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Beaches Close to Nassau Cruise Port
Junkanoo Beach
The most accessible of Nassau’s beaches is around a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal (although the smaller Western Esplanade beach is even closer) and is very popular with cruise visitors and locals alike. There are beach shack bars, volleyball nets and juice/soft drink vendors aplenty. The beach is very spacious with plenty of shade under the palms trees. The swimming is good with a very gradual drop off making entering the water very easy. The cruise ship pier is visible from the beach.
Paradise Island
Home to the Atlantis Mega-resort Paradise Island is somewhat artificial being built primarily for pleasure and profit. The island boasts resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops. It also has some very nice beaches such as Cabbage Beach, Cove Beach and Smugglers Beach. All within a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal.
Cable Beach
This is the most popular and largest beaches on New Providence Island and offers 3 miles of white sand and turquoise seas. Its lined with resorts, hotels, casinos and practically every beach facility you could think of.
Delaporte Beach
Slightly further west from Cable Beach is the quieter Delaporte Beach. Named after a former plantation that stood here it offers a more relaxed atmosphere than its bawdy neighbour. However, brink your own towel, food and drink as there a no amenities here.
Local Flavours
Conch Salad
The explosion of citrus and hot pepper flavours along with freshly diced veggies and tasty white conch meat are what makes every spoonful of this local delicacy delightful to both the eye and palate. Possibly the most quintessential dish of these islands, conch salad serves as both reliable comfort food and a form of edible artwork.
Souse
a light Caribbean dish, served cold, that traditionally consists of pickled pig meat in a clear broth flavoured with various seasonings.
Guava Duff
This traditional Bahamian recipe combines guava fruit, a sweet dough and a special rum or brandy butter sauce to drizzle on top.
Sky Juice
If there’s one drink you have to try while you’re in The Bahamas, it’s Sky Juice, also known as Gully Wash. Sky Juice is a very simple drink but packs a big punch with only three ingredients. Gin, Coconut Water & Condensed Milk, The milk adds a sweetness that balances the liquor and emphasizes the coconut’s natural flavour, giving you a truly heavenly drink that lives up to name.
Getting Around
Public Jitney
There are many jitney buses travelling around Nassau and into the suburban areas of Nassau. The #10 bus is the most popular and will take you from downtown Nassau to Cable Beach. The jitney will take you along the Western Esplanade, passing Fort Charlotte, Ardastra Gardens entry road, Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry as well as the Cable Beach Resorts area passing hotels such as Wyndham, Sheraton and Sandals. You can ask the driver to stop anywhere along the way. Pay as you leave the jitney, exact change only, $1.25 for adults and 1.00 for small children. To return to downtown, just flag down the jitney from in front of your hotel or restaurant. They run every few minutes from 6am – 6:30pm.
Paradise Island to Nassau and Back
There are several ways to get from Paradise Island to Nassau and back. Keep in mind that the area just over the bridge is a good 1/2 hour walk from downtown Nassau.
- Ferry Boat – Native Ferries run from Paradise Island to Nassau daily from 9 am – 6 pm. The cost is $4 per person one way or $8 per person round trip (they advertise they run every half hour on the hour, but in reality, they run when they are filled up — so you may wait 15-30 minutes)
- Taxi cabs – are readily available throughout the downtown area, wharf, cruise port and hotel entrances. Fares should be established before getting into the taxi
Walk over the bridge
This bridge rises above the Harbour and is about 600 feet long and 73 feet high at the crest. It’s quite a hike in the heat for those that are not in shape. The base of the easternmost bridge is the busy and bustling Potters Cay. This Cay is where the fishing and workboats come in carrying goods from the Out Islands and the day’s fresh catch. You’ll also find the mailboats lined up here. Locals have small fish and fruit shacks with the freshest catch of the day and local favourite conch dinners. You can watch a fierce game of dominos and sip a cold Kalik (local beer), or savour a spicy conch salad freshly made while you wait.
Good to Know
- Don’t hop in a taxi without negotiating the fare first…or you will get stung
- Make sure you cover up when not on the beach or by the pool
- If you hire a car remember they drive on the left
Quick Facts
- Currency: Bahamian Dollar. US Dollar widely accepted
- Language: English
- Money: ATM’s are common
- Visas: Not required for citizens of the US, EU or Australia
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