While Nassau offers tons of great shore excursions options, we always prefer a Resort Day Pass. Even better is one with an all inclusive package.
We’ve cruised to the Bahamas a few times and have done the “standard” tours. They’re great. Nassau has amazing beaches, blue waters, weather, and people.
We’ve also realized that the most convenient way to take advantage of Nassau's assets is with a Resort Day Pass.
Why choose a Resort Day Pass?
There are a bunch of reasons for choosing an All Inclusive Day Pass. Here are our top few.
Nassau is pretty safe. The crime rate is relatively low when compared to the other Caribbean ports. However, there are always safety risks when traveling abroad.
A resort is your best option if safety is a concern. You’ll be well protected within the confined property. Security and privacy are valuable amenities at the resorts seen below. We’ve never heard of an incident within one of Nassau’s resorts. In the rare chance of a health of security issue, these hotels have all of the resources needed to respond.
From our map above, you can see that all resorts are near your Nassau Cruise Port. It should take roughly 20 minutes to get off of your ship and to arrive at one of the resorts seen below. Once there, you’ll be in complete relaxation for hours.
Every amenity you might want will be at available. You’ll never need to worry about haggling over price, finding food, renting beach chairs, etc. And you won’t need to check your watch constantly to make sure your excursion provider will get you back on time. Your only inconvenience will be deciding which drink to order next. This is an easy “problem” to solve since most drinks are all-inclusive.
Most organized shore excursions are run by “mom and pop” shops. Many do a great job. But, they’re not held to the same standards as the resort properties. When you’re done with your snorkeling gear at the Hilton, they’ll clean and sanitize the equipment. After a tour with "Lou’s Snorkeling Fun Time", the gear might get a quick splash of Kalik before the next cruise passenger straps it on. This is a bit of an exaggeration, but hopefully you get where we’re going. The resorts will likely have newer beach chairs, fresher towels, and cleaner restrooms.
You’ll see the cost of an all-inclusive day pass averages roughly $100 per person. This is similar to the cost of a cruise excursion in Nassau. However, you’ll find much more included at a resort. A beach excursion includes many "hidden" costs. You might pay for beach access. Chair rentals will cost $20 per. Drink costs will likely be double that. Then you'll likely want to tack on events like kayaking or snorkeling.
You can easily spend $100 per person going "a la carte." And you'll likely leave a bit hungrier and "thirstier" than if the situation were all-inclusive. There's also an intangible value to the buffet style. The freedom to order whatever you want all day long is a huge bonus.
Cost Comparison All Inclusive vs Other
If you’ve gotten this far, we’ll assume you’re “all-in” for a resort day pass. The most popular resort in Nassau is the Atlantis. Most have heard of it and it’s tough to miss. The place is gigantic. It’s also the most expensive and has been accurately described as "commercial."
Some cruise passengers appreciate the grandiosity. Others want more of a “local” feel. The options we suggest below offer a range. You'll find a drastic difference in choice ranging from the Atlantis to Bob Marley's Resort!
Below you’ll find six amazing all inclusive options at Nassau’s best resorts. We’ve broken down each to show what’s included so you know exactly what to expect.
6 Nassau Resorts Near Cruise Port
with All Inclusive Options
#6 - Bob Marley Resort
#3 - RIU Palace Nassau
In the Bahamas Map above, you’ll see your six Resort Options, all offering day passes to cruisers. The cruise ship icon indicates your cruise port. You can see all are very near to where your ship will be docked!
We've analyzed every resort day pass option in Nassau, Bahamas. Below are the 6 Best Options with all of the detail you'll need to make your choice.
#6 Bob Marley Nassau Resort
The Bob Marley Resort ranks #6 on our Best Nassau Day Passes list. It's the most unique of our Bahamas resorts without doubt. Rather than a large hotel property, you'll find the quaint grounds owned and operated by Bob Marley's surviving family.
The property has just 16 suites, one restaurant ("Caribbean Fusion" themed), two pools, and beach access. You'll also find a music gallery highlighting the late, great, Bob Marley.
The small and private resort is great to get away from the crowds and a "must visit" if a Marley fan. If traveling with kids, you'll need to consider other options. Guests must be at least 18 years old. Some find it a big bonus that the property is "adults only."
Beach access is easy and convenient from the pool area. While it's not the biggest beach, the sand is clean and the beach is more secluded than other beaches in the Bahamas.
We were a bit wary including this on our "all inclusive resorts" list. Food and drink are NOT all-inclusive. Your day pass comes with lunch and a soft drink. Real drinks are available for purchase. If your heart is set on "all inclusive," then we have some great other options below. Your ticket does include transportation, however. You can buy a few drinks with the money otherwise spent on taxis!
Bob Marley Resort Details
Bob Marley Resort Reviews (Best & Worst)
Many resorts limit the day passes they sell. On busier days (typically weekends) when multiple ships are in port, it's not uncommon for these all inclusive passes to sell out. If you're planning to take advantage of this excursion option, we recommend locking it in as soon as possible. Click below to check for availability for the Bob Marley Resort.
#5 Warwick Nassau Resort
The Warwick Paradise Island ranks #5 on our Best Bahamas Day Pass list. It is a true "all inclusive" experience with all food and drinks (booze too) readily available.
From the map above, you can see that the Warwick is situated on Paradise Island. The property faces the main Bahamas Island. As such, you'll experience calmer waters than the islands other coast. But, your views are not quite as brilliant. You'll be facing the harbor and incoming ship traffic rather than the open waters.
You'll have access to the private beach for lounging, playing volleyball, fishing (rod & reel provided), and sitting at the beachside bar. Or, you can enjoy the 330k-gallon swimming pool and surrounding amenities included with your Warwick Day Pass.
The 4-star resort is for "adults only" (21+) for March, April and June and 16+ for the remaining months. Guests can expect an older, quieter atmosphere than others frequented by the cruise crowds.
Warwick Resort Details
Warwick Resort Reviews (Best & Worst)
Many resorts limit the day passes they sell. On busier days (typically weekends) when multiple ships are in port, it's not uncommon for these all inclusive passes to sell out. If you're planning to take advantage of this excursion option, we recommend locking it in as soon as possible. Click below to check for availability for Warwick Paradise Island.
#4 Breezes Nassau Resort
The Breezes Bahamas Resort & Spa ranks #4 on our Best Bahamas Day Pass list. It is a true "all inclusive" experience with unlimited food and drinks (booze too) readily available.
From St George Wharf, Breezes is a 15-minute cab drive west along the northern coast of the island. Expect spectacular views that aren't encumbered by Paradise Island. Waves should still be pretty tame as you're still protected by surrounding islands.
You'll have direct access to Cable Beach, regarded by many as the best of all Nassau beaches near cruise port. Many cruise passengers head here due to its beauty and popularity. If it gets a bit crowded, though, you'll have plenty of room to escape to the hotel's three freshwater pools.
Breezes is great for those looking to get active. The resort offers every amenity you can think of, from billiards to paddle boards. For a full list of features, check out our list below.
Breezes Resort Details
Breezes Resort Reviews (Best & Worst)
Many resorts limit the day passes they sell. On busier days (typically weekends) when multiple ships are in port, it's not uncommon for these all inclusive passes to sell out. If you're planning to take advantage of this excursion option, we recommend locking it in as soon as possible. Click below to check for availability for Breezes Bahamas Resort.
#3 RIU Palace Nassau Resort
Like the Warwick (#5), Breezes is located on Paradise Island just across the harbor from your cruise port.
From St George Wharf, Breezes it's about a 15-minute cab drive through Nassau's main city center and over the bridge.
While the Warwick faces the main island though, Breezes is on the opposite side of Paradise Island. Rather than looking at the harbor, your view is of open waters facing north. There will be nothing but blue as far as you can see.
The Swim-up bar is located within the infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean. All drinks (including premium liquor) and food are included.
The resort is "Adults Only." Guests must be at least 21 years old. If you're looking to escape the younger cruise crowd, this is a great option.
You have direct and private beach access to the RIU beach (a part of Cabbage Beach). There you can relax in a hammock, enjoy beverage service, and take advantage of the property's lounge-chairs, umbrellas and towels.
RIU Palace Resort Details
RIU Palace Resort Reviews (Best & Worst)
Many resorts limit the day passes they sell. On busier days (typically weekends) when multiple ships are in port, it's not uncommon for these all inclusive passes to sell out. If you're planning to take advantage of this excursion option, we recommend locking it in as soon as possible. Click below to check for availability for RIU Palace Bahamas Resort.
#2 British Colonial Nassau Resort
The British Colonial Hilton is an unexpected #2 on our list of Best Nassau Resort Day Passes. For reassurance, just look at the reviews. People LOVE this place!
The Hilton easily wins the award for "Closest Resort to Nassau Cruise Port." After getting off of your ship, the property is a quick walk down the coast. It should take you less than 10 minutes to get there.
Some in our community like that it's so close and others not so much. There's benefits and drawbacks and all are subjective.
Of course there's the convenience of being so near Nassau cruise port. Many don't like to stray too far, so this is your safest bet.
Although, you'll also have the hustle and bustle of the cruise crowd since so close. And, your view while on the beach will include the cruise ships in your vista.
Also noteworthy is that the Hilton isn't fully "all inclusive." With your $82 day pass, you'll get $40 food and drink credit. You can use that on alcohol as well. We like to eat a big breakfast and spend it all at the bar... but, that's just us.
British Colonial Resort Details
British Colonial Resort Reviews (Best & Worst)
Many resorts limit the day passes they sell. On busier days (typically weekends) when multiple ships are in port, it's not uncommon for these all inclusive passes to sell out. If you're planning to take advantage of this excursion option, we recommend locking it in as soon as possible. Click below to check for availability for British Colonial Hilton Resort.
#1 Atlantis Nassau Resort
Most cruisers have heard of the Atlantis. It's impossible to miss. While your ship is pulling into Nassau Cruise Port, there are two iconic pieces you'll notice. The lighthouse and The Atlantis.
It's worth checking out at least once. Picture Disney Land on a tropical island. Kids absolutely love this place and will have these memories forever.
You can do anything imaginable at this massive resort. From lounging on the stunning beach to swimming with dolphins to screaming down waterslides, this place has more than a day's worth of activities.
It can be a bit pricey, though. The activities included in your day pass will depend on the package you choose. You have nine different options here.
Unfortunately, none of those choices are "all inclusive." If you're hoping to tie on a Bahamian buzz, this isn't the best option.
If we had to describe The Atlantis, we'd say it's an amusement park in the most stunning location on which any theme park has been built.
Atlantis Resort Details
Adult Price: $49 - $289 Depending on the package you go with, the price will range. You can get access to the resort for $49 or "the works" for $289. In between are seven other variations to pick from. All included here. Note that the prices seen there are exclusive to cruise passengers and you won't find them cheaper anywhere else!
Atlantis Resort Reviews (Best & Worst)
Many resorts limit the day passes they sell. On busier days (typically weekends) when multiple ships are in port, it's not uncommon for these all inclusive passes to sell out. If you're planning to take advantage of this excursion option, we recommend locking it in as soon as possible. Click below to check for availability for Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.
We highly recommend a resort day pass as an option while in Nassau. It's the most convenient excursion experience you'll find.
The options above will all depend on the cruiser. None are "bad" choices. It just depends on what you're looking for. We hope that this post helped figure out exactly which resort will provide the best experience while at Nassau Cruise Port.
We have a similar post for those headed to Cozumel. Click below to find all Cozumel Resort Day Pass Tours.
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