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The chart and following text are from The Northern Bahamas Guide by Stephen J. Pavlidis
The fourth largest island in the Bahamian archipelago, Grand Bahama, lies just 55 miles off the coast of southeastern Florida. The island itself has been settled since pre-Columbian times, several remnants of Lucayan inhabitation have been found on Grand Bahama. Today the island boasts the second largest city in The Bahamas, Freeport/Lucaya, and it is only on Grand Bahama that you will find such a wide variety of Bahamian lifestyles. In the more cosmopolitan areas of Freeport and Lucaya you will find excellent marinas, casinos, first rate hotels, championship golf courses, tennis courts (over 50), national parks, international shopping, and miles and miles of beautiful beaches and the associated water sports that go with them. But the Freeport/Lucaya area is not all there is to Grand Bahama. Once past the confines of Freeport and Lucaya, you’ll discover Bahamians living as their out-island cousins do; fishing, conching, and living off the bounty of the sea. From the smuggling history of West End to the Conch Cracking Contest of East End, this island is much more than just the show that is Freeport and Lucaya.
The shores of Grand Bahama offer mariners good protection as well as shoreside and offshore activities. The northern shores of Grand Bahama are shallow, a bonefisherman’s delight. Off the southern shore of Grand Bahama lies a wonderful reef for snorkeling or SCUBA enthusiasts. West End, at the northwestern end of the island, is routinely used by cruisers as the “door” to the Abacos and is usually the first stop on an Abaco cruise. |
