48 Hours On Grand Bahama Island

Envision white sand beaches, cool tropical breezes and crystal clear water. Do those images make you want to fly to a tropical paradise? If so, then go ahead and book your trip. In August you’ll be two hours from a tropical paradise when Vacation Express begins nonstop flights to Grand Bahama Island. 

[caption id="attachment_807" align="alignright" width="300"] Opportunities for water sports are plentiful on Grand Bahama Island.[/caption]

Every fifth day starting August 12, fly non-stop to Freeport aboard BahamasAir or Xtra Airways B-737 aircraft. Flights will depart RDU 10 a.m. and arrive shortly before noon in Freeport. Departing flights leave The Bahamas at 4 p.m. and arrive back around 6 p.m.

About Grand Bahama Island

Located just 60 miles from the Florida coast, Grand Bahama Island is the fourth largest island in The Bahamas. It is home to Freeport, which gives you the option to enjoy fine dining and city life. Or, head just outside the city and enjoy miles of uninhabited beaches and a plethora of luxury resort options.

City Life

To get a hands-on experience of Bahamian culture, visit Grum Ma's House Cultural Center. With a 30-45 minute tour, learn about the history of The Bahamas and taste traditional bush tea as well as participate in hands-on demonstrations. In town, you can also take your chances with the roll of the dice at the island's only casino, located at the Radisson Grand Lucayan.

For the best food, entertainment and shopping on the island, the Port Lucayan Marketplace is a must. The shopping center features 34 international restaurants and more than 60 shops. It also has the largest traditional straw market on the island. When the sun goes down, head to nearby Count Basie Square for live music and entertainment.

Enjoying natural beauty

In the heart of Freeport, visit Garden of the Groves, one of the most popular sites in the city. This 12-acre garden highlights native plants and animals and includes a beautiful waterfall. Tiny Peterson Cay, located just off the coast of Grand Bahama Island, is the smallest national park in The Bahamas. It's only accessible by boat and is a highly-acclaimed spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the vibrant coral reefs just below its waters.

Rand Memorial Nature Center is a 100-acre wildlife reserve that lets you get up close and personal with native birds in their natural habitats. Elsewhere on the island, enjoy miles of white sand beaches and all the water sports you can imagine including kayaking, para-sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and more.

Entry Requirements

A valid U.S. Passport is required to enter The Bahamas, as well as to re-enter the United States. The Bahamas has a few specific guidelines for children not traveling with both parents. Learn more about these. On your return trip, you'll clear U.S. customs in Freeport.

Book your flight now on Vacation Express. Do you have any recommendations for Grand Bahama Island? Tell me in the comments below.