The northernmost island in The Bahamas has three national parks, limestone caves, and one of the world's longest underwater cave systems - Ben's Cave at Lucayan National Park.
Grand Bahama lies 55 miles east of Florida. You can walk on white sand beaches, swim alongside dolphins at UNEXSO's lagoon, or explore limestone caves at Lucayan National Park. In the evenings, join beach bonfires while watching the sun set over the Atlantic. The island's protected areas include Peterson Cay National Park and Gold Rock Beach, where film crews shot scenes for Pirates of the Caribbean.
Flight and Ferry Routes to Grand Bahama
Direct flights arrive at Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport from major US cities daily, with additional connections through Nassau. The airport's US Border Preclearance facilities speed up your return to the US. The Balearia Caribbean fast ferry departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida twice daily, taking 3.5 hours to reach Freeport.
Port Lucaya Marketplace and Beach
Port Lucaya Marketplace occupies six acres along Seahorse Road, where you'll find Bahamian craft shops, restaurants, and nightly music in Count Basie Square. Cross the street to reach Lucayan Beach for jet skiing or parasailing. Each evening, musicians play traditional Bahamian songs as visitors browse the shops and restaurants.
Caves and Parks
Walk through one of the world's largest underwater limestone cave systems at Lucayan National Park. Follow elevated boardwalks through mangrove swamps and pine forests to reach Gold Rock Beach, where low tide creates distinctive ripple patterns in the sand. Take a boat to Peterson Cay, a 1.5-acre national park with four reef zones - perfect for spotting manta rays and barracuda while snorkeling.
Birds and Marine Life
Walk the trails at Garden of the Groves past waterfalls and through native plant gardens. Stop at the meditation labyrinth or watch for some of Grand Bahama's 18 endemic bird species not found in North America or Europe. At UNEXSO in Port Lucaya Marina, swim with dolphins in a nine-acre lagoon or participate in their trainer-for-a-day program, which runs twice daily.
