Bahamas Excursions
From swimming with pigs to reef snorkeling — the shore excursions worth booking.
Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day
A short ferry ride to a private island with calm beaches, hammocks, and optional dolphin encounters.
Swimming Pigs Excursion
A boat trip to Exuma-area cays (or a Nassau-based version) to swim alongside the Bahamas‘ famous swimming pigs.
Atlantis Aquaventure Day Pass
Access to Atlantis’s water park and marine habitats — a full-day option for families.
Catamaran Snorkel Sail
Half-day sailing and snorkeling trip along Nassau’s reefs, typically including drinks and light food.
Dolphin Encounter (UNEXSO)
In-water dolphin interaction program near the Freeport cruise port.
Lucayan National Park Eco-Tour
Guided cave and mangrove tour ending at Gold Rock Beach.
Ship-Sponsored vs. Independent Excursions
| Ship-Sponsored | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Higher | Usually lower |
| Ship-wait guarantee | Yes | No |
| Group size | Larger | Often smaller |
| Booking | Through cruise line app/website | Direct with local operator |
Ask your cruise planner for current excursion pricing and availability — call 860-951-8312 or email in**@*********hq.com.
Explore the Bahamas Cruise Guide
Bahamas Excursions by Port
| Port | Excursion | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau | Atlantis Aquaventure day pass | Families, waterpark fans |
| Nassau | Rose Island or Sandy Toes beach and snorkel | Couples, beach lovers |
| Nassau | Exuma swimming pigs (by speedboat or flight) | Bucket-list seekers |
| Nassau | Blue Lagoon Island dolphin and sea lion encounters | Families with kids |
| Nassau | Historic walking and food tours, Fort Fincastle | History and food lovers |
| Freeport | Lucayan National Park kayak and cave tour | Nature lovers |
| Freeport | Reef snorkeling and glass-bottom boats | Families, non-swimmers |
| Freeport | Taino or Lucaya beach day | Relaxation |
| Bimini | Resorts World beach, snorkeling the SS Sapona wreck | Snorkelers |
| Private islands | Cabanas, waterparks, parasailing, jet skis | Everyone |
Booking Through the Ship vs. On Your Own
Nassau’s sights are close to the pier and easy to do independently: walk to Junkanoo Beach, take a water taxi to Paradise Island, or book a reputable local snorkel operator. Farther-flung trips, such as the Exuma swimming pigs, involve longer travel and tight timing, so the ship’s version is often worth it for the return-time guarantee.
Tips for Choosing
- Check the port time: many short sailings stop in Nassau for only 7–9 hours.
- Morning tours are calmer and less crowded before the midday heat.
- On private island days, you rarely need an excursion; paid extras are about comfort or thrills.
- Many tours have age or swimming requirements; read the details before booking for kids.