In the Bahamas, as in Puerto Rico, the issue about public access to beaches is a hot and controversial subject. Recognizing this, the government has made efforts to intersperse public beaches with easy access between more private beaches where access may be impeded. Although megaresorts discourage nonresidents from easy access to their individual beaches, there are so many public beaches on New Providence Island and Paradise Island that all a beach lover has to do is stop his or her car (or else walk) to many of the unmarked, unnamed beaches that flank these islands.
The average visitor will not have a problem with beaches because most people stay in one of the large beachfront resorts where the ocean meets the sand right outside of their doors. For those hoping to explore more of the coast, here are the "no problem, man" beaches -- the ones that are absolutely accessible to the public:
A Beach for Lovers -- Continuing west along West Bay Street, you reach Love Beach, across from Sea Gardens, a good stretch of sand lying east of Northwest Point. Love Beach, although not big, is a special favorite with lovers. The snorkeling is superb, too. It's technically private, though no one bothers visitors who come, and locals fervently hope it won't ever become overrun like Cable Beach.
