Grand Bahama, Bahamas - Grand Bahama Travel Guide - Grand Bahama Tourism

Grand Bahama

Freeport, Grand Bahama (cc)

Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama, through the efforts of dedicated individuals and institutions such as the Rand Memorial Nature Center and the Lucayan National Park, has become something of an environmental headquarters for the islands. With its miles of sandy beaches, excellent shopping, two casinos, a dozen or so large hotels, a waterfront district and many restaurants, Grand Bahama is quickly becoming a major vacation destination.

Grand Bahama is the fourth largest of the Bahamanian islands, located some 50 miles and less than 30 minutes by air from the east coast of Florida. It’s an island of “cosmopolitan glitz and glamour coupled with miles of pristine beaches and endless turquoise seas.” Sounds like a travel brochure, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it’s quoted from one of Grand Bahama’s promotional releases. And, far from overstating the qualities of the island, in fact, it understates them.

Freeport and Lucaya Beach

Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, is the second largest city in the islands. With a steadily growing population, now more than 50,000, Freeport, which adjoins the Lucaya Beach area, is a more modern city than Nassau. The carefully planned, landscaped streets are a product of the sixties, and of the dreams of American entrepreneur and financier, Wallace Groves.

The Freeport/Lucaya area is also the hub of activity for visitors who arrive daily by airplane, cruise ship and private boat. Sightseeing, shopping, gambling, watersports, golf, tennis and, of course, sun and sand are just a few of the attractions.