Paradise Found! Top Nassau Vacation Rentals With Incredible Ocean Views
You’d have to have spent the last several years under a rock to have missed the explosion of choice in the home-based vacation rental market, which has given discerning travellers many more lodging options to choose from these days in almost every destination. This recent accommodation revolution has occurred here in The Bahamas as well and while you’ll undoubtedly still find numerous resort and boutique hotel selections available throughout these islands, wonderful private rental homes offer an entirely new way to explore this beautiful archipelago.
Whether you’re searching for Nassau rentals on AirBnB, VRBO, or Homeaway; or seeking a spacious six-bedroom mansion or humble cottage for one; private vacation rentals offer something different, and decidedly more low key, for the veteran Nassau visitor. They can also serve as an ideal getaway for the new Nassau adventurer whose preference is to veer off the beaten path (as many of our astute Tru Bahamian Food Tours‘ guests are known to!).
Furthermore, private vacation rentals frequently come with many perks (car service, laundry, in-house kitchen access, free-wifi, etc), not to mention the added bonus of allowing your holiday dollar to go further. The chance to interact with friendly and helpful proprietors is also regularly cited as one of the best benefits of opting to rent locally.
But- with all this choice, we know that the boggling array of options out there can sometimes seem overwhelming. Since we know that being close to that gorgeous blue water is an understandable priority for most, we’ve rounded up a list of Nassau’s top vacation rentals with ocean views or beach access.
Before reading be warned: 1) You may never want to leave, 2) Selfies taken here may elicit intense jealousy among friends back home… #justsayin
Head To The Water’s Edge In Eastern Nassau
Location: 5.5 miles from downtown Nassau, 15 miles from the airport
Beds/Sleeps: 4 beds/8 persons
Price Range: $4,000 per week. Minimum stay of 7 nights
Best For: Groups, families
Credit: VRBO
A luxurious and comfortable one-story cottage located in the eastern side of New Providence, Water’s Edge has received rave reviews from visitors who enjoy its tranquility, proximity to the ocean and upgraded furnishings.
Take a look at these perks:
- Recent upgrades to Water’s Edge include: new mattresses, kitchen appliances, a re-surfaced swimming pool, painted interior.
- High, wood-vaulted ceilings and ocean breezes throughout the villa
- A brand new hammock (who doesn’t love hammocks!!)
- As the name suggests, it’s hard to get closer to the ocean than at this eastern Nassau rental. Snorkeling off the back off the property leaves many guests in awe of the wide array of sea life, including dolphins, stingrays, turtles, fish, urchins and even the occasional shark (usually a friendly neighbourhood Nurse Shark, known for their lack of aggression, the owners add).
- Deck chairs around the private pool provide the ideal resting spot for those who’d prefer to see, rather than swim with, their aquatic neighbours, as well as a picture perfect location for a morning coffee amid tropical flowers and palms.
What’s Nearby?
Yamacraw Hill Beach is a pleasant spot commonly frequented by family, friends, and lovers looking for some peace and quiet, a place to sit and talk while overlooking over the shimmering sea, or to watch an early sunrise. Enjoy an evening out or pick up an oven fired pizza-to-go at the nearbyPalm Cay Club House Restaurant, Billfish Grill (also on the water).
Stay Busy: Swimming, snorkeling, dinghy boating, beachcombing, sunbathing
Fast Facts:
- Distance to Ocean: Steps!
- Space Shared with Owner: No
- Children Allowed: Yes
- Kitchen: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: Yes
- Smoking: No
- Pets: Ask owner
- Parking: Yes
Book: https://www.vrbo.com/679779
Don’t Worry, Be Happy On West Bay Street
Location: 3 miles from downtown Nassau, 8 miles from the airport
Beds/Sleeps: One King Bed (which can be separated into two singles for families or friends) / 2 persons
Price Range: Around $150 a night, season dependent. Three nights minimum stay
Best For: Couples, single travelers, friends
Credit: Airbnb
A stay in this well-appointed, island chic room (with its own private bathroom) in the home of a centrally-located Nassuvian may leave you wishing this was your life too. Your options for laid back island living are truly endless here. Take a dip in the pool, hot tub or the ocean – just four yards away from your bedroom door, next to a small beach.
Take a look at these perks:
- Rumour (and plentiful rave reviews) has it that the patio and water-side cabana provide the perfect setting to toast the sun as it sinks into the horizon.
- Host Penny provides snorkeling gear and water floats, and even encourages handline fishing from the sea wall at the back of the property, where promise of catching a delicious Bahamian Snapper to cook on the property’s outdoor grill awaits.
- Penny is also a verified fountain of knowledge about the island, and her dog, Alfie, is equally enthusiastic.
What’s Nearby?
- To the east, Saunder’s Beach, is a favoured and often empty beach of Nassau locals, along with easy access to several stores, including a pharmacy and liquor store.
- Arawak Cay Fish Fry, a local institution made up of colourful wooden shacks selling belly-filling island delicacies.
- To the west, Cable Beach, the famous hotel strip features a range of dinner and lunch spots like Olives Meze Grill, Social House Sushi and Grill, and Capriccio’s italian restaurant, as well as a large Super Value supermarket for your grocery shopping needs and a selection of retail stores (mostly women’s and sports clothing) should you need anything during your trip. If you’re seeking an adrenalin rush, Jet skis can be rented on the beach itself.
Stay Busy: Snorkeling, fishing, beachcombing, swimming, sunbathing, barbecuing, jet-skiing
Fast Facts:
- Distance to Ocean: Just a few steps!
- Property Shared with Owner: Yes, rental is a private room on lower level within larger home
- Children Allowed: Yes
- Kitchen: Basic
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: Yes, private
- Smoking: Outdoors
- Pets: Penny (your host) owns a dog named Alfie
- Parking: Yes
Book: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5947368
A Room With A View In West Nassau
Location: 12 miles from Downtown Nassau, 3.5 miles from the airport
Beds/Sleeps: 1 bed, 1 sofa bed / 3 persons
Price Range: Around $130 per night, average. Minimum two night stay
Best For: Couples, small families, friends
Credit: Airbnb
Adam and Stevette’s place is one for couples looking for relaxed romance, or just peace and quiet. This stylish, modern rental itself has won a slew of upbeat reviews for its’ array of delights, not least of which are its’ charming and helpful young hosts, picturesque location – right on the stretch of sand known as Love Beach – and nearby amenities.
Take a look at these perks:
- Imagine eating your breakfast atop your own spacious balcony, overlooking one of Nassau’s most secluded beaches and the bountifully coral-filled waters beyond.
- Have a go on the apartment’s own beach volleyball pitch, fall in love with the Love Beach shoreline during a leisurely kayak, and grill up some seafood delicacies on the apartment’s patio BBQ.
- Plentiful, shaded outdoor seating, including a cozy, covered and cushioned sun bed.
What’s Nearby?
- The Nirvana Beach Bar, a laid-back waterfront bar and grill, with watersports equipment for rent, and a bar known for its long cocktail menu and friendly service.
- For those who consider cooking a holiday no-no, there’s a handful of charming restaurants nearby, including Studio Cafe, Aquafire, Compass Point, as well as one of Nassau’s fastest growing conch stalls, serving both the recently invented Tropical Conch Salad (think conch salad, add fruit!) and its original, non-fruity cousin.
Stay Busy: Volleyball, barbecuing, beachcombing, sunbathing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling
Fast Facts:
- Space Shared with Owner: Yes, you rent one floor of the apartment
- Distance to Ocean: 50 feet
- Children Allowed: Yes
- Kitchen: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: No
- Smoking: No
- Pets: No
- Parking: Yes
Book: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3635914
Your Own Piece Of Paradise Near Atlantis
Location: 3 miles from Downtown Nassau, 12 miles from the airport
Beds/Sleeps: 1 King bed, 2 single, 1 Queen sized futon / 6 persons
Price Range: $386 average per night, including tax and cleaning fee. Minimum five night stay.
Best For: Groups, families
Credit: Homeaway
Visitors have often dubbed this special spot a “home away from home” and proclaim that it can’t be beaten when it comes to value for a group vacation option on Paradise Island. If you like the idea of combining access to island’s most talked-about tourist hotspots with living independently in your own super-comfortable pad- then this villa this is right up your alley.
Take a look at these perks:
- Create your own resort at this highly private Paradise Island rental. The villa is located within a walled-in garden, all a stone’s throw from the world famous Atlantis resort and its extensive amenities. But on this property- you’ll have the pool all to yourself.
- Cabbage Beach, the primary play area for hotel guests on the island, is just a short five to ten minute walk away. There you can expect to be offered everything from hair-braiding services to jet skis rentals, banana boat rides and parasailing. Laying down on your towel and working on your tan is of course a free, optional extra.
What’s Nearby?
- All the adventures of Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, the aquarium and its epic waterpark.
- A hop, skip and jump from one of Paradise Island’s most luxurious resorts, the One and Only Ocean Club, including its indulgent restaurant, Dune.
- The hubbub of Downtown Nassau beckons over the bridge, and is accessible by a short water ferry or taxi ride.
- Viola’s Bar and Grill just across the road, is a casual spot next to the beach, serving basic food options like burgers and pizzas, as well as breakfast.
Stay Busy: Beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, diving, bird watching
Fast Facts:
- Distance to Ocean: A quarter of a mile
- Space Shared with Owner: No
- Children Allowed: Yes
- Kitchen: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: Yes
- Smoking: No
- Pets: No
- Parking: Yes
Book: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p909699
Chic Love Beach Surf Shack
Location: 12 miles from Downtown Nassau, 3.5 miles from the airport
Beds/Sleeps: 1 Queen size bed / 2 persons
Price Range: $208 per night average
Best For: Couples, solo travelers
Credit: Homeaway
A labour of love by young couple, Alec and Sarah, this newly-renovated and cozy ground floor studio is located just steps from the beach. At Love Beach Colony you can quickly become part of a laid back community of beach and ocean-loving Bahamians and expatriates without sacrificing your privacy. This simple but comfortable rental would be perfect for a couple looking to get away from it all in their own rustic but well-equipped love nest.
Take a look at these perks:
- Breakfast can be taken in the quaint screened-off porch, with its wooden floors, and white picket fencing. From there you can see the ocean rippling just a few feet away.
- Later, get ready to shift gears (or paddles) with kayaks, canoes and other watersport gear available for visitor use. With its offshore reefs, Love Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling areas near in New Providence and even attracts the occasional dedicated surfer.
- If you’re lucky, you might find yourself happening upon one of the Love Beach Colony beach bonfires! Smores at the ready, people…
Stay Busy: Kayaking, barbecuing, snorkeling, beachcombing, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing
Fast Facts:
- Distance to Ocean: 100 feet
- Space Shared with Owner: No
- Children Allowed: No
- Kitchen: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: No
- Smoking: No
- Pets: No
- Parking: Yes
Book: https://www.homeaway.ca/cottage-rental/p670953vb
Spectacular Sunsets At Delaporte’s Ocean Waves
Location: 7 miles from Downtown Nassau, 3.2 miles from the airport
Beds/Sleeps: 4 beds, three bedrooms / sleeps 6
Price Range: $308 per night average, minimum 3 night stay
Best For: Groups, families
Credit: VRBO
This spacious three-storey, three-and-a-half-bath townhome is located in the popular and well-situated gated community of Delaporte, which occupies a peninsula along Nassau’s north western coast. Capable of sleeping 6 people, it represents a great value option for exploring some of what Nassau has beyond Downtown and Paradise Island.
Take a look at these perks:
- Jaw-dropping sunsets over the ocean are a given from this westerly-facing waterfront condo.
- Two pools, the ocean literally off your patio, and a beach, are just the start of your relaxation options at Ocean Waves. Snorkels, fins and masks are provided so taking the plunge to check out the sea life down below is a sinch. Beach umbrellas are on offer for those who’d rather lounge the days away – as many do – on the neighbouring Delaporte Beach.
- The number 10 bus, which can carry you to a host of top tourist sites in Nassau, stops right outside the development and costs just $1.25/ride.
What’s nearby?
The Poop Deck restaurant, just a few minutes from the property, serves a succulent selection of local fish dishes, steaks and more. Breezy, beachfront restaurant, Blue Sail, is several minutes walk down the road, as is Sandyport, a residential development, with a marina village and small boutique hotel. Within it, you’ll find quite a handy selection of retail stores (Young’s Champagne is perfect for fine wines), bars/restaurants, a gas station, a gym, and more. Check out cosy, over-the-water Spritz Restaurant and Bar for great pizzas or the Twisted Lime Sports Bar and Grill. Around half a mile away is another shopping plaza where you can source groceries for home meals.
Stay Busy: Beachcombing, sunbathing, barbecuing, snorkeling, swimming.
Fast Facts:
- Distance to Ocean: You’re on it.
- Space Shared with Owner: No
- Children Allowed: Yes
- Kitchen: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: Yes, two pools shared with other residents of Delaporte
- Smoking: No
- Pets: No
- Parking: Yes
Book: https://www.vrbo.com/448062
Beauty On West Bay Street
Location: 3 miles from Downtown Nassau, 7.2 miles from airport.
Beds/Sleeps: 6 bedrooms / sleeps 13.
Price Range: Rates range from $7,000 weekly- $10,000, depending on the season. Minimum stay 3 nights, or 7 nights during Thanksgiving and Christmas (high season).
Best For: Groups, families
Credit: Beauty in The Bahamas
If you ever wondered what it’s like to live the dream, ‘Shangri-La’ might just give you a taste of just that. Overlooking tranquil Cable Beach, the property features a main house AND a guest cottage and is located conveniently between Downtown Nassau and the Cable Beach strip, providing easy access by car, taxi, local bus, or even medium length walk to either of these activity hubs. That is if you can bring yourself to step away from this private patch of heaven.
Take a look at these perks:
- With 5,500 square feet of space to roam, and six bathrooms to compliment the six, well-appointed bedrooms, this vacation pad allows you to arrive with a crowd and still have ample space to relax.
- The extensive outdoor area features a covered veranda where you can enjoy the view in the shade (or during a brief summer squall), generous patio and pool, spacious Master bedroom balcony, roomy front entrance to the property, and beyond all of this…a long stretch of powdery, white sand beach at your doorstep.
- If you’re one of those travellers for whom vacation occasionally means having to knock out some hours at the office when you get back from the beach, you’ll enjoy retreating to Shangri-La’s office area, equipped with phones (capable of making calls locally and to the U.S), printer, strong WiFi, and more.
- A home theatre with surround sound is the perfect way to catch some respite from the heat after a long day frolicking in the surf.
What’s nearby?
Cable Beach to the west and Downtown Nassau to the east feature numerous restaurant options, as well as ways to entertain yourself during your stay. Besides getting your fill of local food and culture on our Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Tour, you can can check out nearby options such as: paddleboarding with PappaSurf or kite surfing with AJ. Social House serves up fresh sushi, Chives to Go has healthy lunch and take-home dinner options and Arawak Cay Fish Fry is a local institution serving hearty helpings of Bahamian favourites- all these spots are just a few minutes drive away.
Stay Busy: Beachcombing, sunbathing, barbecuing, snorkeling, swimming
Fast facts:
- Distance to Ocean: Steps!
- Space Shared with Owner: No
- Children Allowed: Yes
- Kitchen: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: Yes
- Beach: Yes, plus free kayak.
- Smoking: Outdoors only
- Pets: No
- Parking: Yes
Book: http://beautyinthebahamas.com/
BONUS! Journey To Relaxation On Rose Island
Location: 3 miles from Nassau, accessible only by boat
Beds/Sleeps: 4 King sized beds/6 persons
Price Range: Average nightly rate of $795
Best For: Groups, families looking for something extra special
Credit: Sandy Toes
“Do Nothing Experience Everything” is the tempting pitch for this secluded spot, and it delivers. Though this rental is not technically in Nassau, if you are looking for a heavenly and hefty slice of island bliss, prepare to be awestruck by this Rose Island rental, which has all of that and and then some. Example: a hanging, outdoor bed with a view. Sunset cocktails anyone?
Take a look at these perks:
- Rose Island is a hidden gem where seclusion, privacy, and relaxation are top of the menu.
- Accessible only by a 20 minute speedboat journey (the owners will take you there, never fear!), this villa includes 10 beachfront acres for your personal (and virtually private) enjoyment.
- It’s the closest thing you’ll get to a Bahamian “Out Island” experience while still having access to the Nassau mainland if you choose.
- Hiding away behind palm trees the property is at high enough elevation to give you incredible views of the seemingly endless Atlantic and offer a blissful breeze throughout.
- Besides reveling in your relaxation, you can set off in the villa’s on-call kayak or getting friendly with some of the island’s aquatic life using the snorkel gear provided.
- An outdoor rain shower allows you to cool down and rinse off any remnants of your salty, sandy escapades on the water without ever having to take your eyes off the view.
What’s Nearby?
This rental is operated by a local family who also owns Sandy Toes– an excursion company that brings tourists and locals alike to their on-island bar, grill and bonafide chill spot. Staying at this Rose Island villa is a definitely few steps above a normal vacation rental experience. Example: full access to the excursion amenities and friendly staff who are willing to bring you anything and everything you might be missing during your stay.
Stay Busy: Beachcombing, birdwatching, swimming, shelling, boating, sunbathing, photographing, kayaking, snorkeling, or beach walking
Fast Facts:
- Distance to Ocean: 50 feet
- Space Shared with Owner: No
- Children Allowed: Yes
- Kitchen: Yes
- WiFi: Yes
- Laundry Facilities: No
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Pool: No
- Smoking: Not permitted inside
- Pets: No