Bahamas Beaches
Photo by Derek Zoebelein
© All Rights Reserved
Located just a short hop from Florida this tropical archipelago has more islands than that famous salad dressing. And most have at least one if not several perfect Bahamas beaches on them. Set in warm blue waters, these sparkling gems are so numerous that it would take a lifetime to explore them.
"I've found my calling, Mildred. - You keep the kids."
Cable Beach with miles of white sand is the dowager of Bahamian beaches. Originally a playground for the rich and famous, it's now one of the most visited of Bahamas' beaches, only rivaled by the ones on Paradise Island. This beach has it all, from resort hotels to jet skis to beach vendors to Calypso music.
On Paradise Island across the bay, Paradise Beach and its neighbors are the only ones that compete with Cable in popularity or activities. You'll find the same attractions as Cable has but on a more laid back scale.
On the other hand, if you want a more peaceful spot for your baste'n'bake, head for Cape Santa Maria. This beach, nestled in a tranquil bay on Long Island, is off the main tourist trail. There are a few resorts nearby and little else. Or you might try Guana Beach on Abaco, which is considered one of Bahamas' best beaches by some - notably the Abacans. This long stretch of sand fringed by frothy surf is about as paradisical as it gets.
But perhaps you'd like to go where few people ever go - like Ten Bay Beach on Eleuthra. This wide shallow bay is perfect for that romantic tryst you planned for you and hubby.
"Mildred, I'd just like to say how stunning you look in that new bikini."
Still not content? Looking for a little more sophizzz? Then hop over to Xanadu Beach on Grand Bahama Island and rub shoulders with the Ritz set, or join a Holland American Line's cruise to Half Moon Cay for a self-indulgent day in an idylic tropical setting.
Photo © Paul Buceta - Dreamstime.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Caribbean | Bahamas | December - April | |||||
| Cable Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| A nonstop whirl of activity animates this excellent Nassau beach with its highrise backdrop.
Nearby Accoms: Sandals, Radisson, Nassau Beach Hotel, etc.. Photo by James Martin © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Santa Maria | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | White | Required | No | 10 |
| In a protected Long Island bay, this beach remains calm even in strong winds. Did someone mention windsurfing?
Nearby Accoms: Cape Santa Maria, Stella Maris Resort. Photo by Donald Cohen © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Club Med Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | White | Required | No | 10 |
| A hurricane destroyed Club Med but this Eleuthera beach endures. Shallow and small waves even though it's on the windward shore.
Nearby Accoms: Cove Eleuthera, Romora Bay. Photo by Kristel Kingston © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Half Moon Cay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| A relaxing private day resort with exceptional Bahamas beaches. Owned by Holland American Lines.
It's the 'Love Cay'. You stay on the ship of course, where else? Photo by Stoney Griffiths © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Guana, Abaco | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | White | Required | No | 10 |
| Miles and miles of blue fringed white sand. One of the many beautiful islands of the Bahamas.
Nearby Accoms: Dolphin Beach Resort, Banyan Beach Club. Photo: Blue Water Grill/Red Sky Lounge © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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| Paradise Island | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Located in front of the Atlantis Hotel. If Las Vegas had a beach, this is what it would look like.
Nearby Accoms: Sheraton, Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn, etc. Photo by Derek Zoebelein © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Pink Sands | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Famous for its - what else - pink sands. Relax in Harbor Island's calm waters protected by a coral reef.
Stay at the - where else - Pink Sands Hotel or Coral Sands Hotel. Photo by Derek Zoebelein © All Rights Reserved | $$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Ten Bay Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | White | Required | No | 10 |
| A remote Eleuthera hideaway for all you Rob Crusoe types. You can stay at the Quality Inn Cigatoo - not that far away. Yeah, we're really roughing it now!
Photo by Josh © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Treasure Cay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Abaco has been photographed by National Geographic. What more needs to be said about one of the best Bahamas beaches? Nearby Accoms: Bahama Beach Club, Treasure Cay Resort. Photo by Chris © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Xanadu | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| An old Howard Hughes hangout on Grand Bahama. In other words, decadently wealthy.
Nonetheless, stay at the affordable Xanadu, Sheraton, Westin, Island Seas, etc. Photo by Jared © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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