If you are looking for some of the best beaches in Nassau, you don’t have to go far. Located in The Bahamas on New Providence Island, one thing Nassau has plenty of is water. Located off the coast of Florida, Nassau is a popular stop for cruise operators on three to seven night sailings.
Weather
The weather is mild almost year-round in Nassau, with temperatures ranging from 66 degrees in the winter into the 90s in the summer. The dry season runs from December to May, so you don’t have to worry about rain and hurricanes. Most of the rain comes in the summertime with up to eight inches in the summer months.
Getting Around
There are many beaches in Nassau, including some that are very popular with cruisers. Depending on the beach, these are the options you have to get there: city bus, taxi, shore excursion, water shuttle, or walk.
If you’re on a cruise ship, you can take a local bus to the beach from the port. It will cost you about $1.25 each way, just make sure you have appropriate change.
You can also take a taxi to one of the beaches from the port. There are no rideshare companies in the Bahamas, so a taxi is the best option if you want to get there with no lines or waiting. Cabs are always lined up at the pier, be aware they typically charge a per person fee.
Make sure you add in a cushion when returning to the ship in case there is an accident or road closure. The taxi driver can tell you when you should head back to the ship, and most beaches have taxis lined up at the entrance, especially on days when there are many ships in Nassau.
If your plan is to head over to Paradise Island to check out the beaches, you can take a water shuttle for a few dollars per person each way and enjoy a scenic boat ride from Nassau’s Harbor to Paradise Island.
(Note: Check to make sure the water shuttle is operational. After the cruise industry shutdown, they have been hit or miss.)
11 Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas
1. Adelaide
The beach on the west side of the island is known as Adelaide. It is a long and quiet beach, which is ideal for relaxing. It is not overrun by water sports, so you can enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
- Location: Southwest of cruise port
- Driving time: 34 minutes
- Distance from port: 15 miles
2. Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach is the most popular beach in Nassau. Located on Paradise Island (just down from the Atlantis resort), it offers a mile of clean white sand, clear sparkling waters, and a variety of fun activities like parasailing or hopping on a jet ski.
Its white sand is finer than flour, and its pearly blue water makes it a favorite among cruisers. There are also a number of great restaurants and guided tours that you can take to learn about the history and culture of the islands, which include a stop at Cabbage Beach.
- Location: Paradise Island
- Driving time: 11 minutes
- Distance from port: 3 miles
3. Cable Beach
Cable Beach is arguably the best beach in Nassau. Located about six miles west of the city and the cruise port, Cable is the perfect spot for families with small children. The turquoise water is shallow, and there are plenty of activities for the little ones.
This beach is popular with locals and has a volleyball court. You can rent lounge chairs and snorkel gear from the locals, or you can bring your own gear. Cable Beach has a number of resorts that sell day passes to cruise guests that include beverages, food, and a spot on the beach.
Vendors do hang out on the beach here, trying to sell you a t-shirt or a bracelet.
- Location: West of cruise port
- Driving time: 17 minutes
- Distance from port: 6 miles
MORE: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know
4. Coral Harbour Beach
Coral Harbour Beach is an undeveloped beach in the downtown area. It could be called a remote beach, with the tree line almost reaching towards the shoreline. Although it is a busy beach, it is a great place for picnics. Various local stalls are located along the shoreline to sell Kalik beer and traditional Bahamian dishes.
Moreover, the scenic Fort Montagu is located adjacent to Coral Harbour. In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can also enjoy horseback riding and fishing.
- Location: Southwest of cruise port
- Driving time: 30 minutes
- Distance from port: 15 miles
5. Goodman’s Bay
Another popular beach with cruise passengers visiting Nassau is Goodman’s Bay. This beach is also home to the US Embassy, which can help if you lose or misplace your passport.
- Location: West of cruise port
- Driving time: 11 minutes
- Distance from port: 4 miles
6. Love Beach
Love Beach is a short drive from the cruise port. It’s a small beach that’s famous for the scene from James Bond’s Thunderball. It’s also a nice place for a romantic day, and its white sand and blue waters are beautiful. There’s a shack on the beach with snacks and exotic drinks, and if you like the water, this is a great place to snorkel the reefs right off the coast. You can rent snorkel gear for a small fee.
- Location: West of the cruise port
- Driving time: 24 minutes
- Distance from port: 11 miles
7. Jaws Beach
Jaws Beach is located near Clifton Heritage Park. It is a hidden paradise that most tourists never visit — only locals. This beach is relatively undeveloped, and there are few facilities, so it’s a good option for families.
The area is managed by the Clifton Heritage Authority and has both rocky shorelines and sandy beaches. The Clifton Heritage center rents snorkel gear for you to explore the man-made and natural coral reef systems off the coast.
Because of its distance from downtown Nassau, this is a beach to go to escape the thousands of other cruisers and tourists who are spending the day on the island.
- Location: Far west end of the island
- Driving time: 33 minutes
- Distance from port: 16 miles
8. Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is a popular destination among cruisers and is within walking distance of the cruise terminal, a short walk down West Bay Street. While the island has friendly locals, they’re unlikely to be in the area to disturb you (unless they’re trying to sell you something).
You can swim in the crystal-clear waters of this beach and enjoy a romantic stroll on the white sand. There are food trucks set up along Junkanoo Beach offering local fares like conch and island beer.
Add added perk is you can see the cruise ship pier from Junkanoo Beach.
- Location: West of the cruise port
- Driving time: 6 minutes (15 minutes walk)
- Distance from port: 1.6 miles
9. Saunders Beach
Saunders Beach is another great beach in the Bahamas. It is close to downtown and has plenty of parking. The family-friendly beach boasts soft white sand and calm turquoise water. There are onsite restrooms and changing facilities.
Security guards are present on the beach, which makes it especially safe for families. However, if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, Saunders may not be for you because it is very popular with cruise guests.
- Location: West of the cruise port
- Driving time: 9 minutes
- Distance from port: 4 miles
10. Blue Lagoon
Another one of the most popular beaches is not located on the island of Nassau, but is accessible by boat and is extremely popular for cruisers. Blue Lagoon is a unique beach in Nassau off the mainland.
Often offered as a shore excursion from cruise ships or resorts, this is a tropical paradise. There are bars and restaurants on the island, too, and plenty of water sports on Blue Lagoon. Besides the blue waters, this beautiful beach is also home to a lazy river and slides, making it perfect for kids.
If there ever was a spring break beach, Blue Lagoon Island would be it.
- Location: Off the coast of Paradise Island
- Water shuttle time: 45 minutes
- Distance from port: 5 miles
11. Balmoral Island
Guests can enjoy a private island escape while taking a dip in the ocean and swimming with marine life. A 30-minute boat ride from downtown, Balmoral Island offers an elevated plunge pool and lounge area.
The Frozen Tropical Drink Bar serves signature frozen drinks and burgers, wraps, and sliders. The indoor food venue has a poolside bar where patrons can relax and enjoy the ocean views.
A terrace area offers views of the ocean and nearby islands. Loungers are available on a first-come-first-serve basis here, or you can rent a cabana for an extra fee.
- Location: Island north of Cable Beach
- Water shuttle time: 40 minutes
- Distance from port: 4 miles
Final Thoughts
Unless you are doing a day pass at a resort, these beaches in Nassau do not have towels or public showers. Expect to pay a nominal fee if you’d like to rent a chair or an umbrella.
The crystal clear waters of The Bahamas rival some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. As with any place you visit, stay vigilant at all times. The country has a strong police presence, and you can avoid risky areas by sticking to familiar beaches in Nassau.
READ NEXT: Nassau Cruise Port, What You Need to Know
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