The best beaches in the Bahamas

Fans of the deep blue Atlantic waters and hypnotizing hues of shallow turquoise seas surrounding the Bahamas extend as far away as outer space, where astronauts can behold the striking contrast from up high. But you don’t have to travel quite that far to find your favorite spots among the more than 700 islands and uncountable number of beaches.

Each locality has its own quirks and attractive qualities, and the beaches are no different, with assorted perks that cater to the wants of any traveler. Seek out a secluded stretch, get busy in the water or stay close to the action in town – these top beaches have a spot for you.

1. Surfer’s Beach

Best beach for surfing

The Bahamas probably isn't top of mind alongside California and Hawaii when thinking of surfing destinations. However, many of the islands sit directly on the Atlantic Ocean, so surfing in the Bahamas is not just possible but often ideal.

Surfer's Beach is around 3km (2 miles) south of Gregory Town in Eleuthera. A charming beach shack built out of driftwood marks a shore of powdery white sand.

Planning tip: The optimum surfing conditions at Surfer's Beach are from September to February, when trade winds bring more gusts. Because of the increased surf action on the island’s windward coast, usual beach activities like snorkeling aren’t recommended during this time, except in the protected cove at the northern end of the beach.

2. Junkanoo Beach

Best beach for convenience

What Junkanoo Beach lacks in privacy and seclusion, it makes up for in proximity and excitement. This stretch of sand is at the heart of the bustling (at least by Caribbean standards) city of Nassau on the island of New Providence. It’s the Bahamas’ largest island in terms of population, and it welcomes more visitors every year than the other Bahamian islands.

The beach itself is a mere five-minute walk west of the cruise port, which is the country’s busiest, and it’s very popular with students on spring break too. It's no surprise then that this beach can get a little crowded, although because of the number of visitors, there are more activities and amenities available. Junkanoo Beach is also near popular bars like Pirate Republic Brewing and Señor Frogs.

Despite the crowds, the clear blue waters at this beach remain a delight to the eyes.

Planning tip: Arrive early to stake out your ideal spot before it gets too busy. You can bring your own towel or rent chairs and umbrellas from a local vendor.

3. Tropic of Cancer Beach

Best beach for privacy

The Exumas are a chain of more than 300 islands within the Bahamas. The two largest, Great and Little Exuma, are connected by a short bridge. Tropic of Cancer Beach is located on Little Exuma and is named after the line of latitude that crosses the island at this point.

The vision of bleached white sand abutting brilliant turquoise water is exactly what the Bahamas is famed for. Little Exuma’s longest beach, Tropic of Cancer is also easily one of the most attractive within the entire archipelago. The temptation to swim at the northern border of the earth’s tropical region just can’t be denied.

The short stairway leading to the sand is an ideal spot for photos. The upside to the beach not having any amenities is that you’re unlikely to encounter large crowds. The expansive stretch offers a level of peace and privacy that cannot be beaten.

Planning tip: Since the beach is secluded, you must pack your own essentials. Bring food, drinks and snorkeling equipment with you. 

4. Dean’s Blue Hole Beach

Best beach for diving

The islands of the Bahamas are underpinned by porous limestone. Many sinkholes have formed over the years, and the archipelago is now home to a large concentration of blue holes. Dean’s Blue Hole, part of a large marine cavern system off the shore of Long Island, attracts free divers from all over.

A naturally occurring amphitheater of rock surrounds three sides, while on the other side, there's a shallow lagoon and a sickle-shaped beach. The allure of sitting on the edge of the world’s second deepest blue hole while feet away from the shore has an undeniable pull.

Thrill seekers can climb to one of three jump spots along the amphitheater’s cliff and plunge into the depths below. However, unless visitors are strong swimmers, it’s not advised to swim near the edge of the blue hole itself – stick to the southern portion of the cove, where the water is shallow.

Planning tip: The beach is north of Clarence Town, the island’s capital, and does not have much in the way of amenities. The road leading here is just off Queen’s Highway, which stretches almost the complete length of the island. It is unpaved, so it is best traveled in a 4WD vehicle. 

5. Fortune Beach

Best beach for a sandbar

A quiet tract of white sand, Fortune Beach is in the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama. Rumor has it that a million-dollar shipwreck was found off the coast near this beach – hence the name. Its location between two channels makes Fortune Beach ideal for water-based activities like kitesurfing.

But the great appeal of this beach is apparent at low tide, when a sandbar materializes just feet from the shore and allows visitors to sunbathe on their own small private island, if only for a short while.

Planning tip: Fortune Beach is a fan favorite, and while it’s typically on the quieter side, it can occasionally get crowded during peak season.

6. Pink Sands Beach

Best beach for pink sand

While powdery white sand is ubiquitous in the Bahamas, a less common but even more enticing phenomenon is pink sand. The most renowned stretch of blushing beach is the 5km (3 miles) Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island’s Atlantic coast.

Turquoise seas meeting speckled pink sand creates a captivating experience, making this beach one of the country’s most iconic. Horseback riding along the uninterrupted shore only enhances the appeal.

Planning tip: Harbour Island is a five-minute ferry ride from North Eleuthera's Three Island Dock. From November to March, Harbour Island can be quite busy. If you’d prefer to dodge the crowds, avoid Pink Sands Beach during this time.

7. Gordon’s Beach

Best beach for isolation

Reach Gordon’s Beach, on the southern end of Long Island, after a short walk through salt pans – reminders of the island’s once prosperous natural salt production industry.

The way the sky gracefully kisses the ocean on the horizon at this beach is mesmerizing. While it is far from most resorts, the drive south to the end of Queen’s Highway is a reward in itself. This breathtaking stretch of sand imparts a true feeling of heaven on earth.

Planning tip: Most hotels and resorts are hours away. When visiting Gordon’s Beach, factor in several hours for driving to the beach, spending a decent amount of time there and returning to your accommodations. Fill your gas tank before you go, and while an SUV is not required, walking shoes are recommended to traverse the short dirt road that connects the highway to the beach.

8. Gaulding Cay Beach

Best beach for low tide

No matter the time of day, a stroll along this remote and quaint beach just south of Eleuthera’s Glass Window Bridge in Gregory Town brings a peace of mind that is divine.

The best time to visit is at low tide, when visitors can walk to the small island that gave the beach its name. Situated along the shore of the Bight of Eleuthera, Gaulding Cay is a calm alternative to the beaches of Eleuthera’s rugged Atlantic coast and has some of the bluest waters. 

Planning tip: Because it is off the beaten path, there aren’t any public facilities on the beach, so plan your day accordingly. The popular bar Daddy Joe’s is nearby.

9. Long Bay Beach

Best beach for a historic connection

San Salvador Island’s Long Bay Beach is the perfect marriage of a picturesque setting and historical significance. This beach is in the town of Long Bay, and both the town and beach are named after the long boats that Christopher Columbus and his crew came ashore in. Historians believe that Long Bay Beach was the site of Columbus’ landing.

The beach site, also called Landfall Park, is furnished with numerous monuments to commemorate the event. Offshore, snorkelers can reach an undersea monument installed at what's believed to be the exact spot where Columbus’ ship dropped anchor. On the beach is a monument erected by the International Olympic Committee to mark where the Olympic torch was housed on its way from Greece to Mexico for the 1968 Summer Games.

Planning tip: Consider the weather before you go. Long Bay Beach’s conditions are more unpredictable than other popular Bahamian beaches.

10. Cable Beach

Best beach for amenities

A standout experience in the Bahamas, Cable Beach stuns with its white sand coastline, clear waters and proximity to downtown Nassau. Stretching more than 3km (2 miles), this beach is one of the most popular throughout the Bahamas’ inhabited islands, and year-round it reliably provides a sensational day on the Caribbean Sea. 

Local vendors entice travelers with water sports rental equipment. Beach umbrellas and chairs are also available for lounging, and several bars and restaurants are within walking distance.

Planning tip: Although it won’t be hard to find a spot on the sand, some beachgoers note the noise from nearby resorts and watercraft. If you don’t mind the activity, the views and vibe of the beach are well worth the visit.