Cabbage Beach
About two miles of white sand and turquoise water on Paradise Island's north shore, backed by Atlantis, the Riu and The Ocean Club. The best-looking free beach within reach of the port, but it has open-ocean waves, no lifeguards and many vendors.
Your day here
Busiest near the free entrance; a few minutes' walk along the sand is quieter.
Getting there
- Water taxi from beside the wharf to the Paradise Island ferry terminal, then on foot.
- Taxi from the taxi stand at the port: agree the fare first.
IN FLUX (Oct 2026). The free path most guides describe is the sandy road beside the Riu Palace off Casino Drive (Cruzely, July 2026: ~15 min walk from the ferry dock, ~10 min from Atlantis). The Four Seasons Ocean Club Residences build (about 30 months) closes the planned public right-of-way on the site's western boundary; the Government's Heads of Agreement (signed Oct 21, 2024, reported by Tribune Business Oct 6, 2026) points the public to the eastern gate at Atlantis and the path between Ocean Club Beach Estates and Paradise Harbour Club — but the beach group Dis We Beach says that path is closed to the public and it cannot identify the Atlantis gate (Tribune, 7 Oct 2026). Timeline (Tribune): a FIRST construction fence (Aug 2026) was removed by 31 Aug after Government intervention; a SECOND fence went up in late September — on Sun 27 Sep a 60-year-old visitor walking round it was swept into rough seas and rescued; protesters pulled sections down on 28 Sep; Government ordered it removed (the second order) and on 29 Sep the Environment Minister said the developer would comply but could not say when (Tribune 30 Sep). The 'removed 2 Sep' and 'still up 6 Oct' reports are therefore about two different fences, not a conflict. No report after 7 Oct 2026 says whether the second fence is down (Tribune day archives 7–27 Oct and Our News searched 2026-10-27). Dis We Beach (Tribune, 7 Oct 2026) says the Ocean Club Beach Estates / Paradise Harbour Club passage named as an alternate in the Heads of Agreement is CLOSED to the public, and it could not identify the 'eastern gate of Atlantis'; during construction the developer must only use 'best efforts' to give VENDORS (not the public) access across the site. Walking along the shore round a fence has already put one visitor in the sea: do not do it in rough water. A permanent 15-ft public easement is promised after completion. No official notice confirms which entrances are open today.
The water
Open north-shore water; on some days rough and not swimmable. Drownings from large waves (2013) and while snorkelling (2016) have been reported.
On the sand
Umbrella and chair rentals and vendors on the busy stretch near the public entrance; no public restrooms; resort facilities are for guests.
Safety
- Rip currents and big waves: there are no lifeguards; warning flags go up only when conditions are very bad.
- Vendors sell drinks and parasailing rides on the sand; agree prices first.
Tips
- Get there by taxi, the Potter's Cay / downtown water taxi, or on foot over the bridge; agree taxi fares first.
- Bring a towel from the ship.
Cabbage Beach: questions
Can you walk to Cabbage Beach from the Nassau cruise port?
It is 3.2 km away: take the water taxi or a taxi over the bridge.
Is Cabbage Beach free?
IN FLUX (Oct 2026). The free path most guides describe is the sandy road beside the Riu Palace off Casino Drive (Cruzely, July 2026: ~15 min walk from the ferry dock, ~10 min from Atlantis). The Four Seasons Ocean Club Residences build (about 30 months) closes the planned public right-of-way on the site's western boundary; the Government's Heads of Agreement (signed Oct 21, 2024, reported by Tribune Business Oct 6, 2026) points the public to the eastern gate at Atlantis and the path between Ocean Club Beach Estates and Paradise Harbour Club — but the beach group Dis We Beach says that path is closed to the public and it cannot identify the Atlantis gate (Tribune, 7 Oct 2026). Timeline (Tribune): a FIRST construction fence (Aug 2026) was removed by 31 Aug after Government intervention; a SECOND fence went up in late September — on Sun 27 Sep a 60-year-old visitor walking round it was swept into rough seas and rescued; protesters pulled sections down on 28 Sep; Government ordered it removed (the second order) and on 29 Sep the Environment Minister said the developer would comply but could not say when (Tribune 30 Sep). The 'removed 2 Sep' and 'still up 6 Oct' reports are therefore about two different fences, not a conflict. No report after 7 Oct 2026 says whether the second fence is down (Tribune day archives 7–27 Oct and Our News searched 2026-10-27). Dis We Beach (Tribune, 7 Oct 2026) says the Ocean Club Beach Estates / Paradise Harbour Club passage named as an alternate in the Heads of Agreement is CLOSED to the public, and it could not identify the 'eastern gate of Atlantis'; during construction the developer must only use 'best efforts' to give VENDORS (not the public) access across the site. Walking along the shore round a fence has already put one visitor in the sea: do not do it in rough water. A permanent 15-ft public easement is promised after completion. No official notice confirms which entrances are open today.
Is Cabbage Beach good for swimming?
Open north-shore water; on some days rough and not swimmable. Drownings from large waves (2013) and while snorkelling (2016) have been reported.