Sandy White [email protected] www.sandlertravel.com 832-305-7825

FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, BAHAMAS

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Freeport and Lucaya are often referred to as if they were one city. Together they make up the development on Grand Bahama Island, but they actually started off as two separate places.

Freeport is the landlocked business center of the island, where you'll find offices, banks, shops and hotels. Lucaya is the waterfront development a few miles/kilometers to the east, where the newer hotels, shops and restaurants line a strip of land between the sea and a salt pond.

Those who arrive by ship will be met by the modern cruise-passenger terminal, the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility, and its landscaped retail village. Old Bahama Bay on West End, the island's original tourist site and still its capital city, is now home to a marina and resort. One main resort, some smaller hotels, a casino and a bustling shopping center and marina keep Port Lucaya the island's most vital resort area.

Yachters seek out the beautiful ports and outstanding marinas of Freeport and Lucaya. The cities also attract couples, as the scenery is perfect for weddings in a tropical paradise.

Freeport underwent a massive reconfiguration and development project in the early 2000s, but in 2004 and 2005 sustained such major hurricane damage that its signature resort-casino shut down and the International Bazaar now has only a few places of business open at its fringes.

Another blow by in September 2019 inflicted more severe damage on Grand Bahama Island. Recovery efforts are ongoing.

Sights—The Port Lucaya Marketplace; spelunking in the Lucayan National Park caves; snorkeling or a picnic at Peterson Cay National Park.

Memorable Meals—Zorba's Greek Cuisine for breakfast; fresh local seafood at Sabor Restaurant & Bar.

Late Night—Mingling with the crowds at Marketplace Square; dancing at Smith's Point Fish Fry.

Walks—Along Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park; horseback riding on the beach.

Especially for Kids—UNEXSO Dolphin Experience; a tour on a glass-bottomed boat.

Freeport and Lucaya are located on the southwest part of the island between Hawksbill Creek to the west and the man-made Grand Lucayan Waterway to the east. The airport is conveniently situated just north of Freeport. Freeport was developed several miles/kilometers inland from the ocean. There are several shopping strips along the two-lane East and West Mall drives. The downtown area is not inviting to stroll, because distances are too far to walk. The main points of interest for tourists are the golf course at Grand Lucayan, the Perfume Factory and the straw market in the International Bazaar, a once vital shopping and entertainment area that is largely abandoned since the hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 closed down the mega Royal Oasis resort next to it.

Lucaya was set up as a tourist center. Port Lucaya, the central point of Lucaya, lies on a 0.5-mi-/0.8-km-long rectangular peninsula between the ocean and a bay. The colorful architecture of adjacent Port Lucaya Marketplace offers a picturesque village atmosphere and great shopping and dining.

Despite being the fourth-largest island in the country, Grand Bahama was not settled until 1835. The first inhabitants besides the native Lucayans were mainly descendants of Spanish conquerors and freed slaves who made a living out of fishing and salvaging wrecks.

Thanks to its proximity to the eastern U.S., the western tip of Grand Bahama became a haven for gun-runners during the Civil War and rum-runners during Prohibition. The activities brought some prosperity to the island.

In 1953, U.S. financier Wallace Groves bought a small timber company that flourished under his leadership, making him the largest employer in the country. Groves asked the Bahamian government for 50,000 acres/20,235 hectares of scrubby and swampy land to create a new city, which would become a commercial center (later known as Freeport).

As industry grew, Groves focused on : In the early 1960s, a resort and the island's first casino opened in Freeport. More hotels, golf courses and marinas followed, and tourism is still the major industry today.

Location

The Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility is an attractive port area 6 mi/10 km west of Freeport, at Freeport Harbour. Pastel colors are the order of the day. You'll need transportation to reach the major shopping centers and attractions from the port. The ride into town is through Freeport's industrial area.

Tourist information is available at the Lucayan Harbour, Grand Bahama International Airport, Port Lucaya Marketplace and the Fidelity Financial Center in Freeport. Representatives of the Grand Bahama Ministry of Tourism are available when ships call. There is a tourism-information booth in the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm at the airport, daily 9 am- 5 pm at Port Lucaya. Hours vary at the harbor according to ships' arrival and berthing schedules.

Typical shore excursions on Grand Bahama Island include shopping expeditions, resort visits, snorkeling and glass-bottomed boat tours, kayak excursions, ecotours, rural village tours outside of the Freeport-Lucaya area, dolphin encounters and golfing. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for more information.

Potpourri

Visitors who envision the gently swaying palm trees as a typical image of may be surprised to learn that the Caribbean yellow pine is the most common tree. It covers half of Grand Bahama Island's landmass.

The 1980s discovery of skeletal remains of indigenous people, as well as the artifacts they used, have become proof of early settlements in the area of Lucayan National Park before the arrival of Europeans.

Two of the Pirates of the Caribbean films were filmed partially on Grand Bahama Island, where filmmakers built a ship and special rocking platform to simulate the sea's motion off the beach near Gold Rock.

Freeport got its name for its duty-free status. Licensees in the port area (Freeport and Lucaya) are entitled to duty-free concession on various imports, including company vehicles that are used only within the bonded zone.

The Bahamas is an independent nation, though fairly young; it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2013.

SEE & DO Sightseeing

Because Freeport and Lucaya were constructed in the 1960s, you won't find quaint old buildings or historic forts, although some historic homes and churches can be found in the smaller settlements east and west of the metropolitan hub.

Visitors go to Grand Bahama Island not for the historical sites, but to shop, gamble, lie on the beach, and explore the underwater reefs and wildlife.

Nature

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. Garden of the Groves Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Reopened after severe hurricane damage, Garden of the Groves has been restored to its former glory and even better with artisan shops, an Bahamas al fresco cafe and new exhibits. Its 12 acres/5 hectares hold paths Phone: 242-374-7778 around indigenous vegetation, water features, a labyrinth modeled after http://www.thegardenofthegroves.com one at the Chartres Cathedral in and a replicated historic chapel. The gardens serve as habitat for a variety of birds and butterflies. Daily 9 am-4 pm. US$17 adults. Phone 242-374-7778. http://www.thegardenofthegroves.com.

Peterson Cay National Park Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, A 1.5-acre/0.6-hectare park described as a "geological wonder," Bahamas 43441 Peterson Cay is only accessible by boat. A perfect spot for snorkeling, it's an ideal getaway for an ecofriendly experience. Grand Bahamas Phone: 242-352-5438 Nature Tours conducts kayak and snorkel excursions to the island from https://bnt.bs/explore/grand- Barbary Beach. Phone 242-352-5438. https://bnt.bs/explore/grand- bahama/peterson-cay-national-park bahama/peterson-cay-national-park.

Rand Nature Centre Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, A pleasant 100-acre/41-hectare oasis in the middle of the city, it Bahamas provides trails through natural habitat with botanical signage to identify such unusual species as chicken toe, strongback and guavaberry. You'll Phone: 242-352-5438 also find the pine woods that originally attracted developers to Grand https://bnt.bs/explore/grand- Bahama Island. If you are a bird-watcher, this is the place for you— bahama/rand-nature-centre especially October-May. Guided tours are free with paid admission. Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. US$5 adults. Phone 242-352-5438. https://bnt.bs/explore/grand-bahama/rand-nature-centre.

Recreation

Grand Bahama is a big island surrounded by shallow, crystal clear waters, which make it an ideal destination for golfing, boating, ecotours 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 and Deadman's Reef are among the best snorkeling sites.

Beaches

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 condos 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. Barbary Beach and Peterson Cay Off Grand Bahama Highway Located 15 minutes from Freeport, Peterson Cay is popular with tour Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, groups that boat over for lunch (the snorkeling is superb). There's a picnic area under the pines at Barbary Beach, but no other facilities. Off Bahamas Grand Bahama Highway, Freeport. Phone 242-352-5438. Phone: 242-352-5438 https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/barbary-beach. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/barbary- beach

Blackbeard Beach Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, So-called by some locals, you won't find it on any map. It edges Fortune Bay about five minutes from Lucaya and is known for its Banana Bay Bahamas beach club, fine white sands, and shallow waters in changing shades of blue and green.

High Rock Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, This quaint village, named after the 30-ft-/9-m-high bluff near the Bahamas 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.

Taino Beach Poinciana Drive Arguably Grand Bahama's most beautiful, this coved beach fronts some Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, condo resorts before it swings around to a beach park where cruise-ship passengers are often bussed and nighttime bonfire beach parties take Bahamas place. Many days, however, it is quiet and deserted. It adjoins the native https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/taino- settlement of Smith's Point, famous for its Wednesday night fish fries. beach The road between Taino and Smith's Point marks the end of the bonded duty-free area. Poinciana Drive, Freeport. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/taino-beach.

Williams Town Beach Williams Town The narrow beach lies across the road from a strip of beach bars and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, shacks popular with the younger crowd. There's been talk for many years of adding two cruise-ship docks there, and improvements have Bahamas been made in anticipation, but no sure commitment in sight. Williams https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/williams- Town, Freeport. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/williams-town-beach. town-beach

Xanadu Beach Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, One of the island's widest, softest and most developed beaches, it has food and watersports concessions. Many Freeport hotels shuttle their Bahamas guests there. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/xanadu-beach. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/xanadu- beach

The Bahamas National Trust Rand Nature Centre is a great place for bird-watching. More than 40 species, including turkey vultures, hairy woodpeckers, Bahama yellow throats, indigo buntings, American redstarts and American red-tailed hawks inhabit the park.

Look for butterflies, blue-tailed and curly-tailed lizards, and tree frogs as well.

Deep-sea fishing charters depart from Port Lucaya and other marinas. Bonefishing on the flats is a popular sport on the island's East End and West End. Charters will usually pick you up at your hotel. Bonefish Folley & Sons West End The legendary "Bonefish" Folley, who once took former U.S. president Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Richard Nixon fishing, has passed on, but his sons continue his reputation for finding the elusive bonefish. West End, Freeport. Phone Bahamas 242-346-6500. https://bluemarlincove.com/bonefish_services.html. Phone: 242-346-6500 https://bluemarlincove.com/bonefish_services.html There are two excellent 18-hole courses on Grand Bahama to tempt golfers, as well as a nine-hole course is located at Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club.

The courses tend to be booked heavily: Consider reserving a tee time in advance.

Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort 1 Sea Horse Lane, Lucaya This course's smooth, wide fairways are deceptively challenging, with water integrated into 13 of the 18 holes and unpredictable island Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, breezes to contend with. Golf lessons are available at the facility with Bahamas putting greens. 1 Sea Horse Lane, Lucaya, Freeport. Phone 242-373- Phone: 242-373-1333 1333. https://www.grandlucayan.com/reef-club. https://www.grandlucayan.com/reef- club

The Ruby Ellis Lightfoot Avenue This course offers a driving range, clubhouse and scenic greens. Ellis Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Lightfoot Avenue, Freeport. Phone 242-352-1851. http://www.rubygolfcoursebahamas.com. Bahamas Phone: 242-352-1851 http://www.rubygolfcoursebahamas.com

Pinetree Stables Located midway between the This group offers two-hour, guided horseback trail rides through protected pine forests, past orange groves, along the beach and into the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya ocean. Riding experience not required. Wear comfortable clothing (long Marketplace pants and shoes you don't mind getting wet), and apply sunscreen. Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Maximum weight of 200 pounds. Must be 8 years of age or older to ride. Bahamas Wednesday-Sunday. Tours depart at 9 and 11:30 am. Reservations required. US$165 per person. Located midway between the Phone: 242-602-2122 International Bazaar and Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport. Phone http://www.pinetree-stables.com 242-602-2122. http://www.pinetree-stables.com.

Paradise Cove Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, This is a small secluded beach away from the crowds, about 11 mi/18 Bahamas km northwest of the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility. You access Deadman's Reef with an easy swim. Snorkel gear can be rented for a Phone: 242-349-2677 small fee, as well as beach chairs, umbrellas and kayaks. Light snacks http://www.deadmansreef.com and sandwiches are available. Phone 242-349-2677. http://www.deadmansreef.com.

Sunn Odyssey Divers 30 Beach Way Drive You can take PADI certification courses from this company or go on a Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, dive to a variety of beautiful sites. Daily 8:30 am-2 pm. 30 Beach Way Drive, Freeport. Phone 242-373-4014. Toll-free 866-652-3483. Bahamas http://www.sunnodysseydivers.com. Phone: 242-373-4014 http://www.sunnodysseydivers.com

UNEXSO (Underwater Explorers Society) Royal Palm Way The most highly revered dive outfit on the island, it offers a full line of diving services, from rentals and resort courses to certification and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, shark dives. Royal Palm Way, Freeport. Phone 242-373-1244. Toll-free Bahamas 44900 800-992-3483. http://www.unexso.com. Phone: 242-373-1244 http://www.unexso.com

Grand Lucayan Resort Tennis School Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, You can play tennis at Grand Lucayan Resort, though guests receive Bahamas priority and nonguests have to pay a fee. https://www.grandlucayan.com/golf-and-tennis/tennis. https://www.grandlucayan.com/golf- and-tennis/tennis

Nightlife

When the sun sets in Freeport, there's still plenty to do. You can dance, do a native show cruise 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 local music. Bars, Taverns & Pubs

Outriggers Beach Club Smith's Point Hosts Tuesday night bonfire parties with Bahamian food, unlimited Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahama Mamas, fire dancing, crab races and conch shucking. Wednesday night is Fish Fry, with live music and a local party. Smith's Bahamas Point (next to Taino Beach), Freeport. Phone 242-373-4811. Phone: 242-373-4811 https://www.facebook.com/Outriggers-Beach-Club-711281815575226. https://www.facebook.com/Outriggers- Beach-Club-711281815575226

Rum Runners Port Lucaya Marketplace Rum Runners is a cozy restaurant and sports bar where you can enjoy tasty local cuisine or have a late-night snack. Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Freeport. Phone 242-373-7233. Bahamas https://www.facebook.com/rumrunnersgbi. Phone: 242-373-7233 https://www.facebook.com/rumrunnersgbi

Shopping

Grand Bahama Island has taken advantage of its duty-free status. In addition to the inexpensive straw market goods the Bahamas are known for, its shops sell brand-name luxury goods at fair prices. Whether you prefer classic, trendy or prestigious items, you'll find a good selection.

Head first to the Port Lucaya Marketplace. You'll find top-of-the-line imported brands of alcohol, jewelry, handbags 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's waterfront location, outdoor music (often a steel-drum band) and weekend dancing give it a festive air. Jewelry stores, as well as clothing boutiques and gift shops, make for pleasant shopping.

Shopping Hours: Generally Monday-Saturday 9 or 10 am-5 or 6 pm; some shops stay open in the evenings and on Sunday.

Department Stores

Sea & Sun Outfitters The UNEXSO Building, Royal Palm This two-floor store at UNEXSO is as close as you'll get to a department store shopping on the island. As part of a snorkel/scuba operation, Way, Port Lucaya Marina naturally it stocks diving and underwater photography equipment on the Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, second floor. At ground level, you will find everything from men's and Bahamas women's sportswear and shoes to sea-themed jewelry, art and home Phone: 242-373-1244 decor. Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-6 pm. https://unexso.com/retail-store The UNEXSO Building, Royal Palm Way, Port Lucaya Marina, Freeport. Phone 242-373-1244. Toll-free 800-992-3483. https://unexso.com/retail- store.

Leo's Art Gallery Sea Horse Road This gallery sells exotic, often surrealistic paintings, lithographs and other colorful Bahamian works by local artist Leo Brown, who staffs the Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, shop. Monday-Friday. Sea Horse Road, Freeport. Phone 242-373-1758. Bahamas https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/leos-art-gallery. Phone: 242-373-1758 https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/leos- art-gallery

Garden Shoppes at Garden of the Groves Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, The artisan shops, housed in old-style clapboard stands, represent a Bahamas step up from typical island straw markets. Artists and crafts people sell everything from locally made hot sauces to coconut crafts and Phone: 242-374-7778 waterpaintings. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Phone 242-374-7778. http://www.thegardenofthegroves.com http://www.thegardenofthegroves.com.

Port Lucaya Marketplace Sea Horse Road This market features more than 80 specialty stores, restaurants, bars Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, and cafes. You'll find local handicrafts, designer fashion and more at this open-air shopping center. You can also book tours and watersport Bahamas activities there. Sea Horse Road (on Bell Channel Bay), Freeport. Phone Phone: 242-373-8446 242-373-8446. https://portlucaya.com. https://portlucaya.com

Fragrance of the Bahamas: The Perfume Factory International Bazaar Try this shop for perfumes with exotic names such as Pink Pearl, Guanahani and Island Promises. Mix your own scent at The Perfume Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Factory, which is located in an old mansion behind the International Bahamas Bazaar. You can take a tour of the working factory for free. Monday- Phone: 242-352-9391 Friday 9:30 am-5 pm, Saturday 11 am-3 pm. International Bazaar, http://www.perfumefactory.com Freeport. Phone 242-352-9391. http://www.perfumefactory.com.

Unusual Center Port Lucaya This shop sells handbags, leather goods and other unique items. Port Lucaya, Freeport. Phone 242-373-7333. Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas Phone: 242-373-7333

Itinerary

Day Trips

To High Rock and 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 visiting the Lucayan National Park and Gold Rock Beach, you may want to stop in High Rock for a beachside lunch.

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, or try your hand at bonefishing. If your timing is good, you may be able to catch the ferry to the old-time settlement at 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.

The best time to be there is when the fishermen return with their catches in the late afternoon. Restaurateurs and residents wait to get the makings of dinner. Conch stands sell fresh conch salad made before your eyes.

On the way there, stop at Paradise Cove for from-shore snorkeling on Deadman's Reef.

Most tours provide pickup and drop-off services for the resorts and major hotels. Grand Bahama Nature Tours 68 Silver Palm This ecotour operator has been in business for more than 20 years and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, offers a variety of guided snorkeling, kayaking, bird-watching, biking and Bahamas hiking programs. The guides are all qualified and dedicated naturalists. A self-drive Jeep-safari takes you along the old heritage trail east of Phone: 242-373-2485 Lucaya and to Garden of the Groves. All tours include transportation, https://www.facebook.com/grandbahamanaturetours lunch, refreshments, equipment and park admission. US$89 for day trips (about five hours). 68 Silver Palm, Freeport. Phone 242-373-2485. Toll-free 866-440-4542. https://www.facebook.com/grandbahamanaturetours.

Most cruise ships spend a day 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 nearby Sabor Restaurant at the Pelican Bay Hotel or any of the variety of restaurants in the Port Lucaya Marketplace before taking a taxi to the Rand Nature Centre for a stroll on the paths among the pines and other native vegetation. Afterward, head back to the Port Lucayan Marketplace for shopping after the crowds have thinned. Pick from a dozen restaurants—casual to fine—and stay for some local music in the square.

PLAN B

To Paradise Cove

Make dinner reservations for one of the finer Grand Lucayan restaurants. Then spend the morning at Paradise Cove. The water is clear, calm and ideal for snorkeling. Or you can rent a glass-bottom kayak to view Deadman's Reef. You can also rent snorkel equipment and grab a burger or conch fritters at its Red Bar, then hang out on the beach.

After lunch, take a cab to Lucaya and browse the shops, and if you want to extend your beach experience, the Grand Lucayan (just across the street) offers beach day passes that include beach and pool access. Or take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat to view reefs and sea gardens.

When you've had your fill of the sun, dress up for dinner and enjoy your meal before heading to Port Lucaya for an evening of dancing under the stars.

DINING

Dining Overview

Although Freeport and Lucaya do not really have a long culinary tradition to draw upon, they offer a mix of Bahamian, American and international cuisines. If you want to escape from the obvious choices, there are some high-end restaurants committed to innovation in Lucaya.

For traditional fare, you will find lots of great seafood options, such as grouper, conch and lobster, as well as steaks and Bahamian dishes blended with Caribbean flavors. Be sure to try conch in its various forms—salad, fritters, grilled or in chowder— it is an important part of the local mainstay.

Expect to pay within these guidelines for a meal for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$15; $$ = US$15-$25; $$$ = US$26-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50.

Smith's Point Fish Fry Smith's Point Eat out in the real native way at a Bahamian fish fry at the settlement of Smith's Point every Wednesday night. You'll find the typical local dishes Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, such as fried fish, broiled lobster, conch and chicken, accompanied by Bahamas macaroni and cheese or peas and rice. A DJ spins music Wednesday 6- Phone: 242-373-4811 11 pm. The weekly celebration started at Outriggers Beach Club, but https://www.facebook.com/Outriggers- now bars all along the road have joined in. $. Smith's Point (near Taino Beach), Freeport. Phone 242-373-4811. Beach-Club-711281815575226 https://www.facebook.com/Outriggers-Beach-Club-711281815575226.

Sunset Village Eight Mile Rock This colorful collection of more than 30 seafood stalls in the settlement of Eight Mile Rock, a few miles/kilometers west of Freeport Harbour, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, serves up good, hearty home cooking starting in the late afternoon most Bahamas days. Show up Thursday night for a party. Eight Mile Rock, Freeport. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/sunset- https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/sunset-village. village

Pier One Freeport Harbor Terminal 1 This longtime institution near the cruise-ship port may be most famous for its dinnertime entertainment—shark feedings that patrons crowd the Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, second-story outdoor dining porch to watch at 7, 8 and 9 pm. Shark Bahamas shows up on the extensive seafood menu as well, along with lobster, Phone: 242-352-6674 conch, shrimp and other local fish. Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm, https://www.facebook.com/pieronerestaurant Sunday 4-10 pm. $$-$$$. Freeport Harbor Terminal 1, Freeport. Phone 242-352-6674. https://www.facebook.com/pieronerestaurant.

SECURITY

Personal Safety

The Freeport-Lucaya area is considered relatively safe during daylight hours (at least in tourist spots), and most beaches have a security guard at night. But take the usual precautions: Remember to lock your rental car and leave valuables at home—or locked in the hotel safe. Don't leave items unattended on the beach.

For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.

Food and water are safe to consume on Grand Bahama, and tropical diseases are not prevalent.

Be sure to use lots of sunscreen to protect against sunburn, especially in the summer months, and take insect repellent, because mosquitoes, sand flies and horseflies lie in wait along the boardwalk in Lucayan National Park and on the beaches at dusk.

It's also a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants if you're visiting the park: Some of the plants on the overgrown trails are poisonous, including the poison wood tree—distinguished by black spots on its leaves. It causes a painful, itchy rash similar to poison oak or poison ivy.

Private clinics include Lucayan Medical Centre East (phone 242-373-7400 or 242-352-7288; http://www.lucayanmedical.com) and Sunrise Medical Centre (phone 242-373-3333).

Rand Memorial Hospital (phone 242-352-6735) sustained significant damage during Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Renovations are ongoing.

For an ambulance, phone 242-352-2689.

For the latest information, contact your country's health-advisory agency.

Handicapped access is somewhat better on Grand Bahama Island than other Bahama locations, probably because everything is newer. There are fewer stairs, more ramps and more attention to the needs of travelers with disabilities. Contact the Bahamas Tourist Board about special needs or concerns (phone 242-352-8044). Don't disturb living creatures in their natural habitats. Grand Bahama emphasizes environmental awareness, and you will frequently encounter the advice "Leave your footprints, take with you memories and pictures." Do wear a T-shirt to prevent the characteristic snorkeler's sunburn: burned shoulders and back.

Don't underestimate the sun's rays. Guard against sunburn by wearing sunscreen or a hat to shade your face.

Don't hesitate to ask the locals to repeat a sentence for you. Even though English is the native language, sometimes locals will slip into an island dialect.

Don't wear bathing suits, go shirtless or go barefoot in restaurants or bars, especially in the evening.

Do greet locals, especially older Bahamians, with "good morning," "good afternoon" or "good evening."

FACTS

Geostats

Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S. Passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.

Population: 26,910.

Languages: English.

Predominant Religions: Predominantly Christian (Protestant, Roman Catholic).

Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). is observed second Sunday in March-first Sunday in November.

Voltage Requirements: 120 volts.

Telephone Codes: 242, country code;

Currency Exchange

ATMs are located in local banks. Banks are open Monday-Thursday 9:30 am-3 pm, Friday until 4 pm.

The is on par with the U.S. dollar, which is universally accepted. Travelers using U.S. dollars will not need to exchange money.

When using ATMs, check to see which currency the machines dispense: You could end up with more Bahamian dollars than you need.

There is no sales tax in Freeport or Lucaya. However, visitors should be aware that there is a 13%-15% government tax added to the hotel room rate in addition to a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 12% on the room rate and other services. Additional resort taxes may apply depending on location.

A US$18 departure tax (cruise and air) is included in your ticket price.

Most restaurants automatically add a 15%-18% gratuity to the bill. If it is not included, tip an equivalent amount.

Weather

Because of the Gulf Stream, winters in the Bahamas are fairly mild, about 10 degrees F/5 C warmer than in nearby Florida. The summers can be humid, rainy and warm (day temperatures reaching into the low 90s F/33 C), but are moderated by trade winds. High season is November to mid-April, when northerners trade in cold for balmy climates, but in recent years the summer season has strengthened, especially for the Florida and East Coast market. Hurricane season is June-November, and most rain falls at that time. There really is no bad time to go, but take along at least a sweater during the winter. Average day temperatures in fall and spring are in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C, with nights in the 60s F/15- 22 C. Winter temperatures can be about 10 degrees F/5 C cooler.

Although many locations are generally informal, you should still look presentable when wandering around the resorts. Unless you're at the beach or the pool, walking around in a swimsuit isn't appropriate. Casual, summer-weight clothing should be worn. Make sure you take comfortable footwear for walking—the sidewalks get hot enough to make you uncomfortable in thin-soled shoes.

Collared shirts for men and dresses or nice slacks for women are typical attire in the casino and some nicer restaurants. When you make dinner reservations, ask about the dress code. Collared shirts and dress shorts or slacks are appropriate for golfing.

Telephone

International phone calls can be made easily from almost anywhere on the island, including hotels. If you plan to make a number of calls, consider buying a Bahamas phone card for long-distance calls.

Note: You will still be charged by the minute for toll-free or collect calls from your hotel room. Also beware of the dedicated international calling machines that take credit cards; their rates are exorbitant.

Most hotels offer Wi-Fi at hot spots if not in rooms. The Port Lucaya Marketplace has free Wi-Fi. The main post office is on Explorer's Way in Freeport. Phone 242-352-9371.

Federal Express is located in the Seventeen Plaza, just opposite the Post Office. Phone 242-352-3402.

For DHL service, phone 242-352-6415.

The local newspaper is the Freeport News, but the Tribune and Nassau Guardian are also sold daily.

The biannual What-to-Do Guide, which is available for free in hotels and many shops and restaurants, lists upcoming activities.

Transportation

The attractions are pretty far apart on Grand Bahama Island, so you'll need to arrange for transportation. If the prices don't scare you off, rent a car for some or all of your time there. Otherwise, most tourists take cabs or jitneys everywhere. Car

Rental cars are readily available but costly: Expect to pay about US$60 a day for a subcompact in questionable condition. Most major agencies are represented at the airport along with some local operations. The roads are good and well-marked. Driving is on the left. You must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license to operate a rental vehicle on the island. During daylight hours, inexpensive public buses, called jitneys, run regularly throughout the tourist areas and downtown to Lucaya. Ships dock at Lucayan Harbour, west of Freeport. Taxis are plentiful and commonly used by visitors. Fares are set by the government. Most taxis don't have meters, so confirm the rate before you climb in. Taxis at the cruise port will rarely go anywhere unless they're full—be prepared either to wait or to pay extra if you are in a hurry. You can arrange for an island tour by taxi, which will cost US$60-$100. Mopeds, motorbikes and bicycles can be rented at major hotels, the Port Lucaya Marketplace and the harbor, but driving conditions can be dangerous. Wear your helmet and be careful. Accidents involving tourists driving on the "wrong" side of the road happen frequently.

For More Information Tourist Offices

Ministry of Tourism, The Mall Drive, P.O. Box F-4-0251. Phone 242-352-8044. http://www.bahamas.com.

EVENTS

Calendar

Freeport and Lucaya have several festive celebrations throughout the year. Summer Junkanoo, a Mardi Gras-like carnival, is an icon of Bahamian culture (July). McLean's Town has been celebrating its October Conch Cracking Contest for more than 25 years.

Festive Noel in December in the Rand Nature Centre features food, live music, Santa Claus and a display of arts and crafts. Everyone celebrates New Year's Day at the Junkanoo festivities downtown.

Plenty of fishing and golf tournaments take place year-round, attracting many international guests.

The biannual What-to-Do Guide, which is available for free in hotels and many shops and restaurants, lists upcoming activities.