Looking for a fun, easygoing cruise port day in Nassau, Bahamas, without the hassle of booking a full excursion? Many excursions in Nassau are expensive, especially through the cruise lines. The Margaritaville Resort Day Pass in Nassau might catch your eye—and if you’ve seen the pictures of the resort’s water park and ocean views, you’re probably wondering: Is it a good option for cruisers?
After experiencing it for ourselves, here’s everything you need to know before booking, plus honest pros and cons to help you decide.
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Booking a Margaritaville Nassau Day Pass
We booked our day pass through ResortPass, a popular site that lets you reserve resort amenities for the day without staying overnight. It’s easy to use, and sometimes you can find promo codes or discounts. Our total came to $107.75 per adult, after a $10 discount, taxes, and fees.
Kids under 12 are priced lower—$63 per child —which is nice to see, considering many resorts charge the same flat rate regardless of age. You can also book directly through the Margaritaville Nassau site, where adult passes are typically $110 before fees.
Getting There From the Cruise Port
Margaritaville Beach Resort is within walking distance from the Nassau cruise terminal. Depending on where your ship docks, plan for a 15–20-minute walk total, including the walk through the port area. Essentially, you walk all the way to the end of the port terminal area. It is just a couple of blocks from the straw market building.
It’s a manageable walk for most, though those with mobility concerns may want to consider a short taxi ride. The resort is located in a relatively modern area, and we felt safe walking.
Related Post: Exploring The Queen’s Staircase (Nassau Cruise Port Day)
What’s Included With the Day Pass?
Your Margaritaville Nassau day pass grants access from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and here’s what’s included:
- Fins Up Water Park with lazy river and small water slides
- Zero-entry pool and hot tub
- Oceanfront pool
- Access to the FlowRider® boogie board simulator
- Rock climbing wall and 10’ jump platform
- Beach access with loungers and umbrellas
- Towel service (1 towel per guest)
- Access to restrooms and changing rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Option to purchase food and drinks at poolside bars and cafes
Checking In to Margaritaville Fins Up Water Park
We made the mistake of entering the hotel lobby looking to check in. However, just beyond the doors of the hotel lobby, you will see the entrance to the water park. Check in at the ticket booth.
Pros: What We Loved
✔️ Walkable from the Cruise Port – No transportation logistics required. If you enjoy exploring on foot and want to make the most of your time at the resort, this is a major perk.
✔️ Beach + Pool Access – Unlike some port excursions that force you to choose between beach and pool, Margaritaville lets you enjoy both. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a group that has different preferences.
✔️ Lazy River + Water Slides = Kids’ Paradise – The lazy river had more current than we expected—in a good way! It was tons of fun and a big hit with kids (and adults!). There are also several slides, a climbing wall, and a surf simulator.
✔️ Towels Provided – Leave your beach towels on the ship. You’ll be issued one towel per guest, and as long as you return it, there’s no fee. (Don’t lose it, though—each unreturned towel results in a $25 charge.) However, there wasn’t any “check-out” process when we were there. The attendant just handed us our towels, and we returned them before we left.
✔️ Reasonably Priced Food + Drinks – The menu at Feeding Frenzy pool bar was better than expected for a resort. Think burgers, chicken tenders, tacos, frozen drinks, and tropical cocktails—all decently priced. I had my typical island favorite, French fries, and my friend and I each enjoyed one (or two) rum-and-diet-Coke. The bartender was definitely not shy when pouring the rum.
✔️ Clean Bathrooms + Changing Areas – For a busy pool deck, the facilities were clean and well-stocked. Always appreciated when you’re wet and in need of a quick rinse or change.
Cons: What Might Be a Dealbreaker
❌ $100+ Price Tag Doesn’t Include Food or Drinks – While everything else is included, meals and beverages are not part of the day pass price. For families or couples, this can quickly push up the cost. That said, we didn’t feel gouged by the food prices. We also tend to eat shortly before leaving the ship and only opt for a snack while in port, keeping our budget in check.
❌ Loud Music in Some Areas – Depending on where you set up your pool chair, you may be right next to a speaker that thumps with party tunes all day. It fits the “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” vibe, but isn’t ideal if you’re looking to relax quietly. Choose your lounge chair wisely—walk around and listen first!
❌ Lockers Cost Extra -Lockers are available near the water park for a fee. If you want to avoid that, consider a waterproof pouch or a beach chair locker that attaches to your lounge chair—both are great options for keeping valuables safe while swimming.
❌ Personally, as a true “parrot-head” (IFKYK) they did not play enough Jimmy Buffett music!
Related post: The Extras of Cruising: Free Cruise Budget Planner Worksheet
Is It Worth It?
The Fins Up Water Park day pass at Margaritaville Nassau was worth the price for a low-stress, high-fun port day. It offered the convenience of walking from the ship, a great mix of beach and pool, and enough activities to keep everyone happy.
It may not be for you if you’re hoping to relax in a peaceful, quiet setting—but if you’re in the mood for sun, slides, frozen drinks, and that Jimmy Buffett island vibe, it delivers.
What to Pack (and What Not To)
- Swimsuits and coverups
- Reef-safe sunscreen (you’ll be in and out of the water all day)
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Flip flops or sandals
- ID and credit card
- Optional: your own snorkel mask for the beach or a floatie.
No need to bring:
- Towels
- Beach chairs
- Portable speakers (trust me, they’ve got that covered 😄)
Worrier’s Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Go
- ✅ Great for families – Kid-friendly, and the lazy river is a blast.
- ✅ Towels, chairs, restrooms, and umbrellas included – no need to lug stuff from the ship.
- ✅ Food and drinks cost extra – but prices are reasonable.
- ⚠️ Party vibe alert – Loud music near the pool may not suit everyone.
- ⚠️ Walkable but not quick – Expect about 15 minutes from the ship to the resort.
- ⚠️ Lazy river current is strong – Watch young kids as they enter the water.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flexible port day in Nassau with no tour bus, no stress, and a mix of relaxation and activity, Margaritaville Beach Resort’s day pass is a solid choice.
You can find more great excursion options for your ports of call by also checking Shore Excursions Group, which has a return to ship guarantee and options tailored to your sailing. If you need help planning and booking your next (or first) cruise, email me here! I’d love to chat. My visit to Margaritaville was during my cruise on Star Princess. You can read that review here.
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