FAQs

What’s the Best Way to Travel to the Island of Grand Bahama?

From Florida by air:

  • BahamasAir, the national airline of The Bahamas, offers non-stop flights from: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando. 
  • American Airlines (aka Silver Airways) offers non-stop flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

From Florida by sea:

From North Carolina:

  • BahamasAir also offers direct flights from Raleigh, North Carolina. Some of our previous guests have also gotten really great deals on flights from Raleigh to Fort Lauderdale (for $27!) so it can be a good idea to look around when you’re booking.  

From most cities in the US:

  • American Airlines offers connecting flights from many locations and direct flights from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Be sure to visit their site directly, as they do not offer all of their available flights on travel planning sites.

From Canada:

  • Sunwing offers non-stop flights from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) during winter months.

From Italy:

  • NeosAir offers non-stop flights from Milan to Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Flights around the 700 Islands of The Bahamas:

  • Several airlines operate within The Bahamas, including BahamasAir, Flamingo, and WesternAir.
Do I Need to Rent a Car?
  • To fully embrace the beauty of your vacation, we highly recommend renting a car. While there are options within walking distance, having a car significantly expands your possibilities on the island, which spans 154 km (96 miles).
  • Unlike in some locations, there isn’t a central number for taxis. For your convenience, we offer several taxi recommendations. Many taxis prefer cash payments (BSD or USD), with average airport transfers costing $28 and $35 to the harbor. A customary tip of 15% is appreciated. However, renting a car often proves to be more economical.
  • The cost of a one-way taxi trip from the airport can sometimes rival the expense of a full-day rental. Additionally, most car rental companies offer discounts for bookings of 5 days or more. 
  • At The Bahamas Hideaway, we’ve consistently received excellent service and competitive prices from Bullseye Car Rental. Contact them at customerservice.bullseye@gmail.com. 

Rental Car Companies on the Island: 

Please Note: Advance booking allows online paperwork completion, ensuring a seamless experience upon your arrival at the airport or port. Given the high demand, it’s advisable to book well in advance. 

What if I Prefer to Walk Everywhere?

There is a lot to see and do within a reasonable walking distance, but please keep in mind that sidewalks are often limited and lighting at night is often not available in certain areas. From The Bahamas Hideaway, guests can enjoy several restaurants and bars within a 20-minute walk. The nearest grocery store, Sawyer’s Fresh Market, is 1.4 KM away, but the closest spot to purchase liquor is 2.6 KM away. Most guests who do not rent a car, end up wishing they had because they discover spots that are simply too far to walk, or in winter it gets dark early, and sometimes it rains! And if you haven’t booked a car in advance, it can be difficult to find one to rent at the last minute.

Bus Service to Port Lucaya

The water taxi service is down as of October 2023 to Port Lucaya. Thankfully, there is a new bus service that runs hourly from the Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina. It’s a short 7-minute walk from The Bahamas Hideaway to the hotel where the bus picks up and drops off passengers.

Does Uber or Lyft work in The Bahamas?

No.

Will My Phone Work While I’m There?

Some international phone services to work in The Bahamas. However, please check with your carrier about rates and availability. Some do offer international roaming plans that you can purchase in advance.

Where’s the Best Place to Get Groceries?

There are two grocery stores nearby The Bahamas Hideaway: Sawyer’s Fresh Market (1.4 km) and Solomon’s Lucaya (4.7 km).

Where Can We Purchase Wine, Beer, and Spirits?

Alcoholic beverages are only available at licensed liquor stores. You won’t find beer, wine, or liquor in the grocery stores here. Below is a list of local stores that sell spirits:

  • Cooper’s Service Station and Convenience: the small liquor store is on the left side of the building. They also sell ice and some grocery items. Their hours are limited and they only accept CASH. 
  • Grand Bahama Wine and Spirits: located right along the way to Port Lucaya, this shop has a wide variety of wine, beer, liquor, and mixers. They accept debit and credit cards.
  • 700 Wines & Spirits: located in the Lucaya Plaza, just a few doors down from Solomon’s grocery store.
  • The Bahamian Brewery: located on Queen’s Highway on the way to the harbour, hosts tours of the brewery and also has a fully stocked liquor store with a variety of items. They also sell clothing items with the famous Bahamian Brewery and Sands Beer logos.
  • Sea Gate Wines: has an enormous selection of wines, specialty liquors, and other items. It’s located on the far end of the RayVin Mall. It’s a great spot to visit on a rainy day. Check out a local mall and have some delicious wine too! 
What Amenities Does The Bahamas Hideaway offer?

Kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, pool floats, beach towels, snorkel gear, laundry facility, free wifi, waterfront views, and easy beach access. We also offer private dockage at competitive rates, please Contact Us for more information. 

What Activities Are Available During Inclement Weather?
  • Our treehouses and other units are equipped with smart TVs. You can add apps and log into streaming services to enjoy a nice movie. We also have games and books available.
  • We also suggest visiting the Bahamas Maritime Museum, located at Port Lucaya. And stop in for a sweet treat at Bootleg Chocolates, located right next door. You can also explore other shops, bars and restaurants. Fancy a cappuccino or some pastry and tea? Don’t miss Zorba’s Cafe & Pastries! 
  • Guests also like visiting the RayVin Mall, a short 12-minute drive from The Bahamas Hideaway! Or take a tour of The Bahamian Brewery.
What Should I Pack for My Trip to Grand Bahama?
  • Bring Cash

US Dollars are on par with the Bahamian dollar and are accepted by everyone. When locals visit the US to shop and vacation, they need USD, so it’s a wonderful thing to pay in USD! No one accepts EU’s or other currencies and it can be difficult and expensive to exchange other types of currencies. With USD, there is no need to exchange cash. FYI: Many vendors on the island do not accept credit cards at all. AMEX is rarely accepted. VISA and MasterCard are accepted by larger shops, restaurants, bars,  and grocery stores. A few gas stations do accept credit cards, however, most are full-service so an attendant pumps your fuel. It is customary to give them a tip (usually $1). There is one ATM near Port Lucaya, but the fees are expensive and it is sometimes down.

  • Water Shoes or Sandals

While the island is graced with pristine and beautiful beaches, if you walk the beach and in the surf in certain areas, you may find sharp debris like broken shells, rocks, or even glass. Keep an eye out as you walk and as you go farther out away from developed areas, be sure to wear foot coverings.

  • Reusable Water Bottle

The water on the island is regularly tested and cleaned with reverse osmosis. However, when traveling to another country, some visitors prefer bottled water. Water is available for purchase by the gallon or by individual plastic water bottles. To reduce plastic waste, it’s best to use a reusable water bottle. Sand Brewery does recycle their bottles.

  • Sunscreen and other Toiletries

Due to the need to import many items, the cost of certain things can be higher on the island. Shipping costs, duty, and VAT contribute to this. Visitors may not find the same brands or types of toiletries, including sunscreen, shampoo, & conditioner, shower gel, moisturizer, etc.

Is The Bahamas Hideaway Child-friendly?

Due to our location on the water, with our pool and the 2nd story balconies, unfortunately, we do not allow children under the age of 13 years. **We do not allow additional guests (other than those on the original booking) to visit or stay overnight under any circumstances.