any suggestions for a day at the beach?

[burners]

We are a family of four with two teenagers looking for a beach in Nassau to just hang out for the day.our ship is there from 8am - 6 pm.any suggestions?

[mikeob]

We just got back from a stop in Nassau and spent the day at the British Colonial Hilton. They charged us $15.00/person to use their beach, swimming pool, lounge chairs and outside restaurant area and rest rooms.

 

When you leave the pier, you take a right and walk two blocks passing the straw markets along the way. The orange tiled roof bldg is the British Colonial Hilton. Just walk inside--The check-in counter is to the right. Tell them you want to use their facilities and they will gladly accept your credit card or cash.

 

The beach is great and you can watch the cruise ships, tour ships, etc. all day long. It's just a liesurely stroll back to the pier and your day is complete. Really, this is the best bargain in all of Nassau. Mike OB

[mikeob]

I forgot to mention that your pass also allows you access to the pool right on the beach--Enjoy!!!

[burners]

thanks Mike, I just might check that out

[Surfgirl]

For $25, you can get a tour of "The Dig" at Altantis (well worth the price!) plus, you'll be allowed to use their beach all day.

[CaribbeanBound]

Having been to Nassau a couple times before, we opted for a new experience by jumping on the #10 Jitney ($1.00 each way, payable when exiting) to Cable Beach. The drivers are really friendly. Greet them with a hearty "Good Morning" as you board. You can catch the #10 near the British Colonial Hilton (a few blocks to your right after you leave the pier). The trip took about 20 minutes. We got off at Sandals, the all-inclusive "adult couples only" resort. . It was a good thing we had brought our email confirmation of the Day Pass option as there was some confusion at the gate and upon check-in. A Day Pass (9am to 6pm) costs $220 per couple, or $50 per person ($100 per couple) if you view a 10-minute presentation and go on a 30-minute site inspection tour. We opted for the tour.

 

Sandals: the property itself is undergoing what appears to be the final phases of a hurricane repair. Lots of painting, and some reconstruction. The property should look great come the holiday season. Everyone was quite friendly. They make no effort to differentiate someone on a Day Pass from an overnight guest. You have free reign of the property. We took a speedboat out to Sandals Cay --- their semi-private island --- which includes a pool with swim-up bar, hot tub, hammocks, chairs, and a restaurant. There was less than 12 guests on the island for the first hour --- 24 by the time we left after two hours. The speedboat operators are real pros and a joy to watch in action as they secure the boat to the docks in high wave conditions. We enjoyed a couple of drinks on a hammock as waves crashed nearby. Atlantis could be seen in the distance. Very relaxing. They don't skimp on the liquor here. All quality, branded names, and local beers. Back at the main property we enjoyed a few more drinks, the hot tub, and a conch fritter lunch. Nice laidback day. We would look forward to visiting Sandals again on a Day Pass.

 

Complete reviews at:

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/easterncaribbean.html

and

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/westerncaribbean.html

[burners]

Mike , I checked out the british colonial hiltons website.It looks like a great place to spend the day and for only $15 and their pool is heated while atlantis pool is not.Thanks for the tip.

[burners]

Hey Mike. Are kids allowed at the british colonial hilton?

[scubagirrl]

Hey Mike. Are kids allowed at the british colonial hilton?

 

Yes, they are allowed, but the place is very quiet and low keyed, so an energetic child might get a few critical looks.

 

I love this beach, great for sunning and reading a good book. Not a resort with games and noisy kids.

[kelcruzn]

How do you go about getting a Sandals day pass? I looked at Sandals' website, and didn't see anything about that option. Do you email the resort directly and ask?

[RenieRaider]

Mikeob ~ We were in Nassua in October and as we walked around we did go into the Hilton. Ya know ....... it was as impressive to me as was the Atlantis. VERY nice!

Thanks for the tip.

Mike?

HOW did you learn about this???

Thanks and HAPPY HEW YEAR!

[NY Jean]

Do you have to reserve in advance for a day pass at the british colonial or can you just show up and pay at the desk??? thanks jean

[debhaz22]

I would also like to know if the day pass at Sandals or British Colonial requires advance purchase?? Anyone??

[RenieRaider]

You can walk to the hotel (the first hotel in Nassua) Can't miss it.

For $15 you get to use of chairs at the pool and on the beach and towels.

There is a Pool Bar where you may purcahse drinks and food.

It's a very nice hotel.

You Do NOT have to make reservations.

 

Another option is that you can make reservations for the use of a Room.

The price for the day room (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) is $110. plus tax.

That's kind of nice, to have a place to shower, relax, WHATEVER ;-)

 

Depends on your budget.

[RenieRaider]

I would also like to know if the day pass at Sandals or British Colonial requires advance purchase?? Anyone??

You can purcahse a Day Pass (9:00 am to 6:00 pm) at Sandals for $220 per couple. That covers full use of property all food and drinks and thier island... Sandals Cay.

You do not need reservations. Just take the bus from Bay Street to Sandals and tell them at the Gate that you want to puchase a Day Pass. :-)

[maurick]

Husband and I spent the day at the Hilton. We found the water there to be dirty b/c ships pass there and when you look to your left, there is sewerage pipes or some kind of pipes dumping something into the water there. We stayed out of the water and enjoyed the pool and grounds. I would say its not a place for children.

[ritarussell]

Anyone gone to Beaches for the day? They have a pass similar to Sandals for $60 per person. All you can eat and drink as well as watersports and land sports for the day. I believe it is for 10am to 6pm.