Grand Bahama Island Coastline

Freeport, Bahamas Information
Contributed by
Nancy Norris and Tom Ogg
Nancy@SinglesCruiseCenter.com
http://www.SinglesCruiseCenter.com

Language and Currency
What is Freeport Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Freeport, Bahamas Port Reviews

Language and Currency

English is the official language in Freeport and the Bahamian Dollar (equivalent to a US Dollar) is the currency.

What is Freeport like?

Freeport's International Bazaar

Grand Bahama Island, just one of the 700 islands that comprise the Bahamas, is home to Freeport. This northernmost island in the chain, is approximately 60 miles southeast of the coast of Florida. Freeport is almost completely Americanized, and other than the mega-casinos, there is little to distinguish it from its neighbor, Florida. You will find stretches of white powdery sand, mega-resorts lining the coastline, and expensive yachts bobbing in the harbor.

What is the weather like?

Freeport enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters, seldom dipping below 60°F. Average temperatures range in the low to upper 80’s; with water temperature never below 72°. With that said, however, just like Florida, these are averages and during winter months be prepared for an occasional cold front to cause drastic temperature drops.

Where does the ship dock?

The Mariner of the Seas Docked in Freeport

Freeport Harbor, primarily a port area for cargo vessels, is located on the west central part of the island. You will need to take a 10 minute taxi cab ride to get to the Port Lucaya area. Taxis are metered, but often charge a flat fee. Be prepared to pay around US$15 for a cab into town. Many times, vans will take cruise ship passengers from the port to the International Bazaar for a fee of $US5 per seat in the van. It is a considerable distance and would take hours to walk (I know, I tried and ended up turning around)

Where is the shopping?

International Bazaar, Freeport, Bahamas

There are two main areas for shopping in Freeport. The 10 acre International Bazaar and adjacent straw market are located in downtown Freeport. The Bazaar, with over 100 shops, is divided into themed sections representing different parts of the world, where you can purchase everything from African handicrafts to Swiss watches.

Lucaya

Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina across from Lucayan Beach is the other major shopping area.

What is there to buy?

Liquor, perfume, jewelry, watches, clocks, china, crystal and linens are all available at duty-free prices. If you will not be visiting other islands in the Caribbean, such as St. Maarten or one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, then do your duty-free shopping here, otherwise wait, as the bargains are even greater in other parts of the Caribbean.

What is there to do?

Lucaya Beach

Most visitors to Freeport divide their time between shopping, swimming, golfing and gambling. The island is ringed by reefs so there are also some quality dive spots. The best beaches to spend a day are Xanadu Beach and neighboring Lucayan Beach, right in front of Port Lucaya. Water sports are available on this beautiful, 4 mile stretch of powdery, white, soft sand to the delight of sun worshippers and swimmers alike. Eco-tourism has also become an important aspect of the Grand Bahama experience. The Lucayan National Park is famous for its underwater limestone caves and the Rand Memorial Nature Center has over 100 acres of winding trails from which to explore the natural flora and fauna of this area.

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

If you are die hard shopper, then the International Bazaar will be a real treat, otherwise I can’t classify anything as a “don’t miss”.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

I have not found any that stand out in my mind. If you have a suggestion, please share.