Need advice with beaches....

[dcollette]

So, from what it sounds like, the free beaches can be a bit sketchy in the Nassau area. Here's my deal, and looking for advice. We have an excursion for snorkeling in the morning. We will be back from it around 1230 or so. We were thinking of a beach and possibly looking through a local market area for souvenirs. I know many of the hotels near the cruise ships offer day passes. Question is, is it really worth a day pass if we may only be there a few hours? Are there any shops near some of the beaches available? What is the best beach/price wise if we aren't planning on spending the whole day there?

 

Sorry for so many questions, just looking for some good ideas. I'm traveling with three children, 13, 15 and 3 so I really don't want to "experience" the free beaches with them--sounds like it could get iffy from what others have said.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!