Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. While there are many private beaches on the island, there are also a number of beautiful public beaches that are free to enjoy. Here is a list of the best public beaches in Nassau, Bahamas.
Cabbage Beach
Cabbage Beach, also known as Paradise Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Nassau, and for good reason. It features two miles of white sand beach and clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Cabbage Beach is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, making it a great place to spend the whole day.
Activities
Cabbage Beach offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some popular activities include:
- Swimming - The calm, clear waters make Cabbage Beach ideal for swimming and cooling off in the ocean.
- Sunbathing - With its soft white sand, Cabbage Beach is a sunbather's paradise. Find a spot and relax or play beach games.
- Water sports - Parasailing, snorkeling tours, paddleboarding and kayaking adventures can all be booked from the beach.
Amenities
Cabbage Beach has excellent amenities and services for visitors including:
- Food and drink - There are restaurants, bars and food vendors right on the beach serving Bahamian specialties and tropical drinks.
- Beach chairs & umbrellas - These can be rented to provide shade and comfort on the beach.
- Showers and restrooms - Well-maintained public facilities are available.
- Lifeguards - The beach is staffed with trained lifeguards for swimmer safety.
Getting There
Cabbage Beach is located on Paradise Island, just across the bridge from downtown Nassau. It can be reached by:
- Taxi - The easiest way to get there. Taxis are readily available downtown.
- Bus - Public jitney buses can be taken to Paradise Island then a short walk to the beach entrance.
- Water taxi - Passenger ferries provide transportation from downtown Nassau to Paradise Island beaches.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is another popular public beach in Nassau. It is located just a short drive from the city center and offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, shops, and water sports rentals. Cable Beach is also home to several large resorts, but there is still plenty of space to find your own spot on the sand.
Hotels & Resorts
Some of the major hotels and resorts located on Cable Beach include:
- Sandals Royal Bahamian - Upscale all-inclusive resort known for its private offshore island.
- Breezes Bahamas - Family-friendly resort with extensive amenities and entertainment.
- Melia Nassau Beach - Contemporary hotel with lagoon-style pools and balcony views.
- Warwick Paradise Island - Lavish resort offering luxurious rooms, restaurants, and spa.
- Baha Mar Resort - Massive 3-hotel complex including a 100,000 sq ft casino.
Dining
Cable Beach offers no shortage of dining options for every taste and budget:
- All-inclusive resorts - Guests have access to multiple onsite restaurants.
- Restaurants at beachfront hotels - Range from casual to upscale dining right on the sand.
- Fast food & snacks - Kiosks and food trucks dot the beach serving quick bites.
- Fish fry stalls - Set up in the evenings selling traditional fried seafood dishes.
- Downtown Nassau - Just a quick taxi ride away for Bahamian and international cuisine.
Saunders Beach
Saunders Beach is a great option for families with children. It is a sheltered beach with calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and playing in the sand. Saunders Beach also has a playground and picnic tables, making it a great place to spend the day.
Facilities
Some of the facilities available at Saunders Beach include:
- Playground - Safe, enclosed playground area with slides and climbing structures.
- Picnic tables & grills - Scattered throughout for dining and BBQing.
- Restrooms - Clean, well-maintained restroom and changing facilities.
- Snack bar - Small concession stand selling food, drinks and beach gear.
- Parking - Decent sized lot right by beach entrance.
Activities
In addition to swimming, popular activities at Saunders Beach include:
- Sandcastle building - The fine, soft sand is perfect for sculpting.
- Beach volleyball - Volleyball nets set up for casual games and tournaments.
- Snorkeling - Calm waters allow for snorkeling around the rocky edges.
- Fishing - Can fish right from shore or hire a local guide.
- Water toys - Many beachgoers bring inflatables and toys for the kids.
Love Beach
Love Beach is a secluded beach located on the east side of New Providence Island. It is a popular spot for couples and honeymooners, but it is also a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Love Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beach and crystal-clear waters.
Scenery
Some defining features of the scenery at Love Beach:
- White sand beach - Fine powdery sand that squeaks when you walk on it.
- Clear waters - Calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Offshore cays - Small uninhabited islands dot the horizon.
- Seagrape trees - Provide shade along the shoreline.
- Coral reefs - Can be seen while snorkeling or on glass bottom boat tours.
Activities
Love Beach offers a range of activities in a peaceful setting:
- Sunbathing & swimming - The number one activity with plenty of room to spread out.
- Snorkeling - Explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life.
- Beach walks - Take romantic strolls down the long stretch of sand.
- Picnics - The perfect romantic meal with an ocean view.
- Photography - Breathtaking natural scenery provides endless photo ops.
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is a lively beach located in the heart of Nassau. It is a great place to people-watch and enjoy the local culture. Junkanoo Beach is also known for its annual Junkanoo parade, which takes place every December and January.
Junkanoo Festival
The Junkanoo parade is the highlight of the Junkanoo Festival held annually:
- Lively music - Goombay drummers and whistlers create a festive rhythm.
- Colorful costumes - Elaborately decorated and sequined.
- Dance troupes - Individuals and groups choreograph routines.
- Floats and props - Massive, brightly colored creations.
- Street food - Vendors serve up local Bahamian specialties.
Beach Activities
When there's not a festival happening, popular beach activities include:
- Volleyball - Join in a pickup game or watch pros play.
- Paddleboarding - Rentals available for cruising the calm waters.
- Snorkeling - Explore the underwater world just offshore.
- Shopping - Vendors along the beach sell souvenirs and local crafts.
- Nightlife - Nearby casinos and clubs come alive after dark.
Coral Harbour Beach
Coral Harbour Beach is a long stretch of beach located on the western side of New Providence Island. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Coral Harbour Beach is known for its calm waters and white sand beach. There are also a number of restaurants and bars located nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Some of the top attractions near Coral Harbour Beach include:
- Potter's Cay - Outdoor market famous for its conch salad and fried fish.
- Arawak Cay - Another popular spot for authentic Bahamian street food.
- Paradise Island - Luxury resort area just across the bridge.
- Ardastra Gardens - Zoo and nature park housing exotic animals.
- Fort Charlotte - 18th century fortress offering panoramic views.
Activities
Activities to enjoy at Coral Harbour Beach include:
- Swimming - Calm, gentle waves create ideal swimming conditions.
- Snorkeling - Spot colorful fish and coral reefs in the clear waters.
- Boating - Rent a boat, jet ski, or kayak and cruise the waters.
- Fishing - Try your hand at catching bonefish, snapper, or mahi-mahi.
- Beach sports - Play volleyball, soccer, frisbee, or paddleball on the sand.
Adelaide Beach
Adelaide Beach is a small, secluded beach located on the east side of New Providence Island. It is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. Adelaide Beach is known for its clear turquoise waters and white sand beach.
Seclusion
Some reasons Adelaide Beach remains secluded:
- Location - A bit off the main tourist trail away from downtown.
- Small size - Doesn't attract big crowds or development.
- Nearby private beaches - Wealthy homes and exclusive beaches nearby.
- No amenities - Lack of facilities and services keeps crowds away.
- Local vibe - Mainly visited by locals rather than tourists.
What to Bring
When visiting Adelaide Beach, it's recommended to bring:
- Food & drink - No vendors, so bring your own water, snacks, and picnic.
- Sun protection - Hats, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
- Beach gear - Umbrella, beach chairs, towels, etc.
- Snorkel gear - To explore the fish and coral reefs.
- Entertainment - Books, games, speakers for music.
Conclusion
Nassau has a number of beautiful public beaches that are free to enjoy. From the popular beaches of Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach to the secluded Love Beach and Adelaide Beach, there are options for every preference. With soft white sands, calm turquoise waters, nearby amenities, and plenty of activities, spending a day at one of Nassau's public beaches is an ideal way to experience the beauty of the Bahamas.
