ISLAND GUIDE

Welcome to our carefully curated guide to Grand Bahama Island! We understand that it can be overwhelming deciding where to go and what to do on this beautiful island, so we've done the hard work for you.

EATING & DRINKING

Stoned Crab

Located on Taino Beach, this is the perfect spot for relaxed, sophisticated beachside dining. Choose from a delicious menu in the restaurant, ideal for unwinding after a day of watersports or simply enjoying the serene beach atmosphere with a cocktail.

L'Elmo Di Ottone

L'Elmo Di Ottone, affectionately known as 'Elmos,' opened in December 2023 in Freeport, Bahamas, and quickly gained a reputation for serving the best wood-fired pizzas in The Bahamas. The restaurant offers all outdoor seating, including a friendly outdoor bar, perfect for enjoying an early evening drink. Families will appreciate the pool, though it's important to note that there is no lifeguard on duty. The menu highlights rustic Italian cuisine, with dishes made from scratch or sourced from top Italian producers. Standout offerings include seafood fettuccine, yellowfin tuna crudo, and wood-fired pizzas like Margherita and Tartufo.

Bootleg Chocolates & Cafe

Located in Port Lucaya, Bootleg is famous for offering the finest chocolates in the Bahamas. This charming family-owned shop, led by Amanda and her passionate team, handcrafts all their chocolates on-site. Ideal for souvenirs, their indulgent treats make perfect gifts. Bootleg is also renowned for its exceptional coffee, making it a must-visit for both chocolate lovers and coffee enthusiasts.

Tony Macaroni

Experience the local beach vibe at the thatch-roofed shack on Taino Beach, where Roast Conch is the specialty of the house. This popular spot also serves Conch Salad, Conch Burgers, Roast Lobster, Shrimp, and refreshing Gully Wash cocktails!

Outriggers Smith's Point

Outriggers Smith's Point is a cozy, open-air bar and grill nestled between the main road of Smith's Point settlement and the beach, near Taino Beach. This rustic spot serves a variety of Bahamian, seafood, and BBQ dishes, including chicken, ribs, and seafood dinners, based on availability. It’s open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for bonfires, and hosts a weekly fish fry every Wednesday.

Fish Fry Wednesdays

Calypso and soca music fill the air every Wednesday evening at the weekly alfresco fish fry organized by the Outriggers Beach Club at Smith’s Point Beach. Bring your post-dive appetite to feast on Bahamian favorites such as peas and rice, broiled lobster, baked mac-and-cheese and grilled conch.

Terry's Conch Stand

At Terry's Conch Stand, visitors are treated to an authentic Bahamian experience. Mr. Terry, the owner, prepares the conch salad fresh on-site, even demonstrating how to open and clean the conch, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the visit.
The salad itself is outstanding—fresh, tangy, and perfectly balanced—making it one of the best conch salads on the island. With Mr. Terry’s friendly and welcoming demeanor, it’s easy to see why locals and tourists alike recommend stopping by.

Cat's Conch Salad

Cat's Conch Salad: A Must-Stop for Island Flavors. If you're searching for the best conch salad on the island, look no further than Cat's Conch Salad. Tucked away in a cozy stand, this local gem is run by Cat, a friendly and knowledgeable owner who knows his conch like no one else. With a smile and a deep passion for island flavors, Cat prepares each salad with fresh, hand-prepared ingredients, balancing the citrusy kick of lime with the perfect crunch of diced vegetables.
Whether you're a conch salad enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Cat’s vibrant dish will leave you craving more.

Bones Bar

Located adjacent to the Flying Fish Restaurant, Bones Bar provides a cozy American sports bar experience with views overlooking the canal. While technically affiliated with the Pelican Bay Hotel, it stands out as its own distinct establishment. With an extensive selection of craft beers and creative cocktails, it caters to diverse tastes. Popular as a post-fishing watering hole, it transitions into a late-night destination seamlessly. The owner, Jason Franklin, also has a Bone Fishing company (check it out in the ‘Things To Do’ section). With its great bar staff and inviting ambiance, Bones Bar is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Margarita Villa Sand Bar

Margarita Villa Sand Bar, located right on Fortune Beach in Freeport, Bahamas, offers a charming rustic ambience with sand between your toes. Known for its amazing piña coladas, this spot is perfect for those looking to relax with a tropical drink. The bar features two upper-side decks, often has sports playing, and is a great place to meet true Freeport locals. The menu includes homemade burgers, calamari, and Greek salads, with the versatile fillet fish as the signature dish. Open daily, it accepts cash and credit cards (except American Express).

Flying Fish

Flying Fish is a Gastrobar dining experience with world class food and a dedication to sustainability.
Flying Fish is owned and run by Grand Bahamians. Starting as a small local restaurant, Flying Fish is now regarded as one of the best restaurants in The Bahamas. It only serves sustainable seafood, fresh not frozen, only in season. This is a big thing for them. They believe that “We live on an island and the ocean is what sustains many people here. We believe that the mismanagement of the ocean will destroy the Bahamian economy and way of life.”

Banana Bay

No shirt, no shoes, no problem. Spend a leisurely afternoon at Banana Bay. Located at the stunning end of Fortune Beach, Banana Bay Restaurant offers a perfect setting. At low tide, you can stroll along the sandbanks and explore the rock pools along the reef. Enjoy everything from local Conch Salad to a classic Hamburger, all while sipping a refreshing Bahama Mama.

Cappuccino's Italian

A great spot for a cozy dinner, this quaint, family-owned Italian eatery serves authentic dishes made with ingredients imported directly from Italy. It’s as close as you can get to dining in Italy—without actually being there! Located in Port Lucaya Market Place, open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM.

LJ's High Point

If you're heading to the east side of the island, LJ's is the perfect spot for an early evening meal. Located east of the historic Lighthouse in High Rock, East Grand Bahama, LJ’s stands as a symbol of resilience, having been rebuilt after Hurricane Dorian. LJ himself will greet you, serving his fresh catch of the day while mixing up a classic Bahama Mama right on the beach. Enjoy a welcoming family atmosphere and savor authentic Bahamian cuisine. Planning to visit? Be sure to call ahead so LJ can prepare for your arrival (+1 242 442 9697).

East at Pier One

Pier One Restaurant, located on the opposite side of the island near the cruise port and shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas, offers a unique perspective of the area. Known for serving the best sushi on the island, it also offers thrilling nightly shark feedings, where you might even catch a glimpse of a bull shark.

THINGS TO DO

Sandy Cay Stingray Experience

Discover the underwater wonders of West Grand Bahama with West End Ecology Tours. Keith Cooper, fondly known as the ‘stingray whisperer’, offers a range of eco-focused tours that combine education with snorkeling and even fishing.
One of their most popular offerings is the "Stingray Experience Tour." This tour allows you to encounter southern stingrays in their natural habitat under Cooper's watchful eye. The shallow waters also boast a sunken shipwreck teeming with fish, offering a chance for some underwater exploration.
West End Ecology Tours lets you tailor your adventure. Choose from half-day or full-day options, encounter the fascinating stingrays, explore vibrant reefs, or try your hand at some relaxed fishing.

Tiger Beach Dive

For those seeking an extraordinary underwater encounter, the Tiger Shark Dive in Grand Bahama promises an experience like no other. This renowned dive site, nicknamed "Tiger Beach," offers you the remarkable opportunity to swim alongside the famed tiger shark in its natural habitat. As you descend into the azure waters, you'll be surrounded by these powerful yet graceful apex predators cruising calmly around you. Marvel at their distinctive striped patterns and undeniable presence from just an arm's length away. Experienced dive guides ensure a safe and responsible interaction, making this an unforgettable bucket-list adventure. Witness the raw beauty and majesty of the tiger shark at this iconic Bahamian underwater oasis, but be prepared - you may just find yourself spellbound.

Shark Junction

For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping underwater adventure, the shark dive in Grand Bahama is an unforgettable encounter. Certified diving professionals will guide you through an exhilarating experience, descending into the crystal-clear waters teeming with Caribbean reef sharks. As you kneel on the ocean floor, these majestic creatures will gracefully surround you, allowing you to observe their power and beauty up close. With expert instruction and strict safety protocols in place, you'll have the opportunity to feed the sharks and witness their impressive hunting techniques firsthand. This thrilling dive is a must for daring travelers seeking to explore the untamed wonders of the deep blue sea. Prepare for an adrenaline rush like no other as you come face-to-face with some of the ocean's most magnificent predators.

Conservation Cove by Blue Action Lab

Based on the island of Grand Bahama, 'Conservation Cove' by Blue Action Lab is a sustainability hub that connects global investors with local community initiatives. This exciting restoration hub currently hosts three special projects; Coral Vita (coral restoration), Queen Conch Hatchery (conch restoration) and Mangrove Mania by Waterkeepers Bahamas (mangrove restoration). You can organize tours via the Coral Vita website: www.coralvita.co

Sanctuary Bay Dolphin Experience

Immerse yourself in the world of dolphins and native wildlife at Sanctuary Bay Grand Bahama. Choose from a variety of interactive programs designed for all ages and swimming abilities. Learn about these fascinating creatures from experts and witness their playful nature firsthand. Some programs allow you to interact with the dolphins from a platform, while others offer the chance to wade in the water for a truly unforgettable encounter.

Thrift Harbor's Perfect Reef

Thrift Harbor is located just between Lightbourne Cay and Long Cay (26.55678° N, 77.86106° W) and only accessible by boat. By carefully consulting the tide timetables and timing your visit when the tide flows in or out, you can effortlessly drift over this underwater paradise for up to an hour. If the tide is going out you start at the mangroves and end up at a sand island, if the tide is coming in you start at the sand island and end at the mangroves. As you glide along, an extraordinarily vibrant tapestry of marine life will unveil itself - eagle rays majestically gliding by, clouds of iridescent angelfish flitting through the waters, and whimsical sea cucumbers dotting the reef. Thrift Harbor's shallow depths and crystal-clear visibility make this an ideal spot to fully immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic coral formations teeming with biodiversity. Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Grand Bahama's most prized natural treasures and premier snorkeling sites.
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Bone Fishing

For anglers seeking an exciting and challenging quarry, the flats of Grand Bahama offer world-class bonefishing opportunities. Wade into the crystal-clear, shallow waters and scan the sandy bottoms for the telltale shadows of these elusive and powerful fish. With stealthy movements and expert casting techniques, you'll try to entice these highly prized game fish to strike your fly. When a bonefish takes your lure, hang on tight as it makes blistering runs that will truly test your skills. Bonefishing demands patience, perseverance and a deft touch, but the payoff of catching one of these silver ghosts is immensely rewarding. Guided bonefishing excursions provide all the local expertise and top-notch equipment to give you the best chance of landing that trophy bonefish. Experience the thrill that has made Grand Bahama a revered bonefishing destination.

Rand Nature Center

The Rand Nature Center offers a tranquil escape into Grand Bahama's diverse ecosystems. Spanning 100 acres, this protected preserve allows visitors to experience the island's pine forests, tropical hardwood cays, wetlands, and limestone caves at a relaxed pace. Walking trails meander through the lush surroundings, providing opportunities to spot native bird species and examine indigenous plants. Naturalist-led tours provide insights into the local flora and fauna, including ancient cave formations and vegetation once utilized by the Lucayan people. With its low-key interpretive displays and serene gardens, the center provides a quieting immersion into the natural side of Grand Bahama. For nature lovers and those craving a taste of untamed tranquility, it's a must-visit.

Gold Rock Beach

Located within Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach is an iconic beach on Grand Bahama Island, known for its beautiful scenery and healthy offshore coral reef system. It's a popular destination for visitors who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. The beach suffered major erosion from Hurricane Dorian in 2019, but the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has been working on its restoration to protect it from future storms.

Jeep & ATV Safari

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a jeep tour to explore Grand Bahama's rugged interior. Climb into a sturdy 4x4 vehicle and traverse the backroads and trails that wind through the island's diverse ecosystems - from mangrove wetlands to pine forests. With an experienced guide leading the way, you may spot wildlife like wild boars, Bahama parrots, or the reclusive hutia as you journey past limestone caves and historical Lucayan sites. The jeep's open-air design provides an up-close perspective on Grand Bahama's unspoiled natural landscapes away from the resort areas. These low-key yet authentic tours allow you to experience the island's untamed side at a relaxed pace while learning about the local environment. It's a chance to get off the main roads and discover Grand Bahama's ecological diversity.

Garden of the Groves

A serene botanical sanctuary awaits at the Garden of the Groves in Freeport. Spanning 12 acres, this understated garden offers a chance to slow down and appreciate the diverse plant life of the tropics. Winding pathways guide visitors through cultivated gardens displaying native and exotic species, from towering palms to vibrant heliconias. Don't miss the mystical labyrinth for a meditative stroll or the delightful butterfly garden teeming with colorful winged creatures. Kids will enjoy exploring the whimsical children's garden complete with a climbing frame. Those seeking more knowledge can join a low-key guided tour highlighting the gardens' history and flora. With its tranquil settings and small cafe, the Garden of the Groves makes for a relaxing respite surrounded by nature's simple beauty. Be sure to browse the quaint shoppes, where our favorite straw maker Dee Dee is often crafting her wares. It's a low-key yet enchanting island oasis ideal for peaceful strolls, photographs, or merely immersing yourself in lush, colorful landscapes.

Lucayan National Park

History buffs and nature lovers won't want to miss Lucayan National Park. This park protects a fascinating array of Grand Bahama's ecosystems, from pine forests and mangroves to coral reefs and beaches. Hike through diverse landscapes, spot native birds, or take a refreshing dip. The park also holds historical significance – Lucayan caves were once used by the island's indigenous people and even contain remnants of their presence. These caves offer a glimpse into the past alongside the natural wonders.
Lucayan National Park contains Ben's Cave, one of the world's largest underwater cave systems. Ben's Cave is home to many unique cave dwelling species, including the Remipedes, a blind crustacean discovered in the 1970s. The cave system contains both freshwater and saltwater. Ben's Cave was named after the late legendary Bahamian biologist, Ben Rose, who explored it in the 1970s. Today, his protege Cristina Zenato continues his cave exploration work with her husband Kewin Lorenzen.

SHOPPING

Port Lucaya Straw Market

Miss Dee's is our favorite spot at Port Lucaya for picking up some straw souvenirs.

Lignum Vitae

Do not be deceived by the location - Lignum Vitae is a hidden gem! Lignum Vitae is a curated space exploring sustainable living while honoring island culture. Their selection of all natural products, specialty goods, locally made gifts, Bahamian art, and farm fresh produce makes it easy to shop local, fresh, and eco-friendly. Think reef-safe sunscreen and the cutest Androsia dress in their new straw beach bag. Or, truffle hot chocolate kits and vegan charcuterie. Sign up for bush medicine workshops or morning yoga lessons. Guests can taste exotic fruits and take home Long Island sea sponges. Inspired by the colorful straw market hey day of The Bahamas, Lignum Vitae strives to empower Bahamian artisans and elevate the local offerings on Grand Bahama in an environmentally conscious way.