Visited in 1997
Our adventure began with a four-hour ferry ride from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. As we arrived, we were greeted by the tropical beauty and laid-back atmosphere of this island destination.
Freeport is second-most populous city and the commercial hub of The Bahamas. The city was established in 1955 through the Hawksbill Creek Agreement between the Bahamian government and American financier Wallace Groves. Today, the Grand Bahama Port Authority oversees the free-trade zone, with tax exemptions extending through August 2054.
- Dolphin encounter at Sanctuary Bay
- Garden of Groves
- Bahama beach
- Port Lucaya
Dolphin encounter at Sanctuary Bay – One of the highlights of our visit to Grand Bahama in 1997 was our encounter with dolphins at Sanctuary Bay. We entered the water and were allowed to get close to the dolphins and gently pet them. At the time, it was an exciting and unforgettable opportunity to interact with these intelligent and beautiful animals up close.
The experience has evolved over the years, but Sanctuary Bay continues to offer dolphin encounters in its natural lagoon environment. Today, its programs include guided dolphin encounters and swims, with visitors able to interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins under the supervision of marine mammal specialists.
Garden of Groves – We explored its winding trails surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and sparkling fountains. It was a beautiful and peaceful place to experience the natural side of the island.
Beach Time – You can’t visit Freeport and not spend some time on the beach. Freeport, is home to a beautiful mix of public beaches, peaceful coves, family-friendly shores, and secluded stretches of sand. Whether you’re visiting on a cruise, staying at a resort, or exploring the island by car, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the turquoise waters and soft white sand that The Bahamas is famous for.
One of the best things about Freeport’s beaches is the variety. Some are conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and cruise attractions, while others offer a quieter escape where you can simply relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery.
Port Lucaya – One of the sights from our 1997 trip to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, was the little red boats at Port Lucaya. These colorful boats shuttled back and forth across the calm waterways near the waterfront, connecting the Port Lucaya area with the nearby resorts and beaches. The fleet were named Tarpon and Stingray after the local marine life.
