WRITER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF POINCIANA PUBLIC RELATIONS & EDITOR OF PINKSANDS 242
“I am from Holmes Rock, which is in the western end of the island, so this is where I spend most of my weekends when I'm at home..” - Nikia
The Bahamas isn't a real place, and my favorite imaginary island is my hometown of Grand Bahama I love stepping foot into that make-believe airport and breathing in that fresh, crisp AI air I also sleep like a baby when I'm in that dream world
Jokes aside, I'm passionate about Grand Bahama, so I have no problem answering as many questions as I can about my home
There is lots to do in Grand Bahama, especially if you are looking for a family island getaway, are into natural wonders, or you’re interested in traditional vacation activities.
This list is not exhaustive, but Grand Bahama is known for its bonefishing, boating, traditional watersports like jet skis, kayaking in the mangroves, ziplining, ATV riding, diving, or snorkeling just off the shore at places like Paradise Cove You can also enjoy fun activities like a brewery tour and tasting at the Bahamian Brewery, and Port Lucaya is great for a day of eating and cocktailing While shopping in Port Lucaya I recommend getting a guava duff or gully wash ice cream sandwich from Bootleg Chocolates, a mojito and a seafood griot from Fair Play Lounge and some candied popcorn from Candy Captains
There is lots more, but the following is how I like to enjoy a weekend at home.
Kayaking in the mangroves & Irie’s in West End for drinks
Hartman’s in Eight Mile Rock for takeout
GETTING HERE
Despite rumors, Grand Bahama has an airport You can arrive via the Grand Bahama International Airport or the Western Air terminal, which is like a self-contained airport complete with security, snackbar, etc
TRANSPORTATION WHERE TO STAY
Taxis and tour buses are readily available, but I would recommend renting a car The roads are pretty peaceful and the island is easy to navigate
Again, despite rumors, there are a number of nice hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals on the island. A few of the more well-known ones include The Lighthouse Pointe at the Grand Lucayan, Pelican Bay, Taino Beach Resort, Dolphin Cove, etc Most hotels/resorts are in the Lucaya area
Some of my fondest memories include picking seagrapes & cocoplums on the beach....And, it’s still one of my favorite things to do.
OWL’S HOLE
Eastern Grand Bahama
You will need an ATV or off-road vehicle to access this one.
If you only have a short weekend, I would suggest spending one day in East End and another in West End. The city of Freeport has lots of restaurants and amenities, but East/West is real family island life.
East End has the stunning Gold Rock Beach, Ben’s Cave, Owl's Hole (you need an ATV or off-road vehicle to access this one), Coral Vita (which is a coral farm that has a short educational tour) as well as places like Bishop’s (a restaurant and bar in High Rock that is just off the beach) You can also have lunch by a pond in the Garden of the Groves or on the beach at Banana Bay (burgers and fries type cuisine) on the way up to East End Out Da Sea is also a great spot for lunch if you are starting your journey from the Lucaya area
BOILING HOLE
Eight Mile Rock
This is on the sea road.
I am from Holmes Rock, which is in the western end of the island, so this is where I spend most of my weekends when I'm at home Heading to the western end of the island, you have the Boiling Hole on the sea road of Eight Mile Rock, and you can get some great takeout food at places like Hartman's or chicken in the bag from N&A.
Heading even further, all the way to West End, is a seafront community. This is where you can do all ya rakin’ and scrapin’ with your friends. I would say come here after 2 pm or so and do a stall crawl to eat, cocktail, and just have fun.
W H E R E T O E A T
ON THE WEEKEND IN GRAND BAHAMA
PICKLED CONCH SALAD West End
My go-to spots in West End are Da Blue Fish Pot for whole fried lobster & panny cakes (their fried fish is also amazing, and my mother loves their wings), as well as Pickled Conch Salad at Shabo and Sherry’s (the pickled conch salad is only available in West End and only at that stall). Irie’s is also a fun and colorful bar that is a great spot for a lively afternoon brunch. However, West End is known for its amazing food and conch salad, so you should be good no matter where you go.
PANNY CAKES
These are a must have food in Grand Bahama.
BREAKFAST
Upstairs On the Bay - Lucaya Area (Shrimp & Grits)
Zorba’s - Lucaya (Old School Go-To Spot)
LUNCH
Head to West End & Stall Hop
Irie’s - West End (Opens at 2pm)
Out Da Sea - Lucaya Area
Hartman’s - Eight Mile Rock (Take Out)
The Stoned Crab - Lucaya Area
The Garden Cafe - Garden of the Groves
Flying Fish - Lucaya Area
Sabor - Lucaya Area
DINNER
West Side Grille - West End
The Galley - Near Downtown
Dolphin Cove - Lucaya Area
Pier 1 - FPO Harbour - (Sushi)
Pisces - Lucaya Area (Seafood Pizza)
The Stoned Crab - Lucaya Area
Flying Fish - Lucaya Area
Sabor - Lucaya Area
If you arrive on a Wednesday or plan to stay beyond the weekend, I would definitely recommend checking out the Smith's Point Fish Fry. Here, you can get fried fish cooked over an open flame, some amazing gully wash, and all kinds of Bahamian foods. There is music, and the later you stay, the more it turns into a party vibe. They start up around 5pm, and it continues into the night. There is also a slightly smaller Fish Fry in Eight Mile Rock on Thursdays that starts in the evening.
