Welcome to Grand Bahama Island, a sun-kissed jewel in the Northern Bahamas. Here, turquoise waters meet pristine beaches, and a vibrant culture thrives amidst the natural beauty. If you’re ready for an island getaway filled with enchanting experiences, you’ve come to the right place. This guide, thoughtfully prepared by The Bahamas Hideaway, is your ticket to unlocking the treasures of Grand Bahama Island. From shopping for local crafts to delving into the underwater wonders of the island, we’re here to help you craft an unforgettable adventure. Let’s embark on this journey together, discovering the best that this tropical paradise has to offer.
Port Lucaya Activities
The Port Lucaya Straw Market & Shops
The Port Lucaya Straw Market is a treasure trove of local craftsmanship. There are two areas, on the western side closest to the main parking area at Port Lucaya, you’ll find a number of small shops, glass blowers, painters, sculptures, clothing, and souvenirs. Hours vary by vendor. Most shops are open between 8 AM – 6 PM daily.
Port Lucaya Shops include fine jewelry, clothing, art, liquor, and more. Hours vary by shop, but most are open daily between 9 AM – 6 PM.
The Bahamas Maritime Museum
Located in Port Lucaya along the waterfront, the Bahamas Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of recovered artifacts from one of the most famous shipwrecks in the country’s history. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and it’s closed on Sundays. For more information, you can visit their website at bahamasmaritimemuseum.com.
Bootleg Chocolates
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Bootleg Chocolates, located next door to the Bahamas Maritime Museum. They specialize in premium Bahamian chocolate. While you may spot their chocolate bars in local grocery stores, nothing beats visiting the source of this decadent delight.
Bootleg Chocolates is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM, and they are closed on Sundays. Check out their website at bootlegchocolates.com for more details.
Island Tours
West End Ecology Tours
For nature enthusiasts, West End Ecology Tours offer a variety of exciting experiences. You can embark on a Stingray experience, explore coral reefs, and go reef fishing.
To book your tour and learn more about the options, visit their website at westendecologytours.com. You can also reach out to them via email at westendecologytours@gmail.com or by phone at 242-727-1156.
Grand Bahama Nature Tours
Grand Bahama Nature Tours provides a range of outdoor adventures, including kayaking, Jeep safaris, ATV tours, bike tours, and birdwatching expeditions. They offer pick-up services at the Taino Beach Resort area, which is just a short 5-minute walk from The Bahamas Hideaway.
To learn more and book your tour, visit their website at gbntours.com. You can contact them via email at gbntours@hotmail.com or by phone at 1-866-440-4542 (US Phone) or locally at 242-373-2485.
Paradise Cove at Deadman’s Reef
For water lovers, Paradise Cove at Deadman’s Reef is a snorkeler’s paradise. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and spearfishing. They also offer courses and certifications for freediving, spearfishing, and snorkeling. You can enjoy lunch and snacks at their beachfront cafe. Paradise Cove provides pick-up services at the Taino Beach Resort area, which is a short 5-minute walk from The Bahamas Hideaway.
Learn more and book your adventure at deadmansreef.com. To contact them, use their email address, barry@deadmansreef.com, or call them at 242-602-5180 or 242-727-5339.
Parks & Nature Centers
Lucayan National Park
Lucayan National Park is a natural wonderland that encompasses two areas. On the north side of the highway, you can explore hiking trails leading to the opening of two underwater caves, Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave. On the south side of the highway, take a walk through the mangroves to reach Gold Rock Beach, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
If you plan to spend the day, it’s a good idea to bring a cooler with drinks and food. The park is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. For more information, visit bnt.bs.
Garden of the Groves
Explore winding trails through a tropical forest, complete with waterfalls and ponds, at the Garden of the Groves. This garden is an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll, bird and butterfly watching. It is a certified Wildlife Federation Habitat. You can grab lunch at the cafe and check out the shops as well. The Garden of the Groves is located 8.2 km (5 mi) from Port Lucaya and is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. For more details, visit thegardenofthegroves.com.
The Rand Nature Centre
Part of the Bahamas National Trust, The Rand Nature Centre features an educational display inside the welcome center, a hiking path to a pond and gazebo, and offers yoga classes on Saturdays. The Rand also hosts art shows and other special events. You can visit the center from Monday to Saturday, between 9 AM and 4 PM. For more information, visit bnt.bs.
Scuba Diving & Certification
Grand Bahama Island is a scuba diver’s paradise, and there are several excellent options for scuba diving and encounters with marine life.
UNEXSO
Unexso offers scuba diving excursions and certifications. At Sanctuary Bay, you can enjoy a dolphin experience, swim with the dolphins, or even become an assistant dolphin trainer. Unexso also provides a glass-bottom boat tour to Shark Junction, where you can view sharks and other wildlife from the safety of the boat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go diving with sharks or dolphins. Unexso has a restaurant, the Brass Helmet, and a fantastic clothing and dive gear shop. Their Olympic-sized dive training pool is located just east of Port Lucaya.
Learn more at unexso.com or contact them via email at info@unexso.com or by phone at 1-800-992-3483.
Sunn Odyssey Divers
Sunn Odyssey Divers offer scuba diving excursions and certifications, including PADI certifications. They provide dive packages, rentals, snorkeling tours, night dives, and shark encounters. You can find them at 30 Beachway Drive, Silver Point Beach.
To learn more, you can visit their website at sunnodysseydivers.com or contact them via email at karen@sunnodysseydivers.com or by phone at 1-866-OK2-DIVE (US phone) or locally at 242-373-4014.
Grand Bahama Scuba
Grand Bahama Scuba offers scuba diving excursions and certifications, including shark and dolphin dives. They also provide a “Discover Scuba” experience for those looking to try diving in just one day. You can find them at Bahama Reef Blvd.
For more information, visit grandbahamascuba.com or contact them via email at info@unexso.com or by phone at 1-800-688-5871 (US phone) or locally at 242-373-6775.