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The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do
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This past January, during my trip to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, I also had the chance to spend some time in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.

Right now, Air Canada offers short direct flights from Montreal to Nassau, which is also the departure point for flying to other islands in the country.

Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is often considered the gateway to the Bahamas. In particular, it provides access to Paradise Island, home to most of the luxury hotels, thanks to the bridges over Nassau harbour.

The capital of the Bahamas is known for its rolling landscapes, its pastel-coloured colonial facades, its beaches and its coral reefs. I really enjoyed exploring its downtown, with beautiful buildings like the pink-fronted Government House, its charming roadside stalls, its modern murals and its lively marinas.

Here are a few ideas for sights and activities in Nassau.

Getting to Nassau with points

Air Canada is the only carrier operating direct seasonal flights between Montreal and Nassau (NAS). The route is operated 3 times a week in winter, from November to April.

The Bahamas is in the North America region for Aeroplan Flight Rewards. So flights are very affordable in points: you could fly for as little as 22,300 points + $194 in taxes.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - yul-nas-aeroplan-en

Cardholders of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card are entitled to the preferred pricing on Aeroplan points bookings. This benefit saves 4,700 Aeroplan points on this booking!

Right now, this card’s welcome bonus is enough to cover round-trip flights for two people to the Bahamas.

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,139
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Where to stay in Nassau with points

Thanks to the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, you can stay in Nassau for as little as 16,000 points/night at the Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach. With the welcome bonus of the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, that adds up to three free nights, and even a total of six nights for a couple where each person gets the card!

For those who want a more luxurious experience, or something closer to an all-inclusive resort, you can stay at The Coral at Atlantis for 63,000 points/night, or at The Royal at Atlantis, a huge resort for the whole family, for 74,000 points/night.

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

You can also use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book a vacation home or villa, a great alternative to Airbnb that you can pay for with points! Follow our guide to Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas:

Explore paradisiac beaches

There are many beaches to explore in Nassau. Some of them allow the practice of water sports such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, fishing and kayaking.

One of the most popular is Cable Beach. You will find it on the northwest coast of New Providence Island. It extends over more than 3 kilometers of fine white sand.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Travel Bahamas Facebook

Next, Cabbage Beach is another white sand beach with crystal clear waters located on Paradise Island. It is the ideal place for water sports and snorkeling.

Other popular beaches include Saunders BeachA public beach on the west side of Nassau with showers, toilets and picnic tables; Love Beacha more secluded beach at the western end of New Providence Island; and Junkanoo Beachlocated west of the Nassau cruise port and popular with partygoers.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Travel Bahamas Facebook

Discover the local culture

During your stay in Nassau, take the opportunity to sample the local culinary specialties, including Conch Salad, Peas n’ Rice, jerk chicken, Johnnycake and Rum Cake.

One experience not to miss in the Bahamas is the Fish Fry, a gathering of restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy traditional Bahamian dishes, especially seafood. Nassau’s Fish Fry is located at Arawak Cay.

For the ultimate immersion in local culture, attend a Junkanoo performance, the annual Bahamian festival that takes place on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Otherwise, Junkanoo shows can be found throughout the year in some hotels and tourist sites.

Nassau has a thriving music scene. If you are a music lover, you will enjoy attending a local reggae, soca or rumba concert or show in the local clubs or hotels.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Festival Junkanoo

Visit of the historic city center

While visiting historic downtown Nassau, be sure to visit Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte. On Mount Fitzwilliam, you will find Government House, the official residence of the Governor General of The Bahamas, which dates back to 1800. In front of the building is the statue of Christopher Columbus imported from London in 1830.

One of my favorites in the historic downtown area is climbing theQueen’s Staircase, commonly known as the 66 steps. This major monument is located in the historic Fort Fincastle complex. It was carved by slaves from solid limestone between 1793 and 1794. Later, the staircase was named in honor of the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain, from 1837 to 1901.

Boat trip to another island

Several islands are accessible by boat from Nassau. Most of them have popular spots for scuba diving or snorkelling, including the Andros Island coral reef, Rose Island and the underwater shipwrecks.

Families will love the private island of Blue Lagoon, reachable by water taxi from Nassau. In addition to its white sand beaches, it offers a range of activities, including a variety of water sports and a water park for children.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Wikipedia

One of the closest islands is Rose Island, about 30 minutes by boat from the capital. With its crystal clear waters and coral reefs, this small island is ideal for diving enthusiasts.

Other islands to visit include Pearl Island, an hour’s boat ride away, which has an abundance of marine life; and a little further away,Exuma Island , located about 130 km away, is known for its exceptional waters and its famous swimming pigs.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Pixabay

Shopping in the colorful shops

If you enjoy shopping at local souvenir stores, head to Bay Street, a popular Nassau shopping street lined with colorful boutiques. You will find clothing, jewelry, art and handicrafts.

Next, the Straw Market is a covered market ideal for buying souvenirs, straw baskets, hats, handbags, t-shirts and other local handicrafts. Don’t hesitate to bargain.

Some of the stores in Nassau are worth a visit, such as Nassau Glass Company, a hand-blown glass store; Doongalik Studios, an art studio and gallery; and Graycliff Cigar Company, a handmade cigar store where you can sample cigars.

Enjoy one of the many spas on the island

Nassau has many spa and wellness centers to relax and rejuvenate, whether in the studio or in its upscale hotels. Some of these are: Mandara Spa, located at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort; Senses Spa at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar; Red Lane Spa at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Espa at Baha Mar, located at the Baha Mar Resort.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Mandara Spa

Nature-based tours

Located in the heart of Nassau are the Ardastra Gardens, a popular attraction that is home to pink flamingos. Across four acres of tropical landscape, its mini zoo boasts over two hundred mammals, birds and reptiles.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Ardastra Gardens

On Paradise Island, the Versailles gardens are also worth a visit, especially for a romantic getaway! They include a lush multi-terrace landscape in a rectangular design approximately 75 feet wide.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Versailles Gardens

National park enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Clifton Heritage National Park, with its remnants of three important groups that have had an impact on the country: the Lucayans, the Loyalists and the Africans. Officially opened in 2009, this park offers a walk along winding trails surrounded by a rich ecosystem of native coppice, cliffs, coastal wetlands and beaches. Among the local fauna to observe: songbirds, wading birds, sea birds.

The best activities in Nassau: what to see and what to do - Page Facebook

Save in Nassau with points

Flexible rewards points are your ally for saving on activities once you reach your destination. Put all your spending on a credit card like the National Bank World Mastercard or the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card, then apply your points as a credit to your account.

What’s more, cards with no foreign transaction fees like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card let you save 2.5% on every foreign currency transaction.

Bottom Line

The capital of the Bahamas offers a variety of activities and tourist attractions. Its cosmopolitan, international atmosphere and the friendliness of its residents make Nassau very appealing to visitors. It’s a lively, picturesque and cultural city, surrounded by the warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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