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.

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.

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.

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.

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.