Junkanoo Beach Club is ideal for those who want to hole up at one location on Grand Bahama Island for the day. They have everything needed for a relaxing and fun-filled afternoon, from beach chair rental, umbrellas, paddleboats, kayaks, changing rooms and showers, and a restaurant and bar with beautiful views. They offer door-to-door shuttle service to hotels and a number of straw vendors are on the premises, so you can get your shopping done as well. Snorkeling tours can also be arrange for as little as $19 from the reef, located just a five minutes' boat ride from the beach club.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: This one-stop-shop has everything needed for a perfect day at the beach.
Amber's expert tip: They can open early for those arriving on cruise ships.
The island's most popular tourist beach, Lucayan Beach is located across from the bustling Port Lucaya Marketplace. Water activities of all types can be found here including jet skiing and parasailing. This is also a great place to take a nice long walk or to interact with the party scene, and several restaurants and bars - both on and off the sand - can be found. Quiet it isn't: so expect to be asked to get your hair braided or sign up for a tour of some kind. If you keep walking to the left, you'll find less crowded spots for sunbathing.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: Lucayan Beach offers a convenient location and plenty of tourist-friendly activities.
Amber's expert tip: Free access to this beach is available on the path to the right of the police station.
Operated by the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO), this fun-filled adventure is located right in the Port Lucaya Marina. The Dolphin Experience has a variety of different level tours for you to choose from, from swimming with them in the nine-acre lagoon, getting kissed by a dolphin, to being a trainer for the day. Dolphins may be viewed from the boat's observation deck. UNEXSO also offers shark dives (not in cages), reef dives, wreck dives, and dolphin dives in the open ocean. After the program, grab a snack at the Dive In Bar & Grill,or take a dip in the swimming pool.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: Who wouldn't want to get up close and personal with one of the friendliest creatures in the sea?
Amber's expert tip: Don't wear jewelry or tanning oils during these trips.
In business for over 30 years, Reef Tours offers many different ways to spend your day. The staff is very polite and professional, and the tours are well organized. Their office and docks are conveniently located at the marina of Port Lucaya Marketplace. Tour options include catamaran snorkel cruises, glass-bottom boat jaunts (on a double-deck vessel), parasailing and deep-sea fishing. There are also banana boat rides, wave runner rentals, Segway tours, paddleboarding, snorkeling and booze cruises. They are open seven days a week. Call or drop by the office for reservations, departure times and costs.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: A proven track record and a plethora of water activities make this a top choice.
Amber's expert tip: Be sure to confirm your booking, especially if done through the internet.
Bonfire on the beach — the name says it all! This event is a great way to spend an evening - island style! Come out to the beach, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet and activities such as limbo and live music and dancing as well as a breathtaking sunset to boot. There is even a fire dancer. Your transportation to and from your hotel is included in the meal price. Menu items include chicken, ribs, peas 'n' rice, corn on the cob and coleslaw. This event kicks off every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 9:30pm and will be an unforgettable part of any trip to Grand Bahama!
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: Nothing says "I'm on an island" like beach bonfires and live music.
Amber's expert tip: Stop by (or call) Margarita Villa (Sand Bar) for more information.
Gold Rock Beach is located in the Lucayan National Park about 45 miles from Port Lucaya, and is most easily accessible by car or scooters. The journey involves a relatively long drive with little to see, but it is worth the reward. This very secluded beach has picnic tables, benches and barbecue pits. A popular spot for locals on the weekend, but during the week it could be just you. After paying for parking, expect a short hike but lockers area available to keep your belongings. Enjoy the beautiful sights and melodic sounds of the ocean, sand dunes, lucid water, and peaceful lifestyle of Grand Bahama.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: It is constantly ranked as one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Amber's expert tip: Go during low tide or the beach will not be living up to its full potential.
Only accessible by boat, Peterson Cay is a small island located one mile from Grand Bahama's southern end. This is a protected park area, but tourists can still visit it. Great snorkeling can be found here with plenty of marine life and colorful coral, but it is best to take a tour to get here. Beautiful views (which make for stunning photographs) can certainly be found at this remote area as well. A number of outfitters offer kayak and snorkel combination packages. These make a wonderful way to spend a day during a cruise or island vacation and will likely be a highlight of any trip.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: Its remote location and beautiful waters make this an isolated paradise.
Amber's expert tip: Contact tour providers well in advance, as many are on "island time."
Spread over six acres, Port Lucaya Marketplace is one of the most popular places on the island. Conveniently located on Seahorse Road, this is a paradise for food lovers and shopping addicts alike. Count Basie Square (live music) is located behind the Marketplace, as is the 50-slip marina. Additionally, you will find a large straw market here along with dozens of other shops and boutiques. The best jewelry and perfume stores can also be found here. The market is a fun place to while away some time during the day or evening, and Lucaya Beach is located behind the hotels, directly across from the market.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: As the main tourism hub, there's always something to do in the Port Lucaya Marketplace.
Amber's expert tip: Be sure to negotiate prices!
Garden of the Groves, one of Freeport's most popular attractions, is a "botanical paradise" located on 12 acres. Waterfalls, flowering trees, a meditation labyrinth, and beautiful gardens can be found here. This is an ideal place for the avid bird-watcher as well as the horticulturalist. The young and the young-at-heart enjoy the petting zoo and newly-expanded playground. This natural gem is a quiet oasis that has been certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the U.S. Wildlife Federation. The Garden of the Groves cafe serves lunch on the air-conditioned dining room or on the patio - with spectacular scenery. WiFi is also available.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: For a change of scenery from the beach, the gardens offer a sublime slice of nature.
Amber's expert tip: Guided tours are offered at 10am.
The Bahamas are known around the globe for blue holes (or sink holes), and tour provider Calabash Eco Adventures offers several packages for exploring these natural wonders. During the six-hour, inland blue hole sightseeing tour, travelers visit Lucayan National Park and Ben's Cave, a famous attraction for divers (the company also offers dive packages here). Visitors can climb down the ladder into Owl's Cave for snorkeling, or opt for the intro to diving experience. The trip also stops at Freetown Beach and Banana Bay beach restaurant for tropical cocktails and seafood snacks after a long - but eventful - afternoon.
Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Attractions & Activities because: Grand Bahama is know for its beaches, but the caves are a hidden treasure that should not be missed.
Amber's expert tip: To really experience the caves, opt for the cavern dives.