Just 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of Florida, West End is one of The Bahamas’ most historic towns. It's also the capital of Grand Bahama, the chain’s northernmost isle. The city is known for its rum-running past and its fish-fry-shack present. A 2016 hurricane dealt a blow, but there are plenty of things to do in West End, from lively street gatherings and conch fritters to snorkeling and diving at Paradise Cove. It lacks the resort buzz of certain island spots, but that’s welcome news for some.
The best time to visit Grand Bahama’s West End is winter—aka December to April. In this window, the weather is pleasantly warm and not at all humid, perfect for getting out onto the beaches and into the water. Perhaps more importantly, winter falls outside hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Shoulder season, November-December and April–May, can also be lovely and mean better deals.
If you’re sticking around West End, you could get by with some combination of walking, public buses (known as jitneys), taxis (look for rates that are set and metered), and tours—some resorts will offer shuttle services and bicycles. If you want to explore the island at large, you’ll probably want a rental car. Note: The Bahamas drives on the left.
The Bahamas relies greatly on tourism dollars, although many spots are foreign-owned, contributing to the islands’ economic struggle. To make your dollars count, book lodging at a locally owned spot—like Paradise Cove Beach Resort—and dine at some of the many locally run restaurants in West End. Naturally, it’s the mom-and-pop shacks that make the best fish fry and conch fritters, anyway.