Beaches in the Bahamas?

[kramesmom]

Are there any nice beaches aside from the Atlantis that we could make our way to while in Freeport or Nassau? We feel the excursion prices for spending the day at the Atlantis beach is too expensive for us personally. Did I read something about Cable Beach?
Thanks for any help on this!

 

[jel0511]

Actually the Atlantis Beach is usually too rough for swimming due to is location on the windward side of Paradise Island. The beach at Cable Beach does have a better location for wave heights, but it really isn't that nice, and it will be crawling with locals trying to sell their wares. You will be asked every 2 minutes to either buy a t-shirt, or have your hair braided. I've been to the Bahamas twice, once on a trip and once on the Wonder and that was enough for me. I'll most likely never return, it truly isn't tropical or relaxing in any manner.

 

[kramesmom]

I appreciate your response, sounds like we might just stay onboard for those days and use the Mickey Pool (if it's not a
bright shade of green this time!)

 

[jel0511]

In retrospect ( isn't hindesite always 20/20!) that's what we should have done, but didn't. We took the excursion to Blue Lagoon based on good reviews we had read, and it truly wasn't anything nice or worth all the money we spent. Now, I must preface this by saying that we've been to many Caribbean islands and the Bahamas isn't Caribbean at all. It's just like Florida IMO, the beaches that is. If we ever take another 4 night cruise, we'd stay on the ship in Nassau, but we're trying the 7 night next and we'll probably be hooked on the longer cruises!!

 

[disneyfan551]

jel0511... so, you would not do the Blue Lagoon again? I was really thinking about doing this. Can you give me more info?

thanks!!

 

[jel0511]

No I would not. It really isn't a beach, but an inlet off the main ocean. It was smelly and dirty when we were there, and the "included" lunch was a joke and you had to wait in long lines to get it anyway. If you've been to ANY type of real beach, Blue Lagoon will be a disappointment IMO. The water area is very small, and only gets about 4 feet deep and is probably no more than 15 feet wide. So, if you decide to go, keep this in mind.

 

[disneyfan551]

Thanks so much for the info! I wish there were another "free" beach that we could visit during one of the stops.

 

[mm126]

Kramesmom...I have read some posts here about Blue Lagoon. Try doing a search and see what you get. Also, if you search the internet for Nassau Bahamas Blue Lagoon, there is a web site with pictures. I think it looks nice but have never been there. We are going in March and plan to do the BLue Lagoon excursion.

 

[MiaSRN62]

No I would not. It really isn't a beach, but an inlet off the main ocean. It was smelly and dirty when we were there, and the "included" lunch was a joke and you had to wait in long lines to get it anyway. If you've been to ANY type of real beach, Blue Lagoon will be a disappointment IMO. The water area is very small, and only gets about 4 feet deep and is probably no more than 15 feet wide.

We actually liked it. I didn't find it smelly or dirty at all ? We saw the staff emptying the trash cans on a regular basis and the bathrooms were as clean as CC's facilities. It is small, but also didn't feel crowded at all. I guess they only sell a certain amount of excursions here ? We felt we practically had the place to ourselves----CC felt much more crowded. The food was actually the same set-up as CC where you stand in line at tables. CC had more variety, but I felt the food was pretty good at Blue Lagoon. Also, BL is more like a lagoon vs wide-open ocean. The ocean does border the back side but that is off-limits for swimming. I'm assuming the water is too rough ? We loved snorkeling at BL. The water wasn't too deep and very calm. My youngest had some difficulty snorkeling at CC because of the choppier waters, so Blue Lagoon was a nice opportunity for her.
I'm not doubting jel0511's experience, but just stating our experience was a positive one.

 

[awatt]

May I suggest teh British Colonial Hilton in Nassau? While not completely free,we found their day passes very reasonable. I think it was $30 for 2 adults and 2 kids. The beach was immaculate as were the grounds of the entire place. Hilton has done a great job since they took it over. There's also a pool.and a beachside restaurant. The water was very calm,warm and very clean as well. It was not at all crowded and we did not see a single vendor or hair-braider.

It was an easy walk back to the boat.

This was one of my favorite days from our August NCL cruise,it was just so relaxing and beautiful.

 

[bassoongirl]

We went to Blue Lagoon Island when we were on a Carnival cruise a couple years ago and liked it a lot. My only complaint was that the time on the island wasn't long enough. You take a boat to get to the island from Nassau, and the ride takes about 30-45 minutes. By the time we got there, had lunch and did the stingray snorkel, it was time to head back.

The island itself is just what I picture a tropical island to look like. There was sand, hammocks and palm trees all over. The beach was small, but it didn't seem too crowded. My husband loved the hammocks.

 

[wildabouttheworld]

I would like to know more about the Hilton. Did you walk there, go inside and ask about a day pass for your family to use the beach? Did you make arrangements ahead of time? Was it a private beach just for Hilton guests?

 

[awatt]

It was a 5 minute walk from the boat,through Nassau.

We went to the front desk and asked for day passes,did not reserve them in advance. Thats nice because if the weather isn't good,you don't lose any money. I'm sure you could call in advance to double-check teh rate or to ask any questions.

The beach is private,thus no vendors of any kind.

They had a couple of paddlebiats,but no jet skis or other water toys. Very relaxing.

Wish I was there right now.

 

[mm126]

Awatt...Question about British Colonial Hilton. Was the beach suitable for young children to swim? I know some say that the water by the Atlantis is too rough for young children. What about the pool? Was there a kiddie pool?

 

[awatt]

The ocean at the Hilton beach was very calm,really no surf at all and ideal for small kids. My 4 and 6 year olds loved it,didn't want to leave. I think it is so calm because it is protected by Paradise Island ,which catches teh wind and waves.

No kiddy pool,but the regular pool looked nice. Also,no water toys/floats other than 2 paddle boats,so bring your own.

They provide towels and chairs.