Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama Island is the closest main island to the United States. It is one of the northernmost islands in the Bahamas and is a popular tourist destination due to the great weather and picturesque beaches. Contrary to popular belief, Grand Bahama Island is only the fourth largest island in the Bahamas.

Grand Bahama Island is a paradise destination for any traveler with a great relaxing atmosphere throughout. There are 4 major cities on the island. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship like so many other tourists, you’ll be landing in Freeport. Freeport is the location of the commercial shipping port and international airport. You’ll find many pristine waterfront and canal-front properties in Freeport with property prices up to 20% lower than coastal Florida.

Beautiful beaches and several luxury hotels can be found in Lucaya. The most popular 5-star hotel is the “Our Lucaya” hotel chain consisting of the Sheraton and Westin hotels and the Lanai Suites located at Lighthouse Point. Each of these hotels is 5-star luxury with numerous heated pools and spa facilities.

Although many people believe that Freeport is the capital, it is actually the West End. Recent investments in the area have led to the construction of many luxury hotels and resorts around this westernmost area of ​​the island, as well as a complete renovation of the dock area and the construction of many new canals for homes and condominiums. deluxe.

The entire island is a paradise in the sun with some of the best beaches in the world. Activities on the island can be as relaxing or energetic as you like. If you love sitting on the beach, there are miles of glorious sun-kissed beaches for you to enjoy. If you prefer something a little more energetic, there are world-class diving areas, as well as every water sport imaginable. Grand Bahama Island contains one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Paragliding and jet skiing are commonplace on the beaches and seafaring islands.

At night the island does not simply go to sleep. There are casinos and bars dotted around the island’s resorts and hotels and world-class restaurants on every corner.

Some travel tips.

1. Banks are open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2. The temperatures on the island are warm all year round. 85F – 90F, although there are winds that blow most of the year, this is still a tropical climate, so plenty of sunscreen and summer clothing.

3. The official currency is the Bohemian dollar, but US and Bohemian dollars are accepted throughout the island.

4. Each adult visitor may bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, a quarter of spirits, and a variety of personal effects (personal radio headset, bicycle, two cameras, etc.). Purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars are allowed to all arriving passengers.

5. All visitors must pay a departure tax of $18.00 when leaving the island.

6. British rules apply to driving so drive on the left and wait for the annoying roundabouts.

7. Spearfishing with scuba gear and possession of harpoons are illegal in the Bahamas. Cruise ships must clear Customs at the nearest port of entry before beginning any diving or fishing activities. A permit is required for visiting vessels to engage in sport fishing at a cost of $20 per trip or $150 per year for vessels that will use no more than six reels.

8. The official language on the island of Grand Bahama is English…UK English, which will sound a bit strange if you’re used to American English.

9. There are no import duties on perfumes and fragrances, crystal, leather goods, jewelry, fine bedding and tablecloths, watches and clocks, photographic equipment, china, binoculars and telescopes, so they are all duty-free! !

10. Grand Bahama Island is on Eastern Standard Time.

Grand Bahama is a great vacation destination for anyone. The beaches are impeccable and the sea is crystal clear and warm. The weather is great and the people are very friendly. It is hard to imagine that someone would not want to visit the island of Grand Bahama.