A day at the beach – enjoying sun, sand and sea – is the number one reason millions of tourists from around the world visit the Bahamas. Sure, there are friendly Bahamians, historical attractions and a variety of fun activities… but the famous white sand Bahamas beaches are the islands’ greatest natural asset.
The Bahamas have more than their share of beaches. There’s lots of variety, so there’s something for every kind of sun worshipper or beach lover. Here is a list including the names and information on some of the most popular beaches in the Bahamas.
Abaco
Guana Beach – considered by some guidebooks to be one of the Bahamas’ best. It’s a white sand beach, all seven miles of it, and there are lovely palm trees at the edge. Just what you’d expect in a beautiful tropical beach!
Tahiti Beach – quiet romantic Bahamas beach is popular with couples and sailing enthusiasts. The Abacos are a boating and sailing paradise and this beach is ideal to access from the sea. You can also get to the beach by hiking or riding a bike along a gravel road. Cars can not drive on the road, which makes this beach one of the quiestest in the Bahamas. Be sure to bring your own food and water, you will find very limited facilities on the beach.
Treasure Cay Beach – boasts the endorsement of National Geographic magazine as a superb beach – one of the best in the world. It’s another white sand beach. The sand is pure and clean, sparkling white, and there are over three miles of beach to enjoy.
Bluff House Beach – secluded beach located on Green Turtle Cay set among 12 acres of lush palms and pine trees.
Gilliam Bay Beach – within a 15-minute walk from the main town of Green Turtle Cay, this gently curving slice of white sand is protected from the wind, making it ideal for swimming.
Abaco Inn Beach – located on Elbow Cay just a short walk from Hope Town, a quaint Bahamian village best known for its famous candy-striped lighthouse. The beach and the Atlantic Ocean are just steps from the Abaco Inn resort pool.
Cat Island
North Shore Beach – Five miles of pink sandy beach, with few visitors, make this beach an idea one for the independent traveler who just wants to relax in peace and harmony with the sea.
Fine Beach – Twelve miles of beach, pink sand, and peace and quiet.
Harbour Island
Pink Sands Beach – rated as one of the Caribbean’s best beaches by Caribbean Travel and Life magazine. It’s about three miles long, and as the name implies, the sands are pink. Combine that with blue water for a wonderful beach!
Grand Bahama Island
Fortune Beach – named for a shipwreck discovered there with a booty worth over $2 million, Fortune Beach is a quiet stretch of sand, five miles from the Port Lucaya Marketplace.
Gold Rock Beach – A white sandy beach that extends for over five miles.
Paradise Cove Beach – tucked away on the southwestern shore of the island, about 15 miles from the International Bazaar in Freeport. Paradise Cove is a quiet, secluded beach offering great snorkeling and beach volleyball. There is also direct access to Deadman’s Reef, where you can explore a myriad of marine life.
Taino Beach – Close to Freeport, this white sand beach is a great place for you to enjoy the beach with your family or indulge in your favorite water sports.
Xanadu Beach – One of the more popular beaches on Grand Bahama Island and very good for swimming. The calm waters and convenient access to restaurants and facilities in nearby Freeport makes this beach a favorite for families, despite the fact that it is one of the most crowded beaches on the island.
Exuma
Stocking Island Beach – White sugar sands and very few visitors make this a great beach. It’s in the Exumas Land and Sea Park.
Sandy Cay – Another sugar sand beach of tiny white granules. You’ll find seclusion here, and lots of shells to enjoy, too.
Nassau / New Providence
Cable Beach – Located on New Providence Island, this is one of the best beaches in Bahamas for travelers who want to stay near the shops, bars, and gambling outlets found on the island. Cable Beach is also a popular choice for families with children, due to its handy access to restrooms, hotels, and restaurants. The beach is about 4 miles long.
Caves Beach – Across from Cave’s Village, on West Bay Street about 7 miles from Nassau. It is a small but beautiful Bahamas beach, ideal for escaping the crowds of Nassau as fewer tourists frequent this beach due to its more remote location. There are no public restrooms or facilities of any kind, so be sure to plan ahead.
Love Beach – This is another small beach, lesser known and hence quiet and secluded. A great beach if you want to go snorkeling. You can book an excursion with a local dive operator and enjoy an abundance of coral and marine life, only a mile from shore.
Montague Beach – East of Paradise Island you will find Fort Montague and Montague Beach. This historic fort was constructed in the 18th century to guard the eastern entrance to Nassau Harbor. The beach is not the best for swimming but local vendors sell fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables year-round.
Sandyport Beach – Just west of Cable Beach, you’ll discover Sandyport Beach. Small, but usually secluded with good swimming. While you’re there, stroll across the small bridge to the Sandyport development and residential area where you’ll find a Bally’s gym, banking, shops, gas station and convenience store.
Saunders Beach – Although it is popular with visitors, Saunder’s Beach is a favorite for locals as well. Located just east of the Cable Beach resorts, it is lined by grand casuarina trees and provides a beautiful view especially at twilight.
Western Esplanade – This is one of the most convenient public beaches in Bahamas. If you are arriving by cruise ship or staying at a Nassau hotel, this is a great choice. You can walk to the Western Esplanade from the cruise docks in downtown Nassau in about 10 minutes. Sometimes referred to as Junkanoo Beach by the locals, it is one of the only beaches in the Bahamas where tourists will find public restrooms, changing areas and restaurants serving snack-type food and beverages.
Paradise Island
Cabbage Beach – The most popular beach on Paradise Island, Cabbage beach is perhaps the most consistently populated beach in the Bahamas, but there is plenty of sand and sea for everyone. Although the beach has a couple of is a public access points, it is inhabited mostly by guests of the hotels that line the northern shore of Paradise Island – including the Atlantis Resort, RIU and Comfort Suites. There are no public restrooms or changing facilites, only customers of the hotels or restaurants can use the bathrooms. Therefore, you’ll probably want to plan on having lunch at one of the hotel restaurants so you can take advantage of the facilites, especially if you are traveling with children.
Paradise Beach – This might be the nicest Bahamas beach on Paradise Island but it can be difficult to access, unless you live on the island year-round, or are a guest of the Atlantis Resort. Guests at the Cove at Atlantis use the little huts which are provided for a fee as a place to change, eat and get out of the sun.
These are some (but not all) of the best beaches in the Bahamas. Of course, each beach has something unique to offer, and there are many, many other attractive beaches. Be sure to let us know which ones you like the best!
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