Standing on the open deck of our cruise ship, I remember watching the horizon turn from deep blue to bright turquoise as we approached the Bahamas. Traveling with my family always brings a mix of excitement and curiosity, but something about cruising through these islands felt truly magical. With over 700 islands and countless cays, the Bahamas seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, offering beaches, history and adventure all wrapped in sunshine.
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Whether it’s your first time setting sail or you’ve been on multiple cruises, there’s something extraordinary about exploring the Bahamas. These are the activities and experiences that made our family trip unforgettable.
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Here are the activities I recommend to anyone looking for the best Bahamas cruise activities for families.
And if you are still looking around before booking your first cruise, check out my first time cruise tips for the Greek Isles and Mediterranean.
Nassau: Where the Journey Begins
Our voyage began in Nassau, the beating heart of the Bahamas. The city surprised me with its blend of old-world charm and island flair. We started our morning wandering through the Nassau Straw Market, where artisans sold handwoven baskets, wooden carvings and vibrant fabrics. The scent of sea breeze mixed with coconut oil and spices still lingers in my memory.
From there, we meandered through the pastel-colored colonial streets, stopping to admire the Queen’s Staircase: 66 limestone steps carved by hand. If you climb all the way up, Fort Fincastle offers panoramic views that make every step worthwhile. The kids loved spotting cruise ships in the harbor below.
Paradise Island and the Allure of Atlantis
Just over the bridge from Nassau lies Paradise Island, home to the iconic Atlantis Resort. It’s easy to see why the name fits. We spent a day exploring its expansive grounds. There is a massive water park and aquarium tunnels filled with stingrays and sharks (basically any child's idea of heaven). While the day passes aren’t cheap, the experience is worth it, especially if you’re traveling with kids or thrill-seekers.
- After our MSC Fantasia cruise and 7-day MSC Fantasia cruise itinerary jam packed with adventure and activities all over the Mediterranean, we started researching new ideas for future family adventures! The Atlantis water slides definitely set the bar high.
- If you’re planning your first cruise soon, these cruise tips might come in handy.
Beaches Visits on the Bahama Cruise
Every time our ship docked, the kids could barely contain themselves — it was beach time again. The Bahamas beaches are unlike anywhere else I’ve been. We loved Cable Beach for its powdery sand and gentle waves, while Junkanoo Beach near downtown Nassau had a livelier atmosphere with music and local food stalls.
At Cabbage Beach, we tried snorkeling close to shore and spotted schools of tropical fish shimmering beneath the water. If you visit, pack reef-safe sunscreen and plan to spend the whole day there, because once your toes hit that sand, it’s hard to leave.
Snorkeling, Diving and Hidden Wonders
My husband and I took turns exploring the underwater world while the kids built sand castles nearby. The Bahamas are known for their vibrant reefs, especially around the Andros Barrier Reef and the Exuma Cays. If you’re new to diving, there are plenty of guided tours that make it easy and safe.
For a truly unique experience, we visited Thunderball Grotto, a hidden underwater cave near Staniel Cay. Snorkeling through its glowing blue waters felt like swimming through a living painting.
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Meeting the Famous Swimming Pigs
It sounds too whimsical to be real, but it’s true — pigs really do swim here. On Pig Beach in the Exumas, we took a small boat tour and soon found ourselves surrounded by happy snorting swimmers paddling toward us.
The kids squealed with laughter (and maybe a little surprise) as one curious piglet nudged the boat. It was easily one of the highlights of our cruise.
Discovering the Exuma Cays
The Exuma Cays felt like the untouched side of the Bahamas, a string of emerald-green islands surrounded by glassy blue water. We joined a boat tour that took us past uninhabited beaches, iguanas sunning themselves on rocks and even a quick stop to feed stingrays.
A Taste of the Bahamas
One of my favorite memories from our trip was sitting by a seaside shack with a bowl of freshly made conch salad. We also tried cracked conch, fritters and of course, a chilled Bahama Mama. For a creamier drink, sky juice, made with coconut water, condensed milk and gin, quickly became my new favorite beach cocktail.
It’s amazing how food connects you to a place, and the Bahamian cuisine captures that joyful, sun-soaked feeling perfectly.
Pirate Tales and Hidden Treasures
If you have little ones who love adventure stories, Nassau’s pirate history will captivate them. We spent an afternoon at the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where the kids got to dress up and follow a treasure trail. I learned that during the Golden Age of Piracy, Nassau was actually a pirate stronghold. It’s a fascinating slice of Bahamian history that makes for a fun day off the beach.
Exploring Andros Island
We also took a day trip to Andros Island, which felt worlds apart from bustling Nassau. This is the largest island in the Bahamas, and its natural beauty is staggering. Divers from around the globe come here for the Andros Barrier Reef and its mysterious blue holes — underwater sinkholes that plunge deep into the earth. Even if you’re not diving, just seeing the blue holes up close is awe-inspiring.
The Spirit of Junkanoo
One of the best surprises of our trip was catching the Junkanoo Festival in full swing. The costumes, made of feathers, paper and cardboard, shimmered in every color imaginable, and the rhythmic drumming carried through the streets long into the night. The energy was infectious. If your cruise happens to line up with Junkanoo (Boxing Day or New Year’s Day), don’t miss it.
Final Reflections
Our Bahamas cruise was everything we hoped for: family bonding, natural beauty and just the right mix of relaxation and discovery. From Nassau’s historic streets to the sparkling waters of the Exuma Cays, every moment felt like a postcard brought to life.
If you’re planning your first cruise, I’d recommend reading these must-know tips for your first cruise — they made our trip smoother and more enjoyable.
The Bahamas truly has something for every family, whether you’re chasing adventure, sun or serenity.
Original article: From ship to shore: Top things to do on your Bahamas cruise
