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Bahamian Tings

Art aficionados appreciate this gallery for its continued presentation of local artistic talent to the public. The gallery features magnificent works influenced by West Indian culture and Bahamian landscapes. While for the most part the pieces are not avant-garde, there are nonetheless some breathtaking works here. The sculptures, paintings, and other "tings" are imbued with much imagination and island spirit. The variety of media is also impressive. Prices are generally reasonable. More »

Barbary Beach

For those seeking a more secluded beach, the short trip to Barbary Beach is worthwhile. Vendors and watersports operators are seldom seen here. The beautiful, fine sand and endless exotic seashells are present year round. The late spring months bring a spectacular display of white spider lilies. Many kayaking trips to nearby Peterson Cay launch from here. More »

Ben's Cavern

Slowly forming over hundreds of years, Ben's Cavern has become one the most popular inland diving destinations on Grand Bahama. Located within the 40-acre Lucayan National Park, this inland cavern developed centuries ago when the level of the sea was much lower than it is now. Divers entering this 50-ft.-deep pool are able to explore the cave in safety without losing quick access to the cavern opening above. Navigate through the stalagmites and stalactites to cross through the halocline, a transition zone of cool fresh water to warmer salt water.

Guided dives can be arranged through UNEXSO. There is a parking area near the cavern opening and a staircase that leads to a dock where divers can begin their journey. More »

Churchill Beach

About three miles from Port Lucaya, the tame waves that roll in on this beach create ideal swimming conditions, especially for children. This tends to be the beach of choice for many locals due to its relative distance from many of the tourist-driven areas. At Mather Town, motorized water sports are secondary; relaxation takes center stage. At the beach, you'll enjoy stopping in at the Club Caribe restaurant or the Margaritaville Sand Bar for cocktails and hearty Bahamian cuisine. More »

Count Basie Square

Named after the famous jazz entertainer, this square lies at the nexus of Port Lucaya's entertainment district. At any time of day, tropical beats can be heard emanating from this popular open-air gathering spot. The square's busy events calendar commonly includes parades, festivals, calypso and limbo dancing. The area is constantly bustling with activity. Shopping, yacht watching and dining are all nearby. Contact the Port Lucaya Marina for a schedule of events. More »

Crowne Plaza Golf Resort & Casino

Nestled against Freeport's International Bazaar, the Crowne Plaza offers accommodations in hotel-like towers and a country club. It's ideal for both outdoor and indoor types, featuring an American-style casino, two golf courses and nearby Xanadu Beach. About the resort itself, vacationers rave about the cleanliness of its rooms and the kindness of its employees. They also like the food and beautiful views. More »

Dolphin Experience

No visit to the Bahamas is complete without at least one encounter with underwater creatures, and dolphins are among the most loveable ocean dwellers. This company offers a variety of ways to visit with these splendid animals in their Sanctuary Bay home. The Close Encounter (US$75) allows guests to take pictures from a ferry's observation deck or venture into waist-deep water where a few dolphins are sure to visit. More extensive programs are also available. Make reservations well ahead of time for this very popular attraction. More »

Eight Mile Rock

For travelers seeking a true glimpse into the culture and soul of the people of Grand Bahama Island, a trip to the "town" of Eight Mile Rock is mandatory. Its name is derived from the eight miles of solid rock that constitute its coastline. The area is the largest settlement outside of Freeport. In reality, the "town" is an array of small settlements named after the freed slaves, whose descendants have inhabited the land since the mid 19th Century. Bassett Hill, Wildgoose, and Hepburn Town are just some of the sub-settlements. Because it is located 14 miles outside of Freeport, renting a car is probably your best bet to explore the area and make some new friends. Contact the Grand Bahama Tourism Board for more information. More »

Flovin Gallery

This tiny, casual gallery displays beautiful artwork by local and international artists. Purchase prints as well as original paintings. Prices range from US$15 to US$3000. While some of the art uses Bahamian motifs, some of it could be from anywhere in the world. The seashell Christmas ornaments and the finely crafted dolls are all handmade by the owner, a personable Bahamian woman. If you're willing to spend a bit more than average for a true Bahamian souvenir, skip the T-shirt stores and come to this gallery. More »

Fortune Beach

Located just east of Port Lucaya, this beach is one of the most secluded beach spots on Grand Bahama. The vendors and water sports operators have yet to claim this area. Named after a shipwreck discovered here worth millions of dollars, the beach is an excellent spot for private group outings, sunbathing, snorkeling and beachcombing. The nearby Banana Bay restaurant serves terrific seafood and steaks along with a delectable version of a local favorite, the conch salad. More »

Gold Rock Beach

Considered to be the best natural beach on Grand Bahama, Gold Rock Beach caters to travelers seeking time alone or with friends or loved ones, but away from the main tourist areas. Located east of Freeport in the Lucayan National Park (admission $3), the white sands and clear turquoise water represent the ideal Caribbean aquatic experience. When the tide recedes, children are quick to grab the beautiful conchs and other seashells that remain.

There are no facilities in the area, but that is what most visitors come to escape. More »

Grand Bahama Brewing Company

By visiting Grand Bahama Brewing, you're actually mixing a local culture and history lesson in with your pursuit of the perfect beer buzz. Tour the only microbrewery in the Bahamas, learn about the four different brews produced onsite, and at the end, enjoy a taste of each individual brew. Tours cost only US$5 per person, and they last 20-30 minutes. If you plan to buy a case of beer or a few T-shirts, let your tour operator know, your tour will be free of charge. Always call ahead of time to book, as tours are arranged based on demand. More »

Heritage Trail

Prior to Grand Bahama's industrial development, which began in 1955, Heritage Trail served as the main artery of the island stretching from historic Old Freetown to Eight Mile Rock. Now the walking path is overrun by the island's plant life. On the five-mile trek, hikers will be able to see over 25 species of plants, many kinds of birds, and seven species of butterflies. The path ends at the oldest building still standing on Grand Bahama, the Hermitage. More »

Hydroflora Gardens

Enjoy three acres of tropical and sub-tropical foliage. A stunning variety of trees, vines and flowers fills this garden, making it an excellent way to experience the tropical aspect of the "Gateway to the Caribbean." Many fruit trees grow on the property, and samples are available for tasting when the trees bear fruit. Another popular feature is the "Timothy Gibson Musical Cave." Tours and group rates are available. General admission is US$3. More »

International Bazaar

The striking red Torii Gate outside the entrance to Freeport's International Bazaar has been a landmark since the 1960s, when this impressive shopping center was built. The Bazaar features several different sections which are themed - or at least named - after different parts of the world. Visit Lightborn's African Shop in the Mideast Section, Caribana Boutique in the International Arcade, or hit the fancier boutiques such as Cartier and Gucci in - where else? - the French section. There are plenty of places to grab a snack, a drink, or a sit-down meal. Rock and Roll is a popular nightspot, while the eclectic menu at Le Rendezvous Restaurant pays homage to cuisine from around the world. More »

Leo's Art Gallery

Vivid original paintings cover the walls of this small gallery, and the table in the center is heaped with canvases, brushes, tubes of paint and stacks of notes. The owner/artist uses the space as a studio as well as a showroom, which somehow makes it more inviting. The paintings themselves depict exotic wildlife and religious scenes. As the artist is happy to explain, nearly every element of every painting is deeply symbolic, but even at first glance, the pictures are striking, colorful and complex. Painting prices range from US$60-2200. More »

Lucaya Beach

From sunset to sundown at Lucaya Beach, towels and umbrellas are hard to come by, it's the most crowded beach on Grand Bahama. Guests from the adjacent Port Lucaya resorts come to work on their tans and participate in a host of water sports: para-sailing, jet skiing, snorkeling and boogie boarding are just a few of the aquatic options. Frisbee and volleyball are popular activities for those who prefer to stay on land. Tropical drinks and grilled snacks are available at the hotel bar & grill. Dining, nightlife and shopping destinations are all a short walk away. More »

Lucayan National Park

Give yourself a whole day to explore this stunning natural resource. Visitors often give themselves only an hour or two to tour the park, and they invariably regret it. The various trails and walkways lead to groves of pine trees, mangrove swamps and large caves. A gorgeous beach complete with picnic facilities offers guests plenty of space to relax after a long hike. Admission to the park is USD3 per person. Call to purchase tickets ahead of time. More »

Our Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort

Our Lucaya hosts two luxury resorts: The Sheraton and Westin. Like their names imply, both are well regarded for being accommodating, swanky, and relaxing. Both have access to two 18-hole golf courses, jet skis, tennis and dozens of other outdoor recreations. It's also home to 14 restaurants, four pools, and a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center for health conscious visitors. More »

Our Saviour Lutheran Church

Located near the Sunrise Shopping Centre, Pastor Ronald O. Heinze conducts Lutheran services weekly. Tourists are especially welcome to join for Sunday services. Our Savior is a multi-national congregation with worshippers and members from the Bahamas, USA, England, Jamaica, Guyana, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and others. The church will even provide transportation for your group. Sunday morning worship is at 11am. More »

Paradise Cove

Paradise Cove, which rents two bedroom units at both daily and weekly rates, is known for having smaller crowds than other Freeport destinations. It hosts usual beach and water activities such as swimming and volleyball, but is also adjacent to Deadman's Reef. There, you can participate in some of the finest snorkeling in the Carribean. The resort also offers fishing trips and kayak rentals for sea-faring types, and a sunset bonfire for honeymooners and romantics. More »

Peterson's Cay National Park

This peaceful, tropical park is inhabited only by wildlife, although tourists from around the world visit daily. The park can only be reached by boat. Most visitors paddle out in two or three person kayaks. The water around the cay is filled with fire coral (look, but don't touch!), iridescent parrotfish, dolphins and other exotic sea creatures. Guests spend hours snorkeling in the crystalline waters. A picnic lunch is offered on the beach. This must-see Grand Bahama attraction is truly an unforgettable experience. Ask your hotel tour desk for pricing. More »

Picasso's Gallery

One of the more popular snorkeling sites on Grand Bahama, Picasso's Gallery is a tableau of brilliantly colored coral heads on a shallow sandy plateau. There is no real scientific explanation as to why the coral here is more vibrant than other formations. Each coral head seems as though it might have been positioned for a museum exhibit. Snorkeling and dive trips can be planned with any operator on the island. Contact UNEXSO for more information. More »

Port Lucaya Marketplace

Located directly across from Port Lucaya, this shopping center gets a steady flow of foot traffic. Locals, vacationers and cruise ship adventurers shop at about 80 specialty stores, which offer merchandise ranging from local crafts and clothing to international designer labels. Check out Bandolera for women's wear, Parfum de Paris for fragrances. The marketplace is home to nearly 20 restaurants and 10 casual eateries. Try Zorba's for Greek cuisine or Bits of Paradise for art and crafts. Shenanigan's serves traditional Irish grub. Stop at the Secret Garden for a cup of coffee. More »

Rand Nature Centre - Bahamas National Trust

Take a guided tour through a lush tropical forest, replete with hanging vines, serene pools and unusual wild animals. In addition to being the regional headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust, this 100-acre property is also home to the island's only flock of West Indian flamingos. Visits to this renowned national park are sure to include numerous picture-perfect moments. Admission costs US$5 for adults over age 13 and US$3 for children ages 5-12. More »

Shark Junction

Shark Junction, also known as Shark Alley, is not for the faint of heart. But if you're brave enough, you can swim within arms length of the big predators and watch them feed while SCUBA diving at a depth of about 40 feet. On the dive site itself you will see large, scenic coral heads, jutting up to a depth of 60 feet and creating a ridge that extends another 200. On their adventures, which occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 2:00 P.M., hobbyists report spotting dozens of sharks and rare fish regularly. More »

Silver Point Beach

Silver Point Beach is just east of its busier, though equally scenic neighbor, Xanadu. It's a good site for rest and relaxation, equipped for volleyball players and those who dabble in other water sports. There's a nearby stable for horseback riders, too. Other popular attractions close at hand include the Princess Casino, Lucayan Beach, and the exciting city of Freeport. More »

Taino Beach

Located in the Lucaya area adjacent to the resort of the same name, Taino is ideal for families with children. The on-site small playground and water activities keep the kids busy and give parents a welcome break to sunbathe and relax. During holidays the beach is the host site for many local cookouts. Several restaurants serve tropical drinks and a variety of foods here. The Stoned Crab, Kaptain Kenny's Bay Watch and Toni Macaroni's highlight the tableau of dining destinations in the area. Souvenirs, straw goods and hair braiding are offered at Kaptain Kenny's. Volleyball is a popular sporting activity at Taino. Call the tourist board for more info. More »

Theo's Wreck

The most popular diving attraction of Grand Bahama, this shipwreck even appears on many maps of the island. Theo Galanopoulos sank the 228-foot cement hauler off the shore near Freeport in 1982 as a present to the Bahamas to make an artificial reef. She now rests on her side at a depth of 100 feet right off the continental shelf. Divers favor entering the hull via the engine room or cargo hold. Many varieties of marine life, including numerous moray eels, now call the wreck their home. Contact the tourism board for additional information. More »

West End

Twenty-five miles from Freeport on Grand Bahama's westernmost tip is West End. This now sleepy hamlet saw its share of history during the years of prohibition in the United States. West End became a main transfer base for shipments of liquor from Canada, England and Nassau before being shipped over to the U.S. Famous gangsters, such as Al Capone and Augustus Hepbern, would visit to check on their liquor shipments during this time. Warehouses and bars to accommodate Americans sprang up in this boomtown area built on bottles of rum. Now only a shell of what was, these facilities are open to the public to tour. More »