Nassau for 5 hours, what to do???

[Cruise_baby]

We will be in Nassau in January from 1 - 6 pm, and I am wondering if we have enough time to see Atlantis. Is it far from the port, and what type of transportation is there to get there on our own?

Thanks for the help!

[TrentS]

You'll have more than enough time... You can see Atlantis from the docks, and can either take a taxi over there or take the water taxi over... The cruise lines also offer tours that include the Dig and aquarium. You have to pay to get into that area, and can't enter the pool and waterslide area unless you're a hotel guest. You can only visit the casino and shopping area for "free".

[Cruise_baby]

Thanks for the info. Would you happen to know how much it costs to get into the aquarium? My DDs would like this. Also, how far is Atlantis from the port?

[TrentS]

If I remember correctly it's around $30 per person to get into the aquarium, a bit pricey, but it's very cool.

 

It's only a couple of miles over to Atlantis, the cab ride is $4 per person and takes about 10 minutes or so.

[md1jw]

We couldn't see what we could do on such a short trip either. Ships dock virtually in the town! short walk will take you to the entrance (about 2 minutes), where there are a lot of local taxi drivers waiting to take you on trips in mini-buses. They gather groups together. We did all of the sights, Queens staircase, visit to Atlantis (got great toilets!), etc., with a running commentary all of the time. He then dropped us off at a beach, had a great day. Agreed a time to return, and the taxi was waiting for us. Paid at the end of the trip (taxi drivers suggestion to give us peace of mind).

[AntSue]

This information is very helpful. Thanks.

[CaribbeanBound]

I documented our last two cruises. Both included a stop in Nassau. Read both detailed reviews and decide. We would highly recommend a day pass at Sandals.

 

Western Caribbean

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/westerncaribbean.html

 

Eastern Caribbean

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/easterncaribbean.html

[dirtgirl]

We have a 2 hour tour booked with the cruise ship, but I am wondering whether to be brave or not and try one of the local taxis. Do you have a rough estimate of the cost for an island tour for a couple of hours, including a stop at Atlantis?

[snorkelrose]

CaribbeanBound, I called Sandals about their day pass. They told me that it's $110. per person($220 per couple). I asked about discount for taking a tour but they said they don't do that. Is there anything I am missing, maybe a certain way I should be asking or something specific to ask for? They told me to just show up at the resort in the morning, pay the $220, and we have full use of the resort until 6pm. Any help would be appreciated. I have always wanted to visit Sandals, but it is very expensive. I'm not sure it would be worth $220 for the day.

[CaribbeanBound]

Hmmmm.

 

We got the discounted rate offer in an email response from them.

 

Try sending an email from their website. Tell them you wish to visit for the day. Tell them you understand they have a $100 per couple rate when you take a site tour.

 

Good luck.

[md1jw]

Can't remember the price of the taxi, but I believe we did it all for the three of us for less than 50$ There were about 10 of us in the minibus, all from our ship. The driver even gave us gifts of Bahamian money as a reminder of our trip. (and not as change either!!) He also advised us that none of the locals are allowed to gamble in the Casino in Atlantis - apparently its against the law - it seems they only want to rip off tourists! As I said before, it was a great day. Those drinks out of the coconut shells had quite a kick as well.

[rrh]

Just back from the Carnival Glory with that very short stop in Nassau. We were worried about doing something on our own and not getting back on time, so altho I also generally avoid ship trips, we booked the Pearl Island trip w/ Carnival. This was suprisingly nice because the snorkling was much better than we expected. The "island" is a totally commercial site, with a roped off snorkle area, a stingray pool (extra fee, which we didn't do, but it looked nice and there were lots of rays swimming among the visitors while we watched) a bar, and a swimming beach. Its a simple way to spend the limited time, the commentary on the boat going out was good, and there was a great variety of fish and coral in the snorkle area. This would be a good trip for kids or first time snorklers because there was no current.