An archipelago of sixteen principal islands and cays, The Bahamas is endowed with some incredible coastline. It has made travel waves recently with the announcement that the Junkanoo festival will shake up Nassau this December.
But if you want to forgo the partying in favor of the sea and sand, the only issue is narrowing down your options. Aside from being award-winning, some of the beaches allow you to get up close with friendly creatures. Under the guidance of experienced guides, you can meet the docile stingrays of Grand Bahama Island, play with the swimming pigs in The Exumas or swim with nurse sharks. And if that’s a bit too much wildlife for you, lounging on the sand with a book or a cocktail is always an option.
Grab your flip-flops and check out these 6 beautiful beaches in The Bahamas.
1. Pink Sands Beach- Harbour Island
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There can be no list of top Bahamas beaches without this jewel on Harbour Island.
It faces the Atlantic and the pink sands are created by microscopic coral insects which were pulverized by waves before washing onto shore.
If you’re looking for calm waters and good snorkeling opportunities, you’ll find them here. There are charming boutique resorts here, too.
2. Pig Bay Beach- The Exumas
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If you’ve wanted to swim with Porky and company, here’s your chance.
Charter a boat or bring your own to get up close and personal with these sweet pigs. Just know that timing is everything.
According to Travel + Leisure, “go early in the morning for the most uninterrupted attention from the pigs. By late afternoon, you’ll usually find them tuckered out with full bellies, and they’re more likely to lounge in the sand than to paddle through the water with you.”
When a hurricane is known to come, “the pigs are usually taken to shelter by a local water sports company.”
3. Dean's Blue Hole- Long Island
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This slice of paradise is best suited for the daredevils and its most distinct geologic feature is right in the name.
According to The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the blue hole “is the second deepest in the world. It’s enclosed on three sides by a natural rock amphitheater, and on the fourth side by a turquoise lagoon and powdery white beach.”
This is where the Vertical Blue Free Diving Competition takes place each year. The contest awards the divers who can plunge the deepest into the ominous blue.
4. Coco Plum Beach- Great Exuma
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This is the beach to visit if you’re looking for something tranquil and romantic. Take some snaps for the Gram on the swings!
The water is almost always shallow, which is great for those who can’t swim well. You can spend hours looking for sand dollars, starfish and conch shells.
Enjoy walking along the sandbar which stretches for miles. There aren’t any eateries around, so be sure to bring your own food.
5. Junkanoo Beach- New Providence
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Some have called this “Spring Break Beach” and for good reason. Best look elsewhere if you seek peace and quiet because there’s always some revelry happening.
Rent beach chairs and umbrellas for about $10 each and walk to the port at Nassau in about 15-20 minutes.
Need refreshments? Tiki Bikini Hut and Señor Frog’s are two eateries nearby.
6. Cabbage Beach- Paradise Island
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This beach on Paradise Island (which connects to New Providence) is lively, indeed. You can go shopping, grab a bite to eat and then hang out on the sand.
Considering how much traffic it attracts, it’s remarkably clean, though the water can get rough sometimes.
When sitting under your umbrella gets boring, why not try some water-sports? You can rent a jet-ski, kayak or banana boat.
