Beaches in Nassau vs. Hawaii

[tlynk]

Has anyone been to both Nassau and Hawaii? If so, how do the beaches/water compare. My family is going on the Disney Wonder in early 2006, and I'm hoping to experience a crystal clear ocean like I have seen in pictures (weather permitting of course). I've been to Hawaii 3 times, and the water is gorgeous blue and warm. I've read that some people rather stay on the ship and skip Nassau?? I live on the West Coast and love CA beaches, but they don't compare to Hawaii. I'm just curious. I don't want my expectations to be too high.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I don't think ANY beaches compare to Hawaii.

 

[jel0511]

I've been to both Hawaii and Nassau and there is NO comparision. The beaches in Hawaii are HANDS DOWN better than any beach on Nassau. You won't find what you're looking for in Nassau. I've been to Nassau 3 times now, and I'll NEVER go back. I wouldn't even book the Wonder again, because it goes to Nassau.

 

[LissafromSJ]

My neighbor and I just had this same conversation - she just returned from a week in Hawaii, and was actually disappointed in the beach in Maui. I was shocked, because my dream is to do Hawaii in a year or two. She said the water was too calm and the beaches were brownish sand, not the fine sand of the Caribbean. I don't know - may her beach resort (Hyatt Regency) just had a bad beach. I can tell you that Nassau's beaches in Cable Beach are nice. I loved the water. It was clear and turquoise (sp?) and great for snorkeling. The sand was nice, and there was no debris like seaweed like I'm used to here in Jersey. My kids were glad they had water shoes, because there were rough shells in spots however.
I would never miss the opportunity to check out a foreign land - I've heard Love Beach is also really nice and where the people who live on the Island go. BTW, I thought Atlantis' beach wasn't as nice as Cable Beach. There was concrete underneath and the water was very choppy. My kids used the pools there instead. Have fun whatever you do!

 

[chrisn]

IMO. We spent a week in Maui last year and were beach hoppin fools. From what I saw in Nassau, this is how I feel. Maui's beaches are not the white sand of the Caribbean and the water while pretty is definitley NOT the colors of the Caribbean. The sands are golden, pepper, black. Very pretty but not really white. Maui is not my favorite place for beaches. IMHO, for sand and clarity and color of water, the Caribbean cannot be beat! Here's a rundown on some that I have seen. Jamaica and Haiti's beaches are similar to Maui's. St. Martin has beautiful beaches. The Mayan Riviera in Mexico had gorgeous, STUNNING beaches. Cozumel has rocky edge beaches, Grand Cayman's are ok. Nassau's didn't blow my dress up. St. Thomas has some very pretty beaches but by FAR the most beautiful beaches mine eyes have ever beheld are the beaches of St. John. If God had a swimming pool, those would be it. The Riviera Maya however is a really close second!

 

[tlynk]

Thank you for your responses! This is useful information, because now I won't have high expectations. It will be fun to try something new. Thanks again.

 

[ldb1030]

NO comparison what so ever between Nassau and the Islands of Hawaii!!!

 

[hawaii5o]

I have been to Hawaii. Maui and the Big Island. Also I have been to several carribean islands, not Nassau but I have been to St Thomas, Aruba, St Maarten and a few others. There is quite a difference between the hawaii beaches and the carribean waters. We stayed at the hyatt regency in Maui and the beach there is very small. Although the grounds at the hyatt make up for the lousy beach. There are some really nice beaches in maui, you just have to know where to go. The water I noticed in Hawaii is so blue but not clear as you can see your feet in the water like you can in some of the carribean waters. I have been to Magens bay in St Thomas and thought that it was one of the most beautiful beaches as far as clear and calm water. One of the most interesting beaches is the black sand beach in Maui. It was very rocky in parts and the water was pretty fierce. My husband saw a woman lose her bathing suit top!!! I loved both Hawaii and the carribean beaches. Too different worlds, but nonetheless both beautiful no matter what you are looking for. Just an opinion from a person from the northeast where we have the Jersey and Delaware shore. Gotta love um!!!!!

 

[Disney Fans]

We have been to both and beaches on and around Hawaii are better thats for sure. Plus they have the black sand beaches which are really cool, the green sand beaches which is so cool. I think people forget that they are so many different kind of beaches on each of the Hawaii islands. And lets face it, once you have the fresh fruit -the fruit in the states never is really the same.
But the beach At CC is still pretty and clean compared to the main US beaches so thats nice to see and have your kids see.

 

[scrapperjill]

Yep...another vote for the beaches at Hawaii...not saying the beach that we went to in Nassau was bad..but not at all what I was expecting. The sand was very very diffrent...It stuck to everything...and it was SOOOOO deep. but the shore line...didn't find any of those areas that seem to go on forever...one step in and we were waste deep...no kidding.

 

[JollyHoliday]

I would love it if DCL cruised Hawaii !! I would love to go back there and cruise it this time.

 

[pbharris4]

I've been to the beaches on Oahu, some CA beaches, & beaches up/down the east coast. I'll be going to NAssau in July. To me, NOTHING compares to some of the beaches in Hawaii. There may be some out there (and I am sure there is), but I doubt if Nassau is one of them.

 

[spotdog]

I have been to Hawaii many times. I have family on the big island. Comparing the Bahamas and Hawaii is like comparing apples and oranges.

Hawaii, especially the Big Island, has salt and pepper beaches and black lava fields EVERYWHERE!! The snorkeling is excellant, especially Honaunau, the City of Refuge. The Hawaiian islands are "new" volcanic islands.

The Bahamas have some long white sand beaches which are perfect. Many of the fish are different and Hawaii has nothing like the purple fan coral.

The islands even smell different. I love both and would encourage anyone who has the chance to visit both in their lifetime.

 

[knewton64]

Yes.... its that time again -

gotta ask -

WWYD??
Go on this or.... stay on board during Nassau day??
VIP Luxury Day Sailing (N15)
On this adventure you will…

• 
  
  
  • Begin with a short walk down Prince George Dock where you’ll board a 50ft Beneteau sailing yacht.
  • Experience luxury and relaxation onboard this magnificent, all-inclusive yacht with modern facilities, as you explore the Caribbean ocean in style.
  • Sail along the coastline as you enjoy the beautiful beach views or soak up the sun as your friendly crew offers you refreshing beverages.
  • If weather permits, set anchor and take a dip for a refreshing swim or quick snorkel. Enjoy the warm waters as the crew prepares a delicious lunch.
  • Feast on a lunch that includes a bento box with local seafood (conch salad), green salad, tuna or chicken wraps, quiche of the day, bread and fresh seasonal fruit. An open bar is also available.
  • Lie back and relax or join the captain and learn a few nautical skills as you sail back to the marina.
  • Conclude your tour with a short walk back to the pier.

--------------------------------


BUT......
Q - how are the waters and visibility?? Clear water?? Murky??

Q - How are the waters say in comparison to Key West, Grand Cayman or Cozumel?


Yes, i understand about the sand but...... in comparison to Key West, Grand Cayman or Cozumel experiences, would you feel underwhelmed going on this??


Torn between doing something like this or relax out in their Spa facility for the day -


FYI -
Yes, I will be a first time visitor on the Dream come October....





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[mousefan73]

I think you first need to define what do you consider a good beach ? I have never been to Hawaii but from my understanding and research you can’t compare one island to the other. Same thing with the Caribbean. Someone would say the best beach is one that is white sand and goes out for miles shallow with no waves still up to your knees and others Prefer deeper waters with waves so they can surf. Two totally different type of beaches. Some prefer white sand others rocks as the water is is usually more clear if there are rocks vs sand. ( think croatia/ greece). Some could care less about sand and prefer a lagoon full of water life for snorkeling. I have been to many beaches in my life throughout the world besides Hawaii as I mentioned before. For the stereo typical (what marketers sell us as a beach) white sand beach, with A coconut drink On a with turquoise lagoon I would agree to the PP who mentioned St. Johns. Or Bora Bora, maldives.

 

[mousefan73]

Zombie thread!!!!!