Nassau family excursions: what to do with kids from the cruise port
Local guide's honest take β what actually works when you travel with children
"With kids, your time in Nassau goes faster than you think. The key is one well-planned excursion rather than trying to see everything. The Boat Tour to Pig Beach is the experience kids remember for the rest of the trip."
β David, local guide in Nassau
π· Best family excursion: Pig Beach Boat Tour
The Pig Beach Boat Tour is the most popular excursion among families visiting Nassau on a cruise. Kids swim with semi-wild pigs on a private island, snorkel, kayak and paddle board in calm Caribbean waters.
The tour includes life jackets for all ages and departs directly from the cruise port. Duration: 3.5β5 hours depending on departure time (9:15 AM or 11:20 AM).
β Why it works with kids:
- β’ The pigs swim freely β no cages, no forced shows
- β’ Snorkeling in shallow water, perfect for beginners
- β’ Small groups (12 people max) β no crowds
- β’ Guaranteed return to the port with buffer time
From $80/person. Confirm availability before going.
πΊ Buggy rental for families: the most flexible option
If you prefer total freedom, the buggy rental is the most comfortable option for families. The buggy fits up to 4 people, has seatbelts and is more stable than a motorcycle or ATV.
With a buggy you go at your own pace: beach in the morning, historic district after, a relaxed lunch without depending on taxis or tour schedules. Pickup is directly at the cruise port.
β οΈ Confirm before going:
Rental requires a valid driver's license. Price and availability subject to confirmation. Contact David via WhatsApp.
ποΈ Best family beaches near the cruise port
Nassau has several family-friendly beach options at different distances from the port:
πΆ Junkanoo Beach β 15 min walk, free
Closest beach to the port. Calm water, good sandy bottom. No entrance fee. Best if you have limited time.
π Cable Beach β 15 min by taxi, ~$15β20
Most popular beach with families. White sand, turquoise water, lounger and umbrella rentals. Bar and restaurant on the beach.
π΅ Love Beach β by vehicle, quieter
The quietest and least crowded. Perfect for families who want calm. Coral just offshore for snorkeling without a tour.
See the complete Nassau beaches guide.
ποΈ Historic downtown with kids
Nassau's downtown has several free or low-cost attractions that work well with kids:
- Queen's Staircase β 65 steps hand-carved into solid rock. Free. 10β15 min walk from the port.
- Pirates of Nassau Museum β life-size pirate ship replicas, sound effects and interactive displays. Kids love it. Adults $14, children 4β17 $7. Confirm before going.
- Straw Market β craft market on Bay Street. Free to enter. Great stop before heading back to the ship.
β±οΈ Day plan for families based on time ashore
β³ 4β5 hours ashore
- πΆ Queen's Staircase + Fort Fincastle (45 min)
- ποΈ Junkanoo Beach β quick swim (45 min)
- ποΈ Straw Market + Bay Street (30 min)
- π½οΈ Local lunch at Arawak Cay Fish Fry (45 min)
β³ 6β8 hours ashore
- π· Boat Tour to Pig Beach β 9:15 AM departure (4h)
- π½οΈ Lunch at Arawak Cay Fish Fry (45 min)
- ποΈ Queen's Staircase + historic district (1h)
β οΈ With kids, return to the port at least 1 hour before the ship departs β don't cut it close.
βΏ Options for families with reduced mobility
Tours by David rents mobility scooters with direct delivery to the cruise port. If someone in your group has difficulty walking, this removes the main obstacle to enjoying Nassau.
The buggy is also more accessible than an ATV β more comfortable seats, side entry and enough room to move around comfortably. Contact David to customize the plan.
Coming to Nassau with your family?
Tell me how many hours you have ashore and your kids' ages. I'll build a personalized plan that works with your cruise schedule.
π¬ Message David on WhatsApp