Modern Travel - Fly Away and Experience Grand Bahama

“Let's fade into the sun. Let your spirit fly. Where we are one.”
- Fly Away, Lenny Kravitz

Grand Bahama is an island of endless possibilities when it comes to memorable experiences. With its sandy white beaches and crystal clear waters stretching out as far as the eye can see, Grand Bahama offers some of the finest opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea. Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation, recreational excitement, or just want to find out what Lenny Kravitz was singing about in “Fly Away”, Grand Bahama has something special waiting for you.

With that said, here are some awesome activities that I experienced when visited Grand Bahama Island:

The Dolphin Experience at Sanctuary Bay

Grand Bahama offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience dolphins up close. Located at Sanctuary Bay in Freeport, the Dolphin Experience is perfect for anyone wanting to spend some time in the water with these incredible animals. This natural 9-acre lagoon is home to twelve Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins, some of which are even movie stars!

Participants in the Dolphin Experience will learn about the habitat, diet, and behaviour of these remarkable animals as part of a supervised program that includes swimming with dolphins, observing them interacting with their trainers, and watching them perform amazing tricks and stunts.

The knowledgeable team of trainers provides valuable insight into these creatures, giving everyone an enriching education on everything related to dolphins. If you’re lucky, you may even get a kiss from one of them!

The tour also highlights the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the majestic marine mammals, creating an unforgettable experience for both adults and children alike.

Details: The Dolphin Experience, Sterling Circle, Freeport, 1-800-992-3483

Bahamas Maritime Museum

The Bahamas Maritime Museum in Grand Bahama provides an enlightening look into the cultural history of the region and its impact on the wider Caribbean area. Its collection of nautical artifacts, artwork, documents, and photographs provides a broader context for understanding how ages past have shaped this beautiful nation. Visitors can learn about the indigenous Lucayan culture, or one of the most famous treasure-laden shipwrecks in Bahamian history - The Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.

Knowledge-hungry visitors can benefit from extensive research resources, making this maritime museum an invaluable source for anyone interested in exploring deeper into Bahamian seafaring history.

Pro Tip: Make sure you visit Bootleg Chocolates next door. You won't regret it!

Details: Bahamas Maritime Museum, Sea Horse Road, Port Lucaya Marketplace,
1 (242) 602-0985

Smith's Point Fish Fry

If you’re looking to experience a unique way of celebrating hump day, then Smith’s Point in Grand Bahama is the place to be. Every Wednesday evening, locals and visitors gather together for a tradition that has been passed down for generations: the Fish Fry. Here, you’ll find everything from fried fish, grilled ribs, pork chops, chicken, seasoned conch salad, and delicious cocktails. I got the pork chop with rice and potato salad, and it was delicious!

In addition to these great food options, there is an extravaganza of musical entertainment that will keep you dancing until sunrise. All of this while hearing the waves crash on the beach. It's a wonderful feeling of bliss.

The Fish Fry at Smith’s Point will leave you wondrously satisfied with your island escape and is an unforgettable event that everyone should experience at least once.

Details: Smith's Point Fish Fry, Smith's Point Beach, Smith's Point,
1 (242) 350 - 8600

Bahamian Brewery Tour & Tasting

Grand Bahama provides an unforgettable experience with its Bahamian Brewery Tour & Tasting. Guests can explore the production facility of this 100% Bahamian Owned brewery, and take part in conversations with the staff members who are in charge of brewing unique flavors - learning specific facts about their production process and quality control standards. This tour is a great way for beer enthusiasts or curious travelers to learn about Bahamian beers, sample them, and understand how this craft beer is brewed. From pale ales and lagers, to stouts and sours, there's something for everyone. Sample various brews while learning about their ingredients and crafting process.

At the tasting session, you'll get to sample a variety of unique beers brewed with local ingredients in Grand Bahama's only brewery, including their signature Sands golden lager. Not only will you get to sip on some truly delicious beers but also learn about each one from an expert who can offer a wealth of insight into the brewing process. But make sure you have a designated driver, because you want to remember your amazing experience at the brewery!

The Bahamian Brewery Tour & Tasting in Grand Bahama is an unforgettable journey where you can appreciate not just beer, but all the hard work and dedication that goes into making a perfect brew.

Personal favourite: Sands Golden Lager

Details: Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Co., Queens Highway, 1 (242) 688-2337

Swimming with Pigs

A trip to Grand Bahama just isn't complete without some interaction with local wildlife, and what better than swimming with the most enjoyable of them all - the pigs!

Celebrity Eco Adventures offers visitors the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a herd of friendly, inquisitive pigs that are eager for your affection and the snacks you are given to feed them. It's a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a new way, and visitors might even be surprised at the wisdom they find while observing the feral friends.

Whether you are like me and decide to simply observe from the crystal blue waters to take photos and video, or want to jump right into the experience by playing with and feeding these wonderful creatures, this is one unique experience that promises lifelong memories.

Details: Celebrity Eco Adventures Ltd., Crystal Beach, Deadman's Reef,
1 (242) 727-4958

Stingray Experience Tour

Grand Bahama Island is a beautiful Caribbean paradise, filled with stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. One of the most exciting ways to explore this island is through West End Ecology Tours' Stingray Experience Tour. This marine excursion will whisk you off to Sandy Cay to give you an insider’s look into stingrays and their habitats, as well as an educational experience on the biology, behavior, conservation, and ecology of this majestic species.

Immersing guests in the calming blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, this tour is perfect for swimmers of all ages and experience levels. Keith "The Stingray Whisperer" Cooper will provide expert advice about the species so that your experience is safe and enjoyable.

I was initially quite scared, but I listened carefully to Keith’s instructions and stood at a safe distance. One swam right up to me and brushed my leg. It was surreal!

During your tour, you can interact with friendly stingrays and learn about these incredible creatures. What's more, a snorkeling session gives guests the chance to witness a diverse and vibrant array of sea life up close. With its range of activities, this tour combines breathtaking views with unique educational opportunities to make every moment cherished.

Details: West End Ecology Tours, 5 Bayshore Rd, West End, 1 (242) 727-1156

Coral Vita

If you want to learn about one of the earth's most important ecosystems, then a Coral Farm Tour should be on your itinerary. Coral Vita is driven by a mission of restoring, regenerating, and re-growing damaged coral reefs worldwide. The company utilizes sustainable, cutting-edge techniques to reverse the devastating effects of climate change and human development on the reefs. These techniques enable them to grow coral up to 50x faster than natural processes alone.

Through their combination of micro fragmenting, three-dimensional printing and rearing, outplanting, and monitoring technologies, Coral Vita creates healthy coral growth that helps protect local shorelines from erosion, maintain biodiversity, and increase fish populations for improved fisheries management. The restoration efforts that this project offers are providing real benefits to the region in terms of restoring reef ecosystems to health and providing enhanced recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

In addition to replanting long-lost sections of reef, the project is providing employment opportunities for locals who haven't had jobs available recently due to recent economic downturns in the area caused by the global pandemic and past hurricane damages. Our guide, Alannah, was super knowledgeable and was genuinely happy to show us around the coral farm.

On the tour, you'll not only learn about the work Coral Vita is doing, but you'll be able to get up close and personal with living coral in the education center. It's an incredible operation and an amazing experience you should not miss.

Details: Coral Vita Coral Farm, Magellan Street, Freeport

Experience Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is filled with activities and adventures fit for any type of traveller. From lounging in the sun on spectacular beaches to visiting historical lighthouses, there is something for everyone to love.

With endless entertainment options available in Grand Bahama, you will not want to leave this island paradise.

So what are you waiting for?

“Just for a little fun. Oh, oh, oh yeah!”

To plan your adventure in the Grand Bahama’s, visit bahamas.com

Craig Silva is the founder/editor of bigdaddykreativ.ca, a travel and lifestyle publication. He likes to travel to warm destinations and have family Rock Band nights! Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada and has visited many amazing destinations.