Paradise Island Ferry Service

A useful link between Downtown Nassau and Paradise Island is the Nassau Water Taxi. Enjoy the scenic Journey across Nassau Harbour by ferry.

If you’re looking for a fun way to traverse and sightsee around the Nassau area, consider riding the ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island. Besides getting you to the resort island of the Bahamas, the ferry to Paradise Island also offers travelers scenic views and provides insight into the region.

Good to Know

Location: Woodes Rodgers Walk (Downtown) to Paradise Island Ferry Terminal

How Long to Spend: 1 hour journey

TripAdvisor Rating: 4 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Nassau Cruise Terminal, Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island

Entry Fees: $5 One Way. [Correct as of 2023]

Ride the Ferry From Nassau to Paradise Island

Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island is popular way to travel between Downtown Nassau and Paradise Island Bahamas.

The ferry to Paradise Island can be cheaper than a taxi.

Nassau Water Taxi: How to Ride It

As you might expect, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to ride the ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island. You can purchase these in advance or directly at the terminal upon arrival. Tickets (as of 2023) cost $5, and the ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island runs every 30 minutes between 9 am to 6 pm. Keep in mind that delays can and do sometimes occur.

Riding the Nassau water taxi offers a unique way to get around the area, but don’t expect the vessel to be a luxury cruise ship. Most of the boats are older and hold a couple of dozen people. Getting in line to board the boat early will ensure that you have a place to sit.

The Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island stops at the Paradise Island Dock, located next to the Paradise Island Bridge. Take the short boat ride to downtown Nassau.

The ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island is easy to find.

Ferry to Paradise Island: Where Is It?

If you’re on Nassau, the boat to Paradise Island is easy to find. From the Nassau cruise port or a nearby downtown location, walk west until you reach the Woodes Rodgers Walk, directly in front of the port and harbor complex. The walk should take you no more than five minutes.

When you’re ready to head back to Nassau later that afternoon, check the Paradise Island ferry schedule and then return to where the boat dropped you off.

What to See and Do

The Ferry to Paradise Island is a popular mode of transport Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island. The Paradise island ferry dock is a short walk from the Atlantis Bahamas Resort.

Nassau Harbour is full of exciting attractions.

Get a Tour of Nassau Harbour

While the actual boat ride only takes around 10-20 minutes, tour guides on the vessel provide some interesting tidbits of information along the way. From pointing out Hollywood filming locations and celebrity homes to identifying historical sites and more, the guides offer an informative and entertaining experience.

Besides listening to them, you also get to see Nassau and Paradise Island from the water as opposed to from the land. This gives you a unique perspective and lets you appreciate some of the stunning land and seascapes around you. From the bright-blue water to palm trees, yachts, and more, the boat makes it easy to soak up the region’s beauty.

James Bond in the Bahamas

James Bond has graced the water of Nassau Harbour on many occasions; notably in the Sean Connery films Thunderball (1965) and Never Say Never Again (1983). But it was the most recent 007 actor, Daniel Craig who made the most memorable entrance to the Bahamas in Casino Royale (2006);

Flying into the Bahamas, James Bond’s floatplane lands in Nassau Harbour and docks at the Nassau Seaplane Port on Paradise Island. The coral pink color of the distinctive Atlantis Royal Towers can be seen on film in the background.

At the time of filming, the Nassau Seaplane port was primarily used by floatplane operator Chalks Ocean Airways who suffered a tragic accident after one of their aircraft crashed close to Miami Harbour in 2005. The airline ceased operations in 2007 and the Nassau Seaplane Port quickly stopped operations. Today there is no evidence of the Nassau Seaplane Port except for the large grassy area on Paradise Island opposite the Harborside Resort. You can see this location during a trip on the Ferry to Paradise Island.

In the heist film After the Sunset (2004) featuring Pierce Brosnan (James Bond 1995-2002), you’ll find scenes of Chalks floatplanes at the Paradise Island Seaplane Port.

The Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island is a great way to visit the Atlantis Bahamas resort on Paradise Island.

James Bond arrives in Nassau by Floatplane at the old Nassau Harbour Seaplane Port

Enjoy a Convenient Way to Reach Paradise Island

Anyone who’s spent time in Nassau can attest to how gnarly the traffic can be at certain times of the day. The boat might take slightly longer than a taxi ride when you factor in the time it takes to board and disembark, but the ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island makes traversing the area a breeze.

Paradise Island Ferry Service Top Travel Tips

Grab a seat on the lower deck: If the boat you board has a top deck, sitting up there might seem like a great way to enjoy stellar views. However, while you may get a better vantage point, you won’t have protection from the sun. Stick to the shade of the lower deck for a more comfortable experience.
Sun Protection: If you plan to be outside on the ferry, be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Be Mindful of the Weather: Weather conditions can affect ferry operations. Check the weather forecast for Nassau before your trip, especially if you’re traveling during hurricane season.
Bring money for tips: In most cases, you’ll find the ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island to be cheaper than taking a taxi. However, you’ll still want to have a few extra dollars on hand. If you enjoy the narration from the tour guide on the boat, giving a couple of bills at the end of the ride will go a long way to show your appreciation.
Use ferries to traverse short distances, not long ones: Some of the companies that can take you around the Nassau area also offer longer trips to destinations like the Exuma Cays. While a ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island might be convenient, it’s best to avoid traveling by boat to these longer destinations. Air travel offers a much more comfortable and convenient experience free from the waves, wind, and sun that plague boat rides.

The Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island departs close to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal; home to the Margaritaville restaurant and bar.

Powerboats are great for shorter distances, but not for longer ones.

Paradise Island Ferry Schedule: Understand It and Enjoy the Ride!

The ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island lets you learn about the capital of the Bahamas while transporting you exactly where you want to go. As the Nassau water taxi also lets you appreciate the islands from a different perspective, don’t miss out on the experience when you’re visiting the archipelago.

Wondering what else there is to see and do in the Nassau area? Check out some of our other articles and our interactive travel map of Nassau & Paradise Island for more essential recommendations and tips.