ABOUT GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

Grand Bahama Island is the northernmost island of the Bahamas archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its beaches, reef-lined coves and mangrove swamps, as well as its all-inclusive resorts and golf courses. Freeport, the largest main city, it holds the commercial ship harbour and the main airport. Port Lucaya showcases Bahamian music, duty free shopping and straw crafts at its Port Lucaya Marketplace. West End is the capital of Grand Bahama.

Grand Bahama Island has a tropical savanna climate, with a hot and wet season from May through October, and warm and dry season from November through April. Temperatures in the summer usually range from 80 to 90 degrees, but infrequently get above 90. During the winter, the temperatures fall between 70 and 75 degrees. By nightfall, the temperature can drop anywhere between 5 and 7 degrees depending on the season. The rainy season in the Bahamas is from May to October. The hurricane season runs from June through November, with the greatest risk in the months of August, September, and October.

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND FACTS & FIGURES

Country: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Capital: Many believe that Freeport is the capital of Grand Bahama Island, but West End is the official
capital.

Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD). The Bahamian dollar is typically on par with the U.S. Dollar (USD). The
U.S. Dollar is accepted throughout The Bahamas.

Climate: Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream currents and balmy trade winds, Grand Bahama Island has
sub-tropical weather, which is generally pleasant all year long.

There are two seasons here:

Summer: May through September, with temperatures around 80-85°F

Winter: October through April with temperatures averaging 70-75°F. The rainy season spans from May
through October.

Economy: The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation driven primarily by the tourism, financial services,
and fishing industries, respectively.

Flag: The design of the Bahamian flag is a black equilateral triangle against the mast superimposed on a
horizontal background, which is made up of two colours on three equal stripes: aquamarine, gold and
aquamarine.

Black, a strong colour, represents the vigour and force of a united people. The triangle represents the
enterprise and determination of the Bahamian people to develop and process the rich resources of land
and sea, symbolized by gold and aquamarine, respectively.

Highest Point: 40 ft.

Independence: Independence from the United Kingdom was received on July 10, 1973.

Island Size: Grand Bahama Island is 530 square miles, 96 miles long from east to west, and 17 miles
across at its widest point.

Language: The official language of The Bahamas is English. You will often hear British accents and
Bahamian dialect.

Location: Grand Bahama Island is located in the Caribbean, in the Atlantic Ocean, 200 miles west of
Nassau, 55 miles from Southwest Florida and is located northeast of Cuba. Its coordinates are 26°39’N
78°19’W,

Motto: The Bahamian National Motto is “Forward, Upward, Onward Together”.

Nationality: Bahamian

National Anthem: March On, Bahamaland

National Bird: West Indian Pink Flamingo

National Dish: Conch, served a variety of ways

National Flower: The yellow elder, a tubular yellow flower with ultra-fine red stripes on each petal.

Population: The population census for Grand Bahama Island was 47,475 in the year

2022 and the population census for all of the Islands of The Bahamas was 303,611.

Religions: Various religions are practiced in The Bahamas. The most popular are Baptist, Anglican,
Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Church of God, Methodist, and other Christian religions.

Terrain: The terrain in The Bahamas is generally low and flat. Grand Bahama Island features breathtaking
white sandy beaches, beautifully clear turquoise blue waters and plenty of lush, tropical foliage.

Time Zone: Grand Bahama Island is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST). Daylight Savings Time (DST)
is observed in the summer months from March to November, when the time is shifted forward by 1 hour
to Eastern Daylight-savings Time (EDT). It shifts back by 1 hour after the summer months, and returns to

EST.
Traffic: Automobiles drive on the LEFT side of the road.

GRAND BAHAMA CULTURE

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND’S VIBRANT CULTURE
There are many components that make up the wonderful, colourful culture found on Grand Bahama

Island, such as music, Junkanoo, language, art, and above all, the people. The Islands of The Bahamas,
with their rich and often conflicted history, have developed a unique culture that blends the traditions
and beliefs of the many groups that have lived here. Today, Grand Bahamians are most known for their
value for entrepreneurship and their love of the outdoors, especially the sea. Discover more about Grand Bahama Island’s culture.

JUNKANOO FESTIVAL
Junkanoo is the most distinguished cultural event in the Islands of the Bahamas. During the slavery era,

slaves were given three days off. Those days were celebrated in a parade of music and dance: the
Junkanoo Festival. Now, the vibrant cultural festival can be seen and heard through the streets of
Freeport twice yearly, December 26th and January 1st. For those who don’t get a chance to witness
firsthand the outstanding display of this Bahamian tradition, Junkanoo music can be heard echoing
through various Grand Bahama locations at all times of year. Enjoy the music fusion of goatskin drums,
cowbells, conch shell horns and whistles while sipping your Bahama Mama!

STRAW MARKETS

The beauty of Bahamian art and culture is woven tightly in the ancient art form of straw plaiting. Straw
work also represents a big part of Bahamian heritage. Back in the year 1720, The Bahamas’ 15th colonial
governor’s wife, Penelope Phenney, created a market for Bahamian straw products. During that time,
hats, baskets and other items were sold and so began a thriving industry for Bahamian women. Hand-
made items including straw hats and bags can be found at the local straw markets at Port Lucaya
Marketplace and Taino Beach.

GRAND BAHAMIANS, OUR PEOPLE

If you’ve done some international traveling or met foreigners in your hometown, you’ve probably
discovered that almost everyone enjoys good food, laughter, and love. Grand Bahamians do too! If you
are contemplating a trip to the Grand Bahama Island and wondering if the locals are friendly, don’t
worry — you’ll soon realize that they are probably among the most easygoing people on Earth.

Many of the current residents on Grand Bahama Island were not born here. Locals are mostly
descendants of West African slaves that were captured in their native land and shipped to the Americas
to work on cotton plantations during the 1600s and 1700s. Many white Bahamians trace their ancestry
back to the Puritans of the 1600s, who emigrated from England to escape religious persecution. After
the American Revolution, many Loyalists from the American colonies also immigrated to The Bahamas.
Today’s rich Bahamian culture draws upon the many tribes and groups that first lived on the Grand
Bahama Island in its early years, but also incorporates various European and West African cultural
influences.

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS

By renting Alamosa Villa you automatically agree to follow the rules.

When planning for your next tropical vacation, our collection of travel tips will keep you informed on
current international travel regulations. Don’t let small details get in the way of planning your ultimate
getaway to the Bahamas. Plan ahead with these great travel tips.

CURRENCY & BANKING

Grand Bahama Island currency is the Bahamian dollar, which is on par with the American dollar. Credit
cards and travelers checks are accepted at most locations on the island. Automatic teller machines
(ATMs), equipped with +PLUS and Cirrus systems, are also found in various locations. List: RBC Bank,
Scotia Bank, First Caribbean International Bank, Bank of Bahamas, Commonwealth Bank, CIBC bank, the
Fidelity financial centre, Grand Bahama Cooperative Credit Union, Cashwiz.

CUSTOMS & DUTY FREE SHOPPING

In 1992, The Government of The Bahamas took away the import duty on 11 categories of luxury goods:
liquor, china, crystal, collectibles, fragrances, watches, photographic equipment and leather goods.
U.S. citizens out of the country for 48 hours or more are allowed up to $800 worth of duty-free
merchandise; if less than 48 hours, the duty-free exemption is $200. Limitations include 32 ounces of
tobacco for those over 21 and no more than two liters of alcohol.

Canadian residents away for seven or more days are entitled to $750 worth of duty-free goods.
Limitations include two pounds of manufactured tobacco and up to 40 ounces of liquor or wine. If
traveling for 48 hours or less, the duty-free exemption is $400 worth of merchandise.

United Kingdom residents may take home the equivalent of 145 GBP of duty-free merchandise.
Limitations include two fluid ounces of perfume, a half-pound of tobacco and two liters of table wine.

DRINKING WATER

Tap water on Grand Bahama Island is safe to drink, but bottled water is available for purchase at many
locations on the island.

ELECTRICITY
Electrical appliances from the United States are easily adaptable during your stay on Grand Bahama

Island. All electrical outlets are 60 cycles/120 volts so you can still use your hair dryer or electrical shaver.

HOLIDAYS

Banks, businesses and many shops are closed on the following public government holidays and some
close early the day before:

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Good Friday (Friday before Easter)

Easter Sunday (Same as in the U.S.)

Easter Monday (Monday after Easter Sunday)

Whit Monday (Seventh Monday after Easter)

Labour Day (First Friday in June)

Bahamas Independence Day (July 10)

Emancipation Day (First Monday in August)

Discovery Day (October 12)

Christmas Day (December 25)

Boxing Day (December 26)

Note: Holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday are usually celebrated on the following Monday.

TELEPHONE & INTERNET ACCESS

Direct dial services in guest rooms are provided in most hotels and resorts. In order to save on long-
distance phone calls, phone cards are available with convenient rates. The Bahamas Telephone Company
(BTC) also provides roaming rates for cell phones, Visit www.btcbahamas.com for more information on
BTC’s roaming partners and rates, High-speed Internet access is generally found in all hotels and resorts
on Grand Bahama Island. Certain fees for Internet access may apply. For information on Internet fees,
contact your hotel or resort directly.

TIME ZONE

Grand Bahama Island is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time occurs from March to
November, during the summer months.

TIPPING

If you are tipping for a service, the standard amount is 15%. Many resorts and hotels automatically add
this service charge in order to cover gratuities.

TRANSPORTATION

Vacationers can get around Grand Bahama Island a variety of ways: taxi cabs, rental cars, motor scooters
and jitney buses are available throughout the island. If you are driving, remember to drive on the left
side of the road. You may use your own driver’s license for up to three months, and then you are
required to obtain a Bahamian license. If you are driving or riding on motor scooter, be sure to wear a
protective helmet.

WEDDINGS
Couples who wish to obtain a marriage license in Grand Bahama must be in the country for 24 hours

prior to applying. Valid passports, birth certificates, photo ID, and evidence of the date of arrival in The
Bahamas must be presented by both parties. Divorce papers, death certificate of a former spouse and

parental consent if under the age of 18 must also be presented.
For more information contact: The Assistant Registrar General of The Bahamas tel: (242) 352-4934

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS & LANDMARKS

Take the time to explore the Island’s past and let its unbelievable natural beauty take your breath away.
Uncover its Lucayan history and venture through one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems, or
discover stories of the island’s rum-running days at Grand Bahama Island’s oldest hotel. Fill your itinerary
with the island’s best highlights and landmarks, and create a vacation to remember.

THE STRAW MARKET

If you are in search of local straw goods, The Straw Market is the place to go. The art of straw plaiting
was regarded as an important industry for Bahamian women in the early 1940s. Nowadays, straw
markets remain an important part of Bahamian culture. Located in the western area of Port Lucaya
Marketplace, The Straw Market features local artisans selling hand-made jewellery and a wide range of

straw and wood handicrafts,

FREEPORT
Grand Bahama Island vacationers can find most of the action in Freeport. The popular resort center of

the island was originally designed and created in 1955 by Virginian financer, Wallace Groves. To this day,
the city of Freeport is home to various duty-free shops, a number of restaurants offering an exceptional
variety of culinary experiences, gaming excitement and much more.

GARDEN OF THE GROVES

The island’s finest botanical garden was first introduced in the community as a gift. In 1973, it was
officially opened to the public and dedicated to Wallace Groves for his accomplishments in creating the
city of Freeport. In 2007, the Garden of the Groves suffered a devastating blow after a hurricane.
Through much time and effort, it was brought back to life and re-opened a year later. When you arrive at
the beautiful tropical Garden of the Groves you have the option of a guided tour or to explore on your

own. Interpretive signs will highlight this lush tropical landscape with trees and flowers from The
Bahamas and around the world. You will find a replica of the original chapel from the early logging days,
tranquil lagoons with cascading waterfalls and a spiritual Labyrinth for meditation. Walk down into the
cool fern gully and marvel at the magnificent limestone boulders that tower to both sides of the trail.
Visit the quaint New England style shops where you find local artisans producing native straw works,
coconut jewelry, fragrances, art etc. There is also a terrific cedar-crafted play-set for the younger
generation in the kid’s playground. Relax on the cafe and bar deck overlooking the ponds and waterfalls
with lunch items freshly prepared on the grill and a local draft beer. The Garden has it all — it is
considered one of the finest tropical Gardens in the region with over 10,000 species of flowers, plants,
and trees, which attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

GOLD ROCK BEACH

Part of the protected Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach supports Grand Bahama’s mangrove
ecosystem and features a spectacular variety of tropical trees and vegetation. At low tide, the beach
showcases the island’s signature Welcome Mat. A must-see! The beach can be accessed via tour bus or
rental car. The amenities here are limited; BBQ pits and picnic tables are available. The views are
spectacular, and as pretty as a postcard.

GRAND BAHAMA LABYRINTH

Located in the breathtaking Garden of the Groves, the Grand Bahama Labyrinth made its historical debut
during the garden’s re-opening in 2008. The Grand Bahama Labyrinth is a replica of the original Chartres
Labyrinth, found in the Medieval Cathedral of Notre Dame de Chartres in France. To respond to the
desire to bring spiritual healing to the Bahamian community, Barbara Chester founded the Grand
Bahama Labyrinth, the first labyrinth in the Islands of The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Within the
natural beauty of the Garden of the Groves, visitors now have a place to reconnect with their own
spirituality.

LUCAYA

Lucaya is a suburb located in the city of Freeport. The suburb was created in order to accommodate the
island’s rise in the tourism industry. In this part of Freeport, you’ll find the beachfront Grand Lucayan
Beach & Golf Resort, Bahamas and Memories Grand Bahama Resort & Spa along with the boutique
resort Pelican Bay at Lucaya. Lucaya is near many of Grand Bahama’s popular attractions such as the
Treasure Bay Casino, Lucayan National Park, Lucayan Caves and Port Lucaya Marketplace.

LUCAYAN NATIONAL PARK

The Lucayan National Park plays a significant role in Lucayan history and culture. Established in 1982, the
40-acre park allows you to further explore Grand Bahama’s unique environment. The park is also home
to a very interesting feature: the Lucayan Caverns. With over six miles of caves, caverns and charted
tunnels, it is one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world! Journey through the vast tunnel
system and discover more important facts on Lucayan history. The various trails and boardwalk allows
visitors to venture through a breathtaking landscape, comprised of pine trees, dozens of rare flowers and
other Bahamian vegetative zones.

PETERSON CAY NATIONAL PARK
Located one mile off the southern shore of Grand Bahama Island is Peterson Cay National Park, one of
the smallest National Parks in the Bahamas, It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or day trip. The park is only accessible by boat, and visitors will be asked to anchor in the specified areas away from the coral reefs.
All plants and animal life within the park boundaries are protected by law. Fishing, shelling, and damage
to or removal of any coral is strictly prohibited. Garbage disposal and leaving ash coals / embers is also
prohibited. Take only pictures; leave only footprints.

PORT LUCAYA MARKETPLACE
The 12-acre beachfront complex was established in 1988 and is located on a tiny peninsula outside of

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. The Port Lucaya Marketplace features a great collection of everything
unique and authentically Bahamian. With 66 retail shops, 13 restaurants and bars, 94 straw vendors, 15
hair braiders, 23 artisans, and daily live entertainment, the Port Lucaya Marketplace is the perfect
location to learn more about our unique Bahamian culture.

RAND NATURE CENTER

Located a short distance from Freeport, the Rand Nature Center was the first established education
nature center on Grand Bahama Island. The 100-acre sanctuary was named after James H. Rand, a
philanthropist from Freeport. James Rand founded the Grand Bahama Clinic which was later renamed
Rand Memorial Clinic, to commemorate his memory. The Rand Nature Center was created in order to
preserve the natural beauty of Freeport and offers visitors the chance to learn more about Grand
Bahama’s wildlife, vegetation and environment.

SANCTUARY BAY

Home to UNEXSO’s Dolphin Experience, Sanctuary Bay is about two miles east of Port Lucaya. A ferry
boat will take you from Port Lucaya to the facility, where you can observe and photograph the dolphins.
You can even sign-up for a swim with them, or scuba dive with these amazing creatures in open water.
Your visit to Sanctuary Bay will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Grand Bahama.

UNEXSO DIVE CENTER
The UNEXSO Dive Center is located in Port Lucaya area, within walking distance of Pelican Bay at Lucaya.

UNEXSO provides a variety of activities for both experienced and non-experienced SCUBA divers, as well
as various “swim with the dolphins” experiences. Some activities require a 1 day advanced registration.
Don’t be left disappointed; plan in advance!

WEST END — THE CAPITAL

Many think Freeport is Grand Bahama Island’s capital city; however West End is officially the capital of
Grand Bahama Island. This coastal village boasts a rich history of rumrunners, arms strugglers and
wreckers, Located on the island’s westernmost tip, West End is recognized as the oldest city on Grand
Bahama Island, During the Prohibition period, West End became a transfer base center for liquor before
being sent out to the States. Today, West End is home to many luxurious resorts and marinas such as Old
Bahama Bay.

OTHER GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND SETTLEMENTS & TOWNS

From unique rock formations to important Lucayan archaeological sites, many of Grand Bahama Island’s
towns share a piece of the Island’s diverse natural beauty, Most of the towns, such as Eight Mile Rock
and High Rock are named after their unique features. Grand Bahama’s rich history in the slavery trade is
also very much alive to this day. Settlements, including Old Freetown and Williams Town, were founded
by freed slaves. Explore the island’s towns and settlements.

GRAND BAHAMAS SHOPPING
There are three full-service grocery stores on the island, plus a number of local convenience markets. In

addition, there is a wonderful gourmet speciality food store and deli, plus two wholesale grocers with
bulk fluid items, so you can expect to find anything you’re looking for to stock up your Grand Bahama
Villa, although it may take a few stops, rather than finding everything all in one mega-store. It’s a little
like treasure hunting, looking for the best values at each shop, and learning the local schedules as to
when produce is delivered, and knowing when most of the shelf stocking is done. The main grocery
shops are open Monday through Saturday, and from 7:00-10:00 am on Sunday mornings, so you will be
able to leave your Home with enough time to pick up last minute items and still get to church services on
time!

When you live in Grand Bahama Real Estate, you will slowly learn the shopping tricks to keep costs
down. You can expect to pay a little bit more when you fill up your shopping cart at the grocery store.
With the exception of some local poultry and produce, most goods are shipped in from the United
States, and the added cost of shipping and import duties (around 35% for household items) adds to the
price you pay. Some of this additional expense is offset by the fact that you are not paying a sales tax at
the checkout counter, as you would in the United States.

YACHTING AND MARINAS ON GRAND BAHAMAS

Grand Bahama has become one of the premier spots to dock and maintain yachts all year round, not
only for people who live in Property here on the island but for many from the mainland also. With
savings of up to 30% in dockage fees over comparable marina facilities in South Florida, more and more
yacht owners are enjoying the first-class marina facilities on the island, taking a short flight from Ft.
Lauderdale, Miami, or West Palm to relax for a long weekend of cruising, fishing, and entertainment with
family and friends, on the crystal clear waters surrounding Grand Bahama. If you are lucky enough to be
living in a Home in Grand Bahama, you and your family can enjoy the facilities all year round.

MEDICAL CARE
There are many qualified doctors and health care professionals on the island serving residents and

visitors staying in Bahamas Property. The principal hospital is the government operated Rand Memorial
Hospital, centrally located downtown. There are also several high-standard private clinics: Sunrise
Medical, Lucayan Medical Centres East and West, and the Holistic Health World, plus an internationally
recognized immunology cancer clinic.

Emergency ambulance service is available by dialing 911 or 919 from any. If intensive emergency care
should ever be required. Your Grand Bahama Home is only 70 miles from the coast of South Florida a
quick and easy charter or air-ambulance ride to some of the best known medical institutions in the
world: The University of Miami, Jackson Memorial, Cedars of Lebanon, Bascolm Palmer, Ft. Lauderdale’s
Holy Cross Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, the Florida Heart Institute, and Good Samaritan Medical Center in
West Palm Beach will be available to those in need of medical care living or staying in villas on the island.

MAKING GRAND BAHAMA YOUR SECOND HOME

Whether you fall in love with Grand Bahama at first sight, or quietly grow to love it after a few vacation
dates, there is a certain magnetic quality about this island that keeps people coming back again and
again and it also draws people to purchase their own homes here. A big part of the attraction is that
Grand Bahama represents the best of both worlds. It has all the basic ingredients of a tropical paradise:
year-round sun, 25 miles of sandy white beaches, swaying palms, championship golf courses, and some
of the prettiest crystal clear aqua waters in the world. The island is also ideally located just off Florida’s
fast paced fun-coast, only about 70 miles from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Finding
everything you want in a relaxed, charming, get-away-from-it-all island, so close to the United States, is a
combination that’s hard to beat. And a combination that has lots of well-traveled people from all over
the world purchasing villas to make Grand Bahama Island their second home.

A MODERN PARADISE

The wide paved boulevards lined with beautiful villas, manicured roadways, miles of well-planned
waterways are all part of Freeport/Lucaya’s modern infrastructure, which got its start back in the mid
1950s when an American entrepreneur named Wallace Groves laid the strong foundation for today’s
residential and business boom. Wallace’s original vision of a professionally designed and planned
community, complete with homes, clean water, state-of-the-art power and utilities, cutting-edge
technology and communications, all carefully nestled within the abundant natural beauty of Grand
Bahama, is alive and well today, clearly visible in an island infrastructure that is second to none in the
region,

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

Freeport/Lucaya is unique in the entire Caribbean. In Grand Bahama, the enjoyment of relaxed island
living in stunning property is reliably supported by a clean, well-planned, up-to-date infrastructure that
lets you truly relax, knowing the basics are already taken care of. It is also remarkable in this day and age
to find an unspoiled place with great real estate options with no pollution or traffic congestion, only a 30
minute plane ride from South Florida,

Grand Bahama offers an unparalleled lifestyle in stunning property and surroundings, and the chance to
get in on the ground floor of some tremendous growth. The island is just beginning to be discovered it
often reminds people of the opportunities they saw 40 years ago in Florida.