Last Updated on March 23, 2026
When you think of The Bahamas, you might picture paradise: beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and a distinctly tropical ambiance. This chain of islands truly embodies all these qualities and more.
While many visitors gravitate to New Providence Island and the bustling capital Nassau—home to approximately 70 percent of Bahamians—there’s more to explore. Don’t overlook the other islands. Just 58 nautical miles from Florida, Grand Bahama Island invites you to discover a different side of The Bahamas.
Grand Bahama Island
Freeport, the main city on Grand Bahama Island, stood out to me during my 2026 visit for its laid‑back charm and the variety of experiences it offers, from adventure to peaceful retreats. You’ll encounter local music, seafood, and friendly people throughout your stay. Let’s explore some places to stay and activities you can enjoy in Freeport.
Taino Beach Resort
Taino Beach provides guests with a balanced experience of spacious comfort and enjoyable activities for all ages. Whether seeking family fun, adventure, relaxation, or a romantic getaway, the resort caters to a wide range of preferences.
Here you will find condo-style units with full kitchens and balconies. Nearby activities include paddleboats, sunbeds, tennis, volleyball, and shuffleboard. For shopping, Taino Beach provides a water ferry to Port Lucaya Marketplace, a large open-air mall in Freeport with a variety of items, including Bahamian crafts, which were my personal favorites.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the massive pool complex, a 20,000 square foot lagoon-style pool with a 100-foot water slide. The Grotto Pool Bar is one of the coolest swim-up bars I’ve ever seen. If you prefer white-sand beaches, take a short walk and laze away the afternoon under an umbrella.
Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina is the sister hotel to Taino Beach offering a friendly, relaxed vibe and perfect for budget-conscious visitors. Located across the street on the canal side, here you’ll enjoy views of Bell Channel and a full-service marina. This quaint hotel has 64 rooms and shares beach and pool amenities with its sister property, offering guests comfortable accommodation with privileges from Taino Beach.
Pelican Bay Hotel
One thing I recall about Pelican Bay is the vibrant color blast in the registration area. The hotel’s atmosphere is consistently chic and unpretentious. As a boutique-style hotel close to all the action, it suits both leisure and business travelers. The hotel calls itself “the happiest hotel in Grand Bahama.”
Pelican Bay is very close to Port Lucaya Marketplace, which I learned is the center of Freeport’s shopping, dining, and entertainment. The hotel’s waterside setting offers guests peaceful views of Bell Channel Bay from balconies and verandas, as well as access to three swimming pools.
A blend of charm, comfort, and a central location makes this ideal for many travelers. For a luxurious experience, choose a waterside suite with spacious baths and private terraces, where you can unwind and watch boats drift by.
Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham
Viva Fortuna combines vibrant energy with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
If you like your beach vacations with a dash of energy, this is your spot. The all-inclusive resort stretches along a golden-sand shoreline. Guests can enjoy kayaking, sailing, or windsurfing right off the beach.
Old Bahama Bay Resort
Paradise looks different for everyone. For those seeking quiet and serenity in an upscale setting, Old Bahama Bay on the West End—about 25 miles from Freeport and the island’s westernmost tip may be the answer. Here, you’ll find a haven providing privacy and indulgence.
Old Bahama Bay is set along a postcard-perfect beachfront. It feels worlds away from Freeport’s bustle. Guests can choose between oceanfront suites and marina-side rooms. There are 73 suites and almost as many boat slips. Many guests arrive by private vessel since it’s the closest point, about 56 miles, from Palm Beach. There is also a Bahamas Point of Entry (Customs House) in the Harbor, which makes it convenient for boat arrivals.
Old Bahama Bay appeals to couples and yacht travelers seeking subtle luxury and seclusion. Just offshore, colorful coral formations delight snorkelers. Sunset views here are simply stunning and not to be missed.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Grand Bahama Island offers several engaging and fun activities I experienced and wholeheartedly recommend during your next stay.
The Bahamian Brewery is 100 percent Bahamian-owned and operated. It produces and distributes Sands Beer, among other local beers, as a fully integrated business. The brewery’s retail outlet is a daily attraction for locals. During my facility tour, I learned about its beginnings in 2007 and found its history quite interesting.
Grand Lucayan Marketplace, previously mentioned, is a lively destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, offering a diverse array of experiences for visitors.
Bahama Blast ATV Tours was one of my favorite tours. The 4-hour off-road journey explored much of Freeport and the area in a unique way—one I fully enjoyed. The views and stops, such as Chloe’s Point, were marvelous.
Sanctuary Bay – The Dolphin Experience offered the chance to observe dolphins up close in a natural, respectful environment. Unlike traditional marine parks, these dolphins live in ocean enclosures that closely resemble their native habitat, allowing them to maintain natural instincts such as echolocation and hunting.
Goombay and West End Festivals—If you are on Grand Bahama during summer, don’t miss these festivals that offer an authentic experience of Bahamian culture and are truly remarkable.
The Spirit of Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama’s accommodations and activities suit every kind of traveler. Whether you seek high energy, family-friendly fun, or peaceful serenity, you’ll find the rhythm that matches your style.
Grand Bahama is not just a destination—it is a place where every visitor can create their own island story.
