Last updated on March 20th, 2024 at 03:57 pm
Looking for the closest beach to Nassau cruise port? I’ve got all the info you need right here!
Junkanoo Beach is a free beach in Nassau walking distance from the cruise port.
Visiting a beach near the Nassau cruise port is a great idea if you donât have a lot of time, donât want to pay for a cab, or simply want a quick stop at the beach between cruise ship excursions, shopping, or other activities.
On our recent Princess cruise to the Bahamas, the ship was only in port until 1pm, so it made sense to find a beach close to the Nassau cruise port. This ended up being a great decision, as we really enjoyed our visit to this nice little beach! Junkanoo Beach is the closest beach to Nassau cruise port, and it was very easy to get to given our limited timeframe.
While Junkanoo Beach is definitely not the most fabulous beach in the Bahamas (youâll want to hit Cabbage Beach near Atlantis for that), the sand is soft, the water a perfect turquoise hue, and there are plenty of amenities to be found.
Hereâs everything you need to know about visiting Junkanoo Beach, the closest beach to the Nassau, Bahamas cruise port, Prince George Wharf.
Can you walk to a beach from Nassau cruise port?
Is there a beach walking distance to the cruise port? The answer is yes!
If you’re looking for free things to do in Nassau, Bahamas near the cruise port, a leisurely day at the beach might be the perfect answer. Junkanoo Beach is less than one mile awayâwell within easy walking distance. You can even see the ships docked in port from the beach. This alone makes it one of the best beaches near Nassau cruise port!
Junkanoo Beach boasts calm, clear, turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The beach faces the channel rather than open ocean, so the water is calm and very safe for little kids.
Best of all, Junkanoo Beach is one of the free beaches in Nassau, Bahamas. Entry is completely free, and you can walk there from the Nassau port in about 15 minutes (or longer if you prefer to mosey through the shops along the way)!
How to Get to Junkanoo Beach in Nassau
Junkanoo Beach is the closest beach to the Nassau Cruise Port. You can reach it by foot, and it is a nice walk past shops and hotels, so youâll feel very safe.
Here is how to get to Junkanoo Beach from the Nassau cruise port:
After you disembark and exit the port (it is a bit of a trek down the pier and through the marketplace), make a right and head west. Plenty of cab drivers and tour operators will offer you their services. Just say no thanks and keep walking.
Youâll pass lots of tourirsty shops, including Nassau’s famous Straw Market, and some great museums, too.
Follow the street to the left (away from the water) at Senor Frogâs and continue along Marlborough Street (youâll see a McDonaldâs and the Hilton Hotel). You will be at Junkanoo Beach in no time!
Hereâs a map to help you visualize the short walk:
Free Public Beach in Nassau
Junkanoo Beach is not only easy to get to, it is completely free to enjoy! The only cost is if you are planning to rent a lounge chair, snorkel gear, or if you want to buy food and drinks. I recommend bringing cash. The American dollar is welcome almost everywhere in the Bahamas.
If you want a totally free experience, simply bring an extra towel (borrow pool towels from your cruise ship) and lay them in the warm sand. This is what we did and it was perfect.
Amenities at Junkanoo Beach
There are plenty of spots to grab a bite or a drink right on the beach. The first place youâll see when you reach Junkanoo Beach is the famous âTiki Hutâ restaurant. This beachside spot serves up local favorites such as hot dogs, fried fish, and ceviche. They also have great deals on beer and cocktails.
Youâll see an array of colorful little huts lining the border between beach and sidewalk. Many of these charming little shacks have beachside decks, perfect for relaxing with a drink or bite to eat.
Lounge chairs, snorkel gear, and other beach equipment are available to rent, but we saw plenty of people (like us!) just lounging around on towels we recognized from our ship’s pool deck.
âș Travel Insight
It is perfectly okay to grab some pool towels before disembarking your cruise ship to use at the beach. Just be sure to bring them back!
There is a volleyball court, public restrooms, showers, and changing facilities available for use at Junkanoo Beach.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Junkanoo Beach
Junkanoo Beach in Nassau is an ideal spot if you are looking for a free beach to visit near the cruise ship port. It is convenient to the port, and a great way to spend some time in Nassau if you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on an excursion or a taxi to Paradise Island.
Donât expect to find the best beach in the Bahamas, but if you just want some sun, sand, and beautiful turquoise waters that make this part of the world famous, donât overlook this very family-friendly, laid-back beach!
âș Looking for more cruise tips? Check out these Tips for Eating Healthy on a Cruise.
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