Sitting in the Caribbean, only 56 miles from the coast of Florida, Grand Bahama is one of the closest major islands to the United States. Easy access from the North American mainland, idyllic Caribbean beaches and sunny, warm wintertime weather make Grand Bahama a focal point for tourists from more-northern latitudes. The Bahamas are synonymous with resort-centered getaways, but they also hold some of the northern Caribbean’s best eco-tourism attractions.
Grand Bahama, one of the nation’s largest islands (but not the most densely populated), is full of dive sites, national parks and other protected natural areas, which create a tourism scene that goes well beyond the beach. Despite being home to several major all-inclusive resorts and a busy cruise ship port (Port Lucaya), getting into the island’s natural areas, both on land and below the waves, is easy. In fact, Grand Bahama is a great example of a destination that has managed to balance its mainstream aspirations with nature tourism. The result: A vacation on the island does not have to be defined as a resort vacation or an eco-tourism getaway. There can be a little of both.
Go green
Taxis are the most convenient means of transportation on Grand Bahama, especially since numerous vehicles wait for fares outside all major hotels and resorts. However, greener options are available. Renting a motorbike or scooter is a low-gas way to see the island without having to rely on four-wheel transport. Locals drive on the left side of the road (which often creates problems for visiting Americans). Riders who keep this unfamiliar rule of the road in mind won’t have too much to worry about. Bicycles, likewise, are a good two-wheel taxi alternative. Bike paths do exist, but are not widespread. However, following some routes, like the Heritage Trail in the Lucaya area, is best accomplished by bike because the journey passes through narrow laneways and dirt paths.
See green
One of the advantages of visiting Grand Bahama is that all tourist-related activities are reasonably convenient. All-inclusive resorts and tour companies streamline the process of planning any type of excursion. Luckily, this holds true for eco-tourists as well. A number of tour operators specialize in daylong or half-day nature-themed-tours. One of the most notable of this type of tour company is Grand Bahama Nature Tours, an outfit that offers birding tours, bike trips, history-themed walking tours, and kayak and snorkeling excursions.
Grand Bahama is a resort-centered island that draws its share of sun-seekers. However, there is a natural side to Grand Bahama. It wouldn’t be incorrect to call the island “a haven for eco-tourists” because of its full slate of nature-themed attractions, both on and off shore.
