Turquoise water and white sand at Cable Beach, Nassau, with resort towers and palm trees in the background
New Providence, The Bahamas

Cable Beach

Two miles of white sand, turquoise water, and Nassau's premier resort strip — the Bahamas' most celebrated stretch of shoreline.

Cable Beach is the most famous stretch of sand on New Providence Island — two miles of powdery white beach curving along the island's northern shore, backed by luxury resorts, restaurants, and the Caribbean's largest casino. The beach takes its name from the undersea telegraph cable laid here in 1892 connecting The Bahamas to Florida.

Today, Cable Beach anchors Nassau's resort corridor. The Baha Mar mega-resort dominates the western end, while Sandals Royal Bahamian and Breezes occupy the eastern stretch. Between them, the beach is open to all — a gentle slope into calm, shallow water perfect for swimming, paddling, and watersports.

Beach Experience

Cable Beach earns its reputation with consistently calm, clear water and soft sand that stays cool underfoot even at midday. The beach faces north into the protected waters of the Northwest Providence Channel, so waves are typically gentle — ideal for families and casual swimmers.

Public access is free and unrestricted; you can walk the full two-mile length, passing resort guests and local families alike. Beach vendors offer jet skis, parasailing, banana boat rides, and paddleboard rentals. For shade and refreshment, tiki bars and beach shacks line the sand.

Resorts & Amenities

The Baha Mar resort complex anchors the western end of Cable Beach, comprising the Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood hotels around a shared beach, pools, and the largest casino in the Caribbean. The resort's golf course, spa, and dozens of restaurants make it a destination unto itself.

To the east, the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian and adults-only Breezes offer beachfront packages with dining, drinks, and watersports included. Non-resort visitors can still enjoy the public beach and many of the restaurants and bars along the strip.

Dining & Nightlife

Cable Beach's resort corridor offers dining from casual beachside grills to upscale restaurants. Baha Mar alone hosts over a dozen venues, including Cleo for Mediterranean fare, Katsuya for Japanese, and the Fish by José Andrés seafood concept.

After dark, the casino floor comes alive, and beachfront bars serve cocktails with the sound of the surf. The scene is more polished and international than downtown Nassau, making Cable Beach a popular choice for visitors seeking resort convenience with easy access to the city.

Getting there

Cable Beach lies about 4.5 miles west of downtown Nassau, a 15-minute taxi ride from the cruise port or a 20-minute ride from Lynden Pindling International Airport. Jitneys (local minibuses) run along West Bay Street and stop along the beach strip. If you are staying at a resort, most offer airport transfers. The beach is free to visit, with ample space to find a spot on the sand.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cable Beach public or private?
Cable Beach is a public beach with free access. While resorts line the shore, the beach itself is open to everyone. You can walk the entire two-mile stretch regardless of where you are staying.
What watersports are available at Cable Beach?
Beach vendors offer jet ski rentals, parasailing, banana boat rides, paddleboards, and kayaks. Snorkeling is possible, though the reefs are further offshore than at some Out Island destinations.
How do you get to Cable Beach from the cruise port?
Taxis are the most convenient option, taking about 15 minutes and costing around $20 to $25 USD. Jitneys run along West Bay Street for a few dollars but may require some local knowledge to navigate.