Sandals Barefoot Cay

The Sandals Royal Bahamian private island has a couple of names and several ways to reach it. But if you’re looking for secluded natural beauty, you can’t go wrong with Balmoral Island Nassau. 

The Sandals Royal Bahamian private island is one of many stunning islands in the archipelago. Located just off the coast of New Providence, Sandals Barefoot Cay has beautiful beaches, opportunities to interact with wildlife, and fewer crowds than many parts of Nassau. Plus, you don’t need to be a Sandals guest to visit the island! 

Sandals Royal Bahamian Private Island: Visit Sandals Barefoot Cay

Balmoral Island Nassau: A History

Nassau has a history that goes back hundreds of years. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the capital area became the tourist hotspot it is today.

In the second half of the 20th century, real estate tycoons and property developers began constructing luxury hotels on New Providence and the surrounding islands. This transformed the region, with previously quiet locations like Paradise Island becoming world-famous. The Sandals private island Bahamas is a product of these developments. 

Today, Sandals Barefoot Cay is home to a host of luxurious accomodations.

Today, the western portion of the island is called Balmoral Island Sandals. This is the portion that cruise passengers can visit. The island’s eastern portion is Sandals Barefoot Cay, which features areas exclusive to guests staying at Sandals.

While the two sides offer different vibes, the island in its entirety is beautiful regardless of which you visit! 

What to Do at Sandals Barefoot Cay

Stay at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort

Sandals Royal Bahamian resort offers top-tier luxury.

To enjoy the best of the Sandals Royal Bahamian private island, you’ll need to stay at the Sandals Resort. An all-inclusive property featuring stunning villas, numerous pools, and 13 dining options, the resort is incredible in and of itself. However, having full and convenient access to Sandals Barefoot Cay is the cherry on top.

Whether you choose to enjoy a massage at the Red Lane Spa, sample local delicacies at the Aralia House, or simply lounge on the stunning private beaches, a trip to the Sandals Royal Bahamian private island guarantees a wonderful experience. 

Staying at Sandals gives you easy access to the Sandals Royal Bahamian private island.

Explore Balmoral Island Nassau

The Balmoral Island side of the Sandals Royal Bahamian private island can get a bit busy when several cruise ships are in Nassau. However, since there are many things to do on the island, it’s possible to find your own more secluded location. 

There are five excursions that travelers can sign up for:

• Beach Break
• Beach Break With Lunch
• Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day
• Dolphin Swim With Beach Day
• Stingray and Beach Day

Note that prices vary between cruise lines, and not every line offers each of the five tours. 

Besides the excursion you select, Balmoral Island Nassau is also home to rentable paddleboards and snorkel gear, food and beverage options, and private cabanas. 

Balmoral Island Nassau offers fun excursion opportunities for travelers.

Getting Into Balmoral Island Sandals

As mentioned, there are two ways to reach the Sandals Royal Bahamian private island. Travelers can either stay at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort or visit the island on a cruise. Additionally, certain resorts also provide access to Balmoral Island Nassau (the non-Sandals portion).

If you’re staying at Sandals, it’ll only take you around five minutes to reach the Sandals private island Bahamas. You’ll then have access to all of the island’s amenities, including the private ones. 

A ferry is the only way to reach Balmoral Island and Sandals Barefoot Cay.

Travelers visiting the Bahamas on a cruise can sign up for a trip to Balmoral Island Sandals through their cruise lines. The same goes for guests staying at other resorts, like Baha Mar. There are several ferries scheduled throughout the day, making the experience easy to fit into your schedule. 

Ticket prices vary between cruise lines but tend to start at around $50 (as of 2024*) for the standard Beach Break With Lunch excursion. 

The island is open seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm. 

Getting Around the Sandals Private Island Bahamas

Once you’re at the Sandals Royal Bahamian private island, you’ll have a minimum of a couple of hours to explore. Sandals guests can enjoy the island’s many exclusive amenities, while cruise passengers can enjoy the standard ones. 

If you sign up for a special excursion like the Dolphin Encounter, part of your afternoon will also be spent doing that. 

Make sure to keep track of time, if you’re a cruise passenger, as you want to ensure you arrive back at your boat before it departs!

Private beach access is reserved for guests from certain resorts.

Our Travel Guide Suggests… 

Baha Mar guests visiting the island won’t be able to access the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort amenities. However, there is a VIP section, as well as a private beach! 

Sandals Royal Bahamian Private Island: Enjoy the Ultimate Island Experience 

Travelers looking for a unique experience in the Nassau area should consider visiting the Sandals Royal Bahamian private island. Whether you’re staying at a New Providence resort or are touring the Bahamas on a cruise, the island offers many attractions that make the country famous. 

From nearby Rose Island and Pearl Island to the Exuma Cays, Nassau is full of excellent day trip locations. To learn more about the top attractions in the country, check out our other travel posts and interactive Nassau map.