Grand Bahama Beaches

Grand Bahama Beaches

Some 60 mi of magnificent, pristine stretches of sand extend between Freeport-Lucaya and McLean's Town, the island's isolated eastern end. Most are used only by people who live in adjacent settlements along the way. The outlying beaches have no public facilities, so beachgoers often headquarter at one of the local beach bars. Lucaya hotels have their own beaches and water-sports activities, and guests at Freeport hotels are shuttled free to nearby beaches. Xanadu is a mile-long strip of white sand with an outdoor bar, water-sports concessions, and resort. Taíno appeals to families, water-sports enthusiasts, and partiers alike. Its powdery white sands stretch long and wide, and a restaurant and popular conch shack replenish beachgoers.

Local residents prefer the sandy solitude of William's Town, south of Freeport (off East Sunrise Highway and down Beachway Drive) and east of Xanadu Beach, where seclusion is broken only by the occasional passing of horseback riders.

East of Port Lucaya, several delightful beaches run along the South Shore—Churchill Beach, Smith's Point, Fortune Beach, and lesser-known, very secluded and lovely Barbary Beach. Farther east, at the end of the trail from the Lucayan National Park, you'll find Gold Rock Beach, which is a 20-mi drive from the Lucaya hotels. A second access road to Gold Rock Beach lies up the road a couple of miles and takes you past the Pirates of the Caribbean film set and its two ships. On the West End, snorkeling beachgoers escape by tour to Paradise Cove.