Beaches · Nassau · Bahamas
The best beaches in and near Nassau
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ahodges7, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Cabbage Beach (About 15 minutes by taxi from downtown). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
About 15 minutes by taxi from downtown · A classic long beach day
1.Cabbage Beach
Long white-sand beach on Paradise Island's north shore with water sports near Atlantis and quieter sand to the east.
About 10 km west of downtown · Families and resort guests
2.Cable Beach
Gently curving beach in front of the western resort strip, with generally calm, swimmable water.
5–10 minutes' walk from downtown · Cruise passengers
3.Junkanoo Beach
Small, lively beach a short walk from the cruise piers, with bars and loungers.
About 20–25 minutes by car west of downtown · Snorkelling
4.Love Beach
Quiet northwest-coast beach with a reef close enough to reach by swimming.
About 8 km west of downtown · Local atmosphere and families
5.Goodman's Bay
Public beach park between downtown and Cable Beach with shallow water, picnic shelters and a jogging path.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C (75°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| February | 24°C (75°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| April | 25°C (77°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| November | 26°C (79°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| December | 25°C (77°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for families, luxury, beach and nightlife
Paradise Island
Linked to Nassau by two bridges, Paradise Island is home to the Atlantis resort's water park, aquarium and casino, as well as quieter luxury hotels and Cabbage Beach, the longest beach on this side of the island. The Marina Village and Hurricane Hole areas have restaurants and yachts.
- Good
- Best beaches close to town; Atlantis water park and aquarium; Upscale dining
- Watch out
- Very expensive; Resort-centric and crowded in high season; Bridge toll and taxi costs into town
- Nearby
- Atlantis Aquaventure, Cabbage Beach, Versailles Gardens, Marina Village
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Jitneys leave from around Bay Street downtown and run along West Bay Street to Cable Beach and beyond; there are no jitneys onto Paradise Island.
- Ferry — Water taxis run between Prince George Wharf and Paradise Island throughout the day, a scenic alternative to a taxi across the bridge.
- Car — Rental cars and scooters are available; driving is on the left and traffic downtown can be heavy.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in November–May. The busiest of those is March, so book early.
Beach safety
Tourist areas are generally calm, but petty theft and bag-snatching occur, and some neighbourhoods away from the tourist zones are best avoided at night. Use licensed taxis, keep valuables out of sight on beaches, and respect red flags on beaches with currents. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Nassau have beaches?
Yes: Cabbage Beach, Cable Beach, Junkanoo Beach, Love Beach and Goodman's Bay.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Nassau?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Nassau?
Cabbage Beach: Long white-sand beach on Paradise Island's north shore with water sports near Atlantis and quieter sand to the east.