GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

Grand Bahama is the fourth largest of the Bahamian islands, measuring 96 miles by 17 miles, and its capital Freeport/Lucaya is what Bahamians consider the nations' "second city". Situated to the Northwest of New Providence, it's also one of the closest islands to the Florida coastline. Built in the 60's, Freeport makes Grand Bahama visibly different to the other islands. Wallace Groves an American started the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) with a government grant of 50'000 acres of Crown Land, which eventually increased to 149'000 acres. Under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the GBPA built houses, churches, schools and roads. Later a deep-water harbour was dredged for oil tankers followed by an airport, hotels and casino. Freeport/Lucaya is very American in style and unlike anything else in The Bahamas. Built for tropical fun, the area boasts wide tree-lined boulevards, top hotels with casinos and colourful shows, world-class shopping, superb beaches and a multitude of holiday activities including five golf courses.

In 1995 Hutchinson Port Holdings Ltd, the largest Container Company in the world acquired an equal share of the GBPA, and is in the process of expanding its massive container Trans-shipment port. A subsidiary of Hutchinson Port Holdings Ltd. embarked on the construction of a giant hotel complex Our Lucaya, which has contributed to the resurgence of Freeport as a tourist destination.

One of the highlights of Freeport is the International Bazaar, an enormous shopping complex with its buildings mirroring architectural styles from all over the world, from a Japanese arch to a Turkish bazaar. The International Bazaar is Freeport's main shopping zone, a sprawling collection of stores selling a wide variety of goods from all over the world, as well as traditional Bahamian arts and crafts all at duty free prices.

In the Lucaya area, the Port Lucaya Marketplace is a multi-million dollar shopping development ideal for bargain hunting as well as for picking up top quality items at excellent prices. There are around 62 stores, 30 restaurants and bars all in a waterside village type atmosphere. This marketplace is also ideally located, immediately across the road from Our Lucaya and within view of both Pelican Bay & The Port Lucaya Resort & Marina.

Next to the Port Lucaya Marketplace is another famous attraction, UNEXSO. This world famous dive operator offers a unique experience to visitors. The only park of its kind in the world, the UNEXSO Dolphin Experience is a place where visitors can swim with dolphins that are free to come and go. The Experience was designed to study how dolphins and humans interact. Due to its immense popularity, it is necessary to make reservations.
Amongst the more fascinating dive sites in Grand Bahama are: Theo's Wreck, 230-ft. steel freighter, Pygmy Caves, and Zoo Hole.

WHAT TO DO:

Eco-sensitive visitors will appreciate Grand Bahama's many opportunities to enjoy solitude and nature. A few spots to enjoy include:

• The Garden of the Groves, a 12-acre botanical garden with more the 10,000 species of flowers, shrubs, trees and exotic plant life, is an ideal spot for those simply seeking a serene setting and relaxation. A children's petting zoo with pygmy goats and Vietnamese potbelly pigs has recently been added.
• For a more scientific floral experience,
  Freeport's Hydroflora Gardens offer visitors a fascinating look into the science and technique of "hydrophonics" - growing plants without soil.
• Beyond Freeport to the east is the Lucayan National Park and Caverns where trails lead through the scrub to limestone sinkholes, Ben's Cave and Burial Mound Cave.
• To the west of Freeport is Hawksbill Creek, the centre of Grand Bahama Industry. Next along is the town of Eight-Mile Rock, strung along eight miles of coral shoreline with interesting old Bahamian homes.
• Going further west is Deadman's Creek, home of Paradise Cove, a snorkelers Mecca on the nearby offshore reefs. If passing by West End don't forget to stop by for a bowl of fresh conch salad and of course do stop by for a visit to the Old Bahama Bay a luxury hotel and marina property on the Western Tip of Grand Bahama Island.

GOLF:

Freeport is a golfer's paradise with at least five golf courses. The Lucayan Country Club course, built by Dick Wilson, was ranked #1 in the Bahamas and #3 in the Caribbean by Golfweek Magazine. With high-rimmed bunkers, severe doglegs and pristine fairways, this well-maintained 6,824-yard track presents a challenge rarely equalled in the Caribbean.

Getting around Grand Bahama is easy, with plenty of taxis located at the airport and at all the major hotels and town locations. The public buses shuttle between both Port Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar to the downtown area and from downtown to the outlying areas of West End and East End. Rental cars are also readily available at the airport. (FPO).