Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina, established in 1988, is located across from the beach in Lucaya. This 12-acre picturesque waterfront complex comprises 55 Shops, 32 Restaurants and Bars, and is also home to Count Basie Square, featuring dancing and live entertainment by local bands nightly. 

Other attractions include a number of Water Sports Companies, where you can charter a fishing trip or dive boat and arrange for a reef tour. And, of course, there is shopping, shopping, and more shopping -- all of it duty free -- at stores such as Colombian Emeralds International and Island Galleria (Crystal & china). Particularly exceptional is the Straw Market, which is one of the largest in the Caribbean, and several Craft Kiosks showcasing the work of local artisans. 

Shopping

Effective January 1, 1992, the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas abolished all import duties on 11 categories of items. Perfumes and Fragrances, Crystal, Leather Goods, Jewelry, Fine Linens and Tablecloths, Watches and Clocks, Photographic Equipment, China, Binoculars, and Telescopes are now all duty free. Savings on these items are between 25% - 50% below US prices, so it's easy to see why people often return from The Islands of The Bahamas with more than nice tans. 

Snorkeling

Grand Bahama Island's reputation as a diver's paradise has been growing ever since the earliest episodes of "Sea Hunt" were filmed here. Elaborate coral gardens, playful dolphins, and beckoning blue holes—these are images of the "other" Grand Bahama Island, ones that live beneath a shimmering blue surface that sprawls outwards from the beaches.

Grand Bahama Island is of course also famous for its "blue holes"—spectacular azure portals in the reefs through which you can descend, surrounded by reef wall on all sides. Part of the reason for the dense and unique reef structure is the massive limestone base on which The Islands Of The Bahamas rest, a phenomenon that also accounts for what is perhaps Grand Bahama Island's most extraordinary submarine feature: the second largest underwater cave system in the world. Located in the Lucayan National Park, the caves are still being explored, and there are numerous special dive programs that can take you into them (provided you are cave certified).

You must be certified to dive in The Islands of The Bahamas and there are several dive operators in Grand Bahama Island that offer dive certification. Even kids over age 12 can get certified and dive under adult supervision.

Golf

Grand Bahama Island averages seven hours of completely sunny skies per day, and rain seldom lasts for longer than it takes to get under cover—even during the rainy season. So there’s no season to limit play here, just year-round blue skies and warm weather. While some golfers may view the Atlantic Ocean as one great water hazard, others know that championship fairways and greens are only a chip-shot away.  

The Reef Course became part of Grand Bahama Island's landscape in December 2000. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in a contemporary links style, it requires a different approach than the Lucayan Course. A strong short game goes a long way on this breathtaking course.

The wide fairways may be a little forgiving but the huge bunkers that protect the greens are not. And the large, level greens may please the eye but their speed will harm your scorecard. Add that with an unpredictable ocean wind and you have yourself a formidable opponent.

To top things off Jones brought water into play on 13 of 18 holes. You didn't really expect to avoid water while playing on an island did you?

Be ahead of your game, call for tee time reservations at (242) 373-2003.

The Lucayan Course pits your golf skills against Dick Wilson's mind and the natural wonders of Grand Bahama Island. Testing precision rather than distance, with doglegs, elevated greens and thick stands of tropical foliage. So bring plenty of balls.

The tall trees give shade from the sun and other players on the course. There's no tight schedule and no need to rush your round so you can take it easy. With wide target areas off the tee and well-protected elevated greens, it's a great place to enjoy the great game.
Be ahead of your game, call for tee time reservations at (242) 373-2003.

Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club
This challenging 9-hole course has the longest par 5 in the Bahamas (530 yards) and has a friendly Club House Bar where you will feel right at home after the game. Designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee.
Club rentals and golf lessons are available at all courses.

Fishing

More than a few anglers come to Grand Bahama Island expressly hoping to “catch the big one,” and not many leave disappointed. The tropical waters surrounding the island are home to some of the best game fish on Earth. Among the well honored fighters lurking offshore are white and blue marlin, yellow-fin and blue-fin tuna, barracuda, king fish, Wahoo, bonito, and dolphin (not the “Flipper” kind, but a fish with the same name).

What you might not know is that one of the world's best game fish – the bonefish– not only likes the waters of Grand Bahama Island, but is more at home here than anywhere else in the world. The flats off Deep Water Cay, in the East, are praised year after year by fishing writers from around the globe. The Old Bahama Flats off West End also yield great catches.

Fly-fishing, particularly for bonefish, is quickly gaining popularity on Grand Bahama Island and throughout The Islands of The Bahamas. Next to golf, it is the fastest growing sport. The best time to go fishing is between April and September, though winter is good too.

PLEASE NOTE:
To protect the marine environment, spear fishing using scuba gear and possession of spear guns are illegal in The Bahamas. Cruising boats must clear customs at the nearest port of entry before beginning any diving or fishing activities. A permit is required for visiting vessels to engage in sports fishing at a cost of $20 per trip or $150 per year for vessels on which not more than six reels will be used. (Refer to the Yachtsman's Guide to the Bahamas.)

• Lobster season is open 8/1-3/31
• Each person is allowed to bring back 20lbs of scale fish, six lobsters and 10 conchs.
• Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish: six fish per person any combination.
• Stone Crabs: Closed season is June 1 to October 15.
• Turtle: Illegal to import: although legal to eat in The Bahamas

Swim with the Dolphins

Swimmers and scuba divers interacting with dolphins is a special marine experience pioneered at Grand Bahama by UNEXSO (short for the Underwater Explorers Society), a prestigious multiplex dive operation located next to Port Lucaya. The dolphin facility at Sanctuary Bay is about two miles east of Port Lucaya. A ferry takes you from Port Lucaya to the bay for your choice of a variety of programs. You can observe and photograph the dolphins, participate in a swim with the dolphins, sign up for an assistant trainer program or experience scuba diving with the dolphins in open water.  

For certified divers, this last program may well be the highlight of your diving experiences to date! Your support boat leaves from Sanctuary Bay with dolphin trainers aboard, followed alongside by two leaping Bottlenose Dolphins. On site, in the clear, reef-lined water almost directly offshore, guest divers settle on the sand bottom 45 feet deep. The dolphins and their trainers make the rounds, giving each diver plenty of time to touch, feed and photograph the dolphins. Just watching these graceful creatures frolicking in front of you is a nearly unbelievable experience, but the final reward is truly unforgettable-a dolphin kiss!

Kayaking

Kayak Nature Tours Ltd. is Freeport's most experienced kayak ecotour operator. We maintain the personal touch by keeping our groups small. Our trained guides are committed to your comfort and safety and cheerfully share their knowledge of local history, ecology, flora and fauna. The tour begins with a nature walk through the Lucayan National Park and Caves. Then, you kayak through the quiet waters of Gold Rock Creek, where the water is never more than waist deep. The creek is a pristine mangrove environment and a habitat for bird and marine life. You'll also have time to swim, snorkel and relax on beautiful Gold Rock Beach, one of our most spectacular beaches.  

Tour price is $79 per person, which includes transportation to and from your hotel, equipment and a picnic lunch; non-kayakers are welcome to enjoy the other features of the tour at a discount. Visa and Master Cards accepted

Casino

The Isle of Capri at Our Lucaya brings together the splendor of the tropics and the excitement of casino gaming.  This Caribbean-themed luxury casino boasts over 350 slot and video games, 50 video poker machines and 33 table games including black jack, craps, roulette, and mini baccarat.  The casino opens at 10 a.m. and the fun goes to the wee hours of the night. The Isle also features a race book and credit is available. In addition there is a high limit slot room and private high limit table games salon.

To make reservations or for more information please call 1-888-OUR-ISLE. The Isle of Capri Casino at Our Lucaya; come discover a place where fun never takes a break and worries take a long vacation.

Bicycling

For those who wish to bicycle while on Grand Bahama Island, there is an official cycling path in the Lucaya area (Midshipman Road). Most hotels have bicycles for rent -- $20 per day with a $50 deposit.

Parasailing / Windsurfing

Not only is parasailing a thrilling experience, it is probably the best way to get an unobstructed view of Grand Bahama Island.

If you’ve never parasailed, you are in for a memorable experience: after you are attached to a harness and parachute, a speed-boat offshore pulls you 400 feet into the air for a 5-minute spin, then gently brings you back down. You can indulge yourself at the following beaches; the ride costs about $40.

 On Grand Bahama Island, just about every major resort and beach has windsurfers for rent, as well as professional instructors to teach beginners. Following are some of the locations; renting a windsurfer typically runs around $30-50 an hour.

Spring Break

Spring break season runs mid-February - April 01. This is important information, whether you're aiming to avoid the spring break season altogether or intent upon landing right in the middle of this month-long youth fest. Beach parties, sports meets, musical entertainment and exciting contests lead off the packed Spring Break calendar. The front desk of your hotel will surely be updated on the most detailed info, or contact the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism at Tel: (242) 352-8044 or Email: info@gbmot.com.