Nassau: Can Am Buggy Rental & Self-Guided Island Day Trip

Summary

Explore Nassau’s forts, caves & fish fry on your own wheels

You’ll drive your own Can Am Buggy through Nassau with pickup at the cruise port, stopping at places like Fort Charlotte and Queen’s Staircase. Taste sky juice at Arawak Cay and hear stories from locals as you explore at your own pace. Expect sun on your face, music in your ears—and maybe a moment or two that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the crunch of gravel under our buggy tires, sunlight bouncing off the hood as we pulled away from the port in Nassau. I’d never driven a Can Am before—felt like piloting a toy for grownups, honestly. Our local guy at check-in grinned when he handed over the keys and Bluetooth speaker, telling us to “just follow the ocean.” We did, music thumping, hair full of salt air. The city smells like fried conch and sunscreen if you pay attention.

We zigzagged past pastel houses and stopped at Fort Charlotte—stone walls still cool even in that heat. There was a kid selling coconut water out front; I bought one mostly for the excuse to talk with him (he called me “boss man” which made me laugh). After that, we rolled down to the Queen’s Staircase. Sixty-five steps carved into limestone by hand—hard not to feel small thinking about all those years and hands before us. My legs burned but it was worth it for that hush at the top, just birds and distant traffic.

Arawak Cay came next—locals call it “the Fish Fry.” We parked next to a cluster of bright shacks, music leaking out everywhere. I tried my first sky juice (gin and coconut water), which was…stronger than I expected. Li laughed when I tried to order in my best Bahamian accent—probably butchered it. The day trip around Nassau in our buggy felt less like sightseeing and more like drifting through someone else’s everyday life for a while.

We could’ve hit more spots—the Caves with their fruit bats or Old Fort Bay where apparently James Bond used to hang out—but honestly, just driving with no real plan felt right. There’s something about Nassau: even when you’re lost for a minute, you’re not really lost. Maybe that’s why I still think about that view from the top of the staircase sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nassau by Can Am Buggy

• Pick up six-person automatic buggy
• Drive to Queen's Staircase
• Visit The Water Tower
• Stop at Arawak Cay Fish Fry
• Tour Fort Charlotte
• Explore The Caves and see bats
• Drive through Bahamar resort area
• Visit Old Fort Bay community
• Return buggy to departure point

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Nassau buggy rental?

Yes, roundtrip transportation is included from the cruise port only.

Can children ride in the buggy during this day trip?

Infants and small children can ride if they are in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

What attractions can we visit during this self-guided tour?

You can visit Fort Charlotte, Queen's Staircase, Arawak Cay (“Fish Fry”), The Caves, Water Tower, Bahamar resort area, and Old Fort Bay.

Do I need a special license to drive the Can Am Buggy?

You must be 25 or older with a valid physical driver’s license to drive.

Is lunch or food included in this tour?

No meals are included; however, you can stop at local spots like Arawak Cay for food and drinks.

Are there any health restrictions for passengers?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, recent surgeries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.

How many people fit in each buggy?

The Can Am Buggy seats up to six people per vehicle.

Is gasoline included in the rental price?

No; vehicles must be returned with gasoline as received.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip cruise port pickup in Nassau, insurance coverage for your buggy rental, local taxes already paid up front, a handy Must See flyer so you don’t miss key stops like Fort Charlotte or Queen’s Staircase—and yes, there’s even a Bluetooth stereo so you can soundtrack your ride as you go.