Bahamas / Beach Life

With 700 islands each ribboned with sand, the Bahamas has more than its fair share of excellent beaches. The sand – eroded from a limestone base capped with coral - is blindingly white and extremely fine, and the sea – the bluest in the region – is washed by currents on all sides, so the waters are crystal clear. The beaches near the hotels and developments on the main islands have facilities including bars and watersports, but in the Out Islands there is miles and miles of completely undeveloped beach that is ideal for walking or losing yourself. Sometimes beaches can only be accessed by boat (which can be arranged by your hotel). In this case you should take everything you need in the way of food and water.

Below is a selection of the best beaches around the Bahama islands.

New Providence and Paradise Island 

Lighthouse Beach - Close to downtown Nassau on the western esplanade leading out of town, a nice beach that can see a lively crowd.

Cable Beach - A few miles west of Nassau is Cable Beach, two and a half miles of excellent white sand with a string of large hotels. All beach activities and watersports, and the activity of the strip (nightlife, shops, casino) are right there.

South Beach - White sands stretch as far as the eye can see on one of the Bahamas' most beautiful beaches. On the south coast of New Providence. 

Paradise Beach - A short ferry ride from Nassau takes you over to Paradise Island, where this beach can be found on the north west shore. An active beach that gets busy. 

Grand Bahama 

Silver Point and Xanadu Beach - Located around Lucaya, these developed beaches are great for all sorts of watersports.

Williams Town - A great beach south of Freeport. Casuarina trees line the sands and there is excellent snorkelling and swimming. You can get a drink and a snack near by in Williams Town. 

The Outer Islands

Guana Cay Beach, Abaco - Fantastic sand on Great Guana Cay with excellent swimming and snorkelling. Opportunities to swim with dolphins. 

Pink Beach, Harbour Island, off North Eleuthera - A lovely three miles of pink sand with waves barrelling in off the Atlantic. Excellent walking beach.

Stocking Island, off Great Exuma - Offshore island with superb sand and a beach bar (it is also a popular yachting anchorage). Excellent snorkelling.