Nassau Cruise Port to Rose Island: Tender Timing, Taxis & Return Deadlines

With the completion of the $300 million redevelopment of the Nassau Cruise Port at Prince George Wharf, Nassau can now accommodate up to six mega-ships and over 30,000 daily passengers simultaneously.

While the new terminal features air-conditioned arrival halls, authentic Junkanoo museums, and artisan shops, many passengers want to escape the crowded downtown pier and experience an authentic Bahamian Out-Island beach.

Rose Island is the #1 day-trip destination for cruise passengers. Here is your step-by-step tactical playbook for maximizing your port call while guaranteeing you never miss your ship.

Step 1: Check Your Ship’s Arrival & Departure Times

Before booking any excursion, verify your ship’s exact port hours on your cruise line app:

• Scenario A (Full Day Port Call: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or later): You can comfortably book the premier Sandy Toes Full-Day All-Inclusive (10:00 AM to 3:45 PM departing Paradise Island Ferry Terminal).
• Scenario B (Short Port Call: Ship Departs at 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM): Do NOT book Sandy Toes. Book the Tour Daddy / Sand Dollar Express Water Taxi (9:30 AM to 1:30 PM) or a morning 3-Island Speedboat tour. These tours pick up right outside the cruise gates and return you with hours to spare.

Step 2: Clear Terminal Security (8:15 AM to 8:45 AM)

When your ship clears local authorities, exit down the gangway and follow the covered walkway through the Prince George Wharf arrivals complex into Woodes Rogers Walk. The walk from your ship to the street takes roughly 8 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Getting to Your Departure Marina

• If booked on Tour Daddy / Sand Dollar or Da Pig Beach: Walk 100 yards west along Woodes Rogers Walk toward Señor Frog’s. The tour check-in desks are located right on the boardwalk. You do not need a taxi.
• If booked on Sandy Toes (1 Marina Drive, Paradise Island): Walk past the cruise terminal gates to the official taxi rank at Festival Place. Request a licensed taxi over the bridge to: “Paradise Island Ferry Terminal beside Margaritaville Restaurant on Paradise Island.” Fare is $5.00 to $7.00 USD per person (or $15.00 to $20.00 USD for a private cab). Transit takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: The 9:30 AM Rigid Cutoff Warning

Sandy Toes strictly closes check-in at 9:30 AM sharp. If you arrive at 9:35 AM, the check-in doors will be locked and your ticket will be forfeited without a refund. Plan to arrive at 1 Marina Drive by 9:15 AM.

Step 5: Returning to Prince George Wharf

• Sandy Toes returns at 3:45 PM to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. Licensed taxis wait outside the terminal to take passengers back across the bridge to Prince George Wharf ($5–$7/person). You will arrive back at the cruise terminal gates by 4:15 PM, leaving 45 minutes before a 5:00 PM all-aboard whistle.
• Express water taxis return directly to the cruise port bulkhead at 1:30 PM, putting you right at your ship’s doorstep with zero taxi or bridge traffic worries.