Saunders Beach
Price
Free
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Ages
All ages (especially great for toddlers)
About
If you want to know where Nassau parents actually take their own kids to the beach, the answer is Saunders Beach. Located on West Bay Street about a mile west of downtown, this public beach was specifically developed as a family-friendly destination, and it shows in every detail.
The standout feature for families with young children is the incredibly shallow water. The sandy bottom slopes so gradually that you can walk out 50 feet and still be in knee-deep water. Sheltered coves along the beach create natural wading pools that are essentially bathtub-calm.
For parents of toddlers who spend every moment at the ocean in a state of low-grade anxiety, Saunders Beach is a revelation.
Right on the sand, there's an actual playground with swings, slides, and climbing equipment — a rarity on Bahamian beaches. Kids can alternate between beach play, playground time, and swimming without ever leaving your sight. There are picnic tables under mature shade trees, paved parking right next to the sand, clean restrooms, and outdoor showers for rinsing off.
It feels like someone asked a panel of parents "what would your ideal beach have?" and then built exactly that.
The tradeoff is that Saunders Beach is less visually dramatic than Cabbage Beach and doesn't have the party atmosphere of Junkanoo Beach. There are no water sport vendors, no beach bars, and no food options — you need to bring everything. But for families with kids under 8, those "downsides" are actually features.
No vendors approaching you every five minutes, no loud music, no jet skis buzzing past your swimming area.
This is primarily a local beach, so weekday mornings are often nearly empty. Weekends and Bahamian holidays bring more crowds but nothing like the tourist beaches. It's about a 5-minute drive from the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay and 10 minutes from Baha Mar, making it easy to combine with lunch elsewhere.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning is best — fewer people and cooler sand. This is primarily a local beach so it's busiest on weekends and Bahamian holidays.
Wait Times
No wait. Plenty of space even on busy days.
Nearby Food
No on-beach food options. The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay is a 5-minute drive east. Baha Mar resort restaurants on Cable Beach are a 10-minute drive west. Pack your own food for the most relaxed experience.
Why Kids Love It
Saunders Beach is the beach Nassau parents bring their own kids to — and that tells you everything. The water is incredibly shallow for a long stretch, so toddlers and little kids can wade and splash without parents having a heart attack. But the real kicker is the playground right on the beach — swings, slides, and climbing structures with sand underneath and ocean views.
Kids go back and forth between building sandcastles, playing on the swings, and splashing in the water. It has sheltered coves that create natural wading pools, and the whole vibe is relaxed and local — no vendors hassling you, no cruise ship crowds. There are picnic tables under shade trees, actual restrooms with showers, and parking right there.
It's basically a beach designed by parents, for parents.
Pro Tips from Parents
- This is where Bahamian families go — you'll get a much more authentic local experience than at tourist beaches
- The playground equipment can get very hot in direct sun — test surfaces before letting kids play midday
- Bring all your own food and drinks — there are no vendors or restaurants on this beach
- The shallow water and gentle slope make this the safest swimming beach in Nassau for toddlers
- Weekday mornings you might have the entire beach to yourselves
What to Bring
- Packed lunch and cooler with drinks
- Beach toys and sand castle supplies
- Sunscreen and sun shade/umbrella
- Change of clothes (showers available)
- Beach towels
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Completely free.
Parking, beach access, playground, showers, and restrooms all free.
Bring your own food and drinks — no vendors.
Tips to Save
- Everything is free here.
- Pack a cooler with lunch, bring your own beach chairs, and you'll spend $0 for a full beach day.
- This is the most budget-friendly beach option in Nassau.