Cable Beach in Nassau, or others?

[mshinrockford]

I’m trying to decide which beach to visit during our upcoming day in Nassau. We’ve got 2 kids, DS 12yo and DD9yo. My main criteria are: safe (no weirdo’s lurking about), clean beach, calm water (no strong currents), access to clean/safe bathrooms, and some watersports options. I’m thinking either Cable Beach on NPI or the public beach on Paradise Island (I think this beach is called Cabbage Beach). From what I’ve read, Cable Beach may have more access to restaurants/bathrooms, but Cabbage Beach would allow a better view of Atlantis and may also be less crowded. Does anyone have experience with both of these beaches? If yes, which would you recommend for a family of four? We only plan to spend a few hours at the beach in the afternoon, so a convenient location is also a minor factor.

 

[jel0511]

Most of the Cable Beach I know about backs up against hotels. So, there would be facilities available at the hotels, just no chairs and such. I'm very leary of any of the public beaches in Nassau/Paradise Island. They are all public and the locals are ALWAYS bothering the tourists to buy something or get their hair braided. I stayed in a hotel on Cable Beach, I was probably bothered around 100 times a day with locals selling something. It got VERY annoying after awhile.

 

[mshinrockford]

Lori, thanks for the quick reply. Other than the locals trying to sell you things, what did you think of Cable Beach? Was the beach and water beautiful? Was it impressive? Is the water shallow and peaceful or is the current quite strong? I want to avoid taking my family to the beach only to have my kids (and wife) say later “Why did you waste our time by taking us there…we should have just stayed on the boat.” Any advice?

 

[jel0511]

When we were on the Wonder we took the excursion to Blue Lagoon, since I didn't want to go to the beaches in Nassau. Since I had been there before, I knew they weren't too specatcular. The beaches on Cable Beach will definately have less of a current and be better for swimming/wading, since the beach at the Atlantis closes frequently for swimming because of bad riptides. Now, I also wouldn't recommend the excursion to Blue Lagoon, we didn't like it. If I took another 4 day or even a 3 day Wonder cruise, I'd stay on board. Here is my recommendation, if you've been to ANY Caribbean or Hawaiian Island, don't bother getting off. The beaches in Nassau aren't any better and some worse than the beaches in Florida.

 

[mshinrockford]

Thanks a lot, Lori. I really appreciate your insights. I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t like the Blue Lagoon. I’ve read some very mixed reviews on it from others as well. I think my plan will be: if the weather forecast for the day at Castaway Cay is good, I’ll probably opt to keep the family on the Wonder in Nassau and save our “beach day” for Castaway Cay. If the weather forecast for Castaway Cay is “iffy”, then we’ll probably take a taxi to one of these beaches for a few hours in the afternoon. I’ve also read about the “Cove” beach at Atlantis…I’m not sure how much you have to pay Atlantis to gain access to the Cove, but since it is somewhat protected from the ocean, it might also be a nice place to spend a few hours in the afternoon.

 

[savs]

My husband & I were just in Nassau in November and we took an afternoon and went over to Paradise Island (Cabbage Beach) I would have to say the waves are way too high over there and I couldn't really swim ...the waves would sweep under you and bring you back in. It was awful...no bathrooms that I saw and we were covered from head to toe in sand and no place to clean ourselves off at. It took an hour to get clean once we got back to our boat..yuck! Plus if you would like a lounge chair you have to pay the locals to rent one from them...plus they are always trying to sell you something.

I was also looking at Cable Beach and thinking that would have been a better place to visit...I heard the waves are not as high there either...you'll have to let me know if you go there and what you think of it!

I would have loved to go on the beach at the Atlantis Hotel, but only guests were allowed to do that

Savs

 

[mshinrockford]

Savs > thanks for the additonal insights. I’m sorry to hear that Cabbage Beach was not a great experience for you. I’m one of those that likes to rinse off after swimming in the ocean, so the lack of showers and/or bathrooms on Cabbage beach would really both me too. It sounds like, for me, it’s either Cable Beach or nothing. I may also call Atlantis to see what they charge for access to their Cove/beach area. I know that DCL offers a “Discover Atlantis” excursion, but I think that I can probably do it on my own for less money.

 

[savs]

If you do, Please let me know. We would love to go on another cruise and may be going back to Nassau and that would be very helpful to know.

I didn't mean to sound so negative in my post, but it was such a mess to deal with it. I have to say though when I look back on it...it really is funny to think about, I just wish I had a picture of myself covered in all that salt & sand I do have pictures of the waves engulfing my 6' 3" husband, just to show everyone how big those waves really were. The worst part about such high waves is when it hits you going towards the shore it also gets you coming back out to the ocean....ouch!

Either way, I hope you have a great trip

Savs