Cruising to Nassau-6 Best Beaches in Nassau for Cruisers in 2023

Are you cruising in the new year and want to discover some nice beaches in Nassau? Our list includes some of the most popular beaches on the island perfect for everyone. You’d be surprised to see the many quiet beaches that have many activities and facilities. Read on to see if you can find a favorite spot while cruising to Nassau.

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Can you cruise to Nassau Bahamas?

Yes, if you want an exciting adventure in the Caribbean as a family no matter where you are then cruise to Nassau in the Bahamas. There is plenty to see and do. You can swim with sharks, play with dolphins, or snorkel among coral reefs from a glass bottom boat from New Providence Island. Paradise Island is just across the bridge and makes good on its name with world-renowned hotels and resort facilities as well as stunning beaches with swaying palm trees.

Should I get off the boat in Nassau?

To make the most of your day in Nassau try to exit the boat as soon as it docks. Upon docking, you will need your ship card and possibly your passport to get off the boat. If you are taking a close-loop cruise, meaning you enter and exit from the same port, you don’t need a passport in Nassau. Remember, there can usually be five cruise ships coming in at once with up to 20,000 passengers entering the island. Take the early exit to beat the crowd on nassau public beaches and shopping streets.

Getting to Nassau Bahamas Beaches

The beaches in Nassau Bahamas are very popular among cruisers. Depending on the beach there are several options on how to get there; cabs, buses, excursions to the beaches, boats, and walking routes are all good options. If you are sailing on a cruise ship, you can easily take a local shuttle bus to a nearby beach. You will only have one bus change per trip. You may also take taxis to an island from the harbor. There are no ride-sharing companies in the Bahamas, so a taxi is the most convenient way to reach your destination without waiting.

Weather at the Best Beaches in Nassau near the Cruise Port

Nassau’s spring, fall, and winter seasons are generally mild and temperatures can vary between 66 degrees in the winter and 92 degrees (or higher) in the summer. Hurricane season is from June to November, so be aware of that when planning a trip to the Caribbean. The wettest month for Nassau is September and the driest is December. Rain usually comes and goes quickly on the islands.

1. Love Beach at Nassau Bahamas

Love Beach consists of soft white sands beaches and is an interesting place for anyone who wants to escape from the crowd but needs a little space to snorkel. The public beach is a 20-minute drive from the Bahama Nassau port, and a trip worth taking. You can snorkel there as long as the waters are calm. With water that is clear and beautiful, it’s an amazing place to relax and watch the world around you. The best way of experiencing the ocean is by walking along the coastline or through tide pools that flood each day with the tide.

There’s a famed pub called Nirvana on the beach. The entrance fee is $5 per person and the bar offers access to the bathrooms, the shower, and WiFi. Beer is $5, and other beverages are around $10. The staff at Nirvana are very welcoming.

How far is Love Beach from Nassau Cruise Port?

Love Beach is farther away from the harbor than most beach locations. If cruise guests want an escape from crowds, it’ll be an excellent solution if you’re looking for a fun beach day. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes to complete by jitney bus, and the beach is on the island’s west side of the northern coast.

What is the vibe of Love Beach?

You can hear Nirvana’s loud music, although the beach itself has a quieter feeling than the Junkanoo beaches. The beaches themselves are very beautiful. Love Beaches offers some of the finest snorkeling in Nassau.

2. Saunders Beach: Best Family-Friendly Nassau Beach

Saunders Beach has remained an unrecognized gem and deserves more attention. It’s one of the best beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for cruisers. This private beach is accessible at two points for the public and is a good choice for people who are seeking an escape from the crowds. It is a small and quiet beach, making it one of the best beaches for families.

Plus, there is a gas station near the beach where you can find snacks and sundries for your time in the sun. Saunders beach is great for swimming. A playground is also accessible for children, as well as a public restroom.

How do you get to Saunders Beach from the Nassau Cruise Port?

Saunders Beach is located between Junkanoo and Cable Beach on the northeast side of the island. You could walk, but it would be a long one. It would be about a 45min walk. The taxis take approximately fifteen minutes to get you there and the price is around $4 for the individual driver. The most affordable option is to take the Jitney. Riding a Jitney Bus #10 to the beaches is $1.25 and is a great way to feel immersed in the local culture.

What is the vibe of Saunders Beach?

Saunders beach is certainly more of a local beach instead of a tourist beach. It is less frequented by cruise visitors. This creates calmness and less stress. Saunders beach is perfect for traveling or exploring with children because of the playground and restrooms.

3. Junkanoo Beach: Closest to Bahamas Cruise Port

Junkanoo beach is among Nassau cruisers’ favorite beaches. This popular beach is easily accessible from the Prince George Wharf or the ferry terminal and has a vibrant feel with many interesting attractions to enjoy. There are public restrooms as well as restrooms in the local bars and restaurants. Since Junkanoo beach is only one mile from the cruise ports it is well within walking distance.

There are plenty of bright shacks offering snacks and drinks. You can play volleyball and enjoy music and there will be lots of other people nearby by midday. The beaches offer good value to those that want close access to the cruise ports.

How do you get to Junkanoo Beach from the Nassau Cruise Port?

Walk if possible! There are several short walk routes between Nassau’s cruise port and Junkanoo Bay. The city is well populated so there is little danger. When leaving the Bahama cruise port, turn right at Senior Frogs. You should stay on Marlborough Street and walk until you reach Junkanoo Beach.

The route from Prince George Cruise Port to Junkanoo Beach runs approximately 3.5 kilometers or 1 mile. You can get here within ten minutes. It is one of the closest beaches in Nassau near the cruise port.

What is the vibe of Junkanoo Beach?

Junkanoo beaches are busy. The music is intense and the atmosphere of partying is intense. The clean, blue waters and sands are beautiful though there is no solitude. This might not be the best beach for families. But it is a popular spring break beach.

Is Junkanoo Beach Safe?

Junkanoo beach is one of the more secure beaches in Nassau, Bahamas. The region attracts huge numbers of visitors, both from local beaches and cruise ships. The beach is located a few steps from the cruise ports and downtown Nassau, and you’ll likely see a ton of cruise ship passengers daily.

Things to do – Junkanoo Beach

If you do not have beach chairs, you can rent them for about $10 each. There are also snorkels and water sports equipment that you can rent while swimming at the beach. There are colorful shacks set up for food or rentals. Bahamian ladies are ready to deck you or your kiddos out with braids. Braids or even massages can be done on the beach. There are kayaks for rent as well.

Food and Drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) – Junkanoo Beach

The location being so close to the Old Town and cruise port offers countless ways of eating at Junkanoo Beach. The popular “Toki Huts” are situated on the beach and serve local specialties like conch burgers, fried fish, and ceviches. These colorful shacks selling food also offer drinks that can be significantly cheaper than the tourist restaurants in downtown Nassau like Senior Frog.

Beach and Water – Junkanoo Beach

The beaches of Junkanoo are more well known for convenience (located close to the cruise port), than for quality. Despite the clearness of the waters – the sand may not be as soft and powdery as some might like. You will find a more rock-like mix compared to other beaches around the Nassau cruise ports. Often sea glass is mixed with seawater, which might be nice if your family likes to hunt for beautiful sea glass on the beach. Many cruisers, though, enjoy softer white sand beaches. You’ll have to make the decision as to what kind of beach is best for you. Junkanoo is close to everything so it will not be a secluded paradise, but rather a social scene. The views at Junkanoo Beach are nice because you can see the cruise ships and boats coming and going.

Junkanoo Beach VIP Upgrade

Hilton Nassau Day Pass: If you are looking for a more luxurious beach experience closer to a Nassau cruise port, then go for the Hilton Nassau Day Pass. Next to Junkanoo beach lies an isolated stretch of coastline operated by Hilton Resorts. You get a private beach with clean seats and umbrellas, access to the pools, as well as food and beverage credit. It’s a perfect way to explore Nassau beaches. If you’re renting chairs or enjoying some food this upgrade is a reasonable choice. **Notice: This option is closed during their renovation period.**

4. Cabbage Beach: Best Thrill Seeking Beach Nassau

Due to its beauty and relative proximity to the port, Cabbage Beach is a great beach for cruise travelers. The area offers plenty of water sports as well as sandy white beaches and beach chairs. Jet skis or banana boat tours can be found on Cabbage beaches.

Cabbage Beach is located on Paradise Island and is free to the public. As you access the beach, be prepared to encounter lots of vendors vying for your business. Cabbage Beach is known for having rougher waters. There are safety flags posted but no lifeguards on duty, so just be careful of the current. This beach is best for adventure seekers wanting to play with water sports, and may not work for families especially with small children.

How do you get to Cabbage Beach from the Nassau Cruise Port?

Cabbage Beach is accessible via taxis and ferry; the fee will be $4.40 per person. Ferries are cheaper than taxis. In the case of the ferry, you can walk for about 10 minutes until you reach the free sandy beach or a taxi will take you to the free entrance to the beach.

Cabbage beach is approximately 3.4km from Nassau Cruise Port and lies on Paradise Island. It will take 15 mins by car to Cabbage beach.

Tell me the vibe of Cabbage Beach

These beaches attract cruisers and are quite busy. This is a tropical paradise that offers a lively atmosphere. There will be vendors looking to rent chairs and drinks. Once you get settled, you can enjoy the soft beach or try the water sports rentals.

5. Cable Beach: Best Beach Nassau for Resort Day Passes

Cable Beach is an incredibly popular beach in Nassau, Bahamas. It is west of the cruise ports and Junkanoo Beach. The white sand and clear blue water are gorgeous, and the beach is constantly packed with locals and tourists. The Cable Coast has plenty of activities for you to choose from including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and parasailing. There are many restaurants and bars near where you can relax. Cable beach is 2.5 miles of public access to enjoy.

How do you get to Cable Beach from the Nassau Cruise Port?

Cable Beach can be reached via taxis, which cost about $6.75 per person. You’ll enjoy a panoramic trip on New Providence Island, and the driver might give you some interesting information about the island while you ride.

Cable Beach is situated along the North shore of New Providence Island. The cruise terminal is a little over 3 km away from this location, which is a little further than walking distance. The journey takes 15-20 minutes on cable beaches.

What is the Cable Beach vibe?

Cable Beach is a popular tourist destination. It is home to one of the largest casinos on the island as well as numerous resorts and hotels. There are plenty of dining options and the resorts also sell day passes that allow you access to all of their beach accessories. Cable beach has an easy-going, up-scale vibe that everyone can enjoy.

6. Adelaide: the Underrated Best Beach in Nassau

Adelaide Village is an underrated beach at the western end of the island. It has a long history as a freed slave haven during the 1800s. This quiet getaway with its beautiful beach offers great relaxation. It’s not overcrowded and provides a relaxing ambiance.

Adelaide Beach is one of many public beaches, but in order to get there you will need to travel about 19km from downtown Nassau. It will take about 45 minutes using public transportation. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere might be worth the wait to enjoy this secluded beach.

What excursions should I take in Nassau?

There are so many exciting excursions available in the Bahamas in addition to the beaches and attractions. If you choose to book an excursion independent of the cruise ship, here are some of the best.

• Exuma Full-day Experience– Experience swimming with tropical pigs.
• ATV Island Tour- This ATV tour comes with a beach break and lunch. It also includes free pick up and drop off.
• Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour– This tour offers 6 venues for tasting local cuisine and cocktails while learning about the history and culture of Nassau.

Is Atlantis still an excursion?

You can still go to the Atlantis resort for the day. All non-resort guests must purchase a Day Pass to be on the property. The Day Pass allows you access to the Aquaventure water park as well as dining, casinos, shopping, pools, and beaches. Atlantis is one of the most luxurious resorts and can be one of the best excursions in Nassau.

Blue Lagoon Island, one of the best excursions in Nassau?

Another beach that is extremely popular with cruisers is Blue Lagoon Island. This is an excursion beach. The island offers package deals for animal encounters such as swimming with dolphins or a sea lion experience. The boat ride is approximately 20 minutes. This is often available on shore excursions from cruise ships and resorts and is advertised as a tropical paradise.

The island has dozens of bar-and-restaurant options, as well as snorkeling gear available on Blue Lagoon. Guests can admire the marine life in the coral areas along the coastline. Aside from the crystal waters, these beautiful beaches feature a lazy river and slide perfect for kids. There is also an adults-only excursion package for some grown-up beach fun.

Are beach cruiser bikes good to use in Nassau Bahamas?

According to its nickname “beach cruisers,” cruiser bikes are a very good way of traveling along the shore. Cruisers are durable in their balance and can easily endure the unsteady surface on sandy beaches and trails. The upright bicycles feature cushion-filled seat cushions that baby your bottom and a thick tire that rolls over road debris to avoid a puncture. Biking on the beach or taking a bike tour of downtown Nassau can be a fun family activity while in the Bahamas.

What Cruise lines Stop in Nassau Cruise Port?

There are many different cruise lines to choose from if you are looking to make a stop in Nassau Bahamas. Nassau is a popular island for day trips from cruise ships due to its close proximity to Florida and the plentiful beaches near Nassau. Here are some of the top cruise lines that make stops at the Nassau cruise port.

• Disney Cruise lines
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Holland America
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises

Not sure which cruise line to choose? Check out Cruise Critic to compare the different cruise lines, ships, trip lengths, and more.

Want some help booking your next cruise to Nassau Bahamas?

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What is your favorite beach in the Bahamas?

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