Many travelers visiting Nassau wonder about the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas. The truth is that because the area is full of stunning locations, identifying the “best beach in Nassau” depends on who you speak with, as well as what sort of atmosphere you’re looking for. However, there are some true standouts, so to make the process of identifying your favorite of the Nassau beaches easier, we’ve put together this post.
The following seven beaches all serve as contenders for the best beach in Nassau. For each destination, we’ll highlight its location and what the site offers. By the end, you should have a clear idea of which beach is best for you.
Read on to get started!
Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas: 7 Nassau Beaches
1. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island
While there are many contenders for the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas, Cabbage Beach is almost always a favorite. Located on Paradise Island, the nearby resort island that connects to the main island of New Providence by bridge, Cabbage Beach stretches for two miles (three kilometers) of the island’s northern shore.
Cabbage Beach may be the best beach in Nassau.
While resorts like Atlantis and The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort border the beach, Cabbage Beach is public. That means it should be free to visit. Just look for the public access point near RIU Paradise Island. Once on Cabbage Beach, wander east instead of west, as the crowds are much smaller.
Whether you swim, snorkel, or sunbathe, Cabbage Beach may be the best public beach in Nassau.
2. Pig Beach in Exuma
Exuma is home to some truly spectacular beaches.
While not technically in the capital, no list of the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas is complete without mentioning Pig Beach. Officially known as Big Major Cay, the so-called Pig Island is in Exuma, around 80 miles (128 kilometers) south of Nassau.
Besides offering stunning vistas, Pig Beach is home to the famous (and original) Swimming Pigs. When you sign up for an Exuma day trip with Bahamas Air Tours, you’ll see the pigs and the stunning beach they inhabit.
No Bahamas vacation is complete without a visit to Pig Beach.
While getting to Pig Island might seem arduous, air travel lets you touch down on the nearby island of Staniel Cay in 30 minutes. From there, you have plenty of time to see the pigs, as well as other beautiful sites in the area.
That makes Pig Beach the best beach in Nassau for cruisers and other day trippers.
3. British Colonial Beach
Downtown Nassau is home to a few of the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas, including British Colonial Beach. Located a short walk away from the famous Junkanoo Beach, British Colonial Beach may be the best beach in Nassau near the cruise port.
Many consider British Colonial Beach the best beach in Nassau near cruise port.
Devoid of the crowds found at many other beaches, British Colonial Beach offers an idyllic atmosphere right in the heart of Nassau. However, it is private, so to make full use of it, you’ll need to stay at either the British Colonial Hotel or Margaritaville’s One Particular Harbour. Thankfully, both of those accommodations are excellent, so consider staying at either property to enjoy British Colonial Beach.
4. Rose Island Beaches
Besides a Staniel Cay to Nassau day tour, Rose Island is another day trip you’ll want to embark on. Located a short boat ride away from New Providence, Rose Island is home to more of the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas.
As the island is only accessible via a day trip, you’ll find much fewer people at Rose Island than at other locations in the Nassau area. This makes it easy to fall in love with the beach and gives the feeling of being on a secluded island paradise.
Rose Island is secluded and beautiful.
Besides enjoying the beach, a Rose Island day trip lets you enjoy several other activities. The day tour gives you the option to don a snorkel and mask and swim around the island’s waters. Fish, turtles, and other sea creatures inhabit the nearby reefs, so this is something you won’t want to miss out on. Likewise, the island also has a couple of pigs that guides make run onto the beach and into the water. While the activity is fun to watch, just remember that these aren’t the real Swimming Pigs – those reside in Exuma!
5. Arawak Beach on Paradise Island
Arawak Cay, also known as Fish Fry, is a popular destination near Downtown Nassau. Not to be confused with the New Providence beach close to Fish Fry of the same name, Arawak Beach is on Paradise Island and is another contender for the best public beach in Nassau.
One of the highlights of Arawak Beach is the fact that it lacks the crowds of some other Nassau beaches. However, it remains one of the prettiest beaches in the capital area, so it’s one you’ll want to visit.
Arawak Beach is also near the Paradise Island Golf Course.
Another unique feature of Arawak Beach is that it lacks public access points and nearby resorts. The easiest way to reach it is by heading east past Cabbage Beach. Once there, you’ll likely be one of only a few other people, giving you full reign to enjoy the soft sand, the azure water, and the mesmerizing views.
6. Cable Beach
Cable Beach is, without a doubt, another one of the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas. Located west of the city on the northern coast of New Providence, the beach covers two and a half miles (four kilometers) of land. Featuring swaying palms, soft white sand, and azure water, it has everything you could ask for.
Besides being another contender for the best beach in Nassau for cruisers, Cable Beach is also a great location at which to stay. Bordering the sandy expanse are several of the top Nassau resorts, including Baha Mar, Sandals Royal Bahamian, and Goldwynn Resort and Residences.
7. Paradise Beach (Atlantis Beach)
Another private beach, Paradise Beach is true to its name. Located on Paradise Island and stretching out for a mile, Paradise Beach is another one of the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas.
To visit the beach, you’ll need to be a guest at one of the Atlantis hotels. The Cove and The Reef have direct access to Paradise Beach. If you’re staying elsewhere or are only visiting Nassau for the afternoon, Paradise Beach can also be considered the best beach in Nassau for cruisers. You can purchase a day pass to get access to it.
Paradise Beach is a highlight of Atlantis.
Given its connection to Atlantis Paradise Island, Paradise Beach is one of the livelier beaches in the Nassau area. You can expect crowds during the day, music, and various types of festivities.
While its location means more people, it also means better access to nearby amenities. Attractions like Dolphin Cay, Aquaventure Water Park, and the private Cove Beach are just steps away.
Nassau Beaches: Enjoy the Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Nassau Bahamas, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Between the beaches of New Providence to those of Paradise Island and other nearby locations, the capital area is full of vistas more beautiful than you can imagine. Browse the full selection of beaches in Nassau with our expert Nassau Beach Guide.
While the Nassau beaches are stunning, consider making a trip out to Exuma with Bahamas Air Tours for some real sightseeing. Besides getting to see the prettiest beaches in the Bahamas, you can also meet the Swimming Pigs, swim with nurse sharks, and see and do so much more.
Contact us and book a Nassau to Staniel Cay day tour today!
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