Embracing an authentic taste of Grand Bahamian culture stall hopping in the West End. Taking a culinary journey to Smith’s Point Fish Fry. Bonefishing in some of the most pristine flats in the hemisphere. Exploring blue holes, caves and untouched beaches.
It’s still one of the best-kept secrets in The Bahamas and the Caribbean at large: Grand Bahama, which is in the midst of a full-blown renaissance as travelers rediscover the island. Whether you’re looking for a foodie getaway (Flying Fish, anyone?) or looking to immerse yourself in the emotive sound of the island, it’s hard to believe there’s so much to experience in a place that’s just 55 miles off the coast of Florida — one that just got even easier to visit with the recent expansion of Miami-Grand Bahama flights on American Airlines.
So what do you need to know about planning a vacation to Grand Bahama?
For starters, there’s the west side of the island and the laid-back vibes of the West End fishing community. It’s a place to enjoy some of The Bahamas’ signature dishes: think whole fried Bahamian lobster, fluffy panny cakes, and pickled conch salad. It’s Grand Bahama’s crossroads of local culture, music and food.
In the city center, you get another side of the island: shopping, eateries, entertainment and even wellness destinations.
On Grand Bahama’s east coast, the story is eco-adventure. You can find everything here, from one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems to spectacular sites like Ben’s Cave, Gold Rock Beach, an inland blue hole called Owl’s Hole, the Coral Vita coral farm, and the Garden of the Groves botanic garden.
Are you a diver? You can try one of 30-plus dive sites, with a mix of options from sharks to shipwrecks.
Then there’s one of our favorite stories in Grand Bahama: the dynamic culinary scene, from Chef Tim Tibbitts’ aforementioned Flying Fish (a regular entry in the 50 Best Restaurants in the Caribbean) to a dynamic local food scene with a heavy focus on world-class seafood.
So where do you stay?
There’s a great mix of accommodations options, from popular hotels like the all-inclusive Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham (from $126) to the Grand Lucayana resort (from $436) to the beloved Pelican Bay (rates from $155) just to name a few).
Another well-kept secret? The island’s impressive slate of villas, from smaller cottages to stunning beachfront estates. That’s accompanied by the exciting new Six Senses Grand Bahama resort project, one that will add another signature resort to the island.
Grand Bahama has never been better — and it’s just getting started.
You can plan your trip at Grand Bahama Vacations.
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