For many, the glamour and fame of Nassau are what comes to mind when you mention a trip to the Bahamas. However, Grand Bahama Island and the many things to do in places like Port Lucaya have made this an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative. At just 55 miles from Florida, the picturesque beaches, duty-free shopping, lively entertainment and world-class diving in crystal clear Caribbean waters make Port Lucaya and the surrounding area Grand Bahama's favorite vacation destination.
Beaches
- Port Lucaya has two beaches nearby, Lucaya Beach and Taino Beach. The former is on the edge of the sprawling property of the Grand Luycan Resort, formerly the Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort. Besides the gorgeous water and fine white sand, this beach's main attractions are the many bars, restaurants and rental agencies for water sports equipment like jet skis. Fodor's calls Taino Beach "arguably the most marvelous beach on the island." Part of the reason for that is the fact that it is slightly further away from the main part of Lucaya and thus attracts fewer tourists. The beach itself is made up of fluffy white sand and lacks the rocky protrusions that detract from the appeal of Lucaya Beach.
Shopping
- Port Lucaya Marketplace is what makes Grand Bahama a favorite port of call for the cruise lines that frequent the island. Tourists can find duty-free items of every sort, including fragrances and clothing. If your hotel does not have Internet access, you will likely appreciate the Internet cafe at the marketplace. Traditional items like silver-top woven hats and baskets are also in abundance in Port Lucaya Marketplace shops. If you happen to buy something from an establishment outside of the marketplace, check for the official "authentically Bahamian" label issued by the Ministry of Tourism to avoid scams and fakes.
Entertainment
- Visit the Grand Lucayan Resort's 24-hour casino to play on of the 30 table games or 400 slot machines or to enjoy a show at the cabaret lounge. Arrange a tee time on the par-72 championship Lucayan golf course at the resort, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Increase the difficulty with a round at the nearby Reef course, where 13 of the 18 holes have water hazards making every shot count. Other public courses outside of Port Lucaya include the Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club in Great Exuma and the Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club in Freeport. Return to the Port Lucaya Marketplace after dark to enjoy one of its nightly live shows featuring Bahamian dance tunes, gospel and karaoke. The entertainment here is split between three bars and two nightclubs. These include island staples like Joker's Wild, a Bahamian music hot spot, and Sparky's, which mixes hip-hop, house and techno to keep the crowds pumped all night long.
Water Sports
- World-class diving is one of the Bahamas' biggest draws, and Port Lucaya does not disappoint. The Underwater Explorer Society (UNEXSO) diving center offers a variety of tours and diving programs suited to every experience level. One of the most popular tours is the Dolphin Experience, which allows visitors to interact with bottle nose dolphins in a protected environment. Board the 59-foot glass-bottomed boat Ocean Wonder to see the island's rich marine ecosystem without getting wet. Sharks, coral reefs and wide range of exotic fish await just below the surface. Charter a boat from Reef Tours for a chance to experience the excitement of deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna and mahi mahi.
