In February of 2023, I had the chance to visit Grand Bahama Island, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. As a first time visitor, I was impressed by all the island had to offer. Grand Bahama Island is packed with interesting spots to explore, and if you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend checking out a few of my favourites!
Swimming With The Pigs
Swimming with the pigs was one of the highlights of my entire trip. If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous activity, this is for you!
When I booked my Bahamas trip, I knew this was something I needed to experience. You can read about my full Swimming with the pigs experience here. I booked this excursion through our resort, with Paradise Cove on Crystal Beach. This is a super unique experience, and I had so much fun!
Know before you go:
- Only feed the pigs from the provided skewer, keep your fingers away from the pigs so they don’t think it’s food!
- Try to stay in front of the pigs to avoid their poop!
- Don’t try to pick up the big pigs!
- Listen to the instructors to keep you and the pigs safe and happy!
What to bring:
- Swimsuit, they have bathrooms if you need to change before or after the excursion, you’ll want to at least have bathing suit bottoms or shorts on as they take you about 3 feet into the water
- Reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat there’s very limited shade
- Towel
- Waterproof phone case
Garden of the Groves
Experience this elegant 12-acre garden full of tropical plants and animals, located right in paradise!
Visit the indigenous birds who call this garden home and relax in the beautiful garden. Take a guided or unguided tour through the garden and get lunch at the garden cafe, overlooking a waterfall. Before you go, shop for authentic Bahamian art at the cultural shopping village. Garden of the Groves is a great way to spend an afternoon!
Know before you go:
- Entry is $17 for adults and $11 for children
- Garden of the Groves is typically open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM
- Located about 10 km (6 miles) from Freeport
Port Lucaya Market
Located in the heart of Freeport, Port Lucaya Market is another must-visit for your trip to Grand Bahama Island. This outdoor market has many shops, places to eat, and entertainment. Pick up your souvenirs here and take some photos!
Enjoy free live entertainment at the open-air square, The Market Square. Dance to the music of Bahamian Bands every Friday and Saturday night from 8 pm to 11 pm!
Know before you go:
- There are ATMs available, so you can withdraw cash if needed
- It’s a good idea to bring some cash, especially for smaller purchases from local vendors, like those selling handmade items and souvenirs
- Since it’s an open-air marketplace, make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- If you’re visiting during peak sun hours, bring sunscreen and stay hydrated
Lucayan National Park
Home to one of the longest under water cave systems in the world, Lucayan National Park was one of my favourite places I visited on Grand Bahama Island and is a must-visit! Discover it’s beauty and rich history on your next visit!
Lucayan National Park, named in honour of the island’s original Lucayan people, preserves significant archaeological sites where skeletal remains and artifacts were found, evidencing pre-Columbian settlement.
The park features Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave, entrances to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, and nurseries for migratory bats.
The caves, once used by the Lucayans as freshwater sources and ceremonial burial sites, preserved delicate remains due to low oxygen levels; visitors are asked to stay on paths to protect these cultural sites.
This 40-acre National park is full of natural beauty, caves, mangrove swamps and a tropical forest. You’ll start off on a beautiful nature hike and will likely see some wildlife! We saw plenty of raccoons and tons of fish! Go down into the two caves and admire the beauty of the blue water and the deep history.
Spots to Visit:
- Burial Mound Cave – A small cave with cool, shaded depths and crystal-clear waters
- Ben’s Cave – A small cave with beautiful blue water, it’s a short hike to get here and a great way to get out of the heat
- Gold Rock Beach – I’ll talk more about this in the next section, but Gold Rock Beach is a stunning beach located in Lucayan National Park, just a short walk across the boardwalk!
Know before you go:
- There’s an entrance fee of $12 for Adults, and $6 for kids 12 and under, bring cash just in case
- The park is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM, so plan accordingly.
- Swimming in the caves is prohibited
- Avoid feeding wildlife and respect signs to protect endangered species
- Stay on trails
- Help preserve the natural beauty by carrying out everything you bring in and not disturbing the environment.
- Walk along the boardwalk to visit the beautiful Gold Rock Beach!
Gold Rock Beach
Have you ever watched Pirates of the Caribbean? Well, part of Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed right on Grand Bahama Island on Gold Rock Beach!
Even if you aren’t a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, this is a stunning beach with crystal clear water and white sand. In 2018, Gold Rock Beach was even voted as the best beach in The Caribbean by USA Today! This beach is located in Lucayan National Park, so while you’re headed to the beach take a quick detour to see the caves!
When we went, our group was some of the only people there, making it a nice relaxing secluded spot.
Offshore, a thriving reef system exists, thanks to the area’s pristine condition and the beneficial influence of the Gold Rock Creek Mangrove nursery, which has algae-grazing fish like parrotfish to help keep the reefs clean. In collaboration with the Freeport Harbour Company, a coral nursery was created southeast of Gold Rock Beach, with the ability to cultivate up to 250 elkhorn and staghorn corals at once supporting a lively and healthy habitat.
Know before you go:
- Entry to Lucayan National Park costs $12 for Adults and $6 for kids 12 and under, bring cash just in case. This fee gives you access to the beach as well as other parts of the park, including caves and nature trails.
- The park is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM
- Stick to designated trails
- Low Tide is the ideal time to visit so you can see the famous sandbars stretching out into the clear water.
- There are limited facilities on the beach itself—no bathrooms, there are sometimes food and drink vendors around. Bring everything you’ll need, water, snacks, sunscreen, any beach gear, and some cash in case you run into a vendor with some food or drink you might like!
- Help preserve the natural beauty by carrying out everything you bring in and not disturbing the environment.
Grand Bahama Island is a great vacation destination with lots to do. Interested in more? Read my post on my experience swimming with the pigs here. And read about my experience visiting Grand Bahama Island via one of the cheapest cruises in the world, Margaritaville at Sea.
Such a beautiful place to explore. I would love to spend some time exploring the Lucayan National Park and underwater caves system! How intriguing is it to experience the world’s longest system! Saved this post for later.
We used to go sailing in this area, though I don’t know that we ever visited Lucayan National Park. Saving this for our next Bahamas travel.
you should definitely check out Lucayan National Park next time you get a chance to visit!
Such a beautiful part of the world. Lucayan National Park looks particularly stunning
These are great tips! And I love how much you gently suggested sustainable practices!
This post makes me wanna wish to buy some plane tickets! Lovely pictures !!