
Paradise Island Beach
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Paradise Island Beach refers to the public beach access areas along the northern shore of Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. Cabbage Beach on the eastern end is the most accessible public stretch — a long, wide expanse of white sand facing the open Atlantic with the crystal-clear turquoise water that makes The Bahamas famous.
The beach is free for public access, though portions fronting the Atlantis resort and other hotels are controlled by those properties. The eastern public sections are your target. The water here is typically calm enough for confident young swimmers, and the sandy bottom is gradual, making it safe for children who want to wade.
Snorkeling directly off the beach can reward families with coral heads and reef fish, especially toward the rocky points at either end.
There are no official facilities at the public beach sections — no restrooms, no showers, no changing areas. Plan accordingly and bring everything you need for a comfortable visit. Beach vendors occasionally set up near the more trafficked areas offering drinks and snacks.
The beach is stroller-accessible along the firm sand near the waterline, but soft sand higher up the beach is difficult to push through. Families with infants should bring a lightweight carrier for easier beach movement.
From Nassau, the beach is accessible by taxi across the Paradise Island bridge (approximately USD 5-10 one way) or by walking the bridge on foot (about 20-25 minutes). Open 24 hours, though daytime visits are obviously preferable for beach use.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning for calmer water and shade; avoid midday sun
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Atlantis Marina Village restaurants nearby but resort-priced. Bring food from Nassau or budget USD 15-25 per person for casual dining at marina-area spots.
Why Kids Love It
Paradise Island Beach delivers the full Bahamian beach experience — genuinely turquoise water, soft white sand, and the kind of calm shallow entry that younger kids can wade in confidently. Older kids and teens love the fact that you can snorkel right off the beach and see tropical fish without a boat.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Head to the eastern end of the island for Cabbage Beach — the western sections closer to the bridge are more congested with resort traffic
- Snorkel gear from Nassau rental shops is inexpensive and worth bringing — the rocky reef areas at the beach edges have consistent fish activity
- Arrive before 10 AM to claim good spots; cruise ship passengers fill the beach by mid-morning on port days
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen — Bahamas waters require it
- Snorkel gear for older kids — good reef access directly from the beach
- Water and snacks since public sections have no vendor access
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free beach access — budget USD 20-40 for snacks and taxi/ride if coming from Nassau
Tips to Save
- Walk across the Paradise Island bridge from Nassau (about 20 minutes on foot) to avoid taxi costs.
- The public beach sections are free — stay away from resort-controlled beach fronts that require guest access.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours