Virgin Voyages' guide to Nassau
Nassau
Bahamian Rhapsody
With miles of white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters, Nassau is a few hundred miles from the southern coast of Florida and the perfect setting for glamorous relaxation, nature appreciation, and Hollywood productions. A gorgeous backdrop for many iconic movies, the capital of the 700 Bahamian islands has been the stage for a myriad of epic true stories, too. Over the centuries, the island has housed everyone from runaway lovers to famous pirates, rum smugglers, and blockade runners.
The naughty to the Bahamas' nice
Incredible history. Remarkable cuisine. Off-the-beaten-path opportunities.
Sail, Swim & Snorkel In Sea Turtle Territory
Cruise the cays to explore sea turtle reefs
Sea the World with SNUBA
Ready, set, swim with fishies...on their turf
Nassau’s Nature Eco Extravaganza
Flow through flora, fauna, and a secret forest
Sail, Swim & Snorkel In Sea Turtle Territory
Embark on a scenic speedboat ride across Nassau's harbor and take in the ocean’s shimmering shades of blue from above before going in for a dip in the pristine waters of the warm Caribbean sea. Set out to explore with snorkeling gear, swim among wild sea turtles and tropical fish, find vibrant corals below, and discover the colorful sea creatures living in it.
Sea the World with SNUBA
It isn’t diving. It isn’t snorkeling. Heck, it isn’t very difficult: it’s SNUBA! With a regulator and some weights, become an aquanaut exploring coral and fish in their habitat. See the world from the depths with SNUBA.
Nassau’s Nature Eco Extravaganza
Encounter the electrifying ecology of 3 nature reserves, including the Primeval Forest, Big Pond Development Park, and The Bahamas National Trust–Retreat Gardens (a not-to-miss for any nature enthusiast). You’ll visit limestone caverns, native mangroves, and the world’s largest palm garden, where you'll encounter an array of unique species and succulents that are vital to the biodiversity of the Bahamas and its surrounding reefs.
We have even more in our curated catalog.
An Aquaventure in (Atlantis) Paradise
Nassau
Featuring incredible Atlantean-themed towers, thrilling high-speed water slides, and a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids and wave surges, Aquaventure is the largest water-themed attraction in the Caribbean. Splash around on this one-of-a-kind, 141-acre water park overlooking Nassau's powdery-white shores, soak up the Bahamian sun, or embark on a self-guided tour of Atlantis Paradise Island — because you'll have full access to the resort, its 11 pools, posh casino, and stunning beaches.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Bask in the Bahamian sun on the best beaches on the island
- Get access to Atlantis Paradise Island's resort, including its 11 unique pools and luxurious casino
- Explore Atlantean-themed towers, venture down thrilling water slides, and go on a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids and wave surges
- This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible for collapsible wheel chairs and for Sailors who can navigate a few steps
- Cash is not accepted at outdoor venues. Credit cards only
- Lockers are available at an additional cost
- There will be approximately 5-hours at Atlantis for you to explore independently
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Get Ready to Seas the Day Snorkeling
Nassau
A commander at the wheel (your captain) will take you on a quest to mythical reefs with subterranean creatures (tropical marine life and living coral). With gear provided, splash down and within minutes, you’ll be swimming among schools of fish, crustaceans, and plenty of sea species in their natural habitat. Your captain will seek out multiple reefs of interest, and if time and the elements permit, try to hit up a shipwreck or spot some of the most misunderstood sea dwellers: sharks.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- With your seasoned captain, you will head over to different shallow-water reefs
- In your gear splash into the turquoise seas to swim among tropical fish, coral, and Caribbean species in their world
- If time (and the elements) allows, you may get to snorkel over a shipwreck, or spot some misunderstood sea dwellers: sharks
- Snorkel gear (fins, mask, snorkel, and vest), fresh ice water, and transportation are provided
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors should know how to swim
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Sandyport Beach Day & Island Sightseeing
Nassau
Take a ride to the western side...of Nassau on a guided tour passing by the island’s latest landmark, the Baha Mar resort complex, before heading to the island’s lakes then caves for some epic photo ops. After a brief tour through the cavernous scenery, your guide will escort you to the beautiful Sandyport beach to spend time lounging seaside by the Bahamian shores. An alfresco lunch is included and served before heading back to the ship’s dock.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Spend your day relaxing at Sandy Port beach, which lunch included
- Stop by the island's lakes and indigenous caves for some great photo ops
- Ride to western Nassau with a local guide pointing out landmarks around the island
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Gratuities are included
- Lunch is included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Pearl Island's Luxurious Ocean View Cabanas
Nassau
Unearth the jewel of the Bahamas, Pearl Island, but with the added luxury of your own Ocean View Cabana. Your elevated experience includes comfortable loungers (gotta pose for that insta-worthy snap), personal server, water, soft drinks, snacks, access to the iconic lighthouse, and a delicious Bahamian lunch of BBQ chicken, bronzed fish, peas n’ rice, and plantains served in your exclusive beachfront cabana.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Rent a glamorous Ocean View Cabana and receive impeccable service
- Visit two pristine beaches and unwind in the shade with a tropical cocktail
- Explore the local marine life firsthand by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or swimming—or all three
- Have a delicious lunch by the beach and taste Bahamian staples of BBQ chicken, bronzed fish, plantains, and peas n' rice
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Lunch and adult beverages are included
- Price is per Cabana for up to 2 Sailors
- Approximately 20-minute ferry ride to/from Shore Thing destination
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Navigating Nassau—Sites, Scenery & Sea
Nassau
Hop on an air-conditioned bus to explore spectacular Nassau. Your local guide will give you all the fascinating details, stopping at places of interest, plus areas that often go unseen by travelers. You’ll make a splash into the turquoise waves on the beach before heading into western Nassau. Discover unique caverns, learn how they were formed, and admire the striking scenery. After seeing the charming Bahamian homes nearby, you’ll be taken back to the pier.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- A guided ride will transport you to the top spots (and less-traveled areas) in Nassau
- Splash into the clear turquoise waters during a 30-45 minute break at the beach
- Visit the Nassau Caves and learn about their formation while taking in the unique scenery
- A local guide will narrate your journey, pointing out areas of the island rarely seen by other visitors
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should know how to swim
- Gratuities are included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Sunny skies make filmmakers thrive
Over 30 movies, like Pirates of the Caribbean, were filmed in the Bahamas.
Shore Excursions
Jeep Adventure: Beaches to Caves
Hop in a Jeep and head through Nassau’s lively shopping district, past stunning Cable Beach and into the indigenous New Providence Caves. Legend has it they housed pirate treasure during the 16th-17th centuries. The views are incredible, so have your camera ready for plenty of postcard-worthy pics.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
A favorite tropical getaway for those looking to relax at the corner of paradise, Nassau will make you wonder if this is real life or just a fantasy. But the island has far more to offer than its stunning sandy beaches nestled into calm and warm, crystal-clear waters. As you look up to the skies (cue Queen) and take in the cherished tradition of people making their own rules, you'll see that a visit to Nassau can be both culturally invigorating and an escape from reality.
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