Hello to all. First let me apologize for the length of this. I really hate to "open up this can of worms" for negativity, which is NOT AT ALL what I'm looking for...but I wanted to find out if there are safety issues with Freeport. We are staying at Our Lucaya Westin in Aug, and I have been told by several on message boards to stay somewhere other than Freeport.

We travel very frequently to New Orleans, specifically to the French Quarter. Most people will tell you that it's not safe, but we KNOW when and where to go and not to go. That being said, I'm just wondering if this is what they are referring to. Bums and slums don't bother me. We aren't canceling our plans, just needed a "heads up" on what to expect. We are mostly going to be at the resort anyway, but wanted to rent a vehicle and explore the island while we are there. Having the kids with us, are there any places we should avoid? Danny/("Fasst1" I think?), I have enjoyed your site. GBI looks like a great place, and we're really looking forward to going there. Thanks to all for your help.

I understand your concern.

We have traveled to both NOLA and the Bahamas.

I felt MUCH safer in the Bahamas than I did in New Orleans.

We stayed at the same place you are staying, but it was called by another name at the time - maybe The Lucayan.

We went to nightclubs and walked around at night and were never concerned.

If you are particularly worried, take taxis from place to place.

We have traveled extensively to the Bahamas and to the Caribbean islands, and I have never felt in any way uncomfortable or threatened.

As long as you use common sense and don't put yourself in a situation where you could be taken advantage of, (and certainly, if you've been to New Orleans, you know to keep your head up) you will be fine!

New Orleans,the most corrupt police force in America.You'll be much safer in Freeport.

Beachbuff: We never once felt unsafe when were there last year for a long weekend. There's a market area across from the Westin with restaurants and stores. We'd walk around there all the time. And no peddlers either.
I unfortunately can't tell you about the rest of the island because we didn't rent a vehicle and drive around. The only time we left the area was to go snorkeling at Deadman's Reef (but we were driven there). Still, we felt safe there and no peddlers on that beach either.

We just got back from the Westin. We had absolutely no safety issues and it was never a concern for us. You'll love the hotel, so don't worry.

We also stayed at Our Lucaya in the Westin hotel. We felt extremely safe both at the resort and in the marketplace across the street. We had a lovely weekend of R&R. Enjoy yourself. Threehearts

Thanks, group! I feel better already! This forum has been so great in helping us plan our travels, especially the last 3 times to the Caribbean. I trust your opinions--so far, we've had 3 great trips, so you've been right on! Looking foward to the 4th one! Thanks, "fodorites" and fellow travelers.

forgot to ask--caribtraveler, did you enjoy Deadman's Reef? We love to snorkel and wanted to go there and to Gold Rock Beach, or to possibly do a day trip on a catamaran. We have an 8-yr-old who snorkels well and a 4-yr-old who is not a strong swimmer but can go anywhere with floaties (or other floatation device). The calmer, clearer water is what we're looking for. Any recommendations?

Beachbuff,
It seems as though you hav already gotten most of the advice you need. Let me just add one thought of my own. Freeport is no different than any other city. There are places you shouldn't, and probably wouldn't want, to go. Use common sense as you would anywhere and you'll be fine. If you are planning any clubbing be careful late at night. Some of the more youthful oriented clubs on the island can get very rowdy late. I'd also recommend being sure to not be in deserted areas like beachs after dark. That's NOT because of the Bahamas, but something you would probably do anywhere you visited. I can assure you, as several others have, that there is no reason to fear for your safety almost anywhere on GBI if you follow simple common sense rules you'd employ anywhere. Hope you have a great trip.

Danny

Beachbuff,
We went to Deadman's Reef. It took us just over a half hour to drive out there from the Westin. When you get there, you can rent equipment and buy lunch or a snack. They give you instructions on using the equipment and how best to get out to the reef. Just to be clear, the reef is a long swim from the shore. I am not a terribly great swimmer and I was winded by the time we got out there. It might be tough for your little one. The water is very calm, however. It gets rough once you pass the reef, but there's plenty to see in the cove. It was fun and everyone says it's the best snorkeling reef on GBI, but I've been to much better in the Caribbean. Don't feel like you've missed something spectacular if you decide to pass.

Beachbuff: I think it depends where you've been snorkeling before. We've done Trunk Bay in St. John so for us Deadman's Reef was just okay. The previous poster is right that the reef is a bit far off. I'd recommend using flotation devices. You can rent those at the beach there. The water is clear and the surf is gentle. You will see that when you first get into the water, you will walk over mushy stuff (quite gross) before you reach nice sand. I don't know what it was but I'm sure expert sea/ocean snorkelers would know.

We had no safety issues. Rented a car and explored the whole island east to west, stopping at local places for lunch etc. Never felt at risk. Now, I did see (as you will anywhere in the world) areas that I knew it would be best to avoid and we did. Use your common sense and you will be fine. A very nice and friendly place to vacation.