Hotels in Freeport

The city of Freeport is located on the island of Grand Bahama right in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Although not as well-known as other Bahamian resorts like Nassau, Freeport is an exciting place for anyone who wants to relax and explore natural landscapes that haven't been overly developed. You’ll have stunning, peaceful white sand beaches and most Freeport accommodationsOpens in a new window are located right on the seafront, catering to those who want a relaxing upscale vacation.

Top things to see and do

Freeport beaches

Movie buffs should head straight for Gold Rock Beach, which was the filming spot for the first three films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The most popular place to relax on the pristine white coastline is Port Lucaya, which is home to numerous beaches that offer vendors, restaurants and places to grab a cold drink just steps from the shoreline.

If you want to enjoy a secluded beach and you've brought along your own picnic lunch, then head for quiet beauty spots Coral Beach, Xanadu Beach and Barbarry Beach along the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island.

Local attractions in Freeport

One of the most popular attractions in the Bahamas is the Lucayan National Park, located just outside of Freeport. Lucayan boasts six different ecosystems, including beach, mangrove swamp, coppice and forest. To learn more about the history and landscape of Freeport, the Rand Nature Center is a great place that caters to children and teens as well as adults. At night, Port Lucaya transforms into a hub for nightlife, dining and shopping, making it one of the more popular spots for young adults or singles. If you want to get off the beaten track a little, make the short drive to 8 Mile Rock, a stunning viewpoint that's great for photographs of the dramatic landscape, and rarely has more than one or two people there at a time. If you're hungry after all this sightseeing, look for a fish fry, a Wednesday night seafood tradition that takes places at Taino Beach.

Outdoor activities in Freeport

While reclining with a cocktail can be an amazing way to spend a vacation, Freeport also offers plenty of opportunities for activity and adventure. Hiking along the Mangrove Path in Lucayan National Park is perfect in the early morning or later afternoon when the sun isn't out in full force.

If cooling down in the water is on the agenda, sign up for surfing lessons, rent snorkeling equipment right from the beach or go scuba diving among the several shipwrecks on the bottom of the ocean floor. Thrill-seekers can also rent jet skis, go para-sailing, or even live it up on a booze cruise and make some new friends.

Travel to and around Freeport

Since Freeport is located on the island of Grand Bahama, there are only two ways to get there: air or sea. Arriving by plane is facilitated by a local airport that offers flights from either Florida or Nassau. Your options by sea include a cruise ship that makes a stop in Freeport or a ferry that makes a daily trip to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Walking in Freeport is safe, but the sprawling nature of the city means that a rental car, a tour bus or even a local taxi might be a better way to get from place to place. Taxis can be arranged through Freeport hotels or simply caught from taxi stands located around town.

Where to stay

Popular hotels are clustered around Silver Point Beach and Lucaya Beach with others closer to the airport. Island Palm Marina Villas features a private beach and 72 fully-furnished condominium villas. Many of the attractive boutique seafront resorts dotted along the shore offer all-inclusive packages.

Best times to visit Freeport

With the tropical climate of the Bahamas, outdoor recreation is possible in Freeport year-round. Temperatures typically hover around the 60s and 70s in the winter, and in the 70s or 80s during the summer. August and September bring about more rain and the potential for tropical storms, but this also translates into cheaper accommodation rates and fewer visitors.

Summer vacations and Christmas holidays tend to be a little busier thanks to plenty of vacationers, so you might want to book before those peak times if you're looking for an ideal getaway on Grand Bahama Island.