With its stunning white-sand beaches, numerous water sports, vibrant nightlife, fine dining restaurants, attractions and duty free shopping, New Providence Island offers all the ingredients you need for the perfect Caribbean honeymoon – all just a 35-minute flight from Miami.
In addition to the gorgeous Cable Beach, New Providence Island is fringed with an array of named and unnamed beaches where you can relax with all the amenities you need or find solitude on a more remote stretch of white sand far from the crowds.
The best beaches on New Providence Island include…
Flanked by swaying palm trees, the powder-white sands shelve gently into clear turquoise waters that are perfect for a wide range of water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, waterskiing, banana-boat riding and windsurfing.
The beach is lined with a good selection of luxury resorts, nightclubs, snack bars, restaurants, casinos and a golf course. Facilities provided by the beachfront resorts include umbrellas, sun loungers and restrooms, with a small charge for non-guests.
Away from the major beachfront resorts there are also less crowded public areas where you can find some solitude.
To the west of Cable Beach lies a pink house on the Rock Point promontory, where much of the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball was filmed.
Located in the centre of New Providence Island’s northern coast and collectively named Cable Beach, this 6.5km-long stretch of white sand is also home to a string of superb beaches.
If Cable Beach gets too busy for your liking, just wander west to the idyllic and less crowded white-sand Delaporte Beach, which shelves into a turquoise sea.
There are no facilities on this public-access beach, which is located near the small village of Delaporte, a former plantation.
Escape the crowds on this little visited crescent of soft, powder-white sand that offers good swimming and sunbathing but no facilities – so make sure to pack a picnic.
Caves Beach lies on the north shore near Rock Point, just west of Cable Beach and around 11km southwest of Nassau.
Just beyond Caves Beach and east of Northwest Point sits this small and secluded stretch of white sand.
Unwind on the beach with the one you love or enjoy superb snorkelling just metres from the beach. A short boat ride offshore takes you to 16ha of coral and sea fan, with forests of fern, known locally as the Sea Gardens.
There are no facilities at this beach, which technically is a private beach belonging to local beachfront residents. Love Beach is about 14km from Nassau.
Escape the crowds on the least developed of the island’s beaches, with white sands shelving into clear turquoise waters.
Old Fort Bay Beach is only a 15-minute drive west of Nassau International Airport.
Unwind on this casuarina tree-lined, white-sand beach that sits to east of the resort area of Cable Beach.
There are no public facilities here, but do look out for local fundraising cookouts that are open to the public and are usually a lot of fun.
Saunders beach lies across from Fort Charlotte, just west of Arawak Cay.
This is a convenient beach for those staying in downtown Nassau, just a few minutes from the cruise ship docks. Facilities include change rooms, toilets and a snack bar.
Also known as Long Wharf, the beach is popular with Bahamians hosting cookouts and other fundraising activities.
Discover a choice of powder-white sand beaches that shelve gently into clear turquoise waters – just perfect for a wide range of water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, waterskiing, banana-boat riding and windsurfing.
Away from the beaches, in neighbouring Nassau – the capital of the Bahamas – stroll on foot or ride a horse-drawn surrey along picturesque tree-lined streets with well-preserved stately colonial mansions, cathedrals and 18th century castles.
Despite its close proximity to Florida on the US mainland, Nassau has still retained its British colonial charm.
For panoramic island views, climb up the 66-step Queen's Staircase to the 18th century Fort Fincastleand check out the unfired cannons and damp dungeons at Fort Charlotte.
Founded by the British in the 1600s, Nassau became a popular pirate hideout during the 1700s. To learn more about the pirate era, visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum, an interactive museum showcasing remnants of that time. Or admire local art at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.
Enjoy the flumes, rides and marine habitat at the adventure water park of Aquaventure at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino on nearby Paradise Island or tee-off at the 18-hole, par-72 Radisson Cable Beach Golf Course.
Take a flutter at the Las Vegas-style gaming tables of the Crystal Palace Casino at the Wyndham Nassau Resort; stay longer and take in a show in the 800-seat theatre.
View the colourful coral gardens off New Providence Island from inside the Seaworld Explorer submarine or take a glass-bottom boat from the middle of Nassau's harbour.
In the manicured landscape of Adastra Gardens, discover a lush 2ha area that is home to more than 300 exotic mammals, reptiles and birds, including pink flamingos and capuchin monkeys.
Take a day trip to the nearby Exuma Islands, snorkelling, diving and sunbathing on idyllic secluded beaches. Swim with dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island or instead play Robinson Crusoe on remote Rose Island, sunbathing on the white-sand beach and snorkelling the offshore coral gardens.
Spend the day on Cable Beach or stay longer at one of the beachfront resorts, such as the luxurious and all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel & Spa, the family friendly Sheraton Cable Beach Resort or the glitzy Wyndham Nassau Resort.
Must-see attractions on New Providence Island, include…
Stroll along sign-posted pathways and view a fabulous collection of exotic wildlife at the Ardastra Gardens, a lush oasis of almost 2 hectares best known for its parading pink flamingos.
Watch as a flock of these exotic creatures – the national bird of the Bahamas – perform on cue by marching in drill formation daily.
Once nearly extinct, these Caribbean flamingos now flourish on Great Inagua Island thanks to the efforts of the National Trust.
Ardastra Gardens Zoo is also home to an aviary of rare tropical birds including the bright green Bahamian parrot.
You can also see other wildlife including Bahamian boa constrictors, kinkajous (honey bears) from Central and South America, peacocks, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, lemurs, margays and brown-headed tamarins (monkeys).
Don’t miss Swan Lake, where you can see black swans from Australia and several species of wild ducks.
Location: Chippingham Rd, Paradise Island, New Providence Island; Phone: 242/323-5806; Admission: US$15; Hours: Daily 9am-4pm (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day); Website: www.ardastra.com
Take a free tour around this British-colonial era fort built on a hill overlooking the harbour of Nassau.
Built in 1787 after the end of the American Revolutionary war, Fort Charlotte is the largest of Nassau's three major defensive positions.
The imposing fort comes with dungeons, ramparts, drawbridge and a now waterless moat, but never saw battle.
More about Fort Charlotte…
Explore this small but impressive fort, built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore, the royal governor. The fort stands atop on Bennet’s Hill and offers commanding views over the harbour.
Climb the Queen's Staircase to the battlements and examine ancient cannons then take the elevator or ascend the narrow, winding staircase to the 38m-high water tower and lighthouse; from here you can enjoy panoramic views over the harbour and beyond.
More about Fort Fincastle…
Journey back in time to the days when Nassau was a tropical paradise for notorious pirates such as Captain Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach, Mary Read and Anne Bonny, as well as various rogues and the wild women who flooded into the port to entertain them.
Board a replica of a pirate ship, see dioramas of pirate life on the high seas, hear historical narratives, experience sound effects re-creating gruesome highlights and ponder the exhibit of cutlasses, flintlock pistols and other original items.
More about Pirates of Nassau Museum…
Admire the works of esteemed Bahamian artists such as Max Taylor, Amos Ferguson, Brent Malone, John Cox and Antonius Roberts.
The collection includes ceramics, paintings, photography, sculpture and textiles, mainly from the late 20th century onwards.
The museum is housed in the restored 1860s Italianate-colonial mansion, Villa Doyle – the former residence of Sir William Doyle, the first chief justice of the Bahamas.
After looking at the fine artworks, peruse books about the Bahamas and check out Bahamian quilts, prints, ceramics, jewellery and crafts in the gift shop; later join locals on the lawn for movie night under the stars.
Location: West and West Hill Sts., across from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Nassau, New Providence Island; Phone: 242/328-5800; Admission: US$5; Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Website: www.nagb.org.bs
This unique, ocean-themed destination, located on nearby Paradise Island, boasts the largest open-air marine habitat in the Caribbean (and perhaps the world) encompassing 14 lagoons and more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species.
This non-stop aquatic thrill ride features Atlantean-themed towers, thrilling high-speed water slides, a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids and wave surges, 20 swimming areas, a spectacular kids water-play fort and 11 unique swimming pools connected by a lush, tropical environment.
More about Aquaventure Water Park…
New Providence Island offers an excellent choice of accommodation options for honeymoon couples, including the following…
One&Only Ocean Club
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD1299 per room
Description: Be pampered at Paradise Island's most exclusive address – the renowned One&Only Ocean Club – set above an uncrowded white-sand beach that stretches for 5km along the island's north shore. The resort offers 105 elegantly furnished rooms, with king-size beds, gilt-framed mirrors and dark-wood armoires. The resort nestles amid 35 lush acres complete with a 12th-century cloister and gardens inspired by Versailles. Complimentary amenities includes 24-hour Butler service, strawberries and Champagne delivered to room every afternoon, fresh fruit presentation and High-speed Internet. The One&Only Ocean Club offers a pillow menu, bottled mineral water, and a daily newspaper. Guests can also expect an unpacking and packing luggage service and a nightly turndown service. Facilities incl.: 2 restaurants, 3 bars, 2 outdoor pools, concierge, health club & spa, room service, 24-hour butler service, 18-hole golf course, 6 tennis courts (lit for night play) and water sports.
The Reef Atlantis, Autograph Collection
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD833 per room
Description: Located directly on Paradise Beach, this luxurious residential resort boasts a large casino, a 141-acre water park and a marine habitat. Each spacious accommodation includes kitchen facilities and private furnished balcony. Every accommodation features garden, harbor or Atlantic Ocean views. The warmly decorated suites offer satellite TV and an iPod docking station. A minibar, fridge and 24 hours room service are also provided. On-site dining includes 21 restaurants and 19 bars. Fine dining is available at Nobu and Café Martinique. Bimini Road serves Caribbean dishes. Other amenities are included such as access to the Atlantic Movie Theatre, Fitness Centre, unlimited local phone calls, casino lessons and two 12 oz bottles of water daily. The 10,000-square-foot gym offers yoga and Pilates classes. Rock climbing, tennis courts and golf courses are also on site.The property features world-class duty free shopping boutiques including Cartier, Gucci, Michael Kors and Versace. Dolphin Cove at The Reef Paradise Beach allows guests to swim with the dolphins and sea lions. Guests can relax on the lazy river which floats through the tropical foliage. Snorkeling in the ruins of Atlantis and scuba diving are also available.
The Cove Atlantis, Autograph Collection
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD877 per room
Description: Featuring luxury oceanfront suites, this Atlantis resort area includes its own large outdoor pool facility just for adults and a private beach area. A selection of dining and gaming options is also available. The bright, spacious suites of The Cove Atlantis feature a private balcony with views of the ocean. A marble bathroom, flat-screen cable TV and iPod docking station are included. Free unlimited local calls are also granted. Cain at The Cove provides 3 beautiful pools with an outdoor gaming pavilion, private cabanas and poolside bar. Dolphin Cay, Aquaventure water park and golfing are also offered. Guests will enjoy free access to the Atlantis Movie Theatre and casino lessons. Guests can enjoy casual to fine dining at any of the 21 restaurants at Atlantis. Guests can also play casino games while relaxing with cocktails at the Seaglass lounge or one of the 19 bars. The Atlantis Cove is 28 km from Nassau International Airport. The Antiquities Museum is a 5-minute walk away.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Location: Cable Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD800 per room
Description: Sandals Royal Bahamian All Inclusive Resort - Couples Only is minutes away from excellent duty-free shopping in Downtown Nassau and world class gambling on Paradise Island. The resort has spa services, 7 pools, 10 gourmet dining options, and 8 bars. Nightly entertainment, a fitness facility, and water sports equipment are enjoyed in a relaxed beachfront setting. Guestrooms, villas, and suites with sumptuous 4-poster mahogany beds are perfect refuges for relaxation and privacy. Air conditioning and ceiling fans add tropical flair. Complimentary wireless (high-speed) Internet access is also available.
Riu Palace Paradise Island
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD528 per room
Description: The Riu Palace Paradise Island resort faces an ivory-sand beach stretching 5km along the Atlantic Ocean; a casino is adjacent and the Paradise Shopping Centre is a short walk away. Meals at resort restaurants, all-day snacks, drinks at a swim-up bar, 24 hour room service, a daily activity program, and evening entertainment are a few amenities included in the room rate at this all-inclusive resort. A sand-colored tower houses 379 guestrooms. Balconies feature ocean views; decor includes cream walls with framed pastel prints and brightly patterned bedspreads. Facilities incl.: 5 restaurants, 4 bars, outdoor pool, concierge, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, fitness gym, beach volleyball court, entertainment program, room service and water sports.
The best time to visit New Providence Island is from late-November to mid-April during the winter dry season. However, New Providence Island in the Bahamas is considered a year-round destination.
For hot weather, visit New Providence Island from mid-March through to mid-May, and from late-October to mid-December.
The Bahamas experience a hot tropical climate with a warm, winter dry season from November to April, and a hot, wet summer season from late-May to late-October.
For more climate info see our Bahamas Weather Guide…
New Providence Island is the most populated island in the Bahamas, and is located less than 320km (200mi) from Miami, Florida.
The island is home to the historic capital city of Nassau, as well as the popular tourist destinations of Cable Beach and nearby Paradise Island, which is located only 180m (196yd) off New Providence Island’s north shore.
The most convenient route to New Providence Island is by air to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), located 16km (10mi) from the capital, Nassau.
The Bahamas comprise a chain of more than 700 islands and 2000 cays, stretching for 96km (60mi) in the Atlantic, southeast of Florida.
New Providence Island, Paradise Island and Grand Bahama receive the most visitors, annually.
More information on how to get to New Providence Island…
Latest update: New Providence Island honeymoon guide: 14 January, 2023
Advertising