The 10 best beaches in the Bahamas

01.01.2025 - 15:13 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 31, 2024 • 9 min read

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 deep 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.

Although the clear waters that the Bahamas has become famous for are visible from space, you won’t have to travel that far to enjoy them. 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.

When thinking of surfing destinations, the Bahamas probably wouldn’t come to mind in the same way as California or Hawaii. However, 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 during the months of September through February. The trade winds bring increased gusts during this time of year and increase surf action on the island’s windward coast. Due to the high surf action, usual beach activities like snorkeling aren’t recommended unless it’s done in the protected cove at the northern end of the beach.

What Junkanoo Beach doesn’t offer in privacy and seclusion, it makes up for in convenience and excitement. This stretch of sand is found in 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 just a short five-minute walk west of the city’s cruise port, which is the country’s busiest, and it’s very popular with spring breakers. As you’d expect, this beach can get a little crowded. If isolation is what you’re after, this may not be the beach for you. However, as it attracts more visitors than other beaches, there are more beach activities and amenities available. Junkanoo Beach is also in close proximity to 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: Because this beach is easily accessible to cruise passengers,