Around The Caribbean contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our privacy policy for more information.
Chances are if you are reading this article, you are heading to the beautiful Caribbean island of the Bahamas.
Nassau is the capital city situated on the island of New Providence which is a popular cruise stop in the Caribbean.
The destination is blessed with a landmass of 5,359 square miles with about 700 islands, cays and islets.
In this post, we explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in Nassau, Bahamas on a cruise.
These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island.
Junkanoo Beach is the beach located nearest to the cruise terminal. Its calm and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginner swimmers and children. There are restaurants, changing rooms and showers in the vicinity. Water sporting gears such are jet skis are available for rent.
1. Junkanoo Beach
Located only 1.5km away from Nassau cruise port, this beach is named after the most famous festival on the island.
Visitors enjoy this beach for its white sand and shallow clear waters. Due to its proximity to the cruise port, the location is usually crowded during the cruise season.
In terms of comforts, Junkanoo Beach has several seaside restaurants and bars servicing beachgoers, and there are also colorful shacks selling food and beverages on the shore and public restrooms.
Additionally, there is a market within walking distance with vendors offering everything from hand-crafted Bahamian hats and rugs to shell jewelry and wood carvings.
2. Cable Beach
Cable Beach is an exceptional location for walking and exercising due to its smooth white sands.
Located only 9 km from the cruise port, Cable Beach possesses essential amenities.
Furthermore, it is an excellent beach for water sport activities as you can rent jet skis and paddle boards.
Cable beach is accessible by taxi or Jitney bus. The cost of the bus is $1.25 per person and takes around 20 minutes to reach the seaside from downtown Nassau.
As with Junkanoo beach above, this location can be crowded during busy periods.
Vendors usually have items on sale, including chair and umbrella rentals.
3. Saunders Beach
Situated approximately 3.5 km from the cruise port, Saunders Beach is a lovely family spot located between cable beach on West Bay Street and downtown Nassau.
The beachfront, which features silky white sands, is famous for its serene, transparent waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or playing.
The beach has bathrooms and a gas station nearby where you can purchase drinks and snacks.
Despite its closeness to the city, Saunders Beach is not a popular location and is perfect for persons seeking quietness and peace.
There are always safety guards at this location, so rest assured that there is security.
For families, this beach is an excellent option as it has an artificial cove for swimming and a playground.
The waters are shallow for the kids to swim and a small park for them when they desire to get a break from the sea.
You can reach the beach by heading to the number 10 or 12 Jitney buses for only $1.25.
4. Love Beach
Love beach is an excellent snorkeling spot found around 18 km from Nassau Cruise Terminal on New Providence Island.
This beach is situated in an exclusive residential community on the Northeastern side of the island and contains a lovely 40 acres of coral reef around a mile offshore.
The coral reef and rocks located offshore work, as a wall protecting the shore from powerful waves. This, in turn, makes crystal clear peaceful shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
The beach’s reef is abundant with colorful fish and aquatic life and provides an excellent snorkeling experience for every kind of snorkeler.
If you feel for a snack, Nirvana is the spot to visit for its famous Caribbean snacks and beverages.
Beach chairs are also available for rent.
You can reach Love Beach by number 10 jitney bus from downtown Nassau .Please note the buses stop operating at about 5 pm, so plan your tour accordingly.
So carry your snorkel gears and other seaside paraphernalia and savor an excellent day on Love beach.
This beachfront seldom gets crowded, so you’re guaranteed a peaceful coastal experience.
5. Cabbage Beach
Cabbage beach has been often named among the most stunning shores in the Bahamas and has garnered positive reviews globally.
It is located in Paradise Island, Nassau between the Paradise Island Resort and the famous Atlantis Hotel.
The 2-mile expanse of coast features crystal clear turquoise water with a pristinely soft white sandy shore bordered by swaying palm trees.
Additionally, many elegant resorts and celebrity homes are located in the vicinity.
The beachfront is public and has vendors leasing umbrellas and chairs.
Nevertheless, if you desire to access showers and bathrooms, you should purchase beverages or snacks from one of the several restaurants at the resorts.
While visiting Cabbage Beach, it is prudent to exercise caution as the water tends to be rougher than other beaches on the island.
There are zones that are dedicated for swimming, therefore, read and pay close attention to signs. Lifeguards are stationed on this beach for your added safety.
Final Thoughts
We trust that you found the information above valuable as you enjoy the beach while on a Caribbean cruise in the Bahamas.
Due to its location, The Bahamas can experience tropical hurricanes during the season which commences in June and ends in November annually.
Therefore, if you are planning a trip to the island, travel insurance is recommended.
Hurricanes Dorian and Nicole made landfall on the archipelago in 2019 and 2022 respectively
Need More Information?
Feel free to browse our website for more content on The Bahamas and the rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page.
We believe that the article listed below may also be helpful.
Can You Use US Dollars In The Bahamas? ( Here’s The Truth)