Hank Reardon

I'm going for my honeymoon in January. Is that too cold then? Im diving with Unexso

Meg

Make reservations for a booth outside at Pier One to see the shark feeding. They have excellent pan-fried grouper (as do most nice restaurants there.) Avoid Buccaneer at all costs. We went there by default (it was near the cottage we have stayed in each time we have been) and my husband and I both ended up sick for the next few days. If you get down to the West End, there is a place called Chicken Nest that has the BEST conch salad and conch fritters on the island. There is no sign out front, so it was rather hard to find but definitely worth it - we went back each day for Lovamae's salad and fritters. VERY LOCAL PLACE. There's a place at the Lucayan Marketplace that I think is called Fatman Nephew's (I may have my places confused) that I remember being good. The bar just downstairs from it, maybe Pusser's, right on the square has the best drinks - Painkillers that come in different strengths - I like the #3's. Try snorkeling at Paradise Cove. That's where we always stay. I know that they run a shuttle bus into town. The reef there is great and it's a nice, quiet place far away from downtown Freeport. Grand Bahama gets a lot of bad press on this board, but I go back every year at least once to spend a few days decompressing. Hope you enjoy your honeymoon. Oh - never have eaten there, but I've heard the Stoned Crab is nice.

Mike

Hi, we have a timeshare in Freeport and go there most years for a week. Pier 1 is good, but over-priced. We much prever the Stoned Crab that is out on a quiet beach (I think it is on Taino Beach). Definitely reserve and ask for a table outside near the beach. The food and service were both great. The restaurants in Lucaya are generally OK but not much more, with one exception. There is a restaurant, I believe the name is Luciano's, it is on the opposite side from the band stand from Fat Man's Nephew, upstairs. It is excellent - the best lobster I have ever eaten. The Surf and Turf, which includes a lobster tail and steak is a good bet. I don't recommend Fat Man's Nephew except for lunch, their drinks are great. Usually we stop in their small bar whenever we are there.

I realize you are going there for diving, but if you like snorkeling, you must go to Paradise Cove. It is west of Freeport and has a terrific coral reef. It is the best snorkeling we have seen there, and they BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers for a light lunch. They only charge $3 if you have your own transport and gear.

I hope this gets to you in time and that you have a great time.

Mike Davies

Hank Reardon

Thanks to both of you very much. As this is a special trip I don't want to be duped by "popular" yet disappointing venues.

Danny

I agree with both Mike and Meg, and have been travelling to GBI with my wife for 15 years. One other thing you may want to consider is the Dolphin experience or swim, both handled by UNEXSO, which is located on the edge of the Port Lucaya Marketplace. If you're a certified diver the dolphin swim is a must, although expensive. We have done the dolphin experience, which is getting in the water with the dolphins and petting them, feeding them, etc. in the lagoon where they live. One of the nicest experiences this old man has had in many, many years. There is also a nice place to lunch out near Taino Beach called Kaptain Kenny's. Great location, good food, and they have, or at least had, a special in the afternoon on Bahama Mamas. All you can drink for 15-20 bucks or something like that. Beautiful beach location. By the way, the Stoned Crab is only open for dinner, not lunch. I'm not certain if Luciano's in open for lunch either (their prime rib is also excellent).
Whatever else you do, make sure you relax and enjoy.

Danny