Best Beaches in Grand Bahama

Near the Port Lucaya Marketplace on the southwestern edge of the island, Lucaya’s the most popular tourist beach on the island. You’d struggle to find a beach activity not offered here – snorkelling, parasailing, paddleboarding, volleyball, hair braiding…. This stretch of sand is good for beach walks, or just sitting to watch the world go by. Don’t miss the Bahamian grub at Billy Joe’s, where “The Conch Man” has been serving seafood and cocktails for a good 30 years or so. The beach is split into a public area (behind police station) and resort beaches which you can get day passes to.

West of Lucaya Beach, Coral Beach is a less crowded option – a narrow strip of pale sand, calm waters and a backing of dunes, palm trees and beachfront condos.

The nearest beach to the port, Xanadu’s lovely clear, shallow waters are perfect to paddle or snorkel in. Often occupied by only a few other people, it’s a nice place to get away from the hubbub and enjoy the sunshine.

There’s oodles to do on Taino beach – home to the Junkanoo Beach Club and a whole host of water and land activities. Shop the market stalls for souvenirs or get involved with the cook-outs on public holidays. We like the bit over by the Fish Fry – the beach tends to be a bit quieter in the day, then everything comes to life in the restaurants and bars later on. Smith’s Point hosts its famous fish fry on Wednesday evenings where you can taste local dishes, drink cocktails and dance ‘til gone midnight. The Taino Beach Park behind has a wonderful nature trail as well as a playground and benches.

This secluded spot on the east of the island is a protected part of Lucayan National Park, and it’s spectacular. Tropical trees and greenery line up behind you and the Gold Rock protrudes just off the shore, with corals surrounding it. Low tide unveils the “welcome mat” where you can walk across gloriously rippled, white sand. Driftwood gives the whole place a beautifully rugged feel, while BBQ pits and picnic tables cater for one of the most scenic meals you’ll ever eat. Nearby, the Lucayan caves make up the longest underground cave system on earth. It’s easy to see why they chose to film Pirates of the Caribbean here.

Quiet and beautiful, this is a place to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, repeat: the water’s warm like bathwater, and the sand light and soft. If gaping at the view leaves you hungry, pop over to Banana Bay Restaurant and enjoy more marvellous sights accompanied by good Caribbean cuisine. Did you SNO: the name ‘Fortune’ comes from the fact that a two-million-dollar shipwreck was discovered here…

About a five-minute drive from Port Lucaya, Mather Town is a fabulous swimming spot and favourite of the locals. The Margarita Villa Sand Bar does amazing Mahi Burgers and Bahama Mama’s – come on a Tuesday for the bonfire cookout to experience a proper Bahamian beach party.

West of island, Paradise Cove is a more secluded spot where you can join a volleyball match, snorkel Deadman’s reef, kayak or just lie on the beach and listen to reggae. White sands, coconut palms and brilliant blue-green waters make this a terrific spot to sample proper Bahamian beach life.

A narrow beach with beach bars and activity centres aplenty, offering banana boat rides, jet skiing, snorkelling, horse rides. Come here on a Saturday night for drinks and dancing.