Things to do in Grand Bahama

Forty acres of protected parkland, opened in the eighties and home to the Lucayan caverns – six miles of caves and tunnels that make up one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems. Gold Rock Beach is part of the National Park, a natural beauty of white sands and pale waters, that withdraw at low tide to reveal the ripped ‘welcome mat’. Elsewhere, you’ll find mangroves and tropical trees and plants – wonderful to kayak, walk or cycle around.

A mile south from the island, and just a speck on the map - this might be one of the Bahamas’ smallest national parks (at one and a half acres) but it’s big in biodiversity: a protected bird nesting colony where offshore reefs teem with marine life. Pack a picnic and hop on a boat to the cay… Kayaking only takes half an hour or so from the mainland.

This beautiful botanical garden has trails lined with tropical trees and flowers, leading to waterfalls and a lagoon. Guided tours are available, or you can explore at your own pace. There’s a playground for sprogs, as well as a chapel, spiritual labyrinth, café and grill.

With over 40 shops, 11 restaurants and 10 bars, the Port Lucaya Marketplace is the largest shopping, dining and open-air centre in the Bahamas. Discover duty-free stores, straw markets, and wonder Bahamian craft shops. Don’t miss a stop at Grand Bahama’s only shopping paradise.

While stocking up on duty-free designer scents is a popular Grand Bahama activity, there’s also the option to create a perfume of your very own at Fragrance of the Bahamas. In a house designed like an 18th century Bahamian mansion, the Perfume Factory creates unique island fragrances - learn how perfume is created and have a go at mixing your own!

Near Freeport, this education centre and sanctuary preserves wildlife and vegetation over a hundred acres of land. There’s a lovely walking path through the forest and numerous species of bird can be spotted throughout the year (though you’ll want to be here between October and May to spot migratory species).

In the town of Eight Mile Rock, this clear lake is fed by the Armbrister Creek and appears to whirl, bubble and boil as a result of the tides. Look out for rays and sharks in the waters, as well as the birds that nest in the mangroves.

Pirate’s Cove on Taino Beach West has a zipline and amazing inflatables, kayaks, paddleboards, fly boards, jet packs and more. Events include races on the water and bingo games.

From glass bottom boats that show you the underwater world, to banana boat rides and wave runners – Grand Bahama seems to have more ways to zip around the waters than anywhere else in the Bahamas. Look out for boats to Peterson Cay and tours popular dive sites to wrecks, reefs and caves. Boats are also available for fishing charters, and sunset cruises are a popular evening activity.

Grand Bahama Museum in Freeport has exhibitions about the island’s past including reconstructed caves and Lucayan Indian artefacts. Ye Olde Pirate Bottle House is a curious little place showing antique bottles from the 17 and 1800’s – including how they were made and what they were used for.