Safe public beaches in Nassau?

[mdgineok]

Hello,

Are there public beaches in Nassau within walking distance of the port that are safe to go to with children? I see Junkanoo and Long Walk beach but don't know anything about them, are there restrooms nearby, eating places? TIA

Mark in MN

 

[MUN]

Hello,

Are there public beaches in Nassau within walking distance of the port that are safe to go to with children? I see Junkanoo and Long Walk beach but don't know anything about them, are there restrooms nearby, eating places? TIA

Mark in MN

What's your definition of safe? I walked to Junkanoo Beach 2 weeks ago with my 17 year old son. We felt safe; however, I could understand if the "local" environment would make others uncomfortable. The beach had plenty of tourists, but there were many locals hanging around trying to sell you stuff. That didn't bother me, but I can see where it would bother others. Junkanoo Beach is not Castaway Cay. It's near the port and has a bit of a gritty feel to it. However, the water was crystal clear and the beach was pretty clean.

As far as restrooms and places to eat, yes to both. There are plenty of huts set up on the perimeter of the beach selling food and drink. I didn't visit the restrooms, but they are there.

Another option would be purchasing day passes for the British Colonial Hilton which is nearby Junkanoo Beach. A quick search on Disboards will produce discussions on that.

If I visit Nassau again on a cruise, and we want a beach day, I may take a taxi to more of a resort beach, such as Cable Beach. I have read good accounts of that beach.

MUN

 

[mdgineok]

What's your definition of safe? I walked to Junkanoo Beach 2 weeks ago with my 17 year old son. We felt safe; however, I could understand if the "local" environment would make others uncomfortable. The beach had plenty of tourists, but there were many locals hanging around trying to sell you stuff. That didn't bother me, but I can see where it would bother others. Junkanoo Beach is not Castaway Cay. It's near the port and has a bit of a gritty feel to it. However, the water was crystal clear and the beach was pretty clean.

As far as restrooms and places to eat, yes to both. There are plenty of huts set up on the perimeter of the beach selling food and drink. I didn't visit the restrooms, but they are there.

Another option would be purchasing day passes for the British Colonial Hilton which is nearby Junkanoo Beach. A quick search on Disboards will produce discussions on that.

If I visit Nassau again on a cruise, and we want a beach day, I may take a taxi to more of a resort beach, such as Cable Beach. I have read good accounts of that beach.

MUN

Thank you!

 

[2prettygirl]

Hello,

Are there public beaches in Nassau within walking distance of the port that are safe to go to with children? I see Junkanoo and Long Walk beach but don't know anything about them, are there restrooms nearby, eating places? TIA

Mark in MN

Junkanoo beach is within walking distance, in fact we walked there with our 2 younger kids. I would have to say that we felt safe walking there as there were many from the cruise terminal going that direction. The beach itself is a gritty sand, but the water is absolutely beautiful! There will be vendors trying to barter with you and sell you things but I was always polite and said no thank you and they moved on. They will try to charge you for chairs and tables at Junkanoo, at least that was our experience, but we were just there long enough to enjoy some water time and then we moved on. I would suggest staying on the main streets in Nassau and you will be fine, just don't get off onto the side streets. We visited Senor Frogs and the straw market, which the straw market is kind of neat but I would suggest that unless you want to barter, don't touch anything and look it over...the vendors are on top of you within seconds if they think you are interested. Never pay full price, always barter b/c they will come down on price. Also, all the street vendors who are selling shells or playing music, they will want to take pictures with you, once again they will expect a nice tip for taking the pic so be prepared.

Nassau was not my favorite port, in fact if we went back I would opt to stay on the ship since we have been there done that but if this is your first visit, I would definitely suggest getting off the ship and at least enjoying it to see it while there.

 

[Hundredacre]

Thank you!

We have done melia. They also have a day pass. We went to junkanoo beach once- did not like it. We want to try the British Colonial Hilton too- james bond was filmed there.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

My family has done the Hilton day pass and loved it. It is a little pricey but you get a food and beverage credit with the pass. There was a waiter that served us right at our beach chairs. The beach was nice and clean and they had sand toys for the kids. They also have a pool you can use too. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[jerseygal]

Don't know how it is now, but 9 years ago we went to Cable Beach, by the then Radisson(think it is now something different, maybe Sheraton or Hilton)..Beach was beautiful, calm water, and felt quite safe there. On our Dream cruise, four summers ago, we got a different "vibe" even getting off the ship close to dock in Nassau. Have read about warnings for tourists about the increase in crime. If we cruise again, would probably use Nassau day as a relaxing day on ship or if there is an excursion through Disney as there was in '11, Blue Lagoon would do that again. Felt more comfortable as it was arranged through Disney and we were together as a large group from the Dream while taking the short walk off the ship to meet the boat which took us to Blue Lagoon.

 

[Saamh]

Just as visiting anywhere, use caution and review US travel advisories. There have been some issues reported with water sport vendors on the beaches recently (sexual assaults on tourists).

 

[Hundredacre]

Just as visiting anywhere, use caution and review US travel advisories. There have been some issues reported with water sport vendors on the beaches recently (sexual assaults on tourists).[/dQUOTE]
what? That is serious.

 

[smilezlie]

I just got back and we went to Junkaroo beach.

It was great. The water was beautiful. The sand is OK (we are from Cali and the sand here is about the same). At no time did I not feel safe. I would bring my young nieces and nephews no problem. Tiki Bikini Hut looks awesome and is located right next to the beach. Cheap drinks and food and they have their wifi info posted on the menu.

We also walked down to the Fish Fry and had a wonderful lunch. It is a few minute walk up/along the beach. Felt completely safe as well.