Looking for a tropical escape packed with adventure and relaxation? Head to Freeport! Enjoy white sand beaches, explore underwater wonders, and soak up Bahamian culture. Whether you're into snorkeling, shopping, or just sunbathing, Freeport blends island charm with plenty of excitement.
Freeport, Bahamas Highlights:
- For Families: Visit Lucayan National Park – Explore limestone caves, mangroves, and beautiful Gold Rock Beach.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Kayak through mangrove creeks – Paddle pristine waters and spot exotic wildlife on an eco-tour.
- For Kids: Swim with dolphins at UNEXSO – Enjoy interactive experiences with dolphins at this popular marine sanctuary.
- For an Adventure: Go diving at Theo’s Wreck – Discover a sunken freighter teeming with marine life and coral.
- For Shoppers: Browse at Port Lucaya Marketplace – Find local crafts, duty-free goods, and lively entertainment in this colorful open-air hub.
Best Time to Visit Freeport, Bahamas
The best time to visit Freeport is from December to April, when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny. It’s ideal for beach days, snorkeling, and exploring the island without the humidity of summer or threat of hurricanes.
How to Get to Freeport, Bahamas
- By Air: Fly directly into Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), with connections from major U.S. cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta.
- By Ferry: Balearia Caribbean runs a high-speed ferry from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Freeport.
- By Cruise: Many Caribbean cruise lines include Freeport as a port of call, offering convenient island access.
Where to Stay in Freeport, Bahamas
- Pelican Bay Hotel – Waterfront hotel near Port Lucaya with tropical suites and a laid-back vibe.
- Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan – All-inclusive beachfront resort with pools, restaurants, and ocean views.
- Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach – Family-friendly all-inclusive resort on a stunning private beach with water sports and entertainment.
Best Things to Do in Freeport, Bahamas
1. Peterson Cay National Park
Snorkel coral reefs and explore this affordable, remote island gem on a summer trip.
Roughly 1 mile offshore of Grand Bahama, Peterson Cay National Park is a tiny island surrounded by active coral reefs. Covering only 1.5 acres, it's the smallest park in the Bahamas, but it offers plenty of incredible opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can reach the island either by boat or by jet ski; some tours will also include a stop on the island so that visitors can spend some time relaxing on the beach. The island itself is an excellent place to enjoy a picnic or do some birdwatching, and chairs, umbrellas, and lockers are available for rent.
2. Rand Nature Center
Walk along nature trails and discover native wildlife in an easy, peaceful outing.
Nestled on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Freeport, the Rand Nature Center is a nature-lover's paradise. Visitors can stroll along the 2,000-foot trail that winds through the pine forest and coppice; there are plenty of educational signs and exhibits that cover topics such as the local flora and fauna, traditional Bahamian culture, and visual art by local artists. The center is also home to a wide variety of bird species that reside in the park all year round, but the best time to birdwatch here is between October and May, when migratory birds arrive for the winter.
E Settlers Way, Freeport, The Bahamas, Phone: 242-352-5438
3. The Garden of the Groves
Stroll lush gardens and admire waterfalls on a romantic tropical escape.
Perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind, The Garden of the Groves is a tranquil garden oasis with plenty of shady paths and beautiful waterfalls and fountains. In addition to wandering along the trails and admiring the wide variety of lush tropical plants, guests can do a bit of shopping in the gift store, enjoy a meal or a drink at the garden cafe, or visit the picturesque little church. Families will appreciate the playground and the charming labyrinth, and the garden often hosts special events such as art classes, summer camps, and special birdwatching tours.
Phone: 242-374-7778
4. The Parliament Square Cultural Center
Visit historic buildings and explore Bahamian heritage on a quick cultural trip.
Constructed in the early 1800s by American Loyalists, Parliament Square is located right in downtown Nassau. The square is best-known for its pink colonial-style buildings, including the House of Assembly and the Supreme Court of The Bahamas. The Parliament Square Cultural Center offers unique, local-guided tours of this important landmark and of other attractions in the area. Tours also cover various aspects of Bahamian culture, including art and literature, Christianity, traditional handicrafts, and daily life. Guests will usually get the chance to participate in interactive experiences such as listening to music, dancing, and drinking traditional herbal tea.
Attractions for Couples
5. Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company
Tour the brewery and savor local beers on a cheap, flavorful afternoon.
Founded in 2007, the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company is the country’s only brewery owned and operated exclusively by Bahamians. Sands Beer was the first beer the brewery made, and it remains the favorite local beer in the Bahamas to this very day. The brewery sits on 20 acres of land near Grand Bahama Harbor; the brewery itself is roughly 60,000 square feet in size, and guided tours are available. All tours end with a complimentary beer tasting, and visitors are also welcome to enjoy the on-site beer garden, souvenir and retail store, and liquor store.
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas, Phone: 242-352-4070
6. Calabash Eco Adventures
Kayak clear waters and explore vibrant marine life on an exciting eco tour.
Offering a selection of exciting nature-based adventures, Calabash Eco Adventures was founded by local Bahamian Shamie Basil Rolle, known to some as the Bahamian Jacques Cousteau. Tours are offered on both the land and the water; options include kayaking adventures, cavern dives in Lucayan National Park, birdwatching tours, and a bike ride tour along the island followed by the chance to snorkel off the beach. All tours include free pickup and drop-off anywhere in the Freeport resort area, and some also offer the opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine and learn about the fascinating history of the island.
Phone: 242-727-1974
7. Cooper's Castle
Look at this private estate and admire unusual architecture from a scenic distance.
Situated on 46 acres of land on one of the highest points in Grand Bahama, Cooper's Castle holds the honor of being the only castle on the island. The castle was built in the 1980s by Mr. Harvard Cooper, a local Bahamian who went from owning only one pair of pants as a child to being one of the richest men in the country. The castle is inhabited by the Cooper family to this day, but guided tours are available to the public and the family sometimes accepts bookings for weddings and other special events.
Freeport, Bahamas, Phone: 242-727-3314
Where to Eat in Freeport, Bahamas
- Banana Bay Restaurant – Beachfront dining with Bahamian and seafood favorites, perfect for a relaxed lunch.
- Sabor Restaurant & Bar – Upscale waterside spot offering fresh seafood, steak, and island-inspired dishes.
- Pier One & Sushi – Unique dining on the water with fresh sushi and shark feeding shows at sunset.
If you are interested in local events:
- Junkanoo Festival (Dec 26 & Jan 1) – Traditional Bahamian street parade with costumes, music, and dancing.
- Fish Fry at Smith’s Point (Every Wednesday) – Weekly local celebration of food, music, and culture.
- Goombay Summer Festival (July–August) – Family-friendly festival with music, crafts, and traditional food.
If you are looking for unique day trips near Freeport, Bahamas:
- Peterson Cay National Park (30 min by boat) – Tiny island with incredible snorkeling and untouched beauty.
- West End (45–60 min drive) – Quaint fishing village with scenic beaches and local charm.
- Sweeting’s Cay (Boat trip) – Tranquil cay perfect for nature lovers and kayaking excursions.
- Gold Rock Beach (35 min drive) – Often called the most beautiful beach in the Bahamas, part of Lucayan Park.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is Freeport known for?
- As the main city on the island of Grand Bahama, Freeport offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Freeport?
- Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Lucayan National Park to go kayaking or explore its beautiful caves.
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What beach activities are available in Freeport?
- Beach bums can relax on a beautiful white sand beach with a cocktail in hand.
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What other attractions can visitors enjoy?
- There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, shopping, and enjoying local food and beverages.
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What are some must-see sights in Freeport?
- No matter where your interests lie or how much time you have, there are plenty of top sights and activities to explore.
Activities for Families
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