About Grand Bahama

Freeport is the second largest city in The Bahamas and is known for its commerce and growing development. Many areas of the island are under various stages of construction and the open land mass of the island provides ample opportunity for future growth. Grand Bahama is chosen as a place of residence by many for its close proximity to the United States, its natural source of drinking water, and because English is the predominant language.

Freeport is the only major city on Grand Bahama Island; however, it is surrounded by many native settlements. Grand Bahama Island boasts miles of pristine sandy shores that are never crowded.

Things to Know About the Island

Geography

Grand Bahama Island is 96 miles long, east to west, and 17 miles across at its widest point. Thirty of The Bahamas islands are permanently inhabited. Grand Bahama Island is 55 miles east of Palm Beach, Florida, and 80 miles east of Miami.

Time

The Bahamas operates on Eastern Time. From the first Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, The Bahamas operates on daylight saving time.

Climate

Grand Bahama Island has sub-tropical weather. Temperatures average 70°F -75°F during the winter season and the low 80s in the summer. There is generally light rainfall and low humidity. The rainy season in The Bahamas is May through October, but the heaviest rainfall is in September. Severe electrical storms are common and it is advised to turn off computers during these storms even if you have a surge protector. Keep a flashlight and a supply of candles handy as power outages do occur during the rainy season.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th. You may hear radio announcements and see articles in the local press on hurricane readiness. If there is any pending danger you will be given ample notice. Generators can be purchased from Dolly Madison, Kelly's, or Electrical Wholesale Enterprises. During hurricane season, storms can be monitored online at www.nhc.noaa.gov. Local radio stations will also keep you up to date. It is very important to have a battery operated radio.

Currency

The Bahamas has its own currency, but U.S. currency is also widely circulated and accepted. The value of the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar, but note that it is not traded at par in the banks.

Driving

Driving is on the left hand side of the road.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink, but due to the taste, some people prefer bottled water.

Local Food & Drink

Peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, chicken, fish (grouper, snapper, turbot, etc.), crawfish (lobster), conch (pronounced "konk") are standard local dishes. Locally grown fruits include bananas, papaya, guava, avocado, and mangos. Unusual fruits known to this region include sapodilla, sugar apple, hog plums, gineps, and sea grapes.

Tipping

Most establishments include the gratuity in the bills, so check before you tip. Bellboys and porters usually receive $2 per bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Tipping the bagboys in food stores is also appreciated, and coin change or $1 is acceptable.

Duty

The majority of the Bahamian Government's income is generated through import duties. The rate of tariff varies between 0%-260%. A stamp tax is also payable, varying between 2%-50%. Duty is payable on cost/insurance/freight (CIF). Residents are entitled to two $300 exemptions on an annual basis. Tourists have a $100 exemption each time they arrive on the island.

Immigration

Obtaining work and residency permits can take time. The annual renewal process is quicker. It is a good idea to take copies of all of your application forms and documents.

Animals

The only wild animals on Grand Bahama are raccoons, which are usually only seen outside of the city area. There are many stray dogs, or "Potcakes," on the island.

Reptiles

Curly-tailed lizards are everywhere on the island. When running, and occasionally when at rest, they curl their tails up toward their backs. They are accustomed to humans and are considered a good thing to have around as they keep insect levels down. Although the island has snakes, they are rarely seen.

Marine Life

As part of one of the largest reef systems on Earth, the reefs of Grand Bahama Island are spectacular in both geographical scope and biological diversity. Among the island's underwater treasures are the Hawksbill turtle, seahorses, dolphins, Caribbean reef sharks, and dozens of species of coral and fish. There are laws and regulations on fishing and removal of certain species from the waters. Please check before you take.

Health & Safety

Heat: Ensure adequate intake of fluids. Use sunscreen and wear a hat to avoid excessive sun exposure. Plants: Be wary of the local POISON WOOD, a prolifically growing plant that looks similar to a fig tree. Leaves that have rust spots are particularly hazardous. Severe itching and rashes can break out on the skin in the affected area.

Sea Lice: Names such as "sea poisoning," "sea critters," and "ocean itch" have been used as descriptions of this seasonal affliction. A Bahamian old wives' tale specifically warns against swimming in the ocean between Mother's Day and Father's Day yearly.

Insects: Be wary of sand flies in certain locations after sunset. There are centipedes that can be up to 10 inches in length that bite. Black widows also inhabit the island, but are not seen very much.

Swimming: You may see Stingrays along the shores. Generally they will not bother humans.

Utilities

POWER

To set up an electricity account you will need certain documentation. Check what information is required before going to Grand Bahama Power Company. A deposit of $300-$500 is required for power. Power outages occur, so have candles on hand.

  • Grand Bahama Power Company
    Port Authority Building Pioneers Way
    242-352-6611

TELEPHONE

To set up a landline phone you will need certain documentation. Check what information is required before going to Batelco. A deposit of $300 is required. All local calls are free, but international calls are expensive. For international calls it is recommended to use computer broadband deals (e.g., SKYPE, www.iconnecthere.com).

  • Batelco Mall Drive
    242-352-6220

CELL PHONE/COMPUTER SUPPLIERS

Gizmo's & Gadgets (downtown) sells phones. Phones cost from $70 upwards, activation is $50. They work on a pre-paid card service. "Rocket" cards are available at most stores around town. If you have your own phone call Gizmo's & Gadgets at 352-2255 to see if it can be unlocked and used in this area.

The system has been converted to GSM, so make sure that you do not purchase the older TDMA phones. Be sure to purchase the appropriate card for your network. You can 'top up' your phone by purchasing quick cell cards at many local stores in $5, $10, $20, $50 or $100 denominations. Keep in mind that your quick cell card has a "use by" date. Ensure you have topped up before the expiration date or you will be disconnected. A charge of $50 is charged to reconnect you.

  • A+ Electronics
    4-Way Co-op Plaza
    242-351-2011
  • Gizmo's and Gadgets
    21 Parker Building
    242-352-2255
  • Batelco Mall Drive
    242-352-6220

CABLE & INTERNET

To set up cable television or internet service you will need a letter from your landlord giving you authorization. Check what information is required before going to Cable Bahamas. A deposit of $175 is required for cable television and internet.

  • Cable Bahamas
    Bank Lane
    242-350-8800
  • Batelnet (internet only)
    Mall Drive
    242-225-5282

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Help with your personal or business computer: repairs, upgrades, consulting

WATER

To set up a water account you will need certain documentation. Call ahead to find out what information is required before going to Grand Bahama Utility Company. A deposit of $100 is required.

Tap water is safe to drink, but most people purchase bottled water, which is available at local supermarkets. A five gallon drum requires an initial deposit, and costs $5 per refill. John Burrows has a delivery service where he will deliver 5 gallon drums of water to your home for $5 per drum.

  • Grand Bahama Utility Company Ltd
    Port Authority Building Pioneers Way
    242-352-6611
  • John Burrows
    242-373-8531 or 242-727-4518

Postal Services

POST OFFICE

There is no mail delivery or collection service on the island. All mail is handled via P.O. Box. Any packages are subject to duty and have to be collected and opened at the Post Office. A processing fee and duty is levied.

If you have mail to send and you need a reliable/urgent service, there are couriers on the island (e.g., DHL).

  • Post Office Explorer's Way
    242-352-9371
  • DHL 10 Regent Centre
    242-352-6415
  • Fedex Seventeen Plaza
    242-352-3402

FREIGHT FORWARDERS/U.S. SHIPPING SERVICES

Freight forwarders provide the following services: private mail box rentals, local and U.S. addresses, package pick up and delivery in south Florida, mail forwarding, holding and receiving, fax sending, and 24-hour receiving. U.S. shipping services can pick up items for you in the U.S., or you may have packages shipped to you at GPS/GB Express offices in Fort Lauderdale and they will ship and clear them through customs for you. You may also send and receive mail through Student Services.

Student Mail Service Distribution Policy

  • Ross University will be offering a mail service to its students as of February 13, 2009. This service is for regular mail (magazines, letters, bills, etc.).
  • Students will receive a notice in MyRoss if you have received mail. Mail may be picked up Tuesday from 9am-12pm and Thursday from 2pm-5pm in Student Services. You may not pick up mail for a friend.
  • You may drop off outgoing mail at Student Services. You MAY seal the envelope, but the stamp must be attached by a paper clip. The stamp CANNOT be stuck to the envelope.
  • The address to use when sending mail to the Bahamas is:

    Student Name
    c/o Ross University
    2800 S.W. 4th Ave. Suite 4
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Banking

Banks are open from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday thru Thursday, and 9.30 A.M. thru 4:00 P.M. on Friday. To set up a bank account you will need several documents. Check with the bank before going to a branch. If you want to order items over the Internet and use, for example, PayPal, it is handy to have a credit card that has a mailing address outside of the Bahamas. ATMs can be found at the locations listed below. ATMs accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and any other bank or credit card on the Cirrus, Honor, Novus, or Plus networks.

  • Bank of the Bahamas International
    Bank Lane and Woodstock Lane, main branch, downtown
    242-352-7483
  • First Caribbean
    East Mall Drive, Pioneers Way, ATM also at Municipal Motor Service Station
    242-352-6651 (East Mall) 242-352-8391 (Pioneers Way)
  • Commonwealth bank
    The Mall Drive, Seahorse Plaza, Lucaya Branch
    242-352-8307242-373-9670
  • Finco
    East Mall/Explorers Way
    242-352-8896
  • Royal Bank of Canada
    East Mall & Explorers Way, Port Lucaya Marketplace, ATM Sunrise Service Station (next to McDonalds)
    242-352-6631 or 242-373-8628
  • Scotia Bank
    Regent Centre, ATMs at Manor House, and Reef Village at Our Lucaya Resort;
    Grand Bahama International Airport
    242-352-6774

Housing

Off-site housing facilities are available throughout Freeport. There is a housing website to help students and faculty find housing and there is also a housing coordinator on staff. The housing database will be located at MyRoss. Eventually, a portion of student housing will be constructed on the permanent location.

In addition, there are several realtors on the island, including:

  • Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty
    9 Regent Centre East
    242-359-4529 or 242-351-9081, ask for Cathy McLeay
  • HG Christie
    First Commercial Centre, Mall Drive 242-727-0522 or 242-351-8501, ask for Allison Lafrenier
  • Lanelle Phillips Realty
    242-352-3501
  • Bayshore Realty
    8 Seahorse Shopping Plaza
    242-373-3950 or in the U.S. 1-561-623-8894, ask for Charles Frith or Catherine Sands

GARDENING SERVICES

  • R L Landscaping and Maintenance Services
    242-373-8454

AIR CONDITIONING

Air conditioning units should be serviced once a year.

  • S&R Central Air Conditioning Co
    5 Wimple and Silk Cotton Street
    242-352-2281

PEST CONTROL

Ants are a common problem on the island. Pest control companies will spray your house once a month to help combat the problem.

  • Pestco
    15B Poplar Crescent
    242-352-5521
  • Bugs R Us
    21 Savoy Plaza
    242-351-7859

NURSERY/PRE-SCHOOL

Day care for children 2 to 5 years of age:

  • Hamton House
    Hamton Place
    Ms. Kay Hardy, 242-373-1200

HAIR SALONS

  • La Belle Beauty Salon
    West Atlantic Drive
    242-352-2231
  • The Cutting Garden
    Coral Beach Hotel, ask for Pauline
    242-351-3254

DRESSMAKERS/ALTERATIONS

  • Tami, seamstress
    Off West Sunrise Highway, near Ruby Swiss
    242-441-0678

Automobile

DRIVER'S LICENCE

Bahamian law permits non-Bahamians to drive on a current overseas driving license for a period of three months, after which they must obtain a Bahamian driving license. The driver must be between the ages of 25 and 70 years. To obtain a Bahamian driving license a driving test has to be taken, but if you hold a U.K./Canadian/U.S. driving license you do not have to take the practical test, just the written. It is a multiple choice exam. It costs $30, there is no need to make an appointment, and you have 3 hours to complete the test. A reference book, Studying for a Driver's License, can be purchased for $5 at the Road Traffic Department.

VEHICLE Ownership (licensing)

A vehicle ownership fee is paid annually at the end of the owner's month of birth. The fee is $75-$360 depending on the size of the vehicle.

New car sales (Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Nissan, and Mitsubishi), auto parts, service centre, and gas stations can all be found at Freeport Jet Wash & Auto Mart.

  • Freeport Jet Wash & Auto Mart
    West Mall Drive
    242-352-7441

Medical Services

HOSPITALS

The Rand Memorial Hospital is the public hospital and New Sunrise Medical Centre is for private patients. Accident and emergency services are located at the Rand, but stable patients can be taken to the New Sunrise Medical Centre.

  • Rand Memorial Hospital
    East Atlantic Drive 242-352-6735
  • New Sunrise Medical Centre
    East Sunrise Highway 242-373-3333

DOCTORS

  • Dr. Kevin Bethel
    Coral Road
    242-373-5424
  • Dr. Renee Lockhart
    Seahorse Shopping Plaza
    242-373-9174 or 242-373-3333
  • Dr. Bartlett
    Comprehensive Care Clinic, Coral Road (going to Lucaya) next to Restview Funeral Home.
    242-373-3631

DENTISTS

  • Soft Touch Dental/Dr. Karen Bastian
    Regent Centre
    242-351-5782
  • Dr. Larry Bain
    Insurance Management Building
    242-352-8492

CHIROPRACTOR

  • Dr. Brian Blower
    Coral Road
    242-727-2454 or 242-374-5424

PHARMACIES

  • LMR Drugs
    West Mall in downtown
    242-352-9075 West Mall
  • Sav-Mor Drugs
    RND Plaza, The Mall Drive.
    242-351-4700; emergency 242-340-5097

Transportation

AIRLINES

The following airlines fly direct to Freeport:

  • Grand Bahama Airport
    242-352-6020
  • Bahamasair - flights to Florida and Family Islands
    www.bahamasair.com
    242-352-8346
  • Continental - flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale
    www.continental.com
    800-231-0856
  • USAIR-flights from Ft. Lauderdale and Charlotte
    www.usair.com
    800-428-4322
  • Western - flights to Family Islands
    242-351-3804
  • American Airlines/American Eagle
    www.aa.com
    800-433-7300
  • Delta
    www.delta.com
    800-351-4963
  • United
    www.united.com
    800-538-2929

SEA

Discovery departs daily from South Florida at 7:45 a.m. and returns at 10:00 p.m. Your cruise includes all the amenities of a cruise (buffet meals, swimming pool, and entertainment). Prices start from $99. You can import more items by sea than by plane. Discovery makes a $25 charge for boxes; suitcases have no additional charge.

The mail boat offers transport to Nassau.

  • Freeport to Port Everglades Florida
    www.discoverycruiseline.com
    Book online or at a travel agent
  • Freeport to Nassau
    www.mailboatbahamas.com

U.S. VISA

It is advised to obtain a U.S. visa. This is primarily to avoid any problems getting off the island to the U.S. during a medical emergency. It is also required when traveling on a private plane. The visa can be obtained at the American Embassy in Nassau. For more information go to www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.

BUS

Public buses operate from 7 a.m. to sunset. The regular route is from the downtown area to the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya Marketplace, the two main shopping areas, but there is also service to the outlying areas of West End and East End. The one-way fare is $1.25 within the Freeport/Lucaya area; $2 to Eight Mile Rock; $5 to West End; and $10 to McLean's Town. Exact change is required. These prices may be subject to change and are approximate.

TAXIS

Taxis come in all shapes and sizes. The taxis are metered and the meter starts at $3 and $.40 is added for each additional mile. Additional passengers over two years of age are $3 each. There are also specific Zoned Rates for certain areas.

  • Freeport Taxi
    242-352-6666/7/8
  • Grand Bahama Taxi Union
    242-352-7101 or 242-352-7858

CAR RENTALS

  • Brad's Car Rental
    Grand Bahama Airport
    242-352-7930
  • KSR Rent a Car
    Queen's Highway
    242-351-5737

Shopping

FOOD STORES

Food prices are expensive compared with the U.S. Your bags will be packed for you. Tipping is not required but is welcome. Fresh fruit can be bought from a fruit seller parked outside the First Caribbean bank on the Mall, and also at the traffic lights on Fishing Hole Road and Queens Highway (towards Eight Mile Rock). Organic vegetables are grown on the island and are available for sale by the bag - contact Duncan at 373-9705.

  • City Markets Seahorse Shopping Centre, Down Town
    242-373-5500 or 242-352-7901
  • Solomon's
    Queens Highway
    242-352-9681
  • Cost Right
    Mall Drive
    242-352-4102
  • Butlers
    Yellow Pine Street
    242-352-2082
  • Kross Town Convenient Store
    Settler's Way, East Atlantic Drive
    Laundromat 242-352-4821

CLOTHES/SHOE/PERFUME SHOPS

  • Bandolera
    Port Lucaya Marketplace
    242-373-7691
  • UNEXSO (Underwater Explorers Society)
    Port Lucaya
    242-373-1244
  • Seventeen Shop Clothing
    Port Lucaya
    242-352-6869
  • Animale Clothing Boutique
    Port Lucaya
    242-374-2066
  • The Shoe Village
    RND Plaza
    242-351-3274

HARDWARE/ELECTRICAL/TOYS/GENERAL STORES

  • Kelly's True Value
    Yellow Pine Street & West Settlers Way
    242-352-8001
  • Dolly Madison
    Queens Highway
    242-352-2391
  • The Home Centre
    Seahorse Shopping Centre, Peel Street
    242-374-2751
  • G B Millwork
    Yellow Pine Street
    242-352-7447
  • 2 Dollar Plus Store
    Logwood Road
    242-352-8084

NEWSPAPERS

The local newspapers, The Freeport News, Bahamas Journal, and Tribune, are sold at various shops and gas stations. In addition, there are newspaper vendors at the traffic lights at East Sunrise Highway and Coral Road, as well as at Midshipman Road and Seahorse Road. USA Today is sold at Oasis at Port Lucaya.

  • Oasis
    (drug store/perfume & cosmetics)
    Port Lucaya 242-373-8413

Local Entertainmen and Social Activities

GYM/SPA/EXERCISE CLASSES

  • Grand Bahama Fitness Centre
    East Atlantic Drive
    Gym: 242-352-7867
  • Lois Seiler Academy of Dance
    Grand Bahama Fitness Centre, East Atlantic Drive
    242-373-4457 or 242-352-7867
  • Senses Spa/Westin Gym
    Lighthouse Point, Westin, Our Lucaya Gym, spa treatments, and exercise classes
    242-350-5281 or 242-373-1333
  • Martha's Yoga
    At her home in Fortune Bay. Please call for directions and information 242-373-3560
  • Curves Fitness
    Bowling Alley, Seahorse Dr
    242-374-4548
  • Olympic Fitness Centre
    Coral Beach Hotel
    242-373-8181
  • Esthetics Plus Skincare Day Spa & Gym
    #1 Sun Coral Plaza
    Gym 242-373-2722

SPORTS

  • YMCA
    East Atlantic Drive and Settlers Way
    www.ymcabahamas.com www.ymcawaverunners.com
    242-352-7074
  • Men and Youth Rugby
    Freeport Rugby Football Club Settlers Way. www.rugbyfootballbahamas.com
    242-352-2952
  • Grand Bahama Football (Soccer) League
    Freeport Rugby Football Club Settlers Way
    242-373-8705
  • Tennis Club
    Lucayan Towers
    242-374-3206
  • Squash Club
    East Sunrise Highway
    242-373-4567
  • Ten Pin Bowling League
    Bowling Alley, Waterworld Enterprises, Britannia Boulevard
    242-374-4733
  • Grand Bahama Dart Association
    Bowling Alley, Waterworld Enterprises, Britannia Boulevard
    242-533-2951 or 242-373-2015
  • Freeport Bridge Club
    Lucayan Towers South
    242-373-2737 or 242-373-9457 or 242-373-4773
  • Bahamas Chess Federation
    Contact Steven Stubbs in Freeport at srsfpo@yahoo.com

MUSIC/THEATRE/CINEMA

Island Music: Calypso is the local music heard in The Bahamas. Calypso began as a type of protest music. In the 1800s, African-Trinidadians were not allowed to talk as they worked, but they were allowed to sing. Many of the song leaders became very good at improvising words within songs in order to comment on the news of the day.

  • Freeport Players Guild
    Regency Theatre Monthly meetings held on first Monday of the month at the theatre
    242-252-5533
  • Regency Singers
    Part of the Freeport Players Guild. Membership by audition only
    242-352-5533
  • Orchestral Music School of Instrumental Studies
    Suncoral Plaza, East Sunrise Highway and Coral Road Offer piano and wind instrument lessons
    242-373-8854
  • Freeport Film Society
    Galleria Cinemas, RND Plaza www.galleriacinemas.com freeportfilmsociety@hotmail.com
    Last Wednesday of every month; 7 p.m. show time
    242-351-9190 or 242-351-9192

ARTS AND CRAFTS

  • Ceramics Beacon School
    Frobisher Drive Contact Ms. Hamilton
    242-441-1381 or 242-373-7184
  • Gardening Club
    Rand Nature Centre, East Settlers Way Meets once a month, every second Wednesday, May thru Sept 242-352-5438

General Interest

  • Grand Bahama American Women's Club
    Ruby Swiss Meets at 11 a.m. every second Monday from September to May
    242-373-3694
  • Grand Bahama Canadian Women's Club
    Various locations Social luncheons. Monthly meetings held first Wednesday of the month
    242-374-2271
  • Playgroup (for children 0-5 years)
    Parents take a turn to host Meets every Mon and Thurs 10.30 a.m. to noon
    242-374-2919 or 242-727-1065
  • Rotary Club
    Freeport
    GB Sunrise
    Lucaya
    There are three different clubs on the island: Freeport, GB Sunrise, and Lucaya
    242-352-5568 or 242-352-2849 or 242-352-9751
  • Sir Charles Hayward Lending Library
    Books, DVDs, and videos for rent, downtown on Mall Drive Adult membership $15
    242-352-7048
  • Isle of Capri Casino
    At Our Lucaya Westin/Sheraton Resort
    242-350-2000

Places to Go, Things to Do

BEACHES

  • Fortune Beach - Quiet beach, five miles from Port Lucaya. Banana Bay restaurant is located here with good food, and is a great place for private functions.
  • Gold Rock Beach - Part of our National Park and is protected by the National Trust. This beach is located east of the island (about 25 miles from Freeport). It can be accessed by tour bus or rental car. Gold Rock Beach is secluded and spectacular at low tide. BBQ pits, picnic tables and benches are available; no other amenities. North of the beach are the Lucayan Caverns, the world's longest underground surveyed cave system.
  • Lucaya Beach - Located across from the Port Lucaya hotels, this popular tourist beach has just about every water sport activity, from snorkeling to parasailing. It's also a nice stretch of beach for strolling. Coral Beach is a short walk to the west and is less crowded. Billy Joe's snack shack is nearby where you can sample some of the island's famous roast conch.
  • Mather Town - Is about three miles from Port Lucaya. Limited water activities, but a great beach for swimming, eating, and hanging out with the locals. Club Caribe restaurant and the Margaritavilla Sand Bar are located there.
  • Paradise Cove Beach - Located at Paradise Cove (west), this is a quiet secluded beach offering snorkeling and volleyball, as well as food and drink. Various tour packages can provide transportation. Open from 10 a.m. to sunset.
  • Smith's Point Beach - Located in Lucaya adjacent to Taino Beach, it is famous for its Wednesday night fish fry.
  • Taino Beach - Located in the Lucaya area, this beach is ideal for families with children as it has a small playground. During holidays the beach is the host site for many local cook outs. Several restaurants are located there, including: Stoned Crab, Tranquility Shores, and Toni Macaroni's Beach Experience. Limited water sports are allowed; however, straw goods, hair braiding, and other souvenirs are available at Tranquility Shores. Volleyball can be played in front of Toni Macaroni's.
  • William's Town Beach - Centrally located at William's Town settlement. The eastside of the beach offers water activities such as banana boats, jet skis, and snorkeling. On the settlement side there is the Bikini Bottom restaurant and bar. Horses are frequently seen on this beach.
  • Xanadu Beach - A popular tourist beach three miles from the International Bazaar offering water sports, straw goods, and local cook outs. Food and beverages are available.
  • Barbary Beach - If you are looking for a more secluded beach, travel down to the Barbary Beach. You will find beautiful seashells and in May, and in June there's a spectacular display of white spider lilies. Many locals believe that Barbary is the most beautiful beach in all of Grand Bahama Island.

NATIONAL PARKS/NATURE CENTERS

  • Lucayan National Park & Gold Rock Beach
    26 miles east of Freeport, nature trails, boardwalks, caves
    242-353-4149
  • Peterson Cay National Park
    15 miles east of Freeport and half mile offshore, Need boat to access.
    242-352-5438 Bahamas National Trust
  • Rand Nature Centre
    East Settler's Way
    242-352-5438 or randnature@batelnet.bs

WATER-RELATED ACTIVITIES

  • Paradise Cove/Deadman's Snorkeling
    242-349-2677
  • Reef Tours
    Port Lucaya Dock
    373-5880
  • Diving
    UNEXSO
    XanaduUndersea Adventures
    242-373-1244 242-352-3811
  • Dolphin Experience
    UNEXSO, Port Lucaya
    242-373-1244

OUTDOOR SPORTS

  • Golf
    Lucayan Course and The Reef Fortune Hills & Country Club
    242-373-1066 242-373-4500
  • Horse back riding
    Trikk Pony Adventures Pinetree Stables
    242-374-4449 242-373-3600
  • Tennis
    Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort. Also at Lucayan Towers
    242-373-1333
  • Miniature Golf
    Britannia Boulevard
    242-373-2197 or 242-373-2198

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

  • Ten Pin Bowling
    Britannia Boulevard
    242-373-2197 or 242-373-2198
  • Freeport Art Centre
    Beautiful Bahamian art pieces on display. RND Plaza, Mall Drive
    242-351-4603
  • Sir Charles Hayward Lending Library
    Books, DVDs and videos for rent, Mall Drive
  • Galleria Cinema
    RND Plaza www.galleriacinemas.com Film listings by phone recording 242-351-9190 or 242-351-9192
  • Regency Theatre
    Regency Park, off West Sunrise Highway
    242-352-5533

CAFES & RESTAURANTS

  • Banana Bay
    Fortune Beach restaurant, Fortune Bay Drive Restaurant and bar on the beach
    242-373-2960
  • Margaritavilla Sand Bar
    Mather Town, off Spanish Main Bar/food on the beach
    242-373-4525
  • Fish Fry
    Smith's Point Enjoy local cuisine, such as fried fish, Peas and rice, potato bread, conch salad, and more Every Wednesday, from 6 p.m. until.
  • Toni Macaroni's World Famous Conch Experience
    Taino Beach Conch salad and gullywash! Daily, and Sunday Jazz on the Beach at 5 p.m.
  • Sweet P's
    Poinciana Drive Lovely place for lunch, homemade quiches, etc.
    242-351-1611
  • Silk Cafe
    West Atlantic Drive Gorgeous cheesecakes
    242-351-5445
  • Magnolia Cafe
    Settlers Way Lovely place for breakfast or lunch.
    242-351-7947
  • Shenanigan's
    Port Lucaya Marketplace Irish pub, food and drink
    242-373-4734
  • Bahama Mama's
    Port Lucaya Marketplace Nightclub til 4am
    242-373-8514
  • Pub at Port Lucaya Port Lucaya Marketplace Restaurant
    242-373-8450
  • Rumrunner's
    Port Lucaya Marketplace Pub & snack food
    242-373-7233
  • Ruby Swiss Restaurant
    West Sunrise & Atlantic Drive 24 hour dining
    242-352-8507
  • Pepper Pot 24 hr Bahamian Fast Food Take Out Seahorse Drive at Coral Road

Useful Phone Numbers

  • Emergency - Police, Fire, Ambulance 911
  • Weather and Tides 915
  • Time 917
  • Information 916

Local Information

For daily updated information on local events calendars, sports, classifieds, arts & culture, community and national news visit www.thebahamasweekly.com.

 

 

Carribean Medical School