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FREEPORT, BAHAMAS
Photo 1: Bahamian Church. Photo2:
Tropical Scuba Diving. Photo 3: Shopping in Freeport.
All Photos Courtesy of the Grand Bahamas
Vacations -
http://www.grandbahamavacations.com
Grand Bahama Island, the fourth largest of
The Islands of The Bahamas, gets its name from the Spanish "gran bajamar"
- meaning "great shallows" - for its many flats and shoals in the waters
off the island.
The island rambles on for 96 miles, rimmed
with cities, villages, and cays that offer lasting evidence of the many
different people and cultures that have called Grand Bahama Island home.
Early in its history, Grand Bahama Island was
virtually uninhabited for almost 300 years. However, with the development of
Freeport/Lucaya in the 1950s, and because of the island's location just 55 miles
from the east coast of Florida , it is now one of the most visited of all the
Bahamian islands.
Grand Bahama Island is a unique destination.
It allows visitors to combine a cosmopolitan vacation
with the charm of historical fishing villages and undiscovered ecological
treasures. It has one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, three
national parks, endless beaches, emerald green water and enchanting marine life.
The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout
The Islands of The Bahamas give the islands a warm, agreeable climate which
varies little year round. The most refreshing time is between September through
May, when the temperature averages 70-75F degrees. The rest of the year is a bit
warmer with temperatures between 80-85F degrees.
British rules apply, so please drive on the left and
watch those roundabouts! Visitors may use their home licenses for up to three
months and may also apply for an international driver's license. Pedestrians
should remember to look right before crossing streets.
Below is a list of the many activities you can find in
Freeport.
Water Sports
Snorkeling and scuba diving – Explore the many shipwrecks and caves
hidden beneath the emerald-green and turquoise-blue water
UNEXSO – Interact and swim with dolphins, scuba dive and snorkel
Kayak Nature Tours – Kayaking and snorkeling adventures through the
mangroves to the best beach in Grand Bahama for a Bahamian lunch
Sport Fishing – Sport fishing for giant tuna, white and blue marlin,
barracuda and Grand Bahama’s famous bonefish
Other water sports – Parasailing, windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing
Land Adventures
East End Adventures – Enjoy an all-day cultural safari, featuring a 4x4
ride through Grand Bahamas’ eco-zones, a Bahamian culture course, not to
mention exciting speed boating and snorkeling excursions
Trikk Pony Adventures – Watch the sunset on horseback, for a ninety
minute guided beach ride
Pinetree Stables – Participate in a two-hour guided horseback ride
through the Pine Forest, Rocky Coppice and Wetlands, along the beach and into
the sea
Golf
Grand Bahama boasts five world-class courses, showcasing the designs of
golf legends Robert Trent Jones and Dick Wilson.
Shopping
Port Lucaya Marketplace & Marina – A six-acre buyer’s paradise, home to
many elegant boutiques, duty-free shops and locally made cuisine. Locally made
jewelry, paintings and colorful handicrafts constructed from straw and wood
can also be found at the Bahamas Arts & Crafts Straw Market.
International Bazaar – Explore the 90 shops in this one-acre complex
Culture
Local Fish Fry – In small fishing communities such as Smith’s Point,
McClean’s Town, Bootle Bay and West End, visitors can enjoy a meal at a
down-home restaurant or a Wednesday night fish fry, serving up island
specialties such as cracked conch, steam fish and peas ‘n rice
Junkanoo – Colorful and uniquely Bahamian parade characterized by
costumes, music, food and art, performed in Count Basie Square (Port Lucaya)
on Friday and Saturday nights
Conch Shacks – Dine of local cuisine and listen to local music at Eight
Mile Rock in Sunset Village
Nature
Hiking, birding or caving at Lucayan National Park, home to the
largest underwater cave system in the world.
Freeport Tip
Getting around in the Bahamas can be expensive. My
recommendation is to always share a cab/min-van with other passengers to keep
the cost of your transportation to a minimum
Overall Freeport offers something for everyone, whether
it is the beach, water sports, casino gaming, shopping or sightseeing, there is
something to please everyone.
Source http://www.grandbahamavacations.com
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