Freeport is the capital city of Grand Bahama Island which is one of the islands in the archipelago of the The Bahamas.
It is 530 square miles and is truly one of the most frequented Caribbean cruise ports.
In addition to basking on one of the many white sand beaches, there are memorable things to do such as snorkel at Deadman’s Reef, shop at Port Lucaya Marketplace and relax at Garden of the Groves.
In this post, we explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in Freeport on a cruise.
These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island.
Lucayan Beach is located within walking distance from the cruise port on Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. It prime location makes it a great place to enjoy a range of amenities such as parasailing and jet skiing. Port Lucaya Marketplace is nearby where you can access a range of restaurants and bars.
1. Lucayan Beach
This beach spot is located within walking distance from the cruise port and is perfect for individuals who want to stay near to the ship.
The beauty of choosing this location is the many amenities readily available such as bars, restaurants and water sporting gear rental.
Visitors to Lucayan Beach usually enjoy water activities such as parasailing and jet skiing
The Port Lucaya Marketplace is nearby for lunch or just a break so you do not need to rent a car.
Some of the shops at the Port Lucaya Marketplace include fashion, accessories, jewelery, gaming, electronics, phamarcy, beauty supplies and banking facilities.
One disadvantage of choosing is location is the large crowds especially on days when there is more than one ship in harbor.
2. Xanadu Beach
Our next recommendation is Xanadu Beach which is located about 10 km or a 15 minutes drive from the cruise port.
Xanadu beach has over one mile of white sand and is perfect for individuals who want to relax or stroll.
While this beach is also relatively near the cruise port, it is usually not as crowded when compared to Lucayan Beach.
Xanadu Beach is not the best location for amenities as a number of restaurants, bars and other facilities have closed their operations since the closure of the Xanadu Hotel.
Nevertheless, it is still a beautiful and more peaceful spot to check out if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lucayan Beach.
3. Fortune Beach
Fortune Beach is around 12 km from Port Lucaya and can be reached by car or scooter which is perfect for visitors who are seeking a private escape.
The name Fortune Beach can be credited to a shipwreck that occurred at the location years ago.
Wyndham Resorts shares the shoreline of Fortune Beach as well as Banana Bay Restaurant which is a great stop to grab a snack if you are on the beach.
Garden of the Groves is also located nearby which is 12 acres of flora and fauna and one of the most visited attraction in Freeport.
This is a perfect activity for a family and is open everyday.
4. Barbary Beach
Barbary beach is certainly the most remote, if not the most exotic, beachfront on Grand Bahama Island.
Found in the East of the Grand Lucayan Waterway and about 20 km from Port Lucaya, the beach is popular for its friendly ambience and a wide variety of shells.
The beach is protected by many rock jetties which make it seamless for individuals to relax in the water.
This secluded spot is ideal for persons seeking serenity however, there are no amenities nearby so be sure to pack some refreshments.
5. Gold Rock Beach
Gold Rock Beach is found in the Lucayan National Park and is protected under the Bahamas National Trust.
It is situated about 33 km from Port Lucaya and is the most famous beach in Freeport.
Its claim to fame is that the movie Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here.
This beach is an excellent option for families and adventure seekers as access is via a 10 minute walk through the park.
Amenities are available such as picnic tables, barbecue pits and lockers, thus making it a great venue for a beach day getaway.
Due to its white sands, turquoise waters and wide span of the shoreline during low tide, the beach is fondly referred to as the Welcome Mat of Grand Bahama Island.
Final Thoughts
The Bahamas is an archipelago of approximately about 700 islands, cays and islets.
As such, there is a lot to see and do that a cruise stop will only allow you to experience the tip of the iceberg.
The destination is an awesome spot for nightlife, solo female travelers and a quick weekend getaway.
We trust that your short stay will allow you to taste of bit of the Bahamas so that you consider booking a longer stay in the future.
Need More Information?
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