Grand Bahama Island, the fourth largest of The Islands of The Bahamas, gets its name from the Spanish "gran bajamar" - meaning "great shallows" - for its many flats and shoals in the waters off the island.
The island rambles on for 96 miles, rimmed with cities, villages, and cays that offer lasting evidence of the many different people and cultures that have called Grand Bahama Island home.
Early in its history, Grand Bahama Island was virtually uninhabited for almost 300 years. However, with the development of Freeport/Lucaya in the 1950s, and because of the island's location just 55 miles from the east coast of Florida , it is now one of the most visited of all the Bahamian islands.
Grand Bahama Island is a unique destination. It allows visitors to combine a cosmopolitan vacation at a world-class resort with the charm of historical fishing villages and undiscovered ecological treasures. It has one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, endless beaches, emerald green water and enchanting marine life.
In Freeport/Lucaya, banks are open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Click here for ATM locations.
The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout The Islands of The Bahamas give the islands a warm, agreeable climate which varies little year round. The most refreshing time is between September through May, when the temperature averages 70-75F degrees. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures between 80-85F degrees.
Freeport's Climate Summary • Current Freeport Weather
Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year; but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings from December to February. Though walking the streets in swim trunks in mid-January might sound irresistible, beach clothing is inappropriate on the streets, in churches, restaurants and casinos. In the more laid-back eastern and western areas, the dress-code is more flexible.
The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.
Entering: Upon entering The Islands of The Bahamas, everyone must fill out and sign an Immigration form, keeping a portion of the card in hand until departing. An oral baggage declaration is required. Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits, and a variety of personal effects (personal radio headsets, bicycle, two still cameras, etc.). Purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Departing: US visitors may take home $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. The next $l,000 is taxed at 10%. Gifts valued up to $50 may be mailed home duty-free. One litre of wine, liqueur or liquor and five cartons of cigarettes may be taken duty-free.
Boats: If entering the Bahamas by boat, there is a flat flee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 35 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 36 ft. and over. This will cover a vessel with four persons or less. Also included is the cruising permit, fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $15.00 Departure Tax for up to four persons. Each additional person above four will be charge $15.00 Departure Tax. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangement must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Regular hours for Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note: Bahamas Customs and Immigration are now located on site at Port Lucaya Marina, Grand Bahama Island. For information, click here or contact the marina office at 242-373-9090 ext. 323 or 325.
To protect the marine environment, spear fishing using scuba gear and possession of spear guns are illegal in The Bahamas. Cruising boats must clear customs at the nearest port of entry before beginning any diving or fishing activities. A permit is required for visiting vessels to engage in sports fishing at a cost of $20 per trip or $150 per year for vessels on which not more than six reels will be used. (Refer to the Yachtsman's Guide to the Bahamas).
1) Lobster season is open 8/1-3/31
2) Each person is allowed to bring back 20lbs of scale fish, six lobsters and 10 conchs.
3) Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish: six fish per person any combination.
4) Stone Crabs: Closed season is June 1 to October 15.
5) Turtle: Illegal to import: although legal to eat in The Bahamas.
British rules apply, so please drive on the left and watch those roundabouts! Visitors may use their home licenses for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's license. Pedestrians should remember to look right before crossing streets.
Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances are fully compatible
