TOP 12 Best Beaches in the Bahamas: From A Local's Perspective

Let’s be real, everyone wants to experience the most beautiful beaches when on vacation. And when it comes to beach selection the Bahamas creates a unique problem! There are too many to count, with over 700 islands and cays, so choosing the best beaches can be overwhelming. As a Bahamian growing up in this country we are pretty spoiled when it comes to beaches. That's why I’ve made this guide, to help you get away from the tourist traps and see the ones that matter.

NEW PROVIDENCE

1. Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island

Cabbage Beach is where locals go when they want a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities. The beach stretches for miles, offering soft sands and clear waters ideal for swimming and water sports. You'll find vendors offering parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling gear right on the shore. While it can get crowded, a short walk away from the main area often reveals quieter spots where you can relax.

2. Rose Island, Nassau

Rose Island is a beautiful island located east of Nassau. It has crystal-clear waters and soft white sands which create a welcoming spot for families and couples alike. It’s like a mini Exumas right next to Nassau but only a 15 minute boat ride away. A great option is to visit Sandy Toes which is an all encompassing experience. There you can swim with pigs, turtles and enjoy the peacocks that roam the property. With scheduled ferries and a daily buffet lunch arranged, it's an amazing option to have an out island experience while staying in New Providence.

3. Love Beach, Nassau

Love Beach offers a laid-back experience with vibrant coral reefs just offshore, making it a great spot to spend time off the beach snorkeling, having lunch and drinks. There is a beach side bar and restaurant called Nirvana’s which serves lunch and drinks all day. It is the best spot to park your car and access the beach. Locals often visit on weekends to enjoy the relaxed vibe and clear waters. You can walk all the way down the east end of the beach to a second restaurant for a more full restaurant experience called Soldemar.

Nassau Beachfront properties

GEORGETOWN EXUMA

4. Tropic of Cancer Beach, Exuma

Locals love the laid back vibe of Tropic of Cancer Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that often feels like your own private escape. The beach gets its name from the line that runs through it, marking the boundary of the tropics. The shallow waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and you might even spot a few sea turtles gliding by. There is a bar at the public entrance to the beach with charming ladies who will provide snacks and drinks all day long.

5. Stocking Island, Exuma

Stocking Island offers an escape from the typical tourist spots, with secluded beaches, hiking trails, and some of the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. The island is just a short boat ride from George Town, and many locals head here to relax, enjoy fresh conch salad at Chat 'N' Chill, spend the day at Coconut Club or have lunch at St. Francis Resort and Marina. On the north side there is a stunning beach which is never crowded where you can snorkel and enjoy a dip. The south side there is a protected harbour where there is a blue hole which is fun for children to snorkel on. It really offers a little bit of everything. On Sundays there is typically a Pig Roast at Chat and Chill where many locals come to have fun and play volleyball.

An amazing attraction at chat and chill are the stingrays that hang around the beach because of the Conch salad stand right next to the water. They are totally relaxed and are a fun activity for kids to see. If you sit down and wait they will swim over your feet, it's an avatar experience as they are like underwater dogs completely domesticated. An amazing attraction at chat and chill are the stingrays that hang around the beach because of the Conch salad stand right next to the water. They are totally relaxed and are a fun activity for kids to see. If you sit down and wait they will swim over your feet, it's an avatar experience as they are like underwater dogs completely domesticated.

Georgetown Exuma Beachfront Houses

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HARBOUR ISLAND

6. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island

This beach is quite famous but it is famous for a reason. It's the beach with the most pink sand in the country. I would say it's one of the most beautiful beaches that have raw beauty combined with access to fantastic amenities on it: you can get lunch or a drink from the beach and then can rent a horse and ride down the beach right after. During the day it screams white but if you pick up the sand you can see the pink sand bits in your hand. It’s huge so although there are amenities there is always space down the beach for you to sit in seclusion. You need to walk this beach at sunset. At that time the sun creates pink light which reflects off the beach and the whole beach looks pink. That with the turquoise background is just stunning. Thats why it is consistently used by designer magazines such as Vogue as their beach of choice for model shoots. The evening walks are peaceful and having something this wild and beautiful within a golf cart ride away from a top restaurant is unique in the Bahamas. What we locals do is at the end of the day go for a sunset walk and evening swim. Experience the pink beach and sky at full volume, have a swim, go home, get gussied up and go out for a fancy dinner. It’s something you will never forget.

Harbour Island Beachfront Houses

ELEUTHERA

7. French Leave Beach, Eleuthera

Known for its blush-colored sands and gentle surf, French Leave Beach is a favorite among locals. The beach is rarely crowded, offering a sense of seclusion. The waters are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding, and the surrounding area has a rich history waiting to be explored.

8. Surfer’s Beach Eleuthera

Surfer’s beach is a famous surf spot on Eleuthera. It is a 10 minute drive from Gregory town. It is atlantic facing. Known for its turquoise left point break. It works best with a westerly breeze. There is a friendly local surf community, which is nice to have others looking out for you when you are surfing on a remote island. There is a rustically made cabana on the dune which makes a great spot to observe the action and take photographs. The beach is pristine and always fun for walks and beach combing.

Eleuthera Beachfront Houses

ABACO

9. Treasure Cay Beach, Abaco

Treasure Cay Beach feels like stepping into a postcard. It’s three miles of powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters, which makes it ideal for families and those looking to relax. Many locals visit during the off-season when the beach feels almost private. You can enjoy a quiet picnic, take a long walk along the shore, or simply float in the shallow waters.

10. White Sound Beach, Elbow Cay, Abaco

Elbow Cay is one of the treasures of the Bahamas, with tons of activities to do, restaurants, local shops with locally made crafts. White Sound Beach is Atlantic facing and is a great option for families. It offers everything remote Bahamian beaches have but with incredible convenience. Plus, it's a five minute golf cart ride from town. It has a restaurant called On Da Beach Bar and restaurant which is a great place to have lunch and get drinks right from the beach. A great morning and lunch spot.

11. Elbow Cay Tahiti Beach, Abaco

Tahiti Beach is located on the southernmost point of Elbow Cay. It is a peninsula and feels like a sandbank. If you want a feeling of being remote while being on Elbow Cay, this is the beach for you. It catches both sunrise and sunset. It’s a fantastic place to do a sunset secession. Being on the inside of the barrier island it is protected from the atlantic should there be waves. It is accessible by boat or foot path. Arriving by golf cart will require passing through the Dorros Cove area, which is private property. Visitors have reported that the road leading to the beach is private beyond the Dorros Cove gate. Better to park and walk the paths or arrive by boat.

12. Atlantic Ocean Beach (Aka Nippers Beach) , Guana Cay Abaco

Atlantic Ocean Beach is known in the Bahamas as Nippers Beach. Made famous by the iconic Nippers Bar and Grill. It sits on the north side of Guana Cay. With pristine white sand and reefs scattered along the whole coast line. It is a great place to snorkel from the beach and with a short walk from nippers and you have the ability to enjoy the beach without interruption. But by the Bar itself it is only Fun Fun Fun. Nippers is famous for good music, good food and fun times. On the weekend it generates a crowd of locals and visitors. It is accessible by boat, golf cart and by foot a definite must see if you are on the Island of Guana cay.

Abaco Beachfront Houses

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