John Watling's Distillery
Price
Free
Duration
45 minutes - 1 hour
Best Ages
All ages (kids welcome with adult supervision)
About
John Watling's Distillery is one of those Nassau stops that sounds like it's only for adults but turns out to be a genuine delight for families. Set on a beautifully restored colonial estate that dates back to the 1700s, the distillery occupies two acres of some of the most photogenic tropical gardens in downtown Nassau — and the whole experience is completely free.
The guided tours run every 20 minutes and take about 20 minutes to complete. A knowledgeable guide walks you through the rum-making process from raw sugar cane to finished product, showing the copper pot stills, fermentation tanks, and aging barrels. Kids find the process surprisingly interesting — it's essentially a chemistry lesson with a Caribbean twist.
The estate is named after Captain John Watling, a pirate who sailed the Bahamian seas in the 1600s, and guides weave pirate history into the tour.
But the real reason to bring kids is the property itself. The estate gardens are lush, shaded, and beautiful — tall palm trees, flowering tropical plants, stone walls covered in vines, and quiet pathways that feel like a secret garden. Kids can explore freely while parents enjoy a complimentary rum cocktail sample at the tasting bar.
The on-site cigar rolling room is an unexpected bonus. Through a glass partition, you can watch skilled rollers hand-craft cigars using traditional techniques. Kids find the dexterity and speed fascinating, even without any interest in the product itself.
At zero cost for admission and tours, John Watling's is the best free attraction in downtown Nassau. It's walking distance from the cruise terminal, Queen's Staircase, the Pirates of Nassau Museum, and the Straw Market, making it an easy addition to a downtown walking tour. The air-conditioned tasting room provides a welcome escape from the heat, and the shaded gardens are cooler than the exposed streets.
The distillery is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Bahamian national holidays. No reservations needed — just show up and wait for the next tour departure.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Late morning or early afternoon. Tours run every 20 minutes throughout the day. Less crowded on days without cruise ships.
Wait Times
Tours every 20 minutes on a first-come basis. Rarely a wait longer than 15 minutes.
Nearby Food
The distillery is in downtown Nassau. Bahamian Cookin' is a 5-minute walk. The Straw Market food stalls and Bay Street restaurants are nearby. Graycliff restaurant is around the corner on West Hill Street.
Why Kids Love It
While a rum distillery might not scream 'kid-friendly,' John Watling's is actually one of the most pleasant surprise stops in Nassau for families. The property is a beautifully restored colonial estate on two acres of tropical gardens, and kids love exploring the lush grounds — there are massive trees, colorful plants, stone pathways, and a sense of discovery around every corner. The distillery tour is quick (20 minutes) and kids find the copper pot stills and rum-making process genuinely interesting, like a mini science lesson.
They can see and smell (but obviously not taste) the rum at different stages. The estate is named after a pirate, which captures kids' imaginations. While parents enjoy their rum sample, kids can explore the garden, peek into the on-site cigar rolling room (watching rollers work by hand is mesmerizing), and browse the gift shop.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The tropical gardens are the real draw for families — beautiful and fun to explore
- Tours run every 20 minutes with no reservation needed
- Kids can't sample rum but they can participate in the full tour
- The estate has a pirate history — ask the guide to tell kids about John Watling
- Combine with the Queen's Staircase and Pirates Museum for a full downtown walking day
What to Bring
- Camera for the photogenic estate grounds
- Water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash for any rum or gift shop purchases
- Bug spray for the garden areas
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free admission and free tours.
Rum purchases are optional.
The cocktail of the day sample is included (adults only).
Budget $0-30 depending on souvenir bottle purchases.
Tips to Save
- Everything is free — free admission, free tours, free rum samples for adults.
- This is one of the best free attractions in Nassau.
- The gardens alone are worth the visit even if you skip the rum.