The island’s most famous occupants are of the four-legged variety. Rose Island’s swimming pigs are every bit as quirky and charming as you might imagine, spending their days lazing on the sand, eating delicious fruit and enjoying a swim (much like what you might be doing too).

Blue Lagoon Island

This is another of the best destinations for a day trip from Nassau, delivering nothing but sand, sun and smashingly good times. Blue Lagoon Island is known for, as the name suggests, a striking blue lagoon that runs through most of the islet.

Blue Lagoon Island is also jam-packed with adventures both in the water and on land. A popular package includes one of the popular segway tours in Nassau, roaming around the island with a local guide who will introduce you to all the fauna and flora of the island.

Spend your free time exploring the island on foot, occupying a hammock or showing off your skills in a game of pick-up volleyball. You can also snorkel at Blue Lagoon Island or see dolphins and sea lions.

Clifton Heritage Park

This stunning location is on the western edge of Nassau Island and is one of the most tranquil spots on the whole island. Venturing out to this remote corner will take you past charming villages and impressive cave systems to reach a secluded beach area where adventure awaits.

Explore the seabed of Clifton Heritage Park and be amazed by the abundance of colorful coral and tropical sea life. You will also get to explore the mesmerizing underwater sculpture garden where larger-than-life sculptures create a whimsical world beneath the surface.

For an added dose of adventure, you can opt for one of the exciting ATV tours in Nassau that explore the Clifton Heritage Park. Feel the wind brush against your face as you drive the 25 kilometers from Nassau’s docks to the western edge of the island, making a pit stop at the Caves of New Providence on the way.

When you visit the park you will also see the filming locations for marine movies like "Jaws" and "Flipper." The park offers you the chance to learn about the valuable heritage of the Bahamian culture and explore the history of the island’s colonial past.