The Bahamas is known for some of the world’s most magnificent beaches with clear blue water and white sand. Approximately 6.6 million people visit the Bahamas every year. Nearly 75% of these visitors walk onto the shores of the Bahamas from a cruise ship.
Panoramic view of Nassau waterfront
The beaches in Nassau offer absolutely beautiful and offer stunning views. The sand is white and the water is crystal clear, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy some downtime. In addition, the weather is usually perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy on the beach. (If you’re traveling with kids, check out our separate post for families on things to do in Nassau.)
There are numerous gorgeous beaches in Nassau near cruise port to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for. As you will see, some of these beaches are more than a short walk from the cruise port. However, the island offers taxis, water shuttles, and beach excursions to take you to your destination.
Keep reading to discover 10 delightful Nassau beach options. Just don’t forget to pack up your essential items for a day in port!
Beaches in Nassau Near Cruise Port: Less Than 15 Minutes
Junkanoo beach in Nassau, Bahamas (December 2021)
Junkanoo Beach
Known as the “Spring Break Beach,” Junkanoo Beach gets a large influx of visitors throughout the year. The beach can be packed during the peak of the season, but it is an excellent choice for a convenient spot for beach fun and good food.
Junkanoo is lined with beach bars and yummy places to grab a bite to eat. It is also walking distance from the famous Straw Market, where tourists can find a vast array of local art and trinkets to take home as souvenirs. The beach also features convenient public restrooms and little vendors selling snacks.
You can get to Junkanoo Beach with less than a one-mile walk. The short walk will take you an average of only 15 minutes. Although it is close to the seaport, the party crowd may not be the most suitable for small children. After all, the beach is named after one of the most well-known island festivals that is centered around the life of the party.
Even though this beach is not great for families, if you are traveling in an adults-only group or with friends, this is a can’t-miss stop.
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Cabbage Beach
Although Cabbage Beach in no way resembles the item in the produce aisle, it is known as one of the best beaches in the Bahamas. The beautiful white and fluffy shoreline is perfect for quiet relaxation under a beach umbrella.
Cabbage Beach has calm waters, perfect for lounging on floats. Those who want a little more thrill can rent jet skis or parasails. Some of the best resorts in the Bahamas, such as Atlantis, The Four Seasons, and The Ocean Club, are near this beach.
You will find Cabbage Beach a little over 2.5 miles from the cruise port, making it a little too far to walk. However, it is only a short 15-minute drive if you can flag down a cab. If you are looking for a bit of exercise, you can take the walk all the way there for a more direct route. Also, you can find several tour options that will combine a visit to this beach with other fun activities.
The quiet and relaxing atmosphere offers an excellent location for families looking to soak up the sun or participate in fun water activities. Given its proximity to the cruise port, this is an ideal spot for those who are time conscious but still want to enjoy their island time.
Morning waves at Cabbage Beach (Nassau, Bahamas)
Saunders Beach
This quiet beach is devoid of large resorts and thrill-seeking jet skiers, making it perfect for those looking for quiet relaxation. Saunders Beach is a great family-friendly atmosphere, making the short 11-minute drive worth it for families with small children.
Saunders Beach features artificial swimming coves, so younger kids do not have to fight strong waves or currents. Playgrounds give young kids something fun to do while parents get to enjoy the beautiful island scenery. The beach does have public restrooms and showers, so beachgoers can get cleaned up before returning to the Nassau Cruise Port.
The minor downside to this beach is the lack of food vendors and loungers. Make sure to pack for this spot accordingly. Regardless, the trip won’t be a disappointment, and the kids are sure to have a blast.
Goodman’s Bay
Goodman’s Bay is only 4 miles from the Nassau Cruise Port, making for a short 11-minute car ride. Tourists frequent the beautiful beaches.
A good thing to note about Goodman’s Bay is that it is home to the island’s US Embassy. If you find that you have misplaced your passport or have some other problem, you will need to know where to find some assistance. The US Embassy can help you with any concerns you may have and can assist you if there’s a sticky situation you’d like to address.
Beaches in Nassau Near Cruise Port: Less Than 30 Minutes
Cable Beach
As one of the Bahamas’ most famous beaches, these flawless sandy shores of Cable Beach attract a lot of visitors. Don’t worry, there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy some relaxation. Cruisers can find this beach about 6 miles west of the cruiser port, much too far to walk. However, it is less than a 20-minute drive.
Cable Beach features some of the most well-known all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas. The beach offers numerous water sports activities to keep the kids busy while mom and dad relax on the warm white sands.
If you want to get your vacation poker on, Cable Beach is only a short distance from Baha Mar Resort, the home of the Bahamas’ largest casino. While not the quietest beach, it is an excellent option for families and kids of all ages- especially if you want to get away from the main ports for a while.
Morning view of beach and ocean in Nassau
Caves Beach
This beach is named after the unique cave system that once provided refuge for natives of the Bahamas. Located due west of Cable Beach, it will take about a 20-minute car ride to reach Caves Beach.
Caves Beach does not get much foot traffic, making it a quiet getaway. The caves that once sheltered Indians now offer beachgoers comfortable shade from the hot sun, not to mention some pretty unique exploring opportunities.
The relaxing shoreline is a short walk across the street to various food and drink restaurants. The slightly longer journey is often best to get away from the crowd at the cruise port. The further away you get, the more quiet and relaxing the beaches get. In addition to the seclusion, you often get more exposure to the local vibes.
Beaches in Nassau Near Cruise Port: 30 Minutes or More
Coral Harbour Beach
Coral Harbor Beach boasts some of the most breath-taking blue waters that the Bahamas has to offer. The soft white sands are peppered with tower palm and Australian pine trees that cast shade on hot beachgoers.
This beach offers many fun activities for the whole family, including horseback adventures through beach trails to make the most of the gorgeous island views.
Located on the island’s south end, you will most certainly have to take a 30-minute car ride to reach this beach. Although, it is well worth the trip for families looking for unique fun.
Jaws Beach
Jaws Beach, managed by the Clifton Heritage Authority, is located on the island’s far west side. It will take about 35 minutes by car to reach the beach. However, the distance from the cruise port makes it a perfect escape from the crowded tourist centers.
The shoreline features both rocky and sandy landscapes. The Clifton Heritage Authority rents out snorkeling gear for those wishing to discover unique ocean life. Please look into the regulations regarding snorkeling before you schedule a time to go, as you may have to complete prerequisite courses before gearing up to snorkel.
The quiet and crowd-free beach is a perfect spot for families of all ages.
Love Beach
The name fits the spot to a “t” as the Bahamas’ only nude beach. Obviously, Love Beach is not a spot for kids. However, this crowd-free beach could be a good option for vacationing couples who are looking for a secluded and quiet place to relax and enjoy a beautiful beach.
The shallow, warm waters are great for snorkeling and lounging. A 40-acre coral reef makes seeing unique ocean life a guarantee. The beach does have some great fresh food close by for when you snorkel up an appetite. If you find yourself at Love Beach, drop by one of its well-known restaurants, Nirvana.
You will find this beach about half an hour of drive time west of the downtown area and cruise port. While not the most conveniently located in comparison to Junkanoo Beach, it is a great option for those looking for this type of secluded and romantic experience.
Adelaide Beach
If you are trying to make a quick trip during shore time, this may not be the place for your family. Located on the southwestern side of the island, you will take a 40-minute cab ride to reach this beach.
Adelaide Beach is more quiet and more secluded than most other Nassau beaches. And, it has a distinctive history in that it was settled by a group of 157 slaves freed from an illegal slave ship.
You won’t find many tourists or locals roaming the sandy shores. This makes for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown and the cruise port. The lack of foot traffic helps ensure a safe and accessible place to keep an eye on small kids.
There are no public restrooms, showers, or food vendors, so make sure you pack accordingly with adequate food and drink to withstand your stay. Adelaide Beach is a must-go for families of all ages if you have the time.
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for a great beach to visit while in Nassau, look no further! Our list includes some of the best beaches that are perfect for families. And, since they’re all so close to the cruise port, you won’t waste your limited shore time getting there. Just choose the beach that sounds best to you and enjoy a day in the sun and sand.
