Grand Bahama Island is a wonderful island that I visited in February of 2023. As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by all the island had to offer. Grand Bahama Island is packed with interesting spots to explore!
I know a few cruises stop here so you may have limited time but still want to experience all you can!
Here’s how to spend 24 hours on Grand Bahama Island
Getting to Grand Bahama Island
Fly directly to Grand Bahama Island Airport (FPO), airlines like Sunwing, American Airlines, JetBlue, and United all have flights to Grand Bahama Island.
Take a cruise, when I visited, I took a very inexpensive cruise with Margaritaville at Sea. You can read all about that here. Lots of other cruises stop here, like Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.
Take a ferry, you can also take a fast passenger ferry from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This takes about 3 hours, through Balearia Caribbean.
Getting around Grand Bahama Island
Gas on the island is expensive, which makes taxis a bit more pricey than you’re probably used to. If you plan on needing taxis to get around be sure to bring plenty of cash (USD or Bahamian Dollars). Ubers or other rideshare apps are not available. We carpooled with other tourists when we took taxis from the cruise port to our hotel and back, which made the cost a bit cheaper.
If you’ll be needing transportation, there are plenty of taxi drivers who offer tours, taking you to some really neat spots on the island for a flat rate. Or if you have a list of a few places you and your group would like to stop at, you can contact a taxi driver and hire them for the day. You can find these drivers through Grand Bahama Island Facebook groups, just be sure to look at reviews and make sure they seem trustworthy!
Where to Stay on Grand Bahama Island
Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham All Inclusive: This is where I stayed when I visited Grand Bahama Island and I had a great experience. I plan on making a full hotel review post in the future, but if you’re looking for an all-inclusive option with places to relax and fun nightly shows, this is a great option.
The Grand Lucyana: This is another popular option, located close to the Port Lucaya Marketplace. This hotel offers an all-inclusive option or a basic room rate. The all-inclusive option includes unlimited food and drinks at 6 different restaurants and bars, unlimited golf, and entertainment.
Flamingo Bay Hotel: This is a more budget-friendly option that offers water taxis to Port Lucaya Marketplace, a pool with a waterslide and a swim-up bar, tennis courts, beach volleyball, a restaurant, and more!
What to Eat on Grand Bahama Island
Banana Bay: a must-visit restaurant on Grand Bahama Island, offering stunning views and a relaxed beachy vibe. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal while soaking in the island’s beauty. The menu leans into Caribbean classics, with dishes like fresh seafood, conch fritters, and tropical salads. Don’t miss their famous coconut shrimp, pair it with a cold Bahamian Kalik beer. Time your visit for low tide, and you can take a barefoot stroll out onto the sandbars right in front of the restaurant.
Pier One: I stopped by Pier One during a tour, and even though I didn’t eat there, it left quite an impression. This restaurant is famous for its unique shark-feeding shows that happen right on-site. Imagine dining with the thrill of watching sharks glide through the water beneath you! If you do get a chance to eat there, the seafood is highly recommended. Call or check online ahead to find out what time they do the shark feedings!
Daddy Browns Conch Stand: A trip to the Bahamas isn’t complete without tasting conch, and Daddy Brown’s Conch Stand at the Port Lucaya Marketplace is the place to do it. It’s a casual, open-air spot where you can watch your conch salad get made fresh to order. It’s a fantastic way to experience authentic Bahamian street food.
Flying Fish Gastro Bar: For a more upscale dining experience, Flying Fish Gastro Bar is the place to be. Located on the waterfront, this modern restaurant combines fine dining with a laid-back island charm. They specialize in innovative dishes with a Caribbean twist. The outdoor patio is an ideal spot to enjoy a romantic dinner or a relaxing evening with friends. They also offer a great selection of wine and craft cocktails with something to complement every dish.
What to do on Grand Bahama Island
Swimming with the pigs: Swimming with the pigs at Paradise Cove on Crystal Beach is one of the most unique activities you can experience on Grand Bahama Island. This adventure lets you feed and swim with the pigs in hip-high water. Follow the provided safety guidelines, such as feeding the pigs using skewers and keeping your fingers out of reach. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen!
Garden of the Groves: Garden of the Groves is a lush 12-acre paradise located just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Freeport. This tropical oasis features beautiful plants, indigenous birds, and waterfalls. You can explore on your own or join a guided tour, enjoy lunch at the cafe with views of the falls, and shop for local Bahamian art at the cultural village. The entry fee is $17 for adults and $11 for kids, and the garden is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Port Lucaya Market: Port Lucaya Marketplace is a vibrant, open-air market in the heart of Freeport and a must-visit for shopping, dining, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, handmade crafts, and local goods. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy free live Bahamian music in the Market Square. Be sure to bring cash for smaller vendors, dress comfortably, and stay hydrated while you explore.
Lucayan National Park: Lucayan National Park is a 40-acre natural treasure, home to one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems. Start with a scenic hike through mangrove trails, spotting wildlife like raccoons and fish along the way. Visit Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave, which hold deep historical significance as ceremonial sites for the Lucayan people. Entry costs $12 for adults and $6 for kids, and the park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Swimming in the caves is prohibited, so stay on the marked trails to preserve the park’s beauty.
Gold Rock Beach: Gold Rock Beach, located within Lucayan National Park, is a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise water that feels like paradise. Known for its appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean, this beach is especially stunning at low tide when sandbars stretch far into the sea. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and any gear you need, as facilities are limited. The park entry fee covers access to the beach, caves, and trails, making it an unforgettable stop on your island adventure.
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This looks magical! Especially that all-inclusive beach resort Viva Fortuna – wowwy!
That’s super good to know there’s no ride shares! Thank you for the heads up! I’d love to see the piggies, did they smell at all?