7 reasons why a Hilton day pass is one of the best excursions in Nassau

When you cruise to Nassau, you’ll have tons of Bahamas cruise excursions to choose from. The vast number of Nassau, Bahamas tours from port is almost overwhelming, especially for people who are new to cruising.

4-Day Mexico Cruises on Carnival Cruise Line

I’ve been to Nassau many times and have tried a number of private shore excursions there. Compared to booking Carnival shore excursions (or the other cruise lines), booking a resort day pass is a fabulous option! When comparing resort for a day options, the Hilton day pass is simply the one of the best excursions in Nassau! Here’s why.

1. The Hilton British Colonial is an easy Nassau excursion to book on your own.

I researched tons of Nassau excursions on your own sites and offers, and the Hilton British Colonial beach day pass was the easiest to book, by far! You can book directly through the hotel (though it’s costly — currently $100/person for adults) or do what I did and book through Island Marketing Ltd. to save a ton (currently $79/person for adults).

Simply fill out the reservation request online, wait for their email (a few minutes) and secure your reservation with a credit card deposit. The balance is paid the day of the excursion directly to the hotel.

2. Of all the Nassau resorts, the British Colonial hotel is closest to the ship.

Only three blocks from the Nassau Bahamas cruise port, there’s no need for transportation to the resort! That means you don’t have to worry about taxis, buses or tour guides to get you to and from the beach. For people concerned about missing the boat (literally) by getting back too late, this is a great option!

3. The Hilton beach day pass includes a significant food credit.

While the current hotel day pass is $79, it includes a $40 credit for food at the Patio Bar and Grill which is plenty for lunch and a fruity, tropical drink! I highly recommend the barbecue rib platter with coconut bun! It was both spicy and sweet and quite filling! A refreshing cold cocktail to go with it — perfection!

4. The view of Nassau harbour from the Hilton British Colonial Resort is simply stunning.

Even though you’re only a few blocks from the cruise ship, the views at the British Colonial Hilton are hard to beat. You know, when you’re the oldest hotel in Nassau, there’s probably a reason. The views! And the sheltered, private beach!

Bring your camera, sunscreen, and a good book to soak it all in!

5. The Hilton hotel beach day pass includes a lot of amenities that aren’t included with many beach day passes.

The British Colonial Hilton day pass includes use of the pool, lounge chairs, beach towels and beach umbrellas providing budget cruise travelers and beach loving sunbathers a great value for their Nassau cruise excursions. The wide beach, tucked in a protected cove near the Nassau cruise harbor also provides stunning views to make all your cares melt away.

Perhaps as important as anything else, the resort includes clean restrooms!

A limited number of beach cabanas is also available for an additional cost. These cabanas provide a somewhat sand-free zone for beach bags and cushioned loungers in the shade for those who really want to unplug.

Don’t forget these important beach bag essentials!

6. Included extras make this one of the most budget-friendly Nassau shore excursions.

The resort also provides snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards and towels to day pass visitors making this one of the most budget-friendly Nassau shore excursions you can find. The equipment is first-come, first-served with limited availability, though we had no trouble getting equipment the day we visited. The beach area is not large, so consider these options more like fun extras than hard-core activities. Snorklers will see the most fish and creatures near the gazebo over the water.

On land, you can play giant chess and checkers to take a break from the sand and water.

Or, do what we did, and take a long nap in the world’s most amazing hammocks under the shade of a palm tree while music plays in the background. I really, really, really didn’t want to leave that spot!

7. The British Hilton Colonial Beach Resort staff is simply amazing!

Throughout the resort, the staff is friendly and accommodating! It starts at the front desk, to the right as you enter the grand lobby. Give the staff your confirmation number (I took a copy of the email) to get started. They’ll direct you through the doors to the beach area to get started. At the beach hut, get your towels and other beach toys. They’ll set you up in a cabana if you want one, or claim a spot by the pool or on the beach. Your food credit is recorded, and the wait staff will take care of you, just like a regular hotel guest. From the moment we walked through the front doors until we left to go back to the ship, I felt like a princess! It’s that easy! And wonderful!

The Hilton British Colonial Beach Day Pass: What you need to know

We consider the Hilton British Colonial resort hotel day pass a best value for cruisers. Through third party Island Marketing, Ltd. the day pass is $79 (January, 2019) and includes a $40 food credit.

The hotel is located at Number One Bay St, Nassau, The Bahamas, near Señor Frogs (which you can see from the ship).

Check in at the main desk to the right of the lobby. If you don’t pre-book this excursion, there’s a good chance you can book it when you arrive. Ask for a day pass (hotel cost is $100).

Amenities include: beach and pool access, lounge chairs, hammocks, beach towels (one per person), and a $40 food credit (for adults). Other amenities are subject to availability including snorkeling gear, paddleboards and kayaks.

Clean restrooms are located behind the outdoor restaurant.

There is no lifeguard on duty.

If you liked this post, you’ll also like:

• Everything you need to know about shore excursions: Where to book, What to expect and Mistakes not to make.
• Cruise Essentials: Take your cruise vacation from good to great with these tips!
• Ardastra Gardens: Nassau Cruise Port attraction review with tips to book it yourself.
• Discover St. Lucia: An island tour excursion.
• Omar’s Buggy Tours: The best way to see Cozumel.

Have you been to Nassau? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comment section below!