The Best Rainy Day Activities in Nassau, Bahamas
by Mariah Moyle, 17 November 2025
I recently wrote an article for a UK magazine called The Simple Things. The segment is called My Island, and it’s an insider’s look at island life. One of the questions asked what I would do on a rainy day here in the Bahamas.
My first reaction was to say that I love rainy days because they’re the perfect excuse to put on something cozy, turn on an ambiance video, and snuggle up with a good book. You really don’t want to be on the roads in Nassau when it’s been pouring; the streets flood easily, and hidden potholes can make driving treacherous. I’d much rather stay dry and stay home. I did mention that if you absolutely had to leave the house, then maybe the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas would be a nice choice.
A few weeks after submitting the article, I taught a yoga class for a group of ten women visiting Nassau for the weekend. The morning was rainy, so we practiced indoors. Afterward, they told me they had planned to spend the day by the pool, but as we all looked mournfully at the downpour outside, they asked, “What should we do on this rainy day?”
It stumped me. Most people come to the Bahamas for the sunshine that blesses us nearly year-round (aside from the occasional cold front or tropical system). Especially in the Out Islands—but even in Nassau—activities typically revolve around the water. Boating, snorkeling, and beach days are the main attractions, while golf is a go-to pastime on land. People don’t usually come here for history, performing arts, or museums. So on a rainy day, it’s tempting to saddle up to the nearest bar and hunker down for a while. But what if you’re looking for something more?
That question kept coming back to me, so I decided to put some real thought into it and compile a list of things to do in Nassau when the weather doesn’t cooperate. If you plan ahead, you can book some of these experiences in advance. Apps like Windfinder and WeatherBug are surprisingly accurate for predicting rain in the New Providence area.
For the Art Lovers
Cab Gallery and Studio
Located in western New Providence, past Lyford Cay on the way to Albany, Cab Gallery is a contemporary art space that regularly features rotating exhibitions by talented local artists. Every few months, the gallery unveils a new theme, bringing fresh perspectives and creative voices to the forefront.
You can join their mailing list for email updates or check their website and Instagram for details on current and upcoming shows. Opening nights are always a lively affair, offering a chance to meet the artists and mingle with Nassau’s creative community. In addition to exhibitions, Cab Gallery also hosts occasional art and pottery classes, making it a wonderful spot to spend a rainy afternoon immersed in inspiration. Visit Cab’s website for more information.
The Current Gallery & Art Center at Baha Mar
If you’re craving a dose of creativity on a gray day, The Current at Baha Mar is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The gallery features a rotating exhibition of Bahamian artists, along with resident artist showcases and curated events that highlight the incredible depth of the local art scene.
Botanical Leaf Printing
Downstairs, you’ll find The Current Boutique, where daily art classes are open to resort guests and the public. I once took their Botanical Leaf Printing class, and it was amazing! Other offerings include Acrylic Pouring, Landscape Painting, and Sip & Paint sessions, so there’s truly something for every level of artist (or art appreciator).
Upstairs, the ECCHO Gallery (which stands for Expressive Collaboration and Creative House of Opportunities) hosts special exhibitions and installations, including pieces from The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas’ permanent collection. Altogether, Baha Mar now houses one of the largest collections of Bahamian art in the country.
If you’re in Nassau in October, plan your visit around the Baha Mar Culinary & Arts Festival, which features celebrity chefs, hands-on classes, live demonstrations, and musical performances—a lively celebration of international food, art, and culture. Visit The Current’s website for the latest schedule of classes, exhibitions, and events.
National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
Located in a beautifully restored 1860s mansion in downtown Nassau, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) is a must-visit for anyone interested in Bahamian culture. After falling into disrepair, the historic estate was lovingly restored over seven years in the 1990s and opened as the national gallery in 2003.
Today, the NAGB houses a permanent collection of more than 500 works spanning from the 19th century to the present, showcasing the evolution of Bahamian art and identity. As a non-profit organization, it relies on admission fees, memberships, and donations to continue its mission of collecting, preserving, and exhibiting Bahamian art. Visit the NAGB website for current exhibitions, programs, and special events.
For the Food & Beverage Afficionados
Photo Credit: Bon Vivants
Bon Vivants Cafe and Cocktails
Cozy up for an afternoon at Bon Vivants, one of my favorite spots in Nassau. Step inside and you’ll feel transported to another era—vintage records line the walls, bright tropical-themed wallpaper, and framed newspaper clippings tell stories of decades past. The space is lively yet intimate, perfectly blending retro charm with modern sophistication.
By day, Bon Vivants serves coffee and light pastries in a relaxed café setting. As evening falls, the atmosphere transforms into a stylish cocktail lounge, where you can sink into a velvet high-back chair and enjoy one of their expertly crafted cocktails. If you’re in the mood to browse fine wines, slip through the hidden bookcase entrance to Young’s Fine Wines, located in the same building. Visit Bon Vivant’s website or follow their Instagram page for more info.
John Watlings Rum Distillery
Located at the historic Buena Vista Estate, which dates back to 1789, John Watling’s Distillery produces handcrafted, small-batch Bahamian rum in a beautifully restored colonial setting. You can book a guided tour and tasting to learn about the distilling process and the island’s rum-making heritage, or simply drop in for a rum flight or a signature cocktail at the on-site bar.
It’s the only craft rum distillery in the Bahamas that’s open for tours. Visit John Watling’s website for hours of operation or to book a tour.
Pirate Republic Brewery
If you like craft beer, visit the Pirate Republic Brewery for a pub atmosphere. Parking is a bit challenging and it’s located right in the center of the cruise ship traffic, so I don’t often venture down there. But they often have live music, and it’s a nice place to saddle up to the bar for a few pints. The last time I went, their food was quite tasty too. If you don’t feel that adventurous but want to taste their beer, you can grab a few cans from the nearest Bristol Cellars liquor store.
Note: as of November 2025, the tap room is undergoing renovations. Stay connected on their Instagram page for reopening information.
Bahama Barrels at Graycliff
Located inside a charming 1937 church, Bahama Barrels opened in 2017 and is the only traditional winery in the Bahamas. (If you’re looking for local wines, you’ll find pineapple, mango, seagrape, and other tropical fruit wines elsewhere, but this is the spot for classic grape wine.)
At Bahama Barrels, you can sample wines produced exclusively for Graycliff from Italian and Argentinian grapes, or take part in their signature experience: blending your own custom wine with guidance from their team. It’s a fun and unique activity for a rainy afternoon. Visit the Bahama Barrels website to book a wine blending class.
Wine Luncheon at Graycliff
With a guest list that has included Winston Churchill, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Lord Mountbatten, Graycliff Hotel has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities for generations. Located in downtown Nassau, the estate was originally built in the 1720s by a former pirate as his private residence. By 1844, it had become Nassau’s first inn, offering comfortable lodgings, meals, and even use of a carriage.
Photo Credit: Graycliff
In 1973, the Garzaroli family purchased the property and transformed it into a world-class boutique hotel that now spans two generations of renowned Bahamian hospitality.
Graycliff has consistently earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award, and its wine cellar is considered one of the largest and most extraordinary in the world—housing over 275,000 bottles, including an 1865 Château Lafite and the world’s oldest bottle of wine, a 1727 Rüdesheimer Apostelwein valued at $200,000.
Their five-star restaurant provides a rare opportunity to pair outstanding cuisine with selections from this legendary cellar. You can reserve a classic luncheon in the elegant dining room, or elevate the experience with their Wine Luncheon, which includes a guided tour of the hotel and its historic wine vault, followed by a multi-course meal with expertly paired wines. Visit Graycliff’s website for more information.
Graycliff Chocolatier
Graycliff Chocolatier offers a delightful escape into the world of artisanal chocolate, with everything crafted on-site to the highest standards. Their Art of Chocolate Factory Tour walks you through the full “bean-to-bar” process—watch cocoa beans being roasted, ground into nibs, transformed into liquid chocolate, and finally poured into sculpted molds. The tour ends in their chocolate classroom, where you can create your own custom bar and treats. It’s a fun, educational outing that appeals to both kids and adults.
For grown-ups, the Chocolate & Spirits Pairing is an indulgent sensory experience. You’ll learn why certain chocolates pair beautifully with rum, whiskey, port, and other spirits, then savor thoughtfully matched combinations—think creamy vanilla-noted chocolate with fine Bahamian rum or tropical fruit–infused chocolate paired with a smooth whiskey.
If you’re not up for a tour, you can purchase chocolate directly from their chocolate shop. Try their Hennessey and caramelized onion chocolate spheres, or the white chocolate and curry bar. The combinations may sound odd, but rest assured, the flavors will dance in your mouth with surprising integration. Visit the Graycliff Chocolatier website for more information.
The Kitchen at Baha Mar
Join Chef Tevin Kemp for one of their lively, hands-on cooking classes—perfect for food lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a budding young chef, a curious teen, or an adult looking to refine your skills, there’s a class for everyone.
From a mixology workshop where you’ll shake and stir your own island-inspired cocktails to pasta-making sessions that reveal the secrets behind perfect handmade dough, each class blends creativity with flavor. You might even explore elevated Bahamian cuisine, like Chef Kemp’s inventive spin on tuna and grits or cassava ravioli—a tropical twist on a classic comfort dish.
Chef Kemp’s energy and humor make every class both educational and entertaining, turning a rainy afternoon into one of the highlights of your trip. Visit Baha Mar’s website to check the latest schedule and book your spot.
For the Cinema Lovers
The Island House Cinema
One of my favorite hidden gems in Nassau is the boutique cinema at The Island House in Western New Providence. Tucked into the property’s lush grounds, this intimate 48-seat theatre is open to both hotel guests and local film lovers.
They typically screen one film each evening, and you can choose from plush easy chairs or cozy couches perfect for cuddling up with your loved one. With table service offering gourmet snacks and a curated selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed—and rainy—night out. Visit Island House’s website for current show times.
Fusion Superplex & IMAX
For a full-scale, modern movie experience, Fusion Superplex is Nassau’s entertainment hub. Perched on a hill off Gladstone Road, this massive complex offers everything from standard screenings to IMAX, 4DX, and VIP theatres.
The main cinema lobby has all the classic movie treats, while the VIP section features a private pre-show bar and in-seat service throughout the film—perfect for leveling up your rainy-day escape.
Fusion spans over 100,000 square feet and includes nine state-of-the-art theatres, a game arcade, coffee shop, ice cream parlor, restaurants, and event spaces. It’s the closest you’ll get to a big-city cinema experience in the Bahamas. Visit the Fusion Superplex website for showtimes and more information.
Atlantis Cinema
If you’re looking for something between an intimate boutique theater and a full-scale cineplex, the Atlantis Cinema offers a comfortable mid-sized option. Located within the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, it’s especially convenient if you’re staying on the eastern end of New Providence.
Atlantis typically offers three movie showings each evening, with a selection that appeals to families, couples, and casual moviegoers. Plan a weekend staycation, or purchase a day pass to enjoy the resort’s amenities, and you’ll have access to their complimentary movie screenings. Visit the Atlantis website for movie show times.
Downtown & Paradise Island Activities
Graycliff Cigar Company
Founded by the Garzaroli family in the late 1990s, the Graycliff Cigar Company began as a single hand-roller in the foyer of the historic Graycliff Hotel. Under the guidance of the late master torcedor Avelino Lara—formerly Fidel Castro’s personal cigar roller—the company created its original award-winning blend. Today, Graycliff has expanded into a world-renowned boutique cigar house with a team of master rollers producing several blends, all handcrafted on site and sold internationally.
Visitors can tour the factory to watch expert torcedores at work, or enhance the experience with hands-on sessions such as a cigar-rolling lesson or a cigar-and-rum pairing class. Whether you’re a cigar enthusiast or simply curious about the artistry behind fine tobacco, it’s a fascinating way to spend a rainy Nassau afternoon. Visit the Graycliff Cigar Company website to book a tour.
Pirates of Nassau
Pirates of Nassau is a surprisingly fun and immersive museum. During the Golden Age of Piracy, Nassau was the epicenter of the action—once known as the Pirate Republic. When you enter the museum, you’re transported to the Nassau wharf at night, complete with creaking docks and lantern-lit walkways. Step aboard the replica pirate ship Revenge and get a sense of what life and living quarters were like for buccaneers at sea.
As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll hear stories from infamous female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and learn about the challenges Woodes Rogers faced as he shifted from privateer to the first Royal Governor of the Bahamas—tasked with ending piracy once and for all. It’s a lively, family-friendly experience that brings Nassau’s colorful history to life. Located in downtown Nassau, visit the Pirates of Nassau website for more information.
The Aquarium at Atlantis
Inside Atlantis’s iconic Royal Towers, you’ll find “The Dig,” a sprawling series of aquariums designed to feel like the long-lost ruins of Atlantis. Winding passageways, towering archways, and soft blue lighting set the tone as sharks, rays, eels, and other exotic marine life glide through massive tanks beside you. It’s easily one of the most impressive indoor attractions on the island.
Atlantis is home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, representing more than 250 species. Don’t miss Predator Lagoon and its 100-foot underwater tunnel—an incredible walk-through experience where sharks, barracuda, rays, and giant grouper swim overhead and beside you. If you want to plan your visit around the action, check the Atlantis website for the daily feeding schedule.
Lost City Escape Rooms at Atlantis
If you’re looking for an entertaining indoor activity that goes beyond the usual resort offerings, the Lost City Escape Rooms at Atlantis are a fun option for families, teens, and groups of friends. Located on the lower level of The Coral, these immersive rooms offer a light-hearted, puzzle-filled adventure—perfect for a rainy afternoon.
There are two themed rooms to choose from: Poseidon’s Promise, which takes you into a world of Atlantis lore. You have 60 minutes to solve the clues and escape. It’s clever, creative, and great for groups who enjoy teamwork and problem-solving. In Blackbeard’s Brig, you’ll find yourself locked in the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. You’ll have to solve the puzzle and escape before he returns. Visit the Lost City Escape Room website for more information.
Western New Providence Activities
Afternoon Tea at The Library at Rosewood Baha Mar
Photo Credit: Rosewood
The Library at Rosewood is one of the most serene and refined spaces on the island, and offers an ideal retreat when the weather turns rainy. As you walk through the lobby, you’re greeted by vintage wallpaper, curated artwork, and the hotel’s subtle signature scent lingering in the air. The Library itself is bright and inviting, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining the back wall and large windows framing the lush tropical grounds outside. Comfortable sofas and elegant armchairs make it the perfect place to linger.
Afternoon tea feels especially fitting here. Enjoy a traditional selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones, and delicate pastries presented with thoughtful attention to detail. It’s a gentle, unhurried experience, one that pairs beautifully with the patter of rain outside.
After tea, wander across to The Manor Bar for a craft cocktail, and later in the evening head into the bustling center of the resort to experience live music in the Jazz Bar. Visit Rosewood’s website to book your tea experience.
ESPA at Baha Mar
If you’re in the mood for true pampering, spend an afternoon at ESPA at Baha Mar—an ultra-luxury sanctuary featuring 22 private treatment rooms. The moment you step inside, the space seems to exhale around you: soft lighting, tranquil décor, and calming scents create an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and breathe. I absolutely love indulging in an afternoon at ESPA.
Arrive a little early for your appointment so you can slip into a plush robe and enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of herbal tea. Whether you choose a massage, facial, or one of ESPA’s signature rituals, the experience feels restorative from start to finish—an elegant way to spend an afternoon. Visit the ESPA website for spa offerings and to book your appointment.
Game Zone at Baha Mar
If you need a kid-friendly option on a rainy day, the Game Zone at Baha Mar is a lively arcade that will keep little ones thoroughly entertained while you enjoy some grown-up time elsewhere on the property (perhaps a spa visit). The space is bright, energetic, and packed with activities—ranging from modern interactive games to nostalgic favorites.
Adults will appreciate the throwback classics like Hungry Hungry Hippos, Bop It, and Pac-Man, while kids will love the endless variety of arcade challenges. It’s an easy, low-stress way to let everyone have a little fun until the sun comes back out. Visit the Game Zone website for more information.
