Getting to the Best Beaches Near Nassau Cruise Port

(Including Resort Day Passes for a More Relaxed Day Ashore)

Nassau is one of the easiest cruise ports in the Caribbean for beach lovers. Whether you want a quick, free beach close to the ship, a quieter stretch of sand, or a resort-style day with loungers, pools, and cocktails, you don’t need a tour or excursion to make it happen.

Below are the best beach options near Nassau Cruise Port, starting with the simplest and working up to more relaxed, resort-style alternatives that are especially popular with repeat cruisers.

🏖️ Walk to Junkanoo Beach (Free & Closest)

Best for: Short port days, first-time visitors
Time: 12–15 minutes
Cost: Free

Junkanoo Beach is the closest public beach to the cruise port and one of the easiest beach walks you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean.

How to Get There

1. Exit the cruise terminal into the Arrivals Plaza
2. Cross Woodes Rogers Walk and turn right (west)
3. Walk past Señor Frog’s
4. Continue as the road becomes West Bay Street
5. The colourful beach shacks ahead mark Junkanoo Beach

What to Expect

This is a lively, social beach with music, jet skis, drink vendors, and plenty of fellow cruisers. It’s convenient and fun, but it can get busy on ship days.

• Chair & umbrella rentals: usually $20–$40 for two chairs and one umbrella

• Facilities: public restrooms and outdoor showers (basic, sometimes hit-or-miss)

Good to know: Always agree on the chair price before sitting down.

🚌 Take the #10 Jitney to Cable Beach (Easy & Scenic)

Best for: Wider beach, fewer crowds
Time: 15–20 minutes
Cost: $1.50–$2.00 per person

Cable Beach offers a calmer atmosphere and a more traditional Caribbean beach feel than Junkanoo.

How It Works

1. Walk one block inland from the port to Bay Street
2. Head west (right) past the Straw Market
3. Look for white minibuses marked #10
4. Tell the driver “Cable Beach” or “Baha Mar”
5. Pay when you get off (exact change helps)

To return, simply flag down a #10 bus on the opposite side of the road.

🚤 Water Taxi to Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island)

Best for: First-timers wanting the Paradise Island experience
Time: ~10 min boat + 15 min walk
Cost: ~$7 one way

The water taxi departs from Woodes Rogers Walk, just west of the port exit, and takes you across to Paradise Island.

From the ferry terminal, you’ll need to walk about 0.5 miles to reach the public access point for Cabbage Beach near the RIU Palace.

Cruiser tip: For groups of 3–4, a regular land taxi is often faster and drops you directly at the beach entrance for around $5 per person.

🚕 Taxis (Best for Groups or Zero Fuss)

Best for: Families, short port days, beach-hopping
Cost: Usually $5–$10 per person

Follow signs inside the Arrivals Plaza to the official taxi stand to ensure regulated government rates. Avoid accepting rides from drivers outside the port gates.

🧘‍♂️ A More Relaxed Option: Resort Day Passes Near the Cruise Port

If this isn’t your first visit to Nassau, you may be less interested in sightseeing and more interested in a comfortable, low-effort day by the water. That’s where resort day passes really shine.

These options are especially popular with regular cruisers who’ve already “done Nassau” and now prioritise shade, facilities, and relaxation.

🌴 British Colonial Nassau – Calm, Polished & Closest to the Ship

Walk from port: ~5 minutes
Best for: Quiet relaxation with minimal logistics

Located just steps from the cruise terminal, the British Colonial Nassau offers one of the easiest resort day-pass experiences in Nassau.

Day passes typically include:

• Access to a private beach

• Two outdoor pools (including a heated pool)

• Loungers and towels

• Restrooms and changing facilities

• On-site bars and restaurants

For an upgraded experience, the resort also offers poolside cabanas (often with lunch included) and luxury pool daybeds with drink vouchers.

👉 Book directly with the resort:
https://britishcolonialnassau.realtimereservation.com/services/Daypasses

🍹 Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau – Lively Resort Fun with Plenty to Do

Walk from port: ~10–12 minutes
Best for: Pools, lazy river, and a more energetic vibe

Margaritaville Beach Resort offers a more upbeat, activity-filled day while still keeping everything contained and easy.

Day passes typically include:

• Beach and pool access (8am–6pm)

• Fins Up Water Park (usually 10am–5pm)

• Lazy river and water slides

• Oceanfront pool and hot tub

• Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Poolside food and drinks available for purchase

You can split your time between floating the lazy river, relaxing by the pool, or spending time on the beach overlooking the marina.

👉 Check current pricing and availability:
https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-nassau/activities/day-passes

🤔 Public Beach or Resort Day Pass — Which Is Best?

• Choose a public beach if you want a free, flexible option and don’t mind crowds

• Choose a resort day pass if you want guaranteed loungers, shade, facilities, and a calmer experience

For many repeat cruisers, resort passes feel like better value once you factor in taxis, chair rentals, food, and the general hassle factor.

Final Thoughts

Nassau doesn’t have to be a “been there, done that” port. Whether you want a quick dip close to the ship, a classic Caribbean beach, or a stress-free resort day, there’s an option to suit every cruising style — especially if this isn’t your first visit.