The Best Beach Bars in the Bahamas

Slap bang on the golden sands running down from Love Beach in Nassau is Compass Point Beach Resort. Inside, you’ll find the Outdoor Ocean Bar overlooking (you guessed it) the glistening Atlantic. Bright pops of colour and friendly staff create a sunny, laid back atmosphere here. Expect dreamy sunset views and punchy mojitos.

If you’re looking for somewhere casual and fun, especially if you’re travelling as a group, then pull up a seat at Señor Frog’s. This Mexican-themed bar, which has locations throughout the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean, is known for its party atmosphere, colourful cocktails, and Mexican comfort food. The Bahamian outpost in Nassau is located next to the beach; in rainy weather, it’s a great place to take shelter.

Lap up idyllic views and zingy cocktails at the Sunset Beach Club, just north of Lake Killarney. Soak up live music on the beachfront deck throughout the week; dancing is highly encouraged. There’s also a small food menu with conch fritters and juicy beef steaks on offer, while signature cocktails include the Beach Club Cosmo (a blend of vodka, triple sec, mango purée, white cranberry juice, and lime).

Drop your anchor off the white sand shores of Stocking Island and feel like a real beach bum at Chat ‘N’ Chill. This characterful bar opened its doors in 1998, specifically for sailors. The rules even stipulate “no shoes allowed”. Stop by on a Sunday for the popular pig roast, washed down with piña coladas or a mudslide for sweet tooths (consisting of Bailey’s, Kahlua, vodka, chocolate syrup and heavy cream). If you want to take the party back to your boat, the bar does takeaway rum punch by the gallon.

For a more private beach bar experience, head to the Peace & Plenty Beach Club. The club, which flanks a pristine stretch of sand on Stocking Island, is part of the historic Peace & Plenty Hotel on Exuma and a free boat transfer is provided. Blue and white striped umbrellas shade sun loungers that line the beautiful beach. Both the Atlantic Ocean and Elizabeth Harbour are accessible from here.

Get into the Bahamian swing of things with a trip to the Exuma Point Bar and Grille. This charming restaurant on Great Exuma sits right by the water’s edge on the north tip of the island. Visitors rate it for its warm, authentic atmosphere and delicious home-cooked food, rustled up by owners Elvis and Maryann. Elvis’ Punch Cocktail is a must-try, along with the lobster, which is served in a myriad of ways.

Nestled on the shores of Little Exuma, Santanna’s Bar and Grill has been welcoming guests for more than 20 years. The venue, which is decked out in a rainbow of colours, serves up home-cooked Bahamian food, tropical cocktails topped with cherries, and chilled bottles of Kalik beer. It’s famed for its tongue-tingling pepper sauce and conch fritter batter, a recipe to write home about. Certainly one of the best bars in the Exumas.

For unobstructed ocean views, you can’t do much better than the open-air Sip Sip beach bar and restaurant, part of the upscale Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, just north of Nassau. Dark wood furnishings, directors’ chairs, and art made from salvaged buoys set the tone. Popular “sips” include the signature Sip Sip Rum Punch and the Passion Fruit Sangria, plus there’s an innovative food menu inspired by Bahamian classics, whipped up by chef Julie Lightbourn.

Point your compass in the direction of Great Guana Cay for a colourful beachside beverage at Nipper’s. This classic beach bar lures visitors back time and time again with its party vibe, friendly service and killer cocktails. To top it off, there are two swimming pools, so you can sip and dip. This spot is open 364 days a year; it gets particularly busy on Sundays with a special pig roast buffet to line your stomach.