Beach Question- Nice, but Free?

[kathynorth]

Does anyone know of a nice, but free beach in Nassau and Grand Bahama Island? From what I've read on this board it seems that the nice beaches are owned by hotels, which charge a daily user fee. IMO $20/person is rather steep for a family of four to lounge on a beach.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonable priced tour that includes a couple of hours to relax on a nice beach in addition to the activity that's included in the tour?

 

Our cruise is Dec 27-Jan 3rd. Thanks for your help!

[gottago2mexico]

All the beaches are public - you can lounge on any of them for free. What you can't do is use their private property, which is the lounge chairs, umbrellas, pool, etc. These are for the use of the guests.

 

However, bring a couple beach towels and you can lounge on any of the beaches all day long if you like.

[gottago2mexico]

Oops...missed the second half of your question.

 

Some fun excursions that include beach time:

 

Bahama Mama Robinson Crusoe Cruise - http://www.superiorwatersports.com/crusoe.htm

 

Lucayan Park & Cave Tour - http://www.superiorwatersports.com/lucayanpark.htm

 

Exotic Adventures - http://www.exoticadventuresbahamas.com/

 

Deserted Island Adventure - http://www.snorkelfreeport.com/DesertedIsland1.html

 

Treasure Hunting - http://www.smilingpat.com/tours.php?tourid=31

 

Beach Tour - http://www.smilingpat.com/tours.php?tourid=32

 

Gilligan's Island - http://www.smilingpat.com/tours.php?tourid=34

 

Lucayan Park & Kayaking - http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com/tour1.html

 

Peterson Cay Kayak & Snorkel - http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com/tour2-4.html

 

Biking, Sightseeing, Beach & Snorkel - http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com/tour3.html

 

Bahamas Jeep Safari - http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com/tour3.html#tour4

 

Paradise Cove - http://www.deadmansreef.com/

 

Hope this helps, have a great time!

[scubagirrl]

All the beaches are public - you can lounge on any of them for free. What you can't do is use their private property, which is the lounge chairs, umbrellas, pool, etc. These are for the use of the guests.

 

However, bring a couple beach towels and you can lounge on any of the beaches all day long if you like.

 

You can lounge along the shoreline.. not on the beach.. ALL beaches are public to the hightide mark only.. in nassau you'd have to Tresspass to get onto a hotel beach .

 

In Nassau, you can use Lighthouse beach, it's just outside of town, heading west. Some seasons, you can rent chairs, but I haven't seen them lately. Restrooms have been locked for months.

It's not maintained by anyone, and there's no lifeguards, but you can use the beach freely.

On Paradise Island, cabbage Beach is a public beach, it's free. You can rent chairs. Still no amenities, no bathrooms, concession stands etc.

The water here is quite rough in the winter months with an undertow. Depending on your childrens ages, you may want to choose Lighthouse beach.

 

 

If you need a beach with a restroom, concession stand, clean and safe then you'll have to pay for a hotel beach.

[kathynorth]

Well, now I'm feeling alot better! We can bum around with our own towels or take a tour and still have time on the beach. Thank you for this information. Some of the tour options seem reasonably priced, so that may be the way to go. Johann and Sandra, thank you for the lengthy list of suggestions! Does anyone have a favorite that a family of four can do for under $200?