Things to do in  Freeport

A commercial hub spread across 9.5 acres (3.8 hectares), the Port Lucaya Marketplace is one of Freeport’s most popular attractions. After browsing dozens of handicraft vendors and specialty stores, unwind at one of the restaurants or bars, then head to Count Basie Square—the heart of the market—for live Bahamian music.

Just off Paradise Cove on Grand Bahama’s southwest coast, Deadman’s Reef is one of the area’s top snorkeling spots. The shallow waters are teeming with coral, colorful reef fish, turtles, rays, and more, and are ideal for all levels.

The 40-acre (16-hectare) Lucayan National Park is home to some of the most spectacular secluded beaches in all of The Bahamas, as well as one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Nature trails and boardwalks lead through mangrove, pine, and palm forests, home to a wealth of animals and vegetation.

This 12-acre (5-hectare) park was dedicated in 1973 to the Groves who founded Freeport. Walk the idyllic botanical garden to take in the lush plant life, native animals (including macaws, alligators, and iguanas), and, of course, snap plenty of Edenic photos.

Bahamian Brewery in Freeport, on the island of Grand Bahama, is quickly becoming home to the Bahamas’ most beloved beer scene. Known for its flagship Sands beer, this modest spot offers brewery tours and a tasting room, but its claim to fame is the opportunity to enjoy an ice-cold beverage on a sunny Caribbean day surrounded by beer-appreciating locals and visitors.

Located off the south shore of Grand Bahama, Peterson Cay island is home to the smallest national park in the Bahamas, which covers only 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares). Though compact, the cay is home to one of the most beautiful reefs in the Bahamas, offer abundant snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Grand Bahama Island’s Freeport Cruise Port at Lucayan Harbour is a popular and convenient jumping-off point for cruisers to experience the Bahamas’ famous white-sand beaches and water sports. In contrast with the other Bahamian cruise port in the capital city of Nassau on New Providence Island, this laid-back launch pad for Caribbean fun is less about the bustle and more about the beach break.

For one of the Bahamas’ best-smelling—souvenirs, nowhere compares to the Freeport Perfume Factory. Housed in a bubblegum-pink Bahamian mansion, you can blend and bottle your own island fragrances here. Of course, you can also choose from the factory’s most successful scents, such as Pink Pearl and Bahama Blue.

The Rand Nature Centre sits on 100 acres (40 hectares) of beautifully preserved land—home to hundreds of bird species, including a large number of wintering northern songbirds. In addition to the plentiful birds, the center has an extensive network of trails winding past pine barrens, coppices, wildlife ponds, and a native plant arboretum.

Lucaya Harbor serves as the official point of entry for Grand Bahama Island. This modern coastal suburb of Freeport appeals with its walkable collection of shops and restaurants, many centered on the open-air Port Lucaya Marketplace, which regularly features live music in Count Basie Square.