We are seeing acceptable airfare from Minneapolis to Freeport over the christmas break. It will be 4 of us, which includes our 14 and 11 yr old. I have not read about anything more than the casino glitz that is not for me. What else is there? Will it be warm enough to feel like an island experience? Is snorkeling worth doing here? Everything I read about the Bahamas is focused on flying into Nassau which is more is the price category of other great sounding Caribbean islands. We are looking for warm waters and nice beach mostly--but also like to try snorkeling and see interesting things or hike. I know there is shopping but not my primary interest. We are seeing an interesting affordable vaction home rental on Long Island in the Bahamas, too. Does anyone know about that location? Our 14 yr old daughter is the one who will be antsy if it is too quiet for her.

Freeport is a fun destination for kids, Long Island is alot more laid back, so if you are looking for some fun things to do, I think Freeport is a better choice.

IF you go to the www.geographia.com website, and click on the Carribean and then on The Bahamas, and Newsgroup, you will find alot of regulars there who can give you TONS of info on GBI and Freeport.

I think if you stayed at Our Lucaya, you will find things to do and probably other kids about the same age for your kids to hang out with.

Hope this helps and have a great time.

Thanks for the post. I have checked out some vacation rental homes on GBI and am happy with what I see--avaialbilities will of course be the issues. I am feeling more comfortable with GBI as I am finding more properties that appeal. Now I can see it has more than casinos and shopping.
I really appreciate this forum and the first hand info that is just what I want. I do see vacation rental homes that you walk right out to the beach and some have snorkeling right there. We do love the feel of being in a home and doing some of our own cooking.

Look up historical weather for Freeport. If you have your heart set on balmy, you may be disappointed. We had a great vacation at Our Lucaya(read my trip report if you like) but would have been unhappy if the temps were below 75. Have fun wherever you choose! Threehearts

Historically the average daily temp for GBI in December is 71. The average water temps are in the mid-70s. There is an ever present gulf breeze that can make it feel cooler. We've been going in February for 23 years and the average temp than is 70. We've found it to be a rare occasion when it got too cool to be either in the pool or on the beach. Beach weather is not like mid-summer but unless you catch a bad, but fairly rate, break of cool weather December isn't a bad time to visit. The pools at Breaker's Cay at Our Lucaya are heated. The rest are not. You might want to take a light jacket or sweater for evenings but even those are things we only use occasionally while there. If interested check out my web site at www.fortunecity.com/oasis/bahia/443/index.htm There are over 400 pictures, trip reports and a lot more linked on the home page. Info there might help you decide. Whatever, enjoy your vacation.

Regards,
Danny