Welcome to Grand Bahama Island—a destination that truly lives up to its name. The northernmost island of the Bahamas archipelago has turquoise waters, sugar-white sands, and lush landscapes. Immerse yourself in Bahamian culture at the bustling Port Lucaya Marketplace, then visit the mysterious Lucayan National Park, where ancient caves whisper tales of the Arawak. From thrilling water sports to serene nature encounters, you’ll never run out of things to do on Grand Bahama Island. And if you do end up needing a break, the island is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing spa day (or three).
High season in the Bahamas is mid-November to mid-April—travel within that window, and you’ll have your best shot at reliably sunny days and fully operational businesses. Outside of that window, you’ll still get that tropical weather, but certain businesses may be closed and you run the risk of hurricanes. To experience fewer crowds, lower prices, and reliable weather, look at late October to early November and late April into May.
If you’re fine basing out of your centrally located accommodations, it's possible to explore Grand Bahama on foot, via taxi (likely waiting outside your hotel), or on a zippy scooter (many hotels rent them to guests). If you want to explore all the things to do on Grand Bahama Island and its natural areas at large, you’ll probably want a rental car. Just keep in mind that you’ll be driving on the left.
Don’t miss Paradise Cove, a rare native-owned resort and beach on the island’s west side. It has the country’s longest man-made reef, aka Deadman’s Reef, where the snorkeling is right off-beach and superb. There are just a few villas, plus a walk-up bar and restaurant where you can drink, dine, and rent snorkeling and kayaking gear. Focusing on quiet sports, this spot is all about sustainability.
Attractions 11 | Tours 39 | Reviews 1,183 |
Just some 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Florida—and easily accessible via high-speed ferry—Grand Bahama is known for its tropical nature, beautiful scenery, and plentiful activities. Tourism is the island’s largest economy, and visitors tend to hit up spots like Taino Beach and Paradise Cove for white-sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, and more.
...MoreWater sports are incredibly popular in the Bahamas, across all the islands. Locals and tourists alike tend to spend a lot of time on or near the water—whether that means swimming, kayaking, fishing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, or something else entirely. The culture is heavily influenced by all things water.
...MoreThe Bahamas—including Grand Bahama—is a sovereign, independent nation. A British colony for 300-plus years until 1973, the country is a fully self-governing member of the Commonwealth and a member of the United Nations. All in all, the Caribbean country comprises nearly 700 coral islands, with Grand Bahama being the third-largest.
...MoreThat depends on what you’re looking to do. Many visitors will stay a week just to relax and recharge on the island’s beaches. Otherwise, three days is a good amount of time to explore all the things to do on Grand Bahama Island, from Paradise Cove to Lucayan National Park, Garden of the Groves, and more.
...MoreThe Bahamas is an independent country made up of roughly 700 islands. Grand Bahama is the third-largest island of those 700. So, the Bahamas is both a country and a massive island chain in the Caribbean. Grand Bahama is a singular island, roughly the size of Houston, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Florida.
...MoreYes. Grand Bahama—the third-largest island in the Bahamas—offers a slower, more idyllic pace of life than its counterpart New Providence Island, where you’ll find bustling Nassau. (If you can, experience both islands to take in the contrasts.) Grand Bahama also offers white-sand beaches, three national parks, fantastic snorkeling and diving, and more.
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