The Bahamas National Trust Rand Nature Center is not just another wooded area. It is an expanse of 100 acres of fantastic visual delight. The warm and wet tropical environment nurtures over 125 types of native plants with some of the world's most glorious orchids. Variegated plants and feather ferns cluster at the feet of tall trees, home to native birds of splendid plumage. Pink flamingoes grace the Flamingo Pond and Cuban hummingbirds, parrots, waterfowl, and many other unusual species inhabit this nature center. Located just a few minutes from Freeport and good resorts and hotels, guided tours can be booked in advance. Get a glimpse of the Lucayan village life of old.
Another Eden, a short distance east of Lucaya, is the Garden of the Groves, known for its botanical rarities. This fine twelve-acre Caribbean garden is almost perfect, with ponds, streams, waterfalls, exotic green vegetation, and colorful flowers, especially the many varieties of hibiscus. There is also a tiny chapel here. What a perfectly romantic spot!
For another of nature's wonders, a half-day visit to the Lucayan National Park shows ancient cave dwellings of the Arawak Indians. An experienced guide is advised when viewing this huge 40-acre national treasure. There is a mangrove swamp, Gold Rock Beach, and the limestone plateau that is dotted with many caves. Falling off into the ocean, these caves continue to form the world's longest underwater cave system.
2. Dolphins of Lucaya
Dolphins of Lucaya
Staying in Port Lucaya, where the island's best hotels and resorts cluster, will ensure that you are in the center of all the activity. Definitely, the dolphins of Lucaya at Sanctuary Bay, will be an encounter of the heart, for these bottle-nosed aquatic friends can be petted, fed, played with, and together with an experienced trainer, you can snorkel amongst the coral reefs or swim with the dolphins in the sea. This is a shared experience to remember and photograph!
3. Diver's Paradise
Diver's Paradise
If you are already a certified diver, or wish to learn how, then Grand Bahama is the place to be. Under professional instruction and guidance of UNEXSO - Underwater Explorer's Society, you can scuba-dive to see the panorama of water plants, fishes, coral formations, or hunt for sunken ships. The water here is clear and warm, making it ideal for diving. UNEXSO provides equipment with trip bookings.
If you do not dive, you are still a winner - visit the Sea World Explorer and go five feet into the ocean without getting wet. The hull of this boat is air-conditioned and allows for a breath-taking view of the sea life and coral gardens. You will not want to miss this ninety-minute trip.
Half day, deep-sea fishing expeditions are offered daily from Port Lucaya. Accommodations for four to six fishermen per room are available with equipped boats and some anglers claim that prize catching has been done here.
4. Play Robinson Crusoe
Beach Party Cruise
Relive romance and adventure by taking a Robinson Crusoe Beach Party Cruise.
There is live entertainment and dancing to rhythmic reggae and island music aboard the ship as well as a memorable and tasty Bahamian dinner. The cruise is from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For a day jaunt, dangle your feet in the crystal blue water while you ride a catamaran, feeling the breeze on your cheeks. End up at Bahama Mama's private beach, play volleyball, or just relax with unlimited fruit and rum punches and lavish, Caribbean food.
Another Catamaran experience is aboard the 72 ft Fantasia. This two-hour evening trip offers unlimited punch drinks as well as great music and live performances.
5. Freeport
Freeportn Shopping
This harbor is the scene of much activity. There are boats of all shapes and sizes, catamarans, and cruise ships that bob and sway to the beat of the island's heart.
The Pier One Hotel, famous the world over, feeds sharks every night at Harbor's Point. Many other hotels and resorts are located in Freeport. The International Bazaar, designed by Robert Perrin, a Hollywood stage designer, is Freeport's prime tourist destination. At the bazaar, you can buy local straw products or perfume, and shop from twenty-five different world stores.
Located next to the International Bazaar is the three-in-one resort complex of
The Bahamas Princess Resort and Casino, where the food is scrumptious.
6. Beach Flavor
Xanadu Beach
No romantic-getaway is complete without many trips to the beach. Grand Bahama has its own special private spots, like the Xanadu Beach,
Taino Beach, and other quiet spots by the sea. You can watch the sun set and listen to the echo of a million seashells in rhythm to the ocean's eternal music.
