The Bahamas: Grand Bahama Island

The Bahamas

Grand Bahama Island is a part of the Bahamas, which encompass 700 islands in the Caribbean and cover over 100 square miles. Grand Bahama Island, the fourth-largest island of the Bahamas, is the closest major island in the Bahamas to the United States, and is located off the Florida coast.

Grand Bahama Islands climate doesnt change much throughout the year. During the winter, temperatures are in the 70 to 75 degree range, while the summer months see temperatures in the 80 to 85 degree range.

Most of the time there is slight humidity and there is some slight rainfall periodically. Grand Bahama Island sees the most rain in the month of September, and the rainy season spans the months of May to October.

Grand Bahama Island Activities

Between restaurants, sports, water activities, tours, gaming, shopping, nightlife and more, there is never a dull moment on Grand Bahama Island.

Grand Bahama Island has many areas of shallow water and a huge underwater cave system that attracts many visitors.

The island is also home to three national parks and extensive marine life. Grand Bahama Islands beaches fall in to two categories:

• activity beaches
• secluded beaches.

Activity beaches are sites for games, windsurfing and many more sports and water activities, while seclude beaches, as the name suggests, are quieter and contain miles of empty area.

Boating and sailing are also popular activities. Boats can be rented, or tours and excursions can be taken with guides. Kayaking and parasailing are also available in many areas.

In December, Grand Bahama Island holds the Festival Noelle, which includes an arts and crafts fair, wine tasting, live music and much more.

Grand Bahama Island Vacation Packages

Vacation packages to Grand Bahama Island are offered through a number of hotels on Grand Bahama Island, as well as through travel agents and travel Web sites. Prices will vary depending on the season and length of the vacation.

Vacation packages include lodging and can include meals, activities, tours and more. Bahamas cruises offer similar amenities.

Grand Bahama Island: Things to Know

Some other important things to know about Grand Bahama Island:

• Currency is the Bahamian dollar, but U.S. dollars are accepted at most locations, and some places on the island also accept credit card. The Bahamian dollars value is the same as a U.S. dollar.
• Currently, to enter the Bahamas you must have proof of a passport application, but soon an actual passport will be required. The process of getting a passport can take six to eight weeks, so plan on applying for a passport well in advance of your Bahamas vacation.
• English is the language spoken on the island, but there are a few phrases and dialect differences.
• People drive on the left side of the road on Grand Bahama Island, so that may take some getting used to, both for drivers and pedestrians. Taxis, rental cars and buses are all available for getting around the island.
• Spring Break season runs from February to April, so people wanting a quiet vacation should avoid the island during these months.
• The water in the Bahamas is the clearest in the world.
• Tipping is customary on Grand Bahama Island, and tipping rates are on par with those of the United States.