Bahamas: Nassau Island Tour, Rum Cake & Fish Fry Food Stops

Summary

Rum cake tastings Queen’s Staircase & Fish Fry flavors in Nassau

You’ll taste warm Bahamian rum cake straight from the source, climb cool limestone steps at Queen’s Staircase, try bush teas and fried conch at Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry, and catch glimpses of Atlantis rising over turquoise waters—all led by a local who knows every shortcut and story worth telling.

What’s the experience like?

We met right outside the Straw Market, where our guide—Chippie—waved us over with a grin that felt like an invitation. The van was painted wild colors and played old calypso hits; I wasn’t ready for how much the music would stick with me all day. First stop: the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory. The smell hit me before we even got inside—sweet, boozy vanilla with something almost tropical underneath. They handed out little slices (I picked banana), and honestly, I could’ve eaten six more. Chippie joked that if you eat too many you’ll start dancing in the street, but he didn’t seem to mind if we tried.

Next up was the Queen’s Staircase—66 steps cut right into limestone by hand, which is wild when you think about it. The stone felt cool even though the sun was out full force. There were a few other visitors taking photos, but mostly it was quiet except for distant traffic and someone selling coconut water at the top. Chippie told us about how locals call this area “over da hill” and shared stories about growing up nearby. I tried to picture what it’d be like living here with all this history around every corner.

By the time we reached Arawak Cay (the Fish Fry), I’d built up an appetite just from smelling fried conch drifting on the breeze. We squeezed into a tiny spot painted turquoise and pink—everyone inside seemed to know each other, laughing over plates piled high with food. I tried my first bush tea (tasted a bit earthy, almost minty?) and managed not to spill it everywhere. Someone behind us started singing along to the radio; Chippie clapped along without missing a beat.

I didn’t expect Atlantis to look so surreal against that blue water—almost cartoonish in its shapes and colors. We took photos but mostly just stood there watching boats drift past for a while, letting the sun do its thing on our faces. On the way back, Chippie offered us some homemade guava jam he’d picked up earlier (“for your toast tomorrow morning!”). It’s such a small thing but I still think about that moment—a stranger sharing something sweet because that’s just how people are here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nassau's culture and flavors

• Visit Bahamas Rum Cake Factory
• Tour and taste rum cakes
• See Queen's Staircase
• Experience Arawak Cay Fish Fry
• Pass by Atlantis Paradise Island
• Taste island bush teas

Top questions

Where does this Bahamas island tour start?

The tour begins at the Straw Market near Nassau Cruise Port.

Is food included on this Nassau tour?

You’ll get light Bahamian treats like rum cake samples and bush tea tastings during stops.

Do you visit Atlantis on Paradise Island during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Atlantis for photos and sightseeing.

How long is the walk at Queen’s Staircase?

The Queen’s Staircase has 66 steps (about 102 feet) in Nassau.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; they may sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

What is Arawak Cay or Fish Fry?

Arawak Cay (Fish Fry) is an area in Nassau known for local eateries serving Bahamian dishes like fried conch.

Is pickup included for this Nassau island tour?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at Straw Market near cruise port instead.

Are there vegetarian options available during food stops?

The main focus is Bahamian treats like rum cake and bush tea; specific vegetarian options aren’t detailed.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Nassau’s Straw Market near the cruise port, transportation with lively local music, photo stops at Atlantis and Queen’s Staircase, free tastings of rum cake and bush teas plus light Bahamian treats along the way—all guided by someone who grew up here and shares stories as you go.