Grand Bahama Island
Things To Do
Taino Beach Resort & Clubs offer so many activities, you may never leave the Resort, however, should you want to venture out; here are some of the highlights of Grand Bahama.
Full of history and charm, Grand Bahama Island is a complete vacation destination. Some of the island’s settlements, such as Pinder’s Point, Russell Town, Smith’s Point and William’s Town, are named after the former families who founded them. Today, these settlements serve as cultural hot spots for visitors. There are three distinct destinations on Grand Bahama Island—East End, Freeport/Lucaya and West End—each offering their own unique experience. And if you’re looking to tour some natural surroundings, feel free to explore the island’s three national parks, two of which are home to a large numbers of native birds. And, of course, no Bahamian island would be complete without miles of beautiful beaches—found on the south side of Grand Bahama Island.
The Tour desk can assist you in any of these activities around the island.
ARTS & CRAFTS:
Arts & Crafts markets offer a wide range of locally made straw, arts, crafts and souvenir items. Among the most popular typical Bahamian product found on the island is straw work. This work ranges from the ever-popular hats to place mats, bags, dogs and lampshades. The musketeers will personalize purchases with bright colored raffia. Straw Markets are located at the entrance of Port Lucaya Marketplace and the Garden of the Groves as well as the Arts & Crafts Market at the rear of the International Bazaar.
BIRDWATCHING AT ST. GEORGES MEMORIAL PARK:
Located within walking distance from Resort, its right before Tony Macaroni Conch Experience at Taino Beach. This is a certified wildlife habitat and provides the four basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive; food, water, cover and places to raise young.
BREWERY TOUR:
Located on Queens highway at Bahamian Brewery. They offer guided tours Monday through Friday, 9 am – 2 pm. Each tour takes approximately 45 minutes and consists of a guided tour giving an overview of the brewing and bottling processes in addition to the history of the brewery. The tour ends in our in-house bar where you can sample the island’s lagers, stouts and ales.
DEEP SEA FISHING:
Take a full or half day charter to catch a variety of trophy game fish including Marlins, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, King Fish and Shark to name a few. Our boats are fully equipped with all tackle and bait needed to bring in the BIG ONES. This trip will suit beginners to the seasonal anglers.
DINING:
There is a wide selection of restaurants in Freeport ranging from haute cuisine to Japanese, Chinese, Italian, English Pub style food, American franchised fast food, Greek and Jamaican. Try Lobster Thermidor or roasted conch; chicken souse or pan-fried grouper. For a Bahamian breakfast, try the scrumptious grits, stewed fish and johnny cake or boiled fish are popular choices. Residents of Smith’s Point, Grand Bahama Island, lay claim to staging the first Fish Fry, as a fundraiser for their beloved St. Jude’s Anglican Church. Now, the unique dining and social spot is a staple hangout for locals, and it is an excellent opportunity to get better acquainted with both the native fish and our residents. Within walking distance from Taino Beach Resort. Annual festivals in the east showcase two important local staples: the Pelican Bay Coconut Festival in April and the McLean’s Town Conch Cracking Festival in October.
DOLPHIN EXPERIENCE:
Enjoy a swim with the dolphins in a pristine environment and watch them perform for you or you may feast on the experience of petting them as they swim up to you. Ferry accessible.
FISH FRY:
Enjoy Bahamian fried fish as well as other Bahamian dishes at our local fish fry in Smiths Point within walking distance. Wednesdays starting at 6:00pm.
GARDEN OF THE GROVES:
Garden of the Groves is Grand Bahama’s premier nature experience! Explore winding trails through lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and sparkling fountains, visit the picturesque chapel, a favourite place for weddings, prayer and meditation, explore the Garden Shoppes, discover the sacred beauty of the Labyrinth and enjoy lunch or dinner at the Garden Café and Bar. Children can play at the newly expanded playground.
GOLF:
Our guests have the option of playing on one of two picturesque courses. The Reef (Lucayan Course) which has 18-hole, par-72 course. The Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club, which is a 9 hole, par-36 course.
GRAND BAHAMA NATURE TOURS:
Experience our island with the experts in nature tourism; they offer kayaking, snorkeling and biking.
HORSEBACK RIDING:
Guests can enjoy a ride along nature trials and to the beach. No experience necessary.
ISLAND TOUR:
Take a tour of the most special Island in the Bahamas. The tour bus leaves daily from the Welcome Center promptly at 10:00am.
LUCAYAN NATIONAL PARK at GOLD ROCK BEACH:
This 40-acre park has two large caves which are open to the public. The nature trail at this park leads to a variety of pinelands, swamps and sand dunes and beautiful beaches.
LUCAYA WATERSPORTS:
Waverunners, Glassbottom boat tours, Snorkeling, Paddle boards, Kayaks, Banana Boat, Sunset Cruise, Deep sea fishing and so much more. All tours are weather permitting. There is a watersports booth located on the beach and in the Welcome Center. For further information, please check out www.lucayawatersports.com
PARADISE COVE:
Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, volleyball or just enjoy doing nothing at all. Paradise Cove has direct access to Deadman's Reef right off the beach. Drive through the settlements towards West End.
PETERSON’ CAY:
Peterson’s Cay, about 7 miles east of Freeport is a small islet with an unspoiled reef and a small sand beach. The waters surrounding the Cay are all part of the National Park, 20 miles east of Freeport possesses a spectrum of natural island landscapes with hammocks, caves, blue holes, a footbridge over a natural creek, a small cay and a broad sand beach. The Bahamas National Trust maintains all these parks.
PORT LUCAYA MARKETPLACE:
Take the ferry across; only a 10 minute ride; featuring duty free boutiques, Bahamian crafts, restaurants, bars and entertainment.
RAND MEMORIAL NATURE CENTER:
100-acre wildlife reserve featuring many tropical birds in their native habitat. Located on East Settlers Way, across from Catholic High School.
RUM RUNNERS:
Take the ferry across and visit Rum Runners Bar located in the square of Port Lucaya. Open daily. Sunday to Thursday 9am—1am, Friday-Saturday 10am-2am.
SCUBA DIVING:
Grand Bahama Island’s reputation as a diver’s paradise has been growing since the filming of Sea Hunt here over 50 years ago. You will have a truly authentic diving experience, whether you are looking to explore shallow reefs or deep caves with abundant marine life, the mystery of sunken ships, or dolphins and sharks. You can even feed and swim with reef sharks-an experience sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Exceptional dive facilities provide PADI- and SDI-trained instructors, offering certification programs and full scuba equipment for rental.
SHOPPING:
Excellent selections of merchandise from all over the world are displayed at the shopping centers of Port Lucaya, offering competitive prices on perfumes, jewelry, cameras, designer clothing as well as beautifully carved native artwork. Supermarkets are located in the centre of downtown Freeport and another on Sea Horse Road in Lucaya and another close to Resort on west beach drive. Several smaller general stores and delicatessens are located in the smaller shopping centers.
SUNSET CRUISE WITH LUCAYA WATERSPORTS:
The perfect way to end the day and start the night. Join us aboard the OCEAN VIEW for a two hour cruise through the bay and along the coastline of Lucaya. Sit back and relax with complimentary local cocktails and wine. Bahamian hors d'oeuvres while watching one of the islands magnificent sunsets. Romantic music and dancing are the essence of what is a most memorable evening.
SWIM WITH PIGS:
Enjoy the turquoise clear water of Grand Bahama Island, while having fun and swimming with the pigs. See the Island’s newest attraction! Meet these adorable and famous pigs and get a selfie! They’re more adorable in person! Now world famous!
TONY MACARONI CONCH EXPERIENCE:
How about sitting up on a lovely deck enjoying the ocean breeze overlooking beautiful Taino Beach, while eating freshly made Roast Conch & Lobster, Conch Salad, and other culinary treats from Cacique Award winner Anthony "Macaroni" Hanna -- not to mention live music with Bahamian Jazz on the Beach? For a taste of the local beach scene, find this weathered, thatch-roofed shack on a stilted deck overlooking pristine sands and sea at Taino Beach next to Smith’s Point, within walking distance.