Top New Providence Island Day Trips: Review & Recs

So, you are wanting to visit New Providence Island, maybe for vacation or maybe just a quick hop, yet that doesn’t mean you want to stick around *just* New Providence, right? Well, I figured as much. This island happens to be the home of Nassau and Paradise Island, providing a vibrant hub, but the real charm of the Bahamas often lies a bit further afield. Day trips offer a neat way to see beyond the resorts and very well explore some pretty unique spots. Here are some spots, packed with helpful insights and suggestions to make the most of your Bahamian adventure. Get ready to add some unforgettable chapters to your travel story!

1. Blue Lagoon Island: Dolphin Encounters and Beach Bliss

Now, have you dreamed of getting close to dolphins? So, Blue Lagoon Island, also known as Salt Cay, happens to be *the* place to possibly make that a reality. It’s almost a short ferry ride away from Nassau and brings a mix of animal encounters and serene beach relaxation. The main attraction? It might be the dolphin and sea lion programs. You are able to participate in structured interactions, learn about these fantastic creatures, and get a photo or two. Beyond the animal programs, this island offers up lovely beaches, a lagoon for swimming, and various water activities. So, spend your time lounging on the sand, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the calm waters.

Is that something that’s for you? If you love animals and you want a mix of structured activities and downtime, Blue Lagoon Island could just be perfect. So, do check the tour options as there are many of them – pick one that fits your budget and how you want to experience it. Are you looking for something more thrilling? You can even snorkel and interact with stingrays! Very family friendly, there’s truly something for everyone.
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Essential Info and Tips for Blue Lagoon Island

Very prepared when heading out there. Bring along sunscreen, towels, and swimwear, naturally. Most tours generally include lunch, but it can’t hurt to check. Also, remember that the island can get pretty crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port, so book your tour a little in advance, maybe, or go for a less busy time to appreciate it just a bit more. So, wear water shoes because the beach has some rocky spots.

2. Rose Island: A Secluded Escape

Rose Island really provides a totally different vibe from Blue Lagoon. Think fewer crowds, quieter beaches, and just a real laid-back atmosphere. That it’s a real gem for folks looking to get away from it all, and very popular for its swimming pigs, yes just like Exuma. Rose Island provides more of a DIY adventure kind of feel. You can usually rent a boat or catch a water taxi from Nassau. Then, when you get there, you’re free to explore the pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and just soak up the tranquility.

So, pack a cooler with lunch and drinks, find a hammock or a shaded area under the palms, and settle in for the day. A good tip? Some tours to Rose Island usually include snorkeling at a nearby reef, providing an opportunity to see some of the marine life. The swimming pigs on Rose Island are another very cute thing, and while that’s more controlled than the Exuma experience, they’re quite interactive! So, it can’t hurt to get your camera ready!
Read our full review: Rose Island Bahamas Full Review and Details

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Rose Island

So, getting to Rose Island might require a bit more pre-planning than going to Blue Lagoon. So, you’ll need to organize transport and you may want to pack everything you could require for the day, including food, drinks, and sun protection. Rose Island offers almost an authentic, less structured beach getaway compared to the touristy excursions, making it perfect if you wish to get away from tourists and relax away from it all.

3. Exuma: Swimming with Pigs and More

Exuma is that stuff legends are generally made of – probably famed for its swimming pigs, there’s so much more to explore there. So, these islands are just gorgeous, boasting clear waters, stunning beaches, and a totally laid-back vibe. Getting to Exuma out of New Providence is generally simple and typically requires a short flight (30 minutes!). Daily excursions tend to be common.

Anyway, what you wanna do is spend some time swimming with the pigs at Pig Beach, which really is an item off *most* bucket lists, there’s other great things such as visiting the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – a secure area showing vibrant marine life – as well as relaxing on postcard-worthy beaches. If you like exploring and you don’t mind a faster trip to Exuma, this can easily be the highlight of the entire trip. Exuma does just cost a bit extra. Exuma is easily accessible, and also an incredible location to visit to add something fun into your trip.
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What You Really Need to Know Before Your Trip to Exuma

I want to be honest now. Exuma Trips tend to be long full-day affairs, but the experience is seriously worth it when visiting The Bahamas! So, factor in those travel times when considering whether it would suit your plans. Because this is a full day tour, almost all tour operators often include lunch in the price of your tour, as well as snorkeling gear for swimming near Pig Island or the surrounding shallows where other smaller islands are.

4. Harbour Island: Pink Sands Beach

Harbour Island’s most famous thing has to be Pink Sands Beach, almost definitely. This destination gives it the name and a gorgeous stretch of pink sand beside clear blue waters. Very similar to Exuma, it typically calls for a brief flight to North Eleuthera, followed by a water taxi. Harbour Island really oozes a totally chic, sophisticated vibe, making it almost a favourite among celebrities. So, it would be cool if you stroll along that stunning beach, take a dip in those shallow waters, or rent a golf cart and have a little check of the charming Dunmore Town.

This is that luxury day tour with excellent dining and a unique experience, something so different than those you would ever experience anywhere else. The island shows its beauty through pastel-colored cottages and fantastic vibes, as such, if it sounds like a fantasy, you would most definitely enjoy yourself while visiting Harbour Island and its surroundings.
Read our full review: Harbour Island Bahamas Full Review and Details

Some Helpful Pointers for a Visit to Harbour Island

Just so you’re ready, Harbour Island does come with a high price compared to some other day trips from New Providence. With that said, its unique charm and beautiful scenery justify the cost for a lot of folks. Remember too that golf carts act like the main source of transportation, and very available to rent when you arrive. Wear appropriate foot attire. Pink Sands Beach tends to get a lot hotter than your typical beach because the sands there contain heat from the Sun.

5. Paradise Island: A Convenient Escape

Ok, if you’re just here because of accessibility, and you like Atlantis (is that just me?), Paradise Island may easily just be among the easiest, most obvious destinations if it is a day trip from New Providence that you desire. Even if it’s joined with Nassau through a bridge, so you are able to get there very easily through taxi or through bus. Atlantis Paradise Island does act like the most glamorous, enormous resort at that destination, having lots of items such as an aquarium to enjoy, a very big waterpark as well as a beautiful casino. Apart from this resort, you would often relax along Cabbage Beach, known mostly for its excellent sandy areas and clear waters.

With no need to bother with booking a flight and transfers, it would save you a lot on these excursions. If convenience comes first, or when you want a bit more of structured enjoyable events than a less inhabited beach, you might enjoy taking the short day-trip! Plus, you’ll often do it by yourself, or with a cab trip from your destination! And there is always, always lots of food and enjoyable restaurants to eat. A little less on what’s unique for the Bahamas as the destinations mentioned above.
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Before Hopping Over to Paradise Island…

As Paradise Island would often get busy particularly when there is peak tourist season, remember the trip beforehand. When intending on checking out some stuff, you will usually get tickets online in advance. You may like to check out special discounts which can give you reduced price entry to specific attractions.

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New Providence Island
Day Trips Bahamas
Excursions from Nassau
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Harbour Island Bahamas