Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island is a fantastic destination comprised of large, sprawling self-contained resorts, and quaint, cozy hotels, located along some of the most pristine unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean. Travelers can find bustling local nightlife and parties, or a serene beachfront escape, the quintessential example of a Caribbean vacation. Multi-island stays are also available, using inter-island air and combining Grand Bahama Island with Nassau.
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Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Named one of the Best Caribbean Destinations in Trip Advisor's Inaugural Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards, Grand Bahama Island and the city of Freeport, is a Caribbean gem situated just 70 miles from Florida. A backdrop of turquoise blue waters lap gently on the pearly-white sand beaches, creating a Caribbean paradise perfect for all travelers. Unlike its more-traveled sister, New Providence, Grand Bahama Island is home to miles of deserted beaches, the ideal spot for a private Caribbean getaway. Home to secluded coves and unspoiled bays, Grand Bahama Island creates the perfect retreat, where time rolls along slowly as the warm tide gently caresses the soft sand beaches. Package includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Roundtrip transfers between airport and hotel
- Hotel taxes and service charges
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Independent Travelers
A destination for everyone, Grand Bahama Island provides travelers with undisturbed fine-sand beaches, palm trees swaying in the soothing ocean breeze, and enough private beaches, resorts, and activities to satisfy the most daring, as well as the most relaxed travelers.
Families
Grand Bahama Island's elegantly fine beaches, combined with perfect, gentle weather all year round make this island a paradise for those who love to lie on the soft sand, bask in the sunshine, and frolic in the amazing, aquamarine Caribbean waters.
Scuba Divers/Snorkelers
Observe a different, but sublimely beautiful world underneath the shimmering sea, from a kaleidoscope of marine life, including unique coral formations, astonishing fish, octopus, and sea horses, to twisted shipwrecks, and plunging ocean depths.
What's the climate like?
| |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
Autumn |
| Average High |
77° F |
81° F |
88° F |
85° F |
| Average Low |
62° F |
66° F |
75° F |
71° F |
| Average Rainfall |
5.2" |
2.8" |
8.0" |
5.3" |
Water temperatures in the Bahamas seldom dip below 72 degrees.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers from the airport to your hotel are included with your air and hotel package.
Taxi
The government sets the taxi rates and cabs are not metered. Make sure to agree on a price in advance. Typical fares are $3 for the first quarter-mile, and 40¢ each additional mile. Additional passengers are typically $3 each. The ride from the airport to Freeport or Lucaya should take about 10 minutes.
Bike or Scooter
Bikes and scooters are a great way to get around the island, as most of the roadways are nicely paved. A bike is also an ideal way to see parts of the island that most visitors miss.
Rental Car
A rental car is the best way to see all the island has to offer, from the metropolitan, commercial areas of Lucaya and Freeport, to the secluded outskirts of the island. Grand Bahama Island is long and skinny, 73 miles in length and only about 4 – 8 miles in width. It is important to note that drivers drive on the left on Grand Bahama Island, though traffic is usually light.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
Several of the hotels in Grand Bahama Island feature their own restaurants, serving up a variety of cuisine from typical American dishes to Greek and local favorites. Venture outside the hotel areas to find more authentic Bahamian dishes. Most of the restaurants in the Freeport area are smaller and more intimate, whereas the dining spots in Lucaya are more upscale and cater mostly to the tourist populations.
- Luciano's
Luciano's overlooks beautiful Port Lucaya, and has featured a menu with classical entrees of Europe and favorite Island dishes for more than 25 years.
- Sabor
With its innovative fusion menu and Latin beat, Sabor is one of the hottest restaurants in the Bahamas.
- Shenanigan's Irish Pub
The premier Irish pub on Grand Bahama, Shenanigan's serves up pints of Guinness, Harp, and Killians along with International cuisine.
- Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar (Le Med)
A simpler and cheaper alternative to Luciano's, this place serves surprisingly sophisticated food that has attracted many celebrities over the years.
- Geneva's
Serving up Bahamian food and seafood dishes, this restaurant is where the locals eat, and is one of the best places to sample conch, prepared the way you like it.
- Ferry House
Facing the ocean and designed to look like the inside of a ferryboat, with brown, wood-trimmed walls, this dining hotspot serves the island's most illustrious and upscale cuisine.
Nightlife
There is only one casino on Grand Bahama Island, the Isle of Capri, located in Our Lucaya Resort. At the center of Port Lucaya Marketplace, the beat of live bands or pumping discos can be heard, while smaller, more intimate hotspots can be found outside of Lucaya.
Where should I go shopping?
Shopping destinations in Grand Bahama Island are divided into 2 camps, the newer and more chic, tourist-oriented Port Lucaya Marketplace, and the older and more authentic International Bazaar in Freeport. The Port Lucaya Marketplace features several high-end boutiques as well as local merchant outlets along a spankingly well-kept complex. When the cruise ships are in port, the International Bazaar comes alive as a market square area featuring several unique shops with goods from some 25 countries, laid out along narrow, cobblestone alleyways.
When are the local events?
New Year's Day Junkanoo Celebration
January. This is a celebration honoring the African roots of the Bahamian culture. The New Year's Day Junkanoo celebration combines costumed participants, a parade, dancing in the street, and lots of music. You will see participants wearing intricate masks and dressed in brightly colored exotic costumes. Since this event celebrates the New Year, be prepared for wild fun and excitement.
Grand Bahama Sailing Regatta
June. During the last week of June every year, Grand Bahama Island hosts the Bahamas Regatta. Spectators from across the Caribbean come to view the traditional Bahamian vessels. A host of parades and festivals accompany the regatta.
Emancipation Day
August. This public holiday celebrates the 1834 emancipation of all slaves on the island and is sometimes referred to as August Monday. Taking place on the first Monday in August, the day starts off with an early morning "Junkanoo Rushout," a dance accompanied by drums, whistles, and bells. Following is an afternoon of music and cookouts and other cultural events, including "climbing the greasy pole."
Festivale Noelle
December. This is one of the most-awaited annual festivals on the islands. The event includes live music; wine tasting, and a host of other activities. Check out the food stalls selling delicious Bahamian cuisine. Shop for trinkets, beads, and other special artifacts to show off back home.
Crab Fests and Fish Fries
Various. Get together with the local Bahamians to savor some of the scrumptious staples, caught fresh in the waters around the island daily. These mouth-watering get-togethers are a good way to eat like the locals do, and to enjoy some good conversations. Check local listings or resorts for times and locations.
What are my sports and recreation options?
Golf
Grand Bahama Island has seen a resurgence in golf in recent years, thanks to improvements to the island's courses. Professionally designed and inspired courses keep linkster's challenged while chipping shots along the island's beautiful courses.
Snorkeling
Grand Bahama Island is ideal for snorkeling, with distinctive coral and reef formations around the island, and generally shallow, clear, aquamarine waters. Plus, you can snorkel right from the shore at most beaches along the island, where a window into the underwater world awaits, just a few feet away.
Watersports
The invitingly warm water around the island is the perfect place to take part in watersports, including: snorkeling, parasailing, Hobie Cats, banana boats, water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and more.
Travel tidbits
Lucayan National Park
This 40-acre park is home to several awe-inspiring natural wonders. One of the world's largest underground freshwater cave system snakes its way underneath the park. Here 2 of the massive cave systems where pre-Columbian natives buried their dead are waiting to be explored.
Private sand beaches
Heading east from Port Lucaya and Taíno there is an array of secluded white-sand beaches to discover. These beaches are the perfect spots to get away from the tourist-heavy beaches along main hotel zone. However, most of these beaches do not have facilities, so come prepared if you decide to venture there.
Shopping
When searching for souvenir bargains at shopping areas like the International Bazaar and the Port Lucaya Marketplace, never accept the first price given to you. Shop owners will definitely bargain with you and you may find a better deal on the same item at another shop around the corner.
Good to Know
Airport Name:
3-letter Code: |
Freeport International Airport
FPO |
| Best Weather: |
December - May |
| Best Values: |
May - November |
| Currency: |
Bahamian Dollar, but U.S. currency is accepted everywhere; bring small bills if you are going to barter at the International Bazaar, Port Lucaya Marketplace, or other shopping areas. |
| Language: |
English, with an Irish/British/Scottish, and/or African lilt |
| Time Zone: |
Eastern Time Zone, 1 hour ahead of the Central Time Zone |
| Proof of Citizenship: |
Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| Tipping: |
All food, whether self serve or served at the table will have an automatic 15 percent gratuity added to the bill. There are rare exceptions to this, so check your bill carefully before paying. However, visitors are free to tip above this percentage at their own discretion. |
| Dress: |
Casual, lightweight clothing is accepted and suggested for most events, however, swimwear is only appropriate at the beach. If going out at night, men should wear long pants and a collared shirt; women should wear long pants or dresses. January and early February can be a bit chilly, especially once the sun sets. Be sure to bring a sweater or a jacket. |
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Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Freeport, Grand Bahama:
Car Rentals
We feature rental cars from Avis offering you the flexibility and convenience to travel when and where you want.
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Transfer - Private Car Transfer
Upgrade your arrival experience by purchasing private, nonstop, roundtrip transportation between the airport and your hotel. Private, nonstop transfers provide you with additional comfort and is a convenient way to save you time, by taking you directly to your hotel or the airport. Private, nonstop transfers include meet-and-greet service upon arrival and are provided exclusively for the members of your booking in a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle. Vehicle type will vary based on the number of travelers on your booking and will be either a private sedan or van with a capacity of up to 4 passengers.
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Tour - Bonfire on The Beach
Sing the night away to the sounds of rolling waves and dance to jammin' music under a moonlit sky. Marvel at the fire dancer as she struts her way around the crowd. An all-you-can-eat buffet and drinks are included. - 6:00pm -– 9:00pm
- Operates Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
- All-you-can-eat buffet and drinks included
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Tour - Combo Tour
See the famous and favorite sights of Grand Bahama Island. Travel through local neighborhoods to Freeport's commercial business center and visit Millionaire's Row, Grand Bahama's version of Beverly Hills. On your way to the harbor and the only distillery on the Island (where you can purchase liquor at duty-free prices), you will visit an open-air fruit market and conch vendors who will show you how to make conch salad. Then it is off to visit the Garden of The Groves where beautiful botanicals from around the world are scattered amongst 12 acres of winding paths, cascading waterfalls, duck ponds, and a picturesque chapel on a hill. End the tour by swinging past the home of legendary entertainer, Count Basie, on your way to the shops at The International Bazaar. - 3 hours
- Operates Monday through Saturday
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Tour - East End Cave Tour
This is truly a treat for nature lovers. Lucayan National Park is home to Ben's Cave, which is the longest underwater surveyed cave system leading to the ocean. Start at Gold Rock Creek where you'll step down to see Ben's Cave then stroll along a wooden boardwalk through a mangrove ecosystem were you'll see a variety of wild birds and colorful fish on your way to spectacular Gold Rock beach, a 52-mile stretch of white sand and the official "welcome mat" of Grand Bahama Island's tourist board. Go shell hunting or just relax in the beauty of this sunshine paradise. Don't forget to bring: a swimsuit, towel, camera, bug spray, and sun block. - Operates daily
- 4 hours
- Don't forget your swimsuit, towel, camera, bug spray, and sun block
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FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA
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