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Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama
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The Bahamas archipelago, located south-east of Florida, is famous not only for its incredible crystal blue waters but also for its vibrant culture and luxurious accommodations. The story goes that Christopher Columbus first set foot here after crossing the Atlantic. During my trip to the Bahamas last January, we focused on one destination in particular: Grand Bahama Island.

Among the 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, Grand Bahama stands out mainly because of its main city, Freeport, the second largest population center in the country. On this island, you’ll find less extravagant (and therefore less expensive and more accessible) accommodations than those found in other Bahamian destinations, such as Nassau and Paradise Island. The hotels in Freeport are more of a 3 and a half star category on average.

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama - Plage au Old bahama Bay

As the fourth largest island in the Bahamas, Freeport is divided into three districts: West End, East End and Freeport. The activities proposed on the island are numerous. It is well worth leaving your hotel to discover the beautiful secluded white sand beaches, natural parks, gastronomy and cultural attractions.

In the past, the Ciboneys, Lucayans, Spaniards, and British have all claimed Freeport as their own. Freeport was a key market for the British and Confederates during the American War. The Spanish conquerors gave the island the name of « Gran Bajamar », which means great shallows.

Of all the 700 islands and cays, Freeport has the second highest number of native bird species. The region is also home to one of the world’s largest man-made ports.

How to get to Freeport with points

There are many options for getting from Canada to the Bahamas. From Montreal, Sunwing now offers an affordable, short, non-stop flight to Freeport, making the destination particularly attractive this year for Quebecers.

However, Air Canada does not offer direct flights from Montreal or Toronto. Therefore, it is difficult to use Aeroplan points to go to Freeport (FPO).

The best tip for getting there with the points is to :

  • Take Aeroplan points from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) or Miami (MIA) and complete with a cash flight with American Airlines to Freeport (FPO)
  • Fly direct with Sunwing and pay for that travel expense with flexible points like :

You can use the same principle to take your points to pay for accommodation. Because the big hotel chains (and their rewards program) are not very present on the island.

Plus, the advantage of the Scotiabank Visa Infinite* Passport® card is that you don’t have to payconversion fees when you travel to Grand Bahama … and anywhere in the world!

National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard® provides you with excellent insurance while on vacation.

It’s up to you, depending on your needs.

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What to do in Freeport and Grand Bahama, Bahamas?

Port Lucaya Marketplace

Port Lucaya Marketplace is a lively and colorful seaside resort with over 40 local businesses including boutiques, restaurants and bars. You can also take the opportunity to visit the interesting Bahamas Maritime Museum which tells the story of the country’s rich maritime heritage.

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama - Port Lucayan

Lucayan National Park

Those who love national parks should visit Lucayan National Park which has one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. The park was established in 1982 and is 40 acres in size.

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama - Lucayan National Park

Gold Rock Beach

With endless white sand and crystal clear water like no other, this beautiful secluded beach is located in Lucayan National Park, 40 km from Freeport. It is known as « The Welcome Mat of Freeport ».

Bahamian Brewery

Beer lovers will love a visit to the Bahamian Brewery, a brewery of local Bahamian beers. You can learn about the 25-step process from malt to beer, check out the lab’s quality control and enjoy a free beer tasting!

Unique experiences not to be missed

Fish Fry Night

A must-see experience in Freeport is the Fish Fry party. Smith’s Point comes alive every Wednesday night to bring us the most iconic event that takes place on Grand Bahama Island. Starting at 6:00 pm, you can dine, socialize and participate in a dance party.

The menu includes conch salad, fried fish and other authentic Bahamian dishes. Be sure to try the traditional Gully Wash cocktail or the local beer, Sands.

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama - Fish Fry

People-To-People Experience

People-to-People is a wonderful program from the Ministry of Tourism that matches visitors with a Bahamian resident for a unique island experience!

During my stay in Freeport, it was a charming Bahamian woman who warmly welcomed us in her house to serve us a succulent (and very generous!) traditional breakfast. The activity allows you to learn more about the Bahamian way of life, culture, cuisine and history.

Coral Vita Farm

Another interesting visit is Coral Vita, a coral farm located in Grand Bahama whose mission is to provide corals for restoration projects. It is a pleasant visit for the whole family that gives the opportunity to learn more about the important role of corals in the environment.

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama - Coral Vita

Outdoor activities

Throughout Grand Bahama, there are a variety of outdoor activities available, including many water sports: snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, kayaking, parasailing, boating and more. Other activities include horseback riding, golf, tennis and cricket, or you can book a Jeep Safari Tour.

Kayaking to meet the blue holes

I loved the Blue Green Outdoors Snorkel / Kayak Tour which offers a half-day kayak trip to the impressive « blue holes ». We had the chance to swim and snorkel, discovering beautiful tropical fish and starfish. A delicious traditional meal on the beach closed the event.

Swim with the rays

One of my favorites was the West End Ecology Tours. If you like the road less traveled, this visit to Sandy Cay on the West End is perfect for you! Thanks to the expertise of an extremely engaging guide, you will have the chance to swim with the rays and even feed them from a deserted island paradise.

Swimming with the pigs

This half-day tour allows visitors to swim with wild pigs at Crystal Beach. I must admit that I was seduced by this experience that makes many visitors curious! From this beautiful beach, you can also enjoy relaxing on the beach, participating in water activities and snorkeling. There is also a bar and grill on site.

Rand Memorial Nature Center

The Rand Nature Center features 100 acres of natural beauty in the heart of Freeport. A 2,000-foot trail winds through pine barrens, native and exotic coppice and leads to an observable freshwater pond and native plant arboretum. A birdwatcher’s paradise, the center is home to a variety of bird species that can be seen year-round. The peak birding season is from October to May, when winter residents and migratory birds arrive.

Resorts and all-inclusive hotels in Freeport and Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama Island offers a few hotels, including two all-inclusives. Those looking for a more traditional all-inclusive with entertainment will enjoy the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, while those looking for relaxation will prefer the Lighthouse Point at Grand Lucayan.

Located on a beautiful white sand beach, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach is a 3 1/2 star rated all-inclusive with four on-site restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines and family entertainment including trapeze and paintball.

Lighthouse Point at Grand Lucayan is another all-inclusive located within walking distance of the bustling Lucaya Harbor. Its beautiful beach offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, and guests enjoy an unlimited golf program at the Reef Course, one of the top 100 courses in the world.

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama - Lighthouse Point at Grand Lucayan

In the heart of Port Lucaya, Pelican Bay Hotel features colorful Bahamian architecture and is located just 300 meters from a white sand beach.

Our Bahamas travel guide: Freeport and Grand Bahama - Pelican Bay Hotel

Old Bahama Bay is a colorful resort nestled at the western end of the island, close to homes sometimes rented by celebrities! The hotel features 73 spacious oceanfront suites, a marina service, a pool and a variety of on-site restaurants.

Some useful information about the destination

Capital of Grand Bahama : West End

Main city : Freeport/Lucaya

Area: 154 km long and 27 km wide

Population: approximately 51,756

Currency: US currency is accepted and is interchangeable with the Bahamian dollar.

Climate: Temperatures vary throughout the year, averaging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day. The temperature of the sea water varies from 22 degrees in February to 27 degrees in August.

Transportation: Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) is the main airport for departures from and arrivals to Freeport. Several airlines offer inter-island service. One of the main ones is Bahamasair (242) 352-8346.

Bottom line

With nature centers that resemble rainforests, national parks that attract nearly 30 species of birds and a cavernous underwater world, unique culinary experiences and dreamy beaches, there is no shortage of activities on Grand Bahama Island.

Close to the Florida coast, the Bahamas are easily accessible and ideal for relaxation. If you’re looking for a more Caribbean lifestyle, look no further than the less touristy Family Islands.

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The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card from American Express, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt® Card welcome offer

The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer we value at $255.

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

  • 15,000 Aeroplan points
  • 15,000 Avios points
  • 15,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

If hotel points are what you are after, our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy and our complete map of Marriott Bonvoy hotels by category show what those points can actually buy.

American Express Cobalt® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

  • 5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, home food delivery and convenience stores. A spend cap applies.
  • 3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
  • 2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
  • 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
  • 1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
  • Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
  • Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
  • The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
  • Front Of The Line® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
  • A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

To see how it compares with the rest of the line-up, read our round-up of the best credit cards from American Express in Canada.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers four kinds of merchants:

  • Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
  • Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
  • Home food delivery.
  • Convenience stores: Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category Points per dollar
Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) 5
Home food delivery 5
Restaurants and bars 5
Convenience stores 5
Streaming services 3
Service station 2
Transport 2
Travel 1
Other 1

That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt® Card insurance coverage

The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.

Travel insurance

  • Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
  • Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
  • Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
  • Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
  • Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
  • Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.

Mobile device insurance

Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.

Purchase protection and extended warranty

Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.

American Express Cobalt® Card fees

  • Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
  • Additional cards: $0.
  • Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
  • Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
  • Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
  • Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

Annual fee

Primary card$191.88
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 5xConvenience
  • 3xStreaming
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,828
2nd Year Value$799

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $250,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Getting around the Bahamas



You can get around the Bahamas by plane, ferry or boat between the islands. The leading international airports are Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport.


 

 


When is the best month to visit the Bahamas?



Temperatures are warm all year round. Winter, from December to March, is the most popular time to visit the Bahamas, as the climate is drier and more pleasant. However, May and June are the most popular months if you like scuba diving.


 

 


Which island to choose for the Bahamas?



It all depends on what you want.

Freeport is one of the Bahamas’ leading tourist destinations, known for its beautiful scenery, beaches and coral reefs, and offers a variety of water-based activities such as diving, fishing and water sports. The city is also famous for its music and dance festivals.

Nassau, the largest city in the Bahamas. is known for its beaches, museums and souvenir stores. For the best beaches, head to Grand Bahama Island.

Eleuthera and Harbour Island are known for their quiet beaches and upscale restaurants, while Andros is the largest and greenest island in the Bahamas, boasting vast mangroves, coral reefs and white sand beaches.

Finally, Paradise Island is a private island with luxury hotels, golf courses, luxury stores and casinos.



What is the currency in the Bahamas?



In the Bahamas, the official currency is the Bahamian dollar.



What’s the situation in the Bahamas with covid?



At present, all restrictions on entry to the Bahamas have been lifted. To follow the situation in real time, please refer to the following French diplomatic website French diplomacy before travelling to the Bahamas.



Do the Bahamas require a visa?

Canadians traveling to the Bahamas need a visa only if their stay exceeds 8 months.

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Annual fee
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Our valuation
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Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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Ends Nov 1, 2026
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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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