The thermo-optical properties of gold nanoparticles suspended in liquid water droplets have been explored. A water droplet containing suspended gold nanoparticles was irradiated with a laser beam and the efficiency of light-to-heat conversion (η) was determined. Heat generated by the optically stimulated nanoparticles was found to dissipate through several mechanisms. Convection currents were observed visually inside the droplet by the addition of silica beads (˜3-10 micrometers). This was determined to be the dominant mechanism of stirring within the droplet.