Never A Dull Moment At Junkanoo Beach (Plus 8 More Amazing Beaches In Nassau!)

The Bahamas and beach vacations go hand in hand. This breathtaking tropical archipelago is home to countless enticing stretches of sand—so many, in fact, that it’s hard to keep track!

If you’re planning a vacation in The Bahamas, you’ll be glad to know that many of its beaches are world-renowned and well worth a visit. That means you won’t have to look far to find just the place to unwind, recharge, and soak up the sunshine.

Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet, rugged coastline where you can reflect and reconnect with nature, or you’re in the mood for a livelier beach scene filled with music, energy, and new friends—you’ll find plenty of options in Nassau, starting with the always energetic Junkanoo Beach!

Picture: Swim right up to a romance at Sandals Royal Bahamian, where private vibes set the tone. It's all part of your all-inclusive romantic getaway—and yes, the champagne’s on us.

Love to sip on bottomless cocktails? Book a beachfront all-inclusive resort in The Bahamas, and enjoy themed dining, multiple bars including swim-ups, day and night entertainment, and more—all without ever reaching for your wallet. No tabs, no tips, no worries!

What to Expect at Junkanoo Beach

Life’s a party at Junkanoo Beach. Located just across from Arawak Cay in Nassau, this vibrant beach is known and loved for its festive atmosphere—so much so, it’s often referred to as ‘Spring Break Beach’.

Junkanoo Beach is open to the public and regularly attracts locals and visitors alike. From spirited beach games to music-filled gatherings and beachside celebrations, there's always something happening on these shores. Much like Western Esplanade Beach, Junkanoo is conveniently located near the Nassau cruise port—just a 15-minute walk away.

If you visit Junkanoo Beach during your Bahamas getaway, you’ll be drawn in by the infectious energy and brightly colored beach bars and shacks serving up drinks and local bites. The captivating backdrop of soft white sand and crystal-clear Bahamian waters makes it easy to see why so many visitors come back again and again. Whether you stay for a few hours or linger all day, Junkanoo Beach delivers an experience that’s equal parts lively and laid-back.

Expert tip: Heading to Nassau in The Bahamas? Here’s a list of the best beaches in Nassau and some of the best things to do in Nassau.

What to Do At Junkanoo Beach

At Junkanoo Beach, you can kick things off with water sports or dive straight into the lively entertainment. For lunch and good vibes, Señor Frogs and the Tiki Bikini Hut are top picks right on or near the beach. The latter is a cozy tiki bar known for its talented bartenders and lively Bahamian Junkanoo flair. With the official Junkanoo celebrations taking place between December and January, the festive energy on this beach really ramps up during the holiday season, with even more events and activities on offer.

Who It’s Best For & How to Get There

Junkanoo Beach is suitable for couples, solo travelers, and families alike—especially those looking for an upbeat beach scene with easy access to food, drinks, and entertainment. That said, it may not be the top pick for couples or families seeking a more serene, tucked-away beach day—but it’s ideal for travelers who want to be right in the heart of the action!

How to get there: Junkanoo Beach is just a 10–15-minute walk from the downtown cruise ship port, so you can easily stroll over or hop in a cab. If you’re walking, the easiest route is to head west along Woods Rogers Walk or Bay Street. Keep an eye out for signs along the way—they’ll point you in the right direction.

Good to know: Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available on Junkanoo Beach starting at USD$10.

Eight Beaches in Nassau That Are Better for Relaxing and Snorkeling

Junkanoo Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Nassau for a reason: it’s the place to see and be seen—and maybe enjoy one too many cocktails while island beats spill from colorful beach shacks.

But if you’re after a more laid-back and authentically Bahamian beach day—complete with mesmerizing scenery and great snorkeling—these eight beaches might be more your speed:

1. Cable Beach

Best beach in Nassau overall.

Distance from Cruise Port: 20 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: Sandals is located on this beach.

Picture: Sandals Royal Bahamian is an adults only, all-inclusive resort located on Cable Beach in The Bahamas.

Cable Beach in Nassau is one of the most gorgeous stretches of sand and sea in The Bahamas. With striking white sand and calm turquoise seas, at Cable Beach, you’ll find plenty of room to roam and lots of beachside activities.

Out on the water, there’s no shortage of adventure at Cable Beach. Popular water sports here include kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing. While snorkeling, keep an eye out—you might just spot a sea turtle gliding through the shallows.

Cable Beach is located along West Bay Street, less than a 15-minute drive from Junkanoo Beach. Since this beach is a bit further away from the cruise port (about 6 miles west), it usually isn’t as crowded as Junkanoo Beach. You can easily get to Cable Beach by taking a public bus from George Street in downtown Nassau for about $1.50 USD.

Good to know: Sandals Cay, which is just off the coast of Cable Beach, is an excellent location for snorkeling with turtles right off the coast. This tropical gem is only accessible to guests of Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Picture: It won't be hard to find a peaceful spot to relax on Sandals Barefoot Cay, Sandals Royal Bahamian's private offshore island.

2. Love Beach

Best beach in Nassau for offshore snorkeling.

Distance from Cruise Port: 30 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: 15 minute drive.

Love Beach stands out for its rock pools and other unique natural features. It's one of few beaches in Nassau that isn’t surrounded by infrastructure. Love Beach, in many ways, feels wild and rugged. Yet, this is one of the beaches in this territory that offers amenities like bathrooms, a beach bar, and free Wi-Fi.

From downtown Nassau, it’ll only take about 25 minutes to get to Love Beach. This beach isn't usually crowded and it has an amazing offshore reef. The best time to dive here is early in the morning. The 40-acre reef at Love Beach is one of the best places to snorkel in Nassau. During a dive here, you’re likely to spot barracuda, lobster, and a variety of tropical fish.

3. Jaws Beach

Favorite beach of locals living in the west.

Distance from Cruise Port: 35 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: 25 minute drive.

If you feel like you’re on a famous movie set on this beach, that’s because you are! Jaws Beach was used to film scenes for the final installment of the “Jaws” movie franchise, hence the name.

Though the movie was quite a thrill, the relaxed reality of Jaws Beach is quite different. This is an off-the-beaten-track beach where you are able to live in the moment and enjoy the best nature has to offer in a peaceful frame of mind.

Jaws Beach is never crowded, and it is great for snorkeling. This beach is next to the Clifton Heritage Park along the west coast of New Providence Island. From downtown Nassau, you can get to Jaws Beach with a half-hour drive.

Good to know: Jaws Beach is more low-key than most of the beaches on this list. There are no bathrooms, restaurants, or bars near the beach. Make sure to pack your own food and cool drinks.

4. Cabbage Beach

Distance from Cruise Port: 10 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: 30 minute drive.

Paradise Island is just off the coast of New Providence, and the two islands are connected by a bridge. Cabbage Beach is along the northern coast of Paradise Island. This gorgeous strand is perfect for anyone who loves a good beach getaway with water sports available and restaurants within walking distance.

Cabbage Beach is loved for its simplicity, beauty, and spaciousness. It is the most visited beach on Paradise Island. At Cabbage Beach, once the flags on the beach indicate the safety of the sea (which can sometimes be a bit rough), you’ll be able to enjoy a day of swimming, jet skiing, and even snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is available for rent on Cabbage Beach.

5. Paradise Beach

Distance from Cruise Port: 10 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: 30 minute drive.

Embodying tropical paradise in every way, Paradise Beach is a secluded stretch of sand on the northern coast of Paradise Island. If you’re on a beach-hopping adventure, it’s just a 10-minute drive from nearby Cabbage Beach, on the northern coast of Paradise Island.

Paradise Beach is more natural and less developed than some of the other local spots, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the island’s raw natural beauty. Despite its laid-back vibe, you’ll still find a few modern comforts like beach chairs and umbrellas. Just be sure to pack your own snacks and drinks if you’re staying for the day.

Good to know: The waves tend to be strong at Paradise Beach, so it is not a recommended option for children or people who aren’t strong swimmers.

6. Caves Beach

Distance from Cruise Port: 25 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: 10 minute drive.

There’s a level of tranquility you’ll find nowhere else but the ocean. Caves Beach is one of those places to go when you’re seeking just that. You will rarely find this beach overcrowded, even though it's just a short drive from the Nassau Cruise Port.

Caves Beach (west of Cable Beach) is on the smaller side. Most of the time, the water is clear and calm here. The name of this beach was inspired by the limestone caves that can be found across the street from the beach. During a beach day here, you can explore the nearby caves believed to have provided shelter to native Indians. Sometimes there are local guides here, but this isn’t always a guarantee.

7. Saunders Beach

Distance from Cruise Port: 10 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: 10 minute drive.

About a 30-minute walk from Junkanoo Beach, you’ll find Saunders Beach—a calm, family-friendly spot on the northern coast of New Providence Island. This beach features plenty of natural shade from trees, scenic man-made rock formations, and a peaceful vibe that’s just right for a quieter escape.

Saunders Beach is along West Bay Street between Junkanoo Beach and Cable Beach, so if you’re really up for an adventure, you can spend time at each of these beach locations during your Nassau vacation. It’ll take about 45 minutes to walk from the cruise port to Saunders Beach, so we’d recommend you grab a cab to get there more quickly. Once you arrive, you won’t be able to get enough of the calm, clear water, and tranquil environment.

8. Adelaide Beach

Distance from Cruise Port: 35 minute drive.
Distance from Sandals Royal Bahamian: 30 minute drive.

Adelaide Beach is a peaceful escape—especially on weekdays or outside of local holidays. It’s easy to find your own private stretch of sand here, perfect for a relaxed afternoon or sunset stroll. Many locals swear by this spot for catching the best sunsets with an ice-cold Kalik beer in hand. Adelaide Beach is just the place for a leisurely swim, a romantic stroll, or even some seashell hunting. It is one of the most secluded beaches on New Providence Island.

Something for Everyone at Junkanoo Beach, Nassau

With that, you're all set to dive into an exciting Junkanoo Beach experience in The Bahamas. Not just that, but you're well on your way to lounging on some of the most incredible beaches not just in the Caribbean, but on a global scale. Whether you're looking for watersports thrills, or just want to find somewhere serene to disconnect, Nassau has a little bit of everything.

As beach vacations are all about relaxation, the all-inclusive experience can go a long way in eliminating the usual stresses of travel. Think easy check-ins, themed dining options, private beaches, offshore islands, and curated excursions — all included at Sandals' all-inclusive resorts.

While the perfect beach vacation really is subjective, you're that much closer to finding it when you vacation in Nassau, The Bahamas — one of the most awe-inspiring and effortlessly charming beach destinations in the world!

Picture: Swaying palms overhead and mesmerizing ocean views just beyond at the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian in The Bahamas.