Freeport
Country: Bahamas · Region: Bahamas · Currency: Bahamian Dollar
Freeport is a cruise port city on Grand Bahama Island with tropical weather, white-sand beaches, and water activities like snorkeling and diving. The city was severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 but remains a destination for beach exploration and marine adventures.
Top sights
Lucayan National Park and Gold Rock Beach, Garden of the Groves, Rand Nature Center, Coral Vita, Port Lucaya Marketplace
Things to do
- Lucayan National Park
- Home of Gold Rock Beach and one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world; served as filming site for Pirates of the Caribbean II and III.
- Garden of the Groves
- Former private garden of city founder Wallace Groves, offering a tropical paradise setting.
- Rand Nature Center
- National park and nature education center established to preserve Grand Bahama's habitat; admission $5 adults, $3 children 5-12.
- Coral Vita
- Facility propagating corals for reef restoration and offering tours for visitors.
Beaches
- Gold Rock Beach
- Spectacular white-sand beach located within Lucayan National Park.
- Taino Beach
- Popular beach hosting local fish fries on Wednesday evenings.
Where to eat
- Pier One Restaurant
- High-end waterfront restaurant near the cruise harbor best known for nightly shark feedings where guests watch sharks summoned by bell and can throw food to them.
- Banana Bay
- Restaurant near the beach in Fortune Bay offering delicious local cuisine with indoor and outdoor patio dining.
Bars and nightlife
- Club Amnesia
- One of Freeport's largest nightclubs attracting locals and tourists with a wide variety of music.
Getting around
Taxis are available at major tourist stops with flat rates discussed before travel; rental cars and tour bus services are also available.
What to eat
Port Lucaya Marketplace has many international restaurants with lunch costing approximately US$20; local fish fries are held Wednesday evenings at Taino Beach.
Tips
Pay in US dollars cash to avoid taxes at many shops, and be aware that many maps show unfinished roads, follow signposts for practical navigation.
Best for
Beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphins