Grand Bahama, the second most visited and fourth largest island in the Bahamas archipelago, is a major cruise ship port and home to Freeport, with its crowd of competing golf courses, casinos and mega-resorts. While not as ritzy as Nassau and Paradise Island, Freeport/Lucaya is a far more affordable destination offering nearly identical amenities.
Ninety-six miles long, Grand Bahama is located north of Andros and lies west of the Abaco chain. One of the northernmost islands in the nation, it's also the closet major island to the United States at just 55 miles offshore.
In contrast to Freeport's glitz and glamour, the outlying areas of Grand Bahama are dotted with fishing villages and sprinkled with tiny, pastel-painted wooden houses and casuarina trees fringing soft white-sand beaches. Here, visitors find plenty of unspoiled escapes from the urbanization that long ago spread across Freeport.
VISITING GRAND BAHAMA
Grand Bahama boasts remarkable natural landscaping, both above and below the water. The island is home to three national parks, and one must-see - the Garden of the Groves - nurtures more than 10,000 plants within its 12 acres. Underwater attractions are also plentiful, with one of the world's largest undersea cave systems waiting to be explored. Several dive centers are scattered across the island, offering divers the chance to check out the offshore reefs as well as swim with dolphin.
WHAT TO DO
Lucayan National Park
Lucayan National Park gives a 40-acre snapshot of Grand Bahamas' biodiversity and stunning natural landscape. Here, you'll find the only place on the island where all six ecosystems exist side-by-side. Explore the nature trails on foot, or for those who are dive certified, take to the surrounding waters to survey the famed underwater cave system.
Learn more about Lucayan National Park...
Sportfishing
Grand Bahama is known around the world for its ideal sportfishing conditions, and visitors from all levels of experience come here to test their skills and their reels against marlin, sailfish, barracuda and blue- and yellow-fin tuna. Bonefishing is particularly popular here (second only to golf as this island's preferred sport) and a host of marinas and guide companies are at the ready to kick-start your fishing adventure.
Fishing and Boating Charters...
Gold Rock Beach
Grand Bahama is encircled by lovely beaches, but don't miss Gold Rock Beach - particularly at low tide, when the waves withdraw to reveal an undulating stretch of soft sands aptly named the "welcome mat."
DON'T MISS
– Hiking Lucayan National Park
– Gambling to the early morning hours
– Driving out to West End for dinner
