Because Freeport and Lucaya have been constructed in the past 50 years, you won't find quaint old buildings or historic forts. Visitors go to Grand Bahama Island not for the sites, but to shop, gamble, lie on the beach and explore the underwater reefs.
The bright and airy full-service casino at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort opened just a few years ago. It has a wide variety of table games and slot machines. Daily 10 am-2 am; Saturday and Sunday the slot machines are open 24 hours. Phone 242-373-1333.
The natural parks on Grand Bahama Island represent what the island must have looked like hundreds of years ago. Exploring the parks may be easiest as part of a tour group, but taxis can take you there and wait for you: Negotiate the fare before leaving.
This beautiful 42-acre/17-hectare park contains Gold Rock Beach, a lovely strip with high dunes that is mostly deserted. From the parking lot it is a short walk to the caves, which are a habitat for migratory bats in summer. The caves are part of an extensive underwater cavern system, inhabited by rare crustaceans. Across the road, a nature trail through coppices, mangrove swamps and sand dunes—partly over boardwalks—will lead you to the beautiful beach. The best way to visit the park is by guided tour or by taxi. 25 mi/40 km east of Freeport. Daily 9 am-4 pm. US$3 adults, free for children younger than 12. Phone 242-352-5438.
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This is one of Grand Bahama's most popular attractions. You don't have to know how to snorkel to take part—in fact, you don't even have to know how to swim. You can interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in shallow Sanctuary Bay or swim with them in the open ocean. The animals are surprisingly gregarious with humans. Interactions with dolphins are frequently controversial because of the unnatural confinement and training of the animals. The UNEXSO dolphins can swim between the lagoon and the ocean during the day and are enclosed in the lagoon at night to protect them from sharks. UNEXSO also offers a variety of scuba-diving activities for beginners and experienced divers. Program dates vary. Contact UNEXSO for dates and times. Swim-with-dolphins programs begin at US$169. Close encounters (sitting with your feet in the water while they swim up to you) are US$75 adults, US$37.50 children ages 4-12, free for children younger than 4. Located in Port Lucaya, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-1244. Toll-free 800-992-3483. http://www.unexso.com.
The island of Grand Bahama is surrounded by shallow, crystal clear waters, which make it an ideal destination for golfing, boating, eco-tours and all kinds of watersports and beach activities. Beginners and experienced divers will be attracted by the rich marine life around the reefs, blue holes, caverns and shipwrecks. The unspoiled Peterson Cay or Deadman's Reef are among the best sites. The cities of Freeport and Lucaya do not offer many recreational options outside the major resorts.
Grand Bahama does not lack for wide stretches of beautiful white sand. Xanadu and Lucayan beaches, the two major tourist spots, come complete with high-rise hotels and all the services they provide, including daily beach raking, watersports shops and security guards. If you're interested in a less-developed beach, you may want to rent a car and investigate on your own.
Located 15 minutes from Freeport, Peterson Cay is popular with tour groups who boat over for lunch (the snorkeling is superb). There's a picnic area under the pines at Barbary Beach, but no other facilities. Phone 242-352-5438.
This beach lies on the windswept south side of the island. As part of the Lucayan National Park, it is protected by the Bahamas National Trust. Often deserted, the beach offers magnificent views of shallow emerald waters and Gold Rock, which juts out of the ocean about 0.5 mi/0.8 km offshore. Tourists should be aware that there are no restaurant or bar amenities available. Lucayan National Park (25 minutes from Freeport), Lucaya.
This quaint village, named after the 30-ft-/9-m-high bluff near the coastal road, is located about 45 minutes outside Freeport. The beach offers swimming and a place to get out of the sun and enjoy a cool drink at the Bishop Beach Club.
This is a favorite hangout of local families on the weekends. For food and drinks, Georgie's Restaurant and Margarita Villa Sand Bar serve your needs for snacks and refreshments. Port Lucaya, Lucaya.
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Bird-watching expeditions are organized by the BNT Rand Nature Center and Kayak Nature Tours. Phone 242-373-2485 for Kayak Nature Tours.
At this preserve of 100 acres/40 hectares, set aside by the Bahamas National Trust, you can find the pine woods that originally attracted developers to Grand Bahama Island. If you are a bird-watcher, this is the place for you. More than 40 species, including turkey vultures, hairy woodpeckers, Bahama yellow throats, indigo buntings, American redstarts and American red-tailed hawks inhabit the park. You'll also meet a flock of West Indian flamingos. They will rush to meet you, ready for a treat (a morsel of dog food, which they'll devour with great relish). Look for butterflies, blue-tailed and curly-tailed lizards, and tree frogs as well. Guided tours available. A guided bird walk takes place on the first Saturday of the month. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. US$5 adults, US$3 children ages 5-12, free for children younger than 5. East Settlers Way (2 mi/3 km east of downtown), Freeport. Phone 242-352-5438. http://www.thebahamasnationaltrust.org/parks_rand.php.
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This long-standing operator offers sailing, snorkeling, fishing and glass-bottomed boat tours or a combination of sailing and snorkeling excursions. Also, 25-ft/8-m boat rentals are available. Snorkel gear and fishing poles can be rented for your trip (bait, beverages, a navigation chart as well as a cooler with ice are provided). Dates and hours vary. Call ahead to make reservations. Boat rentals start at US$165.00 for three hours and US$300.00 for six hours. Rentals are only for those older than 25 who have sailing experience. Snorkel excursions are US$35 adults and US$18 children. Port Lucaya Marketplace (west of Count Basie Square), Lucaya. Phone 242-373-5880. http://www.bahamasvacationguide.com/reeftours.
This group offers a variety of cruises: the Robinson Crusoe beach-party cruise maroons you on a beach where you can snorkel, sunbathe and eat a buffet lunch; a dinner cruise with steak and lobster; and a Bahama Mama sunset cruise. Cruise times vary. Check Web site for details. Robinson Crusoe cruise is US$59 adults and US$39 children ages 2-12, dinner cruise is US$69, sunset cruise is US$35. Phone 242-373-7863. http://www.superiorwatersports.com.
This resort offers two courses. The Reef Course's smooth, wide fairways are deceptively challenging, with water integrated into 13 of 18 holes and unpredictable island breezes to contend with. Take a lot of golf balls to the gently rolling Lucayan Course—dense brush sandwiches the fairways. Golf lessons are available at the Butch Harmon School of Golf. Greens fees are US$120 for 18 holes. Phone 242-373-2003. http://www.ourlucaya.com.
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This group offers two-hour, guided horseback trail rides through endangered pine forests, past orange groves, along the beach and into the ocean. Riding experience not required. Wear comfortable clothing, and we recommend suntan lotion. Maximum weight of 200 pounds. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Tours depart at 9 and 11:30 am. US$75. Located midway between the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya Marketplace., Freeport. Phone 242-373-3600. http://www.pinetree-stables.com.
With this company you can go on a horseback-riding tour in the morning or take a romantic ride at sunset. Free transportation within the city limits is provided. Riding experience is not necessary. Wear comfortable clothing. Open Monday-Saturday. Tours start at US$80. Barbary Beach (15 mi/24 km from downtown), Freeport. Phone 242-374-4449 or 242-727-0131. http://www.trikkpony.com.
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This is a small secluded beach away from the crowds, about 22 mi/35 km northwest of the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility. Access to Deadman's Reef is by an easy swim. Snorkel gear can be rented for a small fee, as well as beach chairs, umbrellas and kayaks. Light snacks and sandwiches available. Phone 242-349-2677. http://www.deadmansreef.com.
This company offers a variety of boat and catamaran tours and cruises. Two-hour or half-day snorkeling trips are offered to a variety of destinations, including Peterson Cay. Prices start at US$40 adults, US$20 children. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-8681. Toll-free 888-275-3603. http://www.snorkelingbahamas.com.
You can take PADI certification courses from this company or go on a dive to a variety of beautiful sites. Phone 242-373-4014 or 242-373-2624. http://www.sunnodysseydivers.com.
This group offers a wide variety of dives appropriate for different experience levels. Trips visit reefs and wrecks around the island, as well as cave diving. The company also has introductory scuba instruction and PADI diving certification, open-water referrals and specialty classes. Phone 242-352-3811. http://www.xanadudive.com.
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You can play tennis at most of the larger hotels, though guests receive priority and nonguests may have to pay a fee.
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Designed for children, Camp Lucaya features fun and educational entertainment, including beach olympics, an Explorers Club, art and folklore, and theme parties. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Sheraton at Our Lucaya, Royal Palm Way, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-1444. Toll-free 800-325-3535. http://www.ourlucaya.com/camplucaya.asp.
Havik Circus provides juggling, downing, aerial performances, acrobatics and flying trapeze for the very young (as young as 4 years) or young at heart. Wednesday-Monday 9 am-noon and 2-5 pm. Havik Circus School is US$60 per hour and US$24 for two trapeze swings. Saturday night circus performance (at 7 pm) is US$40 adults, US$10 children 12 and younger. Port Lucaya, Freeport. Phone 242-373-1244. http://www.havikcircus.com.
Play miniature golf at Water World. You can also bowl a strike or two at its bowling alley on any of its 24 automatic computer-scoring lanes. The lanes are sanctioned by the U.S. Bowling Congress. Miniature golf open daily 10 am-10 pm; bowling open daily 9 am-midnight. Miniature golf: US$8 adults, US$4 children; bowling: US$5.00 per game and US$3.50 shoe rental. East Sunrise Highway, Freeport. Phone 242-373-2197.
When the sun sets in Freeport, there's still plenty to do. You can dance, see a show or gamble into the wee hours—or, if you plan it right, do all three. If gambling is not an interest, there are a number of places to mingle, dance and listen to live local music.
| Bars, Taverns & Pubs | Top |
Enjoy some authentic local food while you watch sports on television. Open daily 7 am-2 am. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport. Phone 374-5601.
Rum Runners is a cozy restaurant and sports bar where you can enjoy tasty local cuisine or have a late-night snack. Located in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport. Phone 242-373-7233.
Shenanigans Guinness Pub and European Eatery serves a Continental menu with a happy hour from 5-7 pm. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport. Phone 242-373-4734. http://www.shenanigansbahamas.com.
Check out Simply Native Outback Restaurant & Bar for very tasty local cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (until midnight). On East Beach Drive, just off East Sunrise Boulevard, Freeport. Phone 242-352-5003.
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This high-energy place offers karaoke, movies, TV sporting events and disco music. During the evenings, a dance floor is created amidst the dining tables. The decor is colorful with stranded fishing boats, propellers and parts of planes, lobster traps and buoys. A separate two-story octagonal room offers wonderful beach views with clapboard shutters that open horizontally to let the ocean breeze blow through. Daily from 10 am. No cover charge. Our Lucaya Resort, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-1333.
The square is named after the famous jazz musician William "Count" Basie, who spent some of his later years in Freeport. The square features live music Friday-Sunday and a DJ Wednesday and Thursday nights. Tuesday is karaoke night. There are also theme nights, jam sessions and Junkanoo parades. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-8446. http://www.portlucayamarketplace.com.
Grand Bahama Island has taken advantage of its duty-free status. Far from being a center for cheap and shoddy goods, its shops sell brand names at fair prices. Whether you prefer classic, trendy, luxurious or prestigious, you'll find a good selection. Head first to the two major shopping centers on the island: the International Bazaar and the Port Lucaya Marketplace.
You'll find top-of-the-line imported brands of alcohol and perfume discounted around 40% off list prices in the U.S. (even more off U.K. prices). All are duty-free up to your limit—know what customs allows.
The Port Lucaya Marketplace isn't as large as the bazaar, but its waterfront location, outdoor music (often a steel-drum band) and nightly dancing give it a festive air. Art galleries, as well as lingerie boutiques and leather shops, make for pleasant shopping.
For handbags, leather goods and some unique items, head to the Unusual Center in Port Lucaya or the International Bazaar. Phone 242-373-7333 or 242-352-3994.
| Shopping Hours | Top |
Generally Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm; some shops stay open in the evenings and on Sunday.
This shop sells Bahamian books, novels and magazines, as well as coffee and pastries. There is another location in downtown Freeport. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-8947.
Look for a wide array of paintings and locally made shell and straw craft by Bahamian artisans. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-noon. Located in the RND Plaza, a stone's throw from the International Bazaar, Freeport.
This gallery sells exotic paintings, lithographs and other colorful Bahamian works by local artist Leo Brown. Open Monday-Friday. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport. Phone 242-373-1758.
For local straw goods, this market in the western area of Port Lucaya Marketplace is a good bet.
| Specialty Stores | Top |
For the best of women's extravagant and resort fashions and fancy accessories, shop there. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-7691.
Ogle emeralds and other dazzling gems. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-8400.
Try this shop for perfumes with exotic names such as Pink Pearl, Guanahani and Island Promises. Mix your own scent at The Perfume Factory, which is located in an old mansion behind the bazaar. You can take a tour of the working factory. Open Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm. International Bazaar, Freeport. Phone 242-352-9391. http://www.perfumefactory.com.
There are locations in both the International Bazaar and the Port Lucaya Marketplace, both carrying luxurious duty-free items. Choose from Versace, Kosta-Boda, Swarovski, Lladro and more. Phone 242-373-5274 (Port Lucaya Marketplace), 242-352-9755 International Bazaar).
This store offers quality linens at prices up to 50% below similar goods sold in the U.S. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-8697.
This store sells accessories such as handbags, sunglasses and jewelry. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-374-4512.
To
McLean's Town. Those who want to see some of Grand Bahama's outlying destinations can head toward the eastern end of the island. After passing the Lucayan National Park and Gold Rock Beach, you'll eventually reach McLean's Town, known for its conch-cracking contest. It is the farthest point east—stop and chat with its fishermen and locals. If your timing is good, you may be able to catch the ferry to Deep Water Cay and its fine beaches or to Sweeting's Cay.
To West End. This fishing village on the western tip of the island (about 25 mi/40 km from Freeport) has come to life with the development of Old Bahama Bay. (Look for "whitings"—unexplained white streaks in the water that can be seen from the village.) On the way back, stop at Paradise Cove for a snorkeling trip to Deadman's Reef.
Most tours provide pickup/drop-off services for the resorts and major hotels.
Try the Island Hopping Safari (eight hours), during which you will visit the Lucayan National Park, drive through tiny Bahamian villages and snorkel over a beautiful blue hole. There is also the Blue Hole Snorkeling Safari (five hours), where you will explore the rich marine life around the blue hole and enjoy the colorful coral formations. Island Hopping Safari is US$120 adults, Blue Hole Snorkeling Safari is US$79 adults. Rates include transportation, snorkel gear, lunch and drinks. Phone 242-373-6662. http://bahamasecotours.com.
This company has been in operation since 1978 (formerly Shorex International). It offers a multitude of island tours, as well as watersports and party cruises that are well-organized and reasonably priced. Transportation is included. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucaya. Phone 242-373-7863. http://www.executivetoursbahamas.com.
This operation offers kayaking, snorkeling, biking, hiking, Jeep and bird-watching tours involving light to moderate activity. Prices vary. Phone 242-373-2485. Toll-free 866-440-4542. http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com.
This ecotour operator has been in business for more than 10 years and offers a variety of guided snorkeling, kayaking, bird-watching, biking and hiking programs. The guides are all qualified and dedicated naturalists. Camping trips between Grand Bahama and Abaco are also offered. A self-drive Jeep-safari along the old heritage trail east of Lucaya includes a visit to the Lucayan National Park and Freetown, an ancient settlement of the first emancipated slaves. All tours include transportation, lunch, refreshments, equipment and park admission. US$79 for day trips, US$99 for safari. Phone 242-373-2485. Toll-free 866-440-4542. http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com.
Most cruise ships spend a day or so at Grand Bahama Island. To help you make the most of your time, we've designed two different itineraries specifically for cruise-ship visitors.
PLAN A
The Dolphins
Make arrangements with UNEXSO to get in on its Dolphin Experience. (You will probably need to make reservations before you leave home.) Even if you can't swim, it's worthwhile to stand in the shallow water with the graceful creatures frolicking around you. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can go the next step and schedule an open-ocean dolphin swim or dive.
Change, then have lunch at the Ferry House near UNEXSO or any of the variety of restaurants in the Port Lucaya Marketplace before taking a taxi to the Rand Nature Center for a stroll on the paths among the pines. Afterward, head to the Port Lucayan Marketplace for shopping after the crowds have thinned. Stop in The Pub at Port Lucaya for a casual dinner and some calypso music.
PLAN B
To Xanadu
Make dinner reservations for one of the finer restaurants near the Isle of Capri Casino. Then spend the morning at the local hangout, Xanadu Beach. The water is clear, calm and ideal for snorkeling. Ask the staff at the watersports shop there (where you can rent your mask and fins) to point you toward the best snorkeling.
After you've ogled the fish, take a cab to Lucaya and have a casual lunch in Port Lucaya Marketplace. Browse the shops, and if you want to extend your beach experience, Our Lucaya Resort (just across the street) offers beach access for US$20 including beach chair and towel. Or take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat to view reefs and sea gardens.
When you've had your fill of the sun, visit the Perfume Factory in the International Bazaar and create your own fragrance. Dress up for dinner and enjoy your meal before heading to the casino for a date with Lady Luck.