When Christopher Columbus visited our island in 1492 he called it Gran Bajamar - 'Great Shallows,' from which the name Grand Bahama was derived. However, the name of the island's capital city, Freeport/Lucaya, is probably better known to the world today than the name of the island itself.
That's where this web site comes in. Grand Bahama Island is more than just Freeport/Lucaya, more than just casinos, resorts, and tropical entertainment. Outside the city is an entire island filled with gorgeous beaches, natural wonders, including one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, and an incredible resource of marine life. There are small towns that seem to sleep in time, and they hide a history unlike any other in the Caribbean.
Most of all, the purpose of the site is to encourage you to get out and see the island as a whole, to meet its warm and friendly people and learn about all the options Grand Bahama Island offers. You can even encounter a local family at church and get married island-style!
Inside these pages, you'll find all the information you need to plan your trip: travel tips, how to get here, activities -- you name it. And, if it isn't in here, post a message on the newsgroup or contact us, and we'll do our best to answer your questions.
About Grand Bahamians
If you’ve done some international traveling, or met foreigners in your hometown, you probably discovered right away that people are more alike than they are different. Almost everybody enjoys good food, laughter, and love. Grand Bahamians are no different. If you are contemplating a trip to the island and wondering if the locals are friendly, relax: they are probably among the most easygoing people on Earth.
Many of the 50,000 people on Grand Bahama Island were not born here. They hail from all over The Islands of The Bahamas. Locals in Freeport/Lucaya can give you a good understanding of the nuances of Bahamians in general. Grand Bahamians in particular, however, are probably best known for their entrepreneurship and a devotion to the great outdoors.
Knowing a bit of history also helps when it comes to understanding Grand Bahamians. In 1834, when Great Britain banned slavery throughout its empire, former slaves in The Islands of The Bahamas were allowed to stake claims on whatever open land they could find, and many of Grand Bahama Island’s older settlements such as Pinder’s Point and Williams Town were founded by former slaves. These towns are almost invariably named after their founders or a former slave owner.
Colorful Junkanoo, the most significant festival on the island, also hails from the days of slavery, when slaves were given a special holiday on the day after Christmas. The past and its traditions are very important to Grand Bahamians, as is a healthy dose of religion. Visitors are generally welcome to attend any of the number of churches on the island.
One of the best ways to learn more about the culture and history of Grand Bahamians is through the People-to-People Program, which brings together visitors and residents of similar professions, hobbies, etc. to create special memories of our destination that will last a lifetime.
Grand Bahama Island is filled with natural wonders that make it a fascinating place to explore, whether on land or sea. Following are some highlights of the activities that showcase our ecological treasures.
BIKING NATURE TOUR
On this tour, you'll be able to ride an historic trail that early settlers walked; visit the ruins of one of the island's first settlements; stop along wetlands to glimpse stately Herons and Egrets; view picturesque scenery, including our pine forest and shady coppice (hard-wood forest). Plus, you'll get to visit one of the most fascinating elements of the island's geology -- an inland "blue hole."
One of the most outstanding natural attractions on the island is the Dolphin Experience, located at the UNEXSO compound next to Port Lucaya Marketplace. Visitors can not only see and learn about dolphins, but swim with them, pet them, and sign up as an assistant trainer. Anyone who has ever dreamed of getting close to what is arguably the most intelligent and complex animal next to man will want to make reservations (and do so way ahead of time, because the program is VERY popular).
Blue holes, deserted beaches, prehistoric caverns, wetlands, McLeans Town, Sweetings Cay and Lightbourne Cay are a few of the natural treasures you'll see if you sign up for an all-day cultural safari with East End Adventures. The guided tour involves a ride in an open 4x4 along sandy shores, a short hike through pine and palm forests to some inland attractions, and a motorboat trip to a quaint, unspoiled fishing village. A full native lunch is included in the price -- $110 for adults; half price for children under 12.
