City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

With an area of 423 square miles, Grand Bahama is the fifth largest island in the Bahamas. It’s the northernmost island in the chain and features a wide array of beaches, reefs and natural attractions. Whether you’re staying at a hotel, a resort marina or a private boat slip rental, the friendly people, tropical rainforest climate and crystal blue water are the only reasons some of us need to head there right away.

Today, we’re going to check out Freeport. At about 215 square miles, it’s the largest city on Grand Bahama and the second most populated city in the Bahamas (Nassau on New Providence Island is the largest). Freeport is located along the southwest coast of the island and shares a rich history of pirates, privateers and arms and alcohol smugglers, as well as being a haven for those seeking religious freedom. Today, it delivers a laid-back atmosphere for boating, diving, shopping, swimming and soaking up rays.

Garden of the Groves

Photo: Garden of the Groves Facebook

For waterfalls, fountains, winding pathways and landscaped gardens, head to Garden of the Groves. The area is a certified Wildlife Habitat by the U.S. Wildlife Federation. Along with colorful birds and butterflies, there’s a Garden Café and Bar, a playground, a shop and beautiful views from the hilltop chapel. Take an art class or a birding tour. You can even get married there if you so choose. It’s near the Grand Bahama Sailing Club and the Grand Lucayan Waterway (a passage that runs from north to south through the middle of the island), which makes it a convenient destination from private boat docks for rent near the waterway.  

Peterson Cay National Park

Staghorn Coral (Photo: Wikimedia)

Peterson Cay National Park is a 1.5-acre island about a mile offshore. It’s surrounded by coral reefs, and, obviously, is only accessible by boat. There’s a coral nursery for elkhorn and staghorn coral, so snorkelers and divers will want to check that out. You can also go birdwatching, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery. The small rocky park was established 1968 and is an important nesting site for a colony of bridled terns. Don’t forget the binoculars!

Pirate’s Cove Zipline and Water Park

Photo: Pirate's Cove Zipline and Water Park Facebook

A little adventure must accompany any island trip, right? Located near Taino Beach, Pirate’s Cove Zipline and Water Park is a7.5-acre oceanfront amusement park with water slides, banana boat rides and a bar and grill. Soar through the sky on a zipline, rent a kayak or jet-ski, splash down thrilling water slides or just relax on the beach with a cold drink. The whole family is sure to find something to do. Located near Taino Beach, it’s within easy access to Freeport private boat slips for rent.

Rand Nature Centre

Cuban Emerald Hummingbird (Photo: Wikimedia)

Rand Nature Centre, once a private estate, is a 100-acre park with boardwalk trails through native pine forests. The center was established in 1992 as a way for visitors to learn about Bahamian wildlife and nature. Native and exotic vegetation includes ferns, vines, agave plants and palm trees. The large bird population includes Cuban emerald hummingbirds, red-legged thrushes and Bahama yellowthroats. You might also see skinks, curly-tailed lizards, racoons and butterflies.

There’s a freshwater wildlife pond and a native plant arboretum, as well as an art gallery, an exhibit room, a visitor’s center and event space. It’s in a central location in Freeport, making it a nice stop on your way to or from your hotel or boat lift rental.

Lucayan National Park

Gold Rock Beach (Photo: Wikimedia)

Established in 1977, Lucayan National Park has one of the largest underwater limestone cave systems in the world. Two caves, Burial Mound Cave and Ben’s Cave, are open to the public. There are boardwalks and stairs to get down into the caves, which offer a refreshing bit of natural A/C after a day in the hot Bahamas sun. Unfortunately, swimming in the caves is not allowed, but you can go diving with special permits.

The 40-acre park also has nature trails, kayaking and picnic tables. Be sure to check out the pristine Gold Rock Beach, which appeared in two of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End). It’s a stunning spot to snap pictures and go snorkeling. Full pirate regalia is entirely up to you.

Port Lucaya Marketplace

Photo: Wikimedia

If you don’t bring home a souvenir or two, you never really went anywhere. Port Lucaya Marketplace has you covered. Found near the Port Lucaya Maria on Bell Channel Bay, it’s one of the largest shopping, dining and entertainment venues in the Bahamas. There are more than 40 shops and venders and shops selling clothing, jewelry, art, local crafts and souvenirs.

The 9.5-acre open-air complex has a variety of small restaurants and bars – such as the Coconut & Fruit Daiquiri Stand and Daddy Brown’s Conch and Seafood Stand - as well as duty-free stores and a straw market. Visit the Market Square for dancing and live music. There are also watersports rentals and tour operators.   

Hopefully you’ve discovered some new places to visit the next time you’re in Freeport and Grand Bahama. If you’re considering traveling to the Bahamas aboard your own boat, check out our guide. Happy travels!