What it's like
Junkanoo Beach is a beach in Nassau. It sits within sight of the harbor, and the town's festival spirit spills onto its sand. Junkanoo itself is a street parade that starts in the early hours and is the National Festival of The Bahamas, with roots in the days of slavery.
A visit is simple. Walk over from downtown, find a spot on the sand, and watch the harbor traffic. Downtown Nassau is close enough to explore on foot afterward. For more of the festival, the Junkanoo Edu-Culture Museum explains the music, costumes and dancing behind the celebration.
Good to know
- Junkanoo is prepared for months and climaxes in a night event, so the timing of your visit matters if you want to see it.
- Outside the Christmas and New Year holidays, some local venues feature Junkanoo performances.
- Ride only in licensed yellow-plated taxis, and pay jitney fare to the driver in exact change.
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.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Downtown Nassau
Downtown Nassau is the historic core of the capital, a compact grid of colonial buildings, monuments, murals and museums. Most of it is best seen on foot, one street at a time.
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.
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.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Beaches
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
