Ready to set sail for a little R & R? A cruise to The Bahamas is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for some serious fun in the sun. Is there anything more relaxing than hearing the breeze blow through palm branches while you gaze at crystal-blue waters and soft, tropical sands? Survey says: no! We highly recommend setting sail for the unparalleled Bahamas beaches that will instantly immerse you in total vacation vibes, while also setting your mind at ease from the varying stresses of everyday life.

Departure Cruise Ports

As the famous saying goes, “It’s not the journey, it’s the destination”– well, on a cruise to the best beaches in Grand Bahama you don’t have to choose one or the other, you get to enjoy both! With convenient departure cruise ports in Galveston, TX, Mobile, AL, New Orleans, LA, Baltimore, MD, Port Canaveral (Orlando, FL), Norfolk, VA, Miami, FL, Manhattan, New York City, NY, Tampa, FL, and Jacksonville, FL your vacation can start as soon as you want. From embarkation to your very first steps onto golden sand banks of a beach in The Bahamas, your cruise experience will undoubtedly be a success from start to finish. 

What To Do In The Grand Bahama 

Now you might be asking yourself–what is there to do in the Bahamas? The answer is, plenty! But let’s be real, hitting some of the best beaches in ports like Freeport and Celebration Key at least once — or several times — should be at the top of your list. Choose a family-friendly seaside escape to let the kids play in the sand and surf, or enjoy a seaside getaway with an open bar to kick back with adult friends and family. Whether you choose a fun Carnival excursion or plan to explore the pristine beaches near your port, you’re sure to have a blast the minute your toes hit the sand. Try these eight local spots to ensure you have the ultimate day at the beach! 

Best Beach Options To Visit 

Ready to set sail for a little R & R? A cruise to Freeport is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for some serious fun in the sun. Is there anything more relaxing than hearing the breeze blow through palm branches while you gaze at crystal-blue waters and soft, tropical sands? Survey says: no! We highly recommend setting sail for a Bahamas beach that will instantly immerse you in total vacation vibes, while also setting your mind at ease from the stresses of everyday life.

1. Celebration Key Beach 

 

Located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key is near Gold Rock Beach and is designed as an exclusive destination for Carnival guests. With five unique portals that offer endless fun for the whole family, you’ll have a lot to check out–but make sure not to miss your chance to visit this destination’s mile-long beach. From relaxing in a large cabana and floating in the pristine waters, to taking in captivating ocean views and walking along warm white sands across a stretch of Celebration Key’s mile long beach, you can do it all. A nearby family-friendly beach area invites families to enjoy swimming in the pristine waters and building sandcastles in the soft white sand. Whether you choose to relax under the sun or splash around the tide, don’t miss your chance to make the most of your time in this private paradise.  

Fun Fact: Celebration Key Beach is located on both sides of the Paradise Plaza pier once you disembark from the ship, and (best of all) it’s open to all guests. 

2. Taino Beach 

This popular spot, just minutes away from the port of Freeport, is easy to reach and offers gorgeous stretches of sand. Get there the easy way by choosing the All Inclusive Beach Getaway excursion and you’ll enjoy an open beach bar and local grill favorites like curried chicken, conch fritters and swai fish right on the beach. There are also plenty of water activities and souvenir shops, making this one of the top beaches in the area. 

Fun Fact: Taino Beach is named after the indigenous Taino people.  

3. Fortune Beach

Looking for a quieter spot to relax for the day while stopped in Freeport? Fortune Beach is a more laid-back option located a few miles east of Windsor Park and the bustling marketplace. The area was named after a $2 million dollar shipwreck found here, but these days the real treasure is the view. Relax with a book or sunbathe to your heart’s content in this restful location. 

Fun Fact: This area is widely considered one of the most romantic seaside destinations in The Bahamas. 

4. Xanadu Beach

Of all the public beaches in the area, Xanadu Beach is the closest to the Freeport cruise port, so it’s a popular tourist beach. Its sheltered curve protects beachgoers from strong wind and waves, and the water is shallow for quite a stretch. This all adds up to a great cove for families looking for a less crowded and overall more relaxed seafront experience without having to travel far to get it. Not to mention, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the area.  

Fun Fact: Xanadu Beach is one of the most popular tourist locations in The Bahamas, and for good reason! This picturesque shore and reef truly has it all–from marine life to beautiful views.  

5. Barbary Beach

Across the canal from Freeport is Barbary Beach, a wonderful location that rewards those willing to make the trip. You’ll need to drive here, and keep a sharp eye for the turnout, which isn’t as well marked as some of the more popular spots. Still, its secluded beach located among rock jetties make it a great place for finding large conch shells along the sand bar and embracing the feeling of getting away from it all. 

Fun Fact: Barbary Beach is famous for its, picture-perfect, long stretch of soft white sand and stunning views of bright turquoise waters. 

6. Lucaya Beach

Located in the center of the action near Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, this beach is perfect for anyone who wants to combine beachgoing with the chance to visit plenty of Bahamian restaurants, shops and bars. This is an all-in-one taste of The Bahamas, making it a good option for first-time visitors to this area. 

Fun Fact: Lucaya Beach hosts an annual sandcastle competition every year. 

7. Smith’s Point Beach

It would be a shame to come all the way to The Bahamas and miss out on the local restaurants and bars. Fortunately, a trip to Smith’s Point Beach gets you to a great local fish spot, where you can savor the flavors of the Caribbean while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Be on the lookout for the weekly local fish fry and other great events when you visit. 

Fun Fact: This beach was named after Michael Smith, a commissioner of the island in the 1800s. 

8. Mather Beach

Between Smith’s Point Beach and Fortune Beach lies Mather Town in Freeport, a great place for every cruise passenger to experience authentic local culture. Mather Beach is the perfect spot to mingle with Bahamians and relax on the soft sands of this public shore. You can still take a dip in the clear blue sea and enjoy some time away from the tourist-focused areas for a bit. 

Fun Fact: Mather Beach, with its pristine waters and golden sands, is one of the best beaches to go for a swim. 

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are on Grand Bahama Island, and they’re all yours to explore during your cruise! When you decide to cruise, your next shorefront getaway is as easy as signing up for a shore excursion — leave the driving, the directions and the planning to us. All you’ll have to do is pack the sunscreen and find a comfy lounge chair to settle into for the day! With warm sand and clear water sparkling under a sun that is almost always shining, an unforgettable vacation is all but guaranteed.  

Book your cruise to The Bahamas today to explore the beautiful beaches and unwind in what can only really be described as a paradise on earth

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