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Compass Point Studios

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Landmark
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Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)

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Compass Point Studios in Nassau, established in 1977 by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, was once among the world's most prestigious recording facilities. It was designed to provide musicians with a creative sanctuary, blending high-end technology with a tranquil Caribbean setting. The studio gained global fame for the 'Compass Point Sound,' largely attributed to the in-house band, the Compass Point All Stars, led by Sly & Robbie. Some of the most influential albums in history were recorded here, including AC/DC's 'Back in Black' and major works by Bob Marley, Grace Jones, and Talking Heads. Its seaside location offered an unparalleled atmosphere that attracted a roster of international superstars throughout the 1980s. Following a decline in use and various socio-political challenges, the studios officially closed their doors in 2010. Today, the site remains a legendary landmark for music enthusiasts, symbolizing a golden age when the Bahamas was a focal point of global music production.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323252628292929282524
Rain mm383340611271621301541641196840

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Compass Point Studios is a former recording studio in Nassau that is no longer active. The building still stands and can be viewed from the outside, but is not open to the public.
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Typical hours
As a private building, there are no visiting hours. The best time for an exterior viewing is during daytime with good light.
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Photography
Photography of the building from the street is allowed. Be careful not to step onto private property or obstruct traffic.
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Time needed
A short stop for photos takes about 5 to 10 minutes. A longer stay is not needed as only the exterior is visible.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a stroll along nearby Cable Beach or a visit to the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. Downtown Nassau has more attractions.
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Getting there
The studios are located on West Bay Street in Nassau, easily reachable by taxi or bus. The 'Compass Point' bus stop is nearby.
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Insider tip
Check the current owner's website for occasional tours or events. Look for the blue commemorative plaque near the entrance.

Geography

Coordinates
25.06550, -77.48800

Facts

  • The studio opened its doors in 1977 near Cable Beach on New Providence Island.
  • AC/DC's 'Back in Black,' the second best-selling album of all time, was recorded here in 1980.
  • Chris Blackwell intended the studio to be a remote 'musical colony' for his artists.
  • The house band popularized a unique blend of Caribbean reggae and European electronics.
  • Iron Maiden recorded three consecutive albums at the studio during the mid-1980s.
  • Operations were permanently ceased in September 2010 following increasing local instability.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pirate's Lair RuinsPirate's Lair Ruins1 km · SExplore →
Lynden Pindling Cargo AreaLynden Pindling Cargo Area3 km · NExplore →
New Providence Coppice ForestsNew Providence Coppice Forests4 km · NExplore →
Clifton Heritage RuinsClifton Heritage Ruins5 km · SExplore →
Clifton Pier Industrial ZoneClifton Pier Industrial Zone6 km · NExplore →
Carmichael Road Business ParkCarmichael Road Business Park9 km · NExplore →
Baha Mar ResortBaha Mar Resort10 km · NExplore →
Goulding Cay ForestGoulding Cay Forest10 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Compass Point Studios (1)

Old Fort Bay📍 landmark

Bay and residential area on New Providence, featuring a marina.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Compass Point Studios?
A famous recording studio in Nassau, founded by Chris Blackwell.
Which famous artists have recorded there?
Greats like AC/DC, Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, and U2 have worked there.
Can you visit the studio today?
The studio is currently closed and not open for regular public tours.
Where exactly in Nassau is it located?
It is located in the west of New Providence, near the Compass Point resort.
Why was the studio so special?
Because of its unique sound and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
Compass Point Studios: where is it located?
Compass Point Studios is located in Bahamas.
Compass Point Studios: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Compass Point Studios: why is it worth visiting?
Compass Point Studios in Nassau, established in 1977 by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, was once among the world's most prestigious recording facilities.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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History & landmarks

Clifton Heritage Ruins — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Clifton Heritage Ruins
A historical site in western New Providence encompassing remains of Lucayan villages and plantations.
Baha Mar Resort — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Baha Mar Resort
A massive hotel and casino complex dominating the Cable Beach skyline.
Ocean Atlas Statue — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Ocean Atlas Statue
The largest underwater sculpture in the world, depicting a local Bahamian girl.
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium
The primary sports stadium of the Bahamas, often the venue for international track and field events.
Kendal G. L. Isaacs National Gymnasium — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Kendal G. L. Isaacs National Gymnasium
A multi-purpose indoor arena in Nassau hosting sporting and cultural events.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
The first Catholic church built in the Bahamas, featuring impressive Gothic architecture.
Villa Doyle — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Villa Doyle
An impressive historic mansion that today houses the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
Gregory's Arch — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Gregory's Arch
A stone arch that forms a picturesque boundary between downtown and the 'Over-the-Hill' settlement.

Nature

Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park
An important wetland area on New Providence, designated as a vital habitat for water birds.

More places

Pirate's Lair Ruins — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Pirate's Lair Ruins
The remains of structures rumored to have been a hideout and tavern for pirates during the Golden Age.
Lynden Pindling Cargo Area — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Lynden Pindling Cargo Area
A cargo and logistics zone near the main airport.
Earth Village Kids Camp — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Earth Village Kids Camp
An eco-educational camp near Adelaide Village that teaches children about nature, sustainable farming, and Bahamian culture.
New Providence Coppice Forests — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
New Providence Coppice Forests
Remnants of the dry broadleaf forest that once covered New Providence, providing habitat for birds and reptiles.
Clifton Pier Industrial Zone — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Clifton Pier Industrial Zone
An industrial area with storage, transfer, and small workshops.
Primeval Forest National Park — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Primeval Forest National Park
A remarkably untouched old-growth hardwood forest on New Providence, featuring dramatic karst formations.
Carmichael Slave Graveyard — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Carmichael Slave Graveyard
A historic burial ground that served as the final resting place for slaves from plantations in the Carmichael area.
Carmichael Road Business Park — Compass Point Studios (Bahamas)
Carmichael Road Business Park
A growing commercial area with warehouses and service providers.