Something to do in Freeport?

[mommyloons2009]

We did the Sanddollar Tour and greatly enjoyed it. All you can drink Bahama Mama's come with the package. We snorkeled then found sand dollars, saw a dolphin show and just had a great time. There were 14 of us and we all loved it. Will highly recommend it especially if you don't have a lot of time in Freeport.

[sallyb]

We were in Freeport on July 2 and sailed with Captain Tony on Sand Dollar cruise. Terrific experience. A shuttle was waiting at the dock and drove us and a few other families to Port Lucaya. Fun time snorkeling and finding sand dollars. One of the highlights of our cruise!

Was the shuttle rented independently of the tour? I contacted Captain Tony and he said transportation was not included.:confused:

[Sportwarrior14]

My family and I are still having the problem with deciding what to do in Freeport. We were thinking about doing the all inclusive excursion at Wyndham Fortuna but we are reconsidering that. How is the area when you first get off the boat? Is there beaches and bars/restaurants?

 

 

Tyler

[bobsfamily]

My family and I are still having the problem with deciding what to do in Freeport. We were thinking about doing the all inclusive excursion at Wyndham Fortuna but we are reconsidering that. How is the area when you first get off the boat? Is there beaches and bars/restaurants?

 

 

Tyler

We have stayed at this resort and had a good time... It is secluded and the area is fenced in. You can go around the fence on the beach and walk for long ways both directions. The resort has a nice big pool, hot tub,etc. You can book a boat to the reef offshore. The food is fine for a day... after several days it does get kinda boring. The drinks are not top shelf, but are good and they have a machine providing unlimited slushies with liquor to go in it. Beer is local and tap only.

 

As far as right off the ship no real beach to go to for swimming... Over the past couple of years the area has grown with a small "straw market", bar, shops, food vendors and within walking distance is a eatery on the beach... One reason I say there is no swimming is the eatery "feeds" sharks the leftovers and they come around a good bit. lol

[rmwilbo]

This site has some pretty good info I'll be sharing it with my Cruisemates but thought maybe others would like it too! http://portlucayamarketplace.com/lucaya/

 

 

 

Thanks so much for the link! It was very helpful.

[rmwilbo]

We were in Freeport on July 2 and sailed with Captain Tony on Sand Dollar cruise. Terrific experience. A shuttle was waiting at the dock and drove us and a few other families to Port Lucaya. Fun time snorkeling and finding sand dollars. One of the highlights of our cruise!

I just emailed Capt Tony to make a "reservation" for the 27 of July. I hope I didn't wait too long. I couldn't get my DH to give any input on what he wanted to do. Anything I suggested he vetoed. I just decided to go ahead and book this and MAKE him have fun!;)

[gottago2mexico]

Thanks so much for the link! It was very helpful.

 

Just an FYI about that site - it's several years out of date. The general information is mostly valid, but don't rely on it much for specifics - the entertainment is totally different now, half the restaurants and shops have changed, etc.

 

Regarding the location of the marketplace, the site says "Port Lucaya marketplace is surrounded by The Lucayan Beach Resort & Casino, Atlantik Beach Hotel, Radisson Resort on Lucaya Beach and the Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club." The Atlantik was torn down to make way for Our Lucaya in 1998, and the Lucayan was remade into the Westin about the same time.

 

Still, it gives you a general overview of what it is - a shopping and dining complex.

[bobsfamily]

the Lucayan was remade into the Westin about the same time.

 

It seems that the resort has changed hands again... Radisson hotels have taken over both hotels now... at least Starwoods does not show any hotels on GBI.

[rmwilbo]

Just an FYI about that site - it's several years out of date. The general information is mostly valid, but don't rely on it much for specifics - the entertainment is totally different now, half the restaurants and shops have changed, etc.

 

Regarding the location of the marketplace, the site says "Port Lucaya marketplace is surrounded by The Lucayan Beach Resort & Casino, Atlantik Beach Hotel, Radisson Resort on Lucaya Beach and the Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club." The Atlantik was torn down to make way for Our Lucaya in 1998, and the Lucayan was remade into the Westin about the same time.

 

Still, it gives you a general overview of what it is - a shopping and dining complex.

 

Thanks for the update. Too bad they don't keep their site more current.

[djheart007]

I was wondering if you go over to Port Lucaya by taxi or van (its 8 of us) can you walk onto a beach rent chairs and jet ski's, snorkel on your own,eat and relax? Help please we leave in 5 days and still not sure what to do in freeport? Only there from 7-3.

[bobsfamily]

I was wondering if you go over to Port Lucaya by taxi or van (its 8 of us) can you walk onto a beach rent chairs and jet ski's, snorkel on your own,eat and relax? Help please we leave in 5 days and still not sure what to do in freeport? Only there from 7-3.

 

Yes you can. The only problem may be renting chairs as most are for the guests of the resort area (was Westin now Radission). Depending on time of year you can sometimes walk between 2 hotels right down to the beach. The pool areas/bars/food are iffy and are for the resort guests. Sometimes they offer day passes but with the resort changing hands recently this could change. GO have a good time!

[dkittl20]

Carnival doesn't list a horse back riding excursion for the Pride, are you doing this independently, or another cruise line/ ship? Freeport is a short stop.

 

 

Yes we are doing this independently, there are a couple of places that pick you up right from a hotel near by with horses in tow. My wife is really excited about this. The company we are using is Trikk Pony Adventures and they have gotten great reviews. 1# on tripadvisor things to do in freeport list.

[bobsfamily]

Yes we are doing this independently, there are a couple of places that pick you up right from a hotel near by with horses in tow. My wife is really excited about this. The company we are using is Trikk Pony Adventures and they have gotten great reviews. 1# on tripadvisor things to do in freeport list.

 

Just a comment on Trikk... check the weight allowed - they are serious! As they should be.

[cruisincory]

I have a question. We will be on the Sensation next month. We arrive at 8 a.m. Will we have to rush to get to the 9 am sailing at Capt. Tonys, or will we have plenty of time?

[bobsfamily]

I have a question. We will be on the Sensation next month. We arrive at 8 a.m. Will we have to rush to get to the 9 am sailing at Capt. Tonys, or will we have plenty of time?

You will be pushing it... usually if you let him know he will wait a bit.

Try and be some of the first off, tell the cabbies you want to go NOW and I think the cost is $27 for the cab.

We did this in Jan. with the same timeframe. We got to Capt. Tony's around 9:10 and he as waiting... we got on and we left the dock. I have heard that if enough are going he has a van waiting (you still pay but it is set up). Send him an email or splurge and call him. Many of the taxis know him and will call him telling him they are on the way.

One thing to check that morning is the weather. He will NOT go out if the weather is bad.

[palmtre2]

Starting to compile a list for our 4/2010 cruise on things to do in Freeport:

 

Please feel free to add to or comment on the list.......

 

H FORBES CHARTER & TOURS

Chartered bus tours

Towers at Bahamia

West Sunrise Highway and West Atlantic Street

Freeport, GBI

Phone: +1 242 352 9311

Fax: +1 242 352 9313

Professionals in the hospitality service for over 30 years, H. Forbes Charter Services organizes tours of parks and caves, and eco-tours and sporting adventures. Explore the natural wonders of Lucayan National Park or schedule your group for a trip to the casinos. Buses and limos are available for groups large and small. Design your own tour or hop on a scheduled trip to historic Old Freetown, or the oldest estate on the island, the Hermitage. The company has branches at the Bahamia Resort, Island Palm and other hotels throughout the island. Call for tour times and private charters.

Disabled Access

 

GRAND BAHAMA BREWING COMPANY

Tour the Hammerhead Brewery

Logwood Road

Freeport,

Phone: +1 242 351 5191

Fax: +1 242 351 5191

By visiting Grand Bahama Brewing, you're actually mixing a local culture and history lesson in with your pursuit of the perfect beer buzz. Tour the only microbrewery in the Bahamas, learn about the four different brews produced onsite, and at the end, enjoy a taste of each individual brew. If you plan to buy a case of beer or a few T-shirts, let your tour operator know, your tour will be free of charge. Always call ahead of time to book, as tours are arranged based on demand.

 

PINETREE STABLES

Horsing Around Midway Between the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya Market Place Freeport, Phone: +1 242 373 3600

Imagine yourself on horseback, galloping along the shoreline and splashing in the crystalline Caribbean surf, a wildly romantic vision, isn't it? Here's where you can make it happen. At Pinetree, you'll have a chance to explore winding wooded trails through Pinetree Forest, pass Cooper's Castle and ride along a secluded beach. Tours are guided and are geared for novice to expert.Reservations are necessary, as space fills up.

http://www.pinetree-stables.com/

 

LAGUNA SAFARI BY XTREME XPLORER

One of a kind ride

Dundee Bay Drive

Xanadu Beach

Freeport, GBI

Phone: +1 242 351 6986

Fax: +1 242 351 6986

The Laguna Safari is one of the most unusual activities in which you and your family can indulge anywhere in the world. Grand Bahama is the only place where the public can take a ride on the Xtreme Xplorer, a revolutionary type of amphibious watercraft. The vehicle resembles a hovercraft but it has much more capability on land than the conventional model. The Xtreme Xplorer can reach speeds of up to 110 mph (176 km/hr) with a perfectly smooth ride. Explore the coves and lagoons that conventional vessels simply can not reach. Reservations are required and rides are USD 50 per person.

 

All the boats running from Port Lucaya, including Paradise Watersports, Bahama Mama, Superior Watersports, Fantasia, Reef Tours, and Sand Dollar will take you out for snorkeling on Treasure Reef. This is a great snorkeling spot - shallow, lots of fish, great color on a sunny day, very nice reef.

 

At Paradise Cove you'll find a nice beach, a beach bar and restaurant, rest rooms, can change there, and can rent snorkeling equipment (it's one of the two best snorkeling locations on the island). It is isolated half way to the West End of the island, http://www.bahamasvacationguide.com/pcove.html

[gottago2mexico]

Hi there - just a couple notes

 

GB Brewing Company is closed. The Laguna Safari is no more.

 

Paradise Watersports departs from the Island Seas Resort and snorkels on Silver Point Reef. Ocean Motion Watersports is the one that goes out from Port Lucaya to Treasure Reef.

 

Superior Watersports and Bahama Mama are the same - Bahama Mama is one of their boats. They also have a couple others that also snorkel out on Treasure Reef/Rainbow Reef.

 

Fantasia runs out to Petersons Cay with their Deserted Island Cruise.

[bobsfamily]

GB Brewing Company is closed. The Laguna Safari is no more.

 

I was scratching my head about those 2... lol

 

Capt. Tony is regarded well

[palmtre2]

I knew I could count on you guys to straighten me out - you never know if the info you find is out of date. Thanks

[bluedevil72]

We were in the Bahamas on the Conquest last week and one thing we found out the hard way, don't expect to book anything Atlantis on the ship. It had all been booked online ahead of time. Fortuna Beach in Freeport was also booked ahead of time. Thanks goodness, I had done some looking ahead of time on these boards and had done a lot of looking at the Westin/Sheraton, so that's what we decided to do for our beach day. We paid $5 pp for a taxi, which has to be full before they leave, and took the 20-minute trip to Our Lucaya. When we got there we were told that Radisson had bought them the week before. One is the Radisson and the other is Our Lucaya _______Reef (can't remember the third word). We got there about 9:00 and were just about the first ones there. We asked one of the workers about a day pass for the area and he told us that a chair and a towel were $10pp. We then asked about the other amenities and he said for $10pp more that would include the use of the pool and the facilities in the hotel. It was a good investment for the $40. In fact, we spent almost all of our time at the pool. The pool has wide steps that go down into the pool and our chairs were in about six inches of water. There were a couple of places to eat and get drinks right there and we ate burgers, fries and drinks for about $30 per couple. The buyout is so recent that they hadn't had time to get wristbands yet, so they had a little trouble keeping a few people out that were just on the beach, but nothing too problematic. And btw, the beach is free, you just walk between the hotels to get there. And they do have bathrooms on the outside of one of the eating establishments. They weren't quite as clean as the ones on the ship, but certainly clean enough. We stayed until about 1:30, visited the straw market for a little while and then caught a taxi back to the ship. Another $5 pp. It was a great day, especially after the disappointment of not booking Atlantis ahead of time. I know now we could have caught a cab and gone anyway, but we had a very good day the way it worked out.

[bobsfamily]

We were in the Bahamas on the Conquest last week and one thing we found out the hard way, don't expect to book anything Atlantis on the ship. It was a great day, especially after the disappointment of not booking Atlantis ahead of time.

Uh, Atlantis is in Nassau not GBI (Freeport), so you could not have gone to Atlantis...

[bluedevil72]

Evidently I didn't explain myself well enough. When we couldn't go to Atlantis in Nassau, we decided to change our beach day to Freeport. We booked a snorkeling trip in Nassau for our time there.

[bobsfamily]

Evidently I didn't explain myself well enough. When we couldn't go to Atlantis in Nassau, we decided to change our beach day to Freeport. We booked a snorkeling trip in Nassau for our time there.

Now it makes sense... you gotta understand that on this site we get people who think they are all right together. Some even get mad that the islands are so far apart.. why won't they just TOW them near each other?... lol

[bluedevil72]

Not us. We really enjoyed our first trip to the Bahamas. I will have to admit, I did get confused reading the threads on the boards and trying to keep up with what attraction was on which island.

[rwscruiser]

We went on the GBB in Freeport. We hated it. More than half of the people on the boat got sick. It was so rocky. Men and kids were throwing up over the side. I would not recommend this excursion. We did see sharks and the remains of a ship wreck.