Best Things to Do in Freeport, Grand Bahama on a Cruise

things to do in freeport bahamas while on a cruise

If you’re looking for some nature, there’s a nature center with trails, as well as a national park with hiking trails and wildlife. If it’s a dream to get lost in a floral wonderland, look no further than Freeport’s Garden of the Groves. Visitors to this botanical garden will be stunned by its natural beauty, offering fountains, waterfalls, trails, a playground, a consecrated chapel (it’s a popular wedding venue), and of course gardens galore. Many locals believe conch is an aphrodisiac, and the mollusk is also deep fried (cracked conch), mixed in stews or soups and served as a breaded appetizer (conch fritters). Other dishes include Bahamian "rock lobster," fresh grouper and bonefish accompanied by side dishes like peas and rice or johnnycake (simple bread).

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Pinetree Stables gives you the opportunity to ride local born and bred horses to some of the most beautiful parts of Freeport during a 2-hour ride. Make your way through a variety of terrain, including sand dunes to the ocean and a pine forest. You’ll get a brief lesson on how to drive your ATV and some practice time before you venture out on your tour, but no prior experience is required. On these beautiful 42-acres you’ll find lush foliage and plants that you will only see here, a picturesque beach, hundreds of species of birds, and even one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems. For the bird enthusiasts, in particular, three restricted birds reside here — including the Thick-billed Vireo, the Bahama Swallow, and the Olive-capped Warbler.

Paradise Cove

Many tours will involve a short ferryboat ride to Water Cay, lying just off the coast from Grand Bahama. This tiny island, with just 25 inhabitants, has an interesting story to tell and a remarkable array of wildlife. Encompassing just 2 square miles, Water Cay boasts blue holes and reefs with a wide variety of coral and fish, lush mangroves, and even the opportunity to go bottom fishing. Try Junkanoo Beach, which on top of having a very fun name to say, offers a beautiful white sand beach and activities for the whole family.

Cruise Lines Visiting Freeport

The following are all the attractions and sites in Grand Bahama for cruise passengers. Although the Bahamas is located in the North Atlantic, it’s still considered part of the Caribbean community. It’s on a rocky perch overlooking the ocean where bull sharks and lemon sharks congregate. Here you’ll find Gold Rock Beach — dubbed “the welcome mat of Freeport” — not far from the spot where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. From the visitor centre, take the kilometre-long looped trail through the pine forest to a “watchable wildlife pond” full of turtles and wading birds, and on to an arboretum that showcases native plants.

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Mariner of the Seas.

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Wash it all down with the appropriately named, "Gully Wash," the Bahamian cocktail made with gin, coconut water and condensed milk. Discover Freeport, a vibrant city on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas. Explore Lucayan National Park with its underground caves, kayak through mangrove forests, or relax on the beautiful Gold Rock Beach.

things to do in freeport bahamas while on a cruise

All products are developed in-house, crafted by the shop's talented sewing team and visitors are encouraged to drop in at the factory, speak with the staff and watch the printers at work. True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas' indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor. Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau. You’ll also find that the local cuisine is a fusion of African, European, and Caribbean flavors.

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Note, however, the buses or vans only take off when they are full, so you might wait for some time. Therefore, expect to dock right at Port Lucaya, no tendering is necessary. The Freeport Harbor is big enough to accommodate at least 4 large passenger ships at any one time. You can also try out fishing and see if you can catch yourself and your family some dinner. When you are done with the activities, you can relax on one of the many lounge chairs with a frozen beverage in your hand.

Nassau's Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas. The Queen's Staircase or "66 Steps" are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennett's Hill. Sweeping views from the fort's bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock. When you’re ready to take a break from lounging on the beach, Freeport offers plenty of outdoor adventures to keep you entertained.

If you’re looking for a unique experience while visiting Freeport, Bahamas, then be sure to check out the Unexso Marine Sanctuary. The best way to learn about the history of Freeport is to take a tour. There are a few different companies that offer tours, and they all vary in price and what they include. One of the main complaints I hear from people about shopping in the Bahamas, whether it’s Freeport, Nassau, or even Bimini, is that the locals are very aggressive in trying to urge you to purchase from them. Freeport is located just 67 miles from Palm Beach, Florida, and sees over 1 million tourists annually. Many of these tourists arrive in Freeport via cruise line as Freeport is one of the most common stops on a Bahamas Cruise.

things to do in freeport bahamas while on a cruise

Taino Beach, less than a 30-minute ride from the cruise port, is one of the most popular options on Grand Bahama. From the cruise terminal, the Port Lucaya Marketplace is about a 20-minute cab ride away. If you’re looking to also sneak in some beach time, just pack your bag for the day, as beaches and even the Pirate Cove waterpark are all nearby. Most of these adventures will be all-inclusive with food and drink and take you to some favorite snorkeling spots so you can enjoy the incredible underwater wildlife viewing. Pick and choose the package that best suits you, enjoy your day on the beautiful Bahamian waters, and you’ll be back in time to catch your ship.

The water is so clear that you can actually get  a good glimpse of everything from the boat. I think everywhere is worth visiting at least once, and Freeport is no exception. This city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, try new foods, or explore nature. As you can see above, there is plenty of things to do at the port in Freeport Bahamas. You can choose from a Bahamas cultural food tour, relaxing on the area’s beautiful beaches, or any number of outdoor activities.

About a mile offshore from Grand Bahama, you’ll find Peterson Cay National Park. This tiny island covers just 1.5 acres and is the smallest park in the Bahamas, but it boasts a wealth of diving and snorkeling opportunities in its active coral reefs. Peterson Cay is reachable by boat or even jet ski, with some tours giving you the option to make your way onto the beach to relax after you’ve had your fill of viewing the aquatic wildlife.

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