Top Beaches in The Bahamas
Considering the fact that The Bahamas is comprised of over 700 islands, it should be no surprise that the country is one of the Caribbean’s leading beach destinations. The striking contrast between the dark blue Atlantic waters and the hypnotizing hues of the country’s shallow turquoise seas have even become a treat for astronauts to behold from space.
However, you won’t need a rocket ship to experience the gin-clear waters that The Bahamas is famed for. With multiple islands to choose from, each with its own attractive quirks and qualities, the beaches here are varied and can cater to the wants of any traveler.
1. Surfer’s Beach
When thinking of surfing destinations, The Bahamas probably wouldn’t come to mind in the same way as California or Hawaii. Nevertheless, with many of The Bahamas’ islands featuring a shoreline directly bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, surfing in The Bahamas is possible and often ideal. Surfer’s Beach, found on Eleuthera, offers a unique surfing experience not typically enjoyed in The Bahamas.
This beach is about two miles south of Gregory Town and is furnished with a charming beach shack that’s been built out of driftwood. Additionally, it features a stretch of powdery white sand shoreline that Caribbean islands are renowned for.
Planning tip: The optimum surfing conditions at Surfer’s Beach are from September to February. The trade winds bring increased gusts during this time of year and enhance surf action on the island’s windward coast.
2. Junkanoo Beach
What Junkanoo Beach lacks in privacy and seclusion, it makes up for in convenience and excitement. This stretch of sand is found in the heart of the bustling city of Nassau on New Providence, The Bahamas’ largest island in terms of population.
The beach itself is just a short five-minute walk west of the city’s cruise port, which is the busiest in the country. As you’d expect, this beach can get crowded, offering numerous beach activities and nearby vibrant bars.
Despite the crowds, the clear blue waters at this beach remain a delight to the eyes.
3. Tropic of Cancer Beach
The Exumas are a chain of islands within The Bahamas, numbering over 300. The Tropic of Cancer beach is located on Little Exuma and is the island’s longest beach. This beach, named after the line of latitude that crosses the island at this point, is a spectacular stretch of bleached white sand and brilliant turquoise waters.
The temptation of swimming at the northern border of the earth’s tropical region can’t be avoided, and the lack of amenities offers a level of peace and privacy that is hard to match.
4. Dean’s Blue Hole Beach
Dean’s Blue Hole is a record-setting large marine cavern system found off the shores of Long Island. This blue hole is surrounded by a naturally occurring limestone rock amphitheater on three sides, attracting free divers from across the globe. One side features a shallow lagoon and beach, making it one of Long Island’s most attractive beaches.
The allure of sitting on the edge of the world’s second deepest blue hole while mere feet away from the shore is this beach’s true attraction.
5. Fortune Beach
A quiet tract of white sandy beach, Fortune Beach is found in Freeport on Grand Bahama. Its location between two channels makes it ideal for beach activities like kite surfing. The true appeal of this beach is found at low tide when a sand bar appears just feet from the shore.
6. Pink Sands Beach
While powdery white sand beaches are common in The Bahamas, pink sand beaches are less so. The most renowned is Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island’s Atlantic coast. This captivating stretch offers visitors a unique experience of pink sand meeting turquoise seas.
Horseback riding along the shores enhances its unique appeal. Planning Tip: During the months of November through March, Harbour Island can be quite busy.
7. Gordon’s Beach
Located at the southern end of Long Island, Gordon’s Beach is a mesmerizing place where the sky meets the ocean. While it is far from most resorts, the drive south offers a breathtaking adventure. This remote stretch of sand offers a feeling of heaven on earth.
8. Gaulding Cay Beach
A stroll along Gaulding Cay Beach offers peace of mind that is unparalleled. Located along the shores of the Bight of Eleuthera, it is a calm alternative to beaches found on Eleuthera’s rugged Atlantic coast. The best time to visit is at low tide when visitors can walk to the small island that gives the beach its name.
9. Long Bay Beach
San Salvador Island’s Long Bay Beach perfectly marries picturesque enchantment and historical significance. This beach, also called Landfall Park, is where Columbus is believed to have first landed in the “New World.”
Visitors can find numerous monuments commemorating this historic landing, enhancing the beach’s significance.
