Beaches in Nassau
Nassau's best beaches sit a short ride from downtown. Cable Beach on the west side is the most famous, with white sand, clear water and upscale resorts along it. Paradise Island, reached by ferry across the harbor, adds the long white sands of Cabbage Beach.
Places to go
Rose Island
Rose Island is a private island off Nassau used for beach days, with snorkeling and a resort on its shore. Most visitors go out by boat for the day from Nassau.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is Nassau's best-known beach, a long stretch of white sand on the island's northern coast. Upscale resorts line the shore, and beach clubs sit along the strip.
Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach is the Nassau beach nearest the cruise port, with harbor views and often something going on. It is a beach stop in Nassau, not a day trip.
Paradise Island
Paradise Island is a resort island linked to Nassau by a bridge across the harbor. Its powder-white beaches, large hotels and the Atlantis resort draw most visitors from the port.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most beach days here start with a short ride. Cable Beach can be reached by taxi, or you can take jitney bus 10 from Bay Street. The sand is white, the water is clear, and upscale resorts line the shore, with beach clubs along it. Plan on several hours in the sun, with lunch at a beach bar or resort.
Paradise Island is across the harbor. The port ferry leaves every 30 minutes, but only in a limited morning window, so check the timing before you set out. From the ferry, Cabbage Beach is a two-mile stretch of white sand and warm turquoise water. Junkanoo Beach offers harbor views and is an easy stop for a short break.
Where to go
- Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island. A two-mile stretch of white sand and warm turquoise water. By port ferry to Paradise Island, then walk. A trip that goes here: Private Rose Island Beach Escape and Snorkel, 3 Hours
Getting there
Cable Beach can be reached by taxi, and jitney bus 10 also serves it from Bay Street. Paradise Island is reached by the ferry, which crosses the harbor from the Ferry Terminal.
When to go
The beaches are open all year. The Paradise Island ferry runs only in a limited morning window, so plan a morning crossing and a return before the window closes.
Good to know
- Use only licensed yellow-plated taxis, and agree on the fare before you ride.
- Jitney fare is exact change, paid to the driver on leaving the bus, with no change given.
- US dollars are accepted at a 1:1 rate, so you do not need to exchange money.
- Bring sun cream, water and a towel, since the beaches have few shops nearby.
Questions
What is the best beach in Nassau?
Cable Beach is the most famous, with white sand, clear water and resorts along it. Junkanoo Beach has harbor views.
How do I get to Paradise Island beaches from downtown Nassau?
The ferry crosses the harbor to Paradise Island from the Ferry Terminal. It leaves every 30 minutes, but only during a limited morning window, so check the schedule before you go.
Is Cable Beach easy to reach from downtown Nassau?
Yes. Take a licensed yellow-plated taxi, or jitney bus 10 from Bay Street. Taxi drivers should agree on the fare first, since the meters are often not used.
