Grand Bahama Island Resorts

Grand Bahama Island
Destination Guide
Grand Bahama Island lies only 52
miles off the coast of South Florida
and can easily be reached by air, cruise
ship or yacht. Grand Bahama Island
has always been well known for its
famous resorts, glittering casino and
the beautiful beaches. What most
people don’t realize about Grand
Bahama Island is that it offers a rare
combination of popular tourist
activities plus all the ecological wonders
of pristine beaches, national parks,
fishing villages, reefs, enchanting marine
life and more. As one of the
Caribbean’s most popular destinations,
Grand Bahama Island has developed
into a major tourist destination
featuring new and exciting resorts,
all-inclusive resorts and charming
European style resorts. And getting
to Grand Bahama Island has never
been easier than with convenient
air-inclusive packages that are available
from within the Continental USA and
Canada. With a multitude of activities
and adventure, combined with
the wide range
of resorts, Grand
Bahama Island is
one destination
that has something
for everyone.
Grand
Bahama
Island
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Grand Bahama Island
2
A warm welcome
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Facts about the island
6-7
Grand Bahama Island by day
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Grand Bahama Island by night
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Grand Bahama Island Resorts
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How to get here
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Map of Grand Bahama Island
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One cannot visit Grand Bahama
Island without appreciating the friendly
residents of the island. They welcome
visitors with warm smiles, often sharing
their history, their homes and their
hearts. Grand Bahamians are devoted
to tradition and religion. You will enjoy
the island’s Junkanoo bands, Wednesday
night’s fish fry, Eco-tours and many local
establishments that welcome visitors.
A Warm
Welcome
One thing is for sure, when you
vacation on Grand Bahama Island, you
will want to leave the traffic, the chores
and worries behind and join in the
relaxed and gracious lifestyle prevalent
there. It’s a world where stress,
deadlines and daily frustrations simply
do not exist.
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Location
Grand Bahama Island is a mere 52
miles due east of Palm Beach, Florida
or about a half-hour by plane. We’re
the first complete vacation island you’ll
come to.
Geography
Facts about
the Island
Our island is 96 miles long and 17
miles across at its widest point.
However, from Freeport or Lucaya,
you’ll find you’re within a few minutes
drive of most points of interest.
Language
English is our native tongue, although
you’ll find we speak it with a pleasant
Bahamian lilt.
Currency
The Bahamian dollar is on par with the
U.S. dollar. Across the island, you’ll find
that U.S. currency is widely accepted.
Weather
Temperatures range from average highs
of 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter
months to the high 80s in the summer.
Our sub-tropical weather means that
temperatures seldom drop below 60
or rise above 90.
Attire
A casual and informal wardrobe
is appropriate both day and night.
If you want to dress up, you
won’t feel out of place in our
casino or finer restaurants
and nightspots.
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Transportation
Rental cars are available at the airport
and taxis can be found easily. There are
also tour buses and public jitney buses.
(And remember, we drive on the left).
Travel Documents
To enter Grand Bahama Island, citizens
of the United States and Canada are
required to show proof of citizenship
with a passport.
To enter The Bahamas, citizens from
countries other than the US and
Canada are required to present a valid
passport which must be current up to
your travel period and some countries
are also required to have a Bahamas
visa. If you are departing The Bahamas
for a country that has the passport
validity requirement of six (6) months
beyond the dates of travel, then that
requirement will be enforced. You must
also have a return, or onward journey
ticket, and proof of funds to support
your visit. Visit www.bahamas.gov.bs or
www.cdc.gov/travel for more
information.
Tourist Information Centers
Centers are conveniently located at
Freeport Harbour, the airport and Port
Lucaya Marketplace to offer accurate
information, directions and advice.
Medical Centres
We have one government hospital and
three private clinics for in- and outpatient care.
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The island is home to miles of pristine
white beaches and clear aqua waters.
And you can visit a large variety of
beaches that you will rarely find
anywhere on earth. If you enjoy the
water, Grand Bahama Island offers a full
array of water sport activities such as
windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, jet
skiing and parasailing.
Grand Bahama
Island by Day
Nature lovers have a choice of
kayaking, horseback riding, snorkeling
or swimming with dolphins. You can
also explore the surface below with
UNEXSO, which can arrange shark,
shipwreck and night dives, as well as
diving certification lessons, or special
Dive-in-a-Day lessons.
Boating for fun?
You can choose to be part of a glassbottom boat excursion, a sunset cruise,
and a variety of options featured on
the island.
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Fishing anyone?
On Grand Bahama you will enjoy big
game fishing as well as the world’s best
bone fishing.
It’s a sportsman’s paradise.
Golf on Grand Bahama Island is really
grand with 18-hole championship golf
courses designed by legendary
architects. You will not only find
challenging courses but you will enjoy
ideal year-round golfing conditions, lush
well manicured landscaping, practice
ranges, putting greens, pro shops, and
golf instructors ready to improve your
game.
On our island, shopping is considered
a world-class sport; it’s shopping in
paradise. The Port Lucaya Marketplace
features indoor and outdoor dining,
pubs, shops and brand names from
around the world. One look at Port
Lucaya Marketplace and its picturesque
waterfront location will introduce you
to the way to have a shopping spree
and still relax. The center
of this market-place
overlooks the
marina and
Count Basie
Square with live
entertainment
featured.
Other shopping
attractions on island
include The Perfume
Factory, a replica of an
18th century Bahamian
Mansion that provides
a fascinating tour
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showing you how perfume is made.
You can even mix and name your own
brand. There is also a straw market
with local arts, crafts and souvenirs.
Explore the fascinating part of
Grand Bahama Island waiting to be
discovered. Our island is full of natural
wonders that make Grand Bahama
Island fun to explore. You can visit
dozens of ecological sites, discover
pristine beaches, and national parks
and attractions. Lucayan National Park
is a 40-acre park with the world’s
largest charted underwater system
of limestone caves and home to
a burial ground of the now extinct
Lucayan Indians.
Enjoy native flora and fauna and the
magnificent Gold Rock Beach. There’s
also Rand Nature Centre with a 2,000
foot nature trail, and a replica of a
native Lucayan Village. There’s more
to explore. A trip to the East End takes
you to parts of the island most tourists
will never experience. Here you will
find unspoiled beaches and an
abundance of natural beauty. Take
a motorboat to the settlement of
Sweeting’s Cay, a quaint unspoiled
fishing village, or Lightbourne’s Cay,
home to one of the most serene
beaches.
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When the sun goes down, the stars
come out. From five star dining to local
fare, our island has it all. You can choose
from casual waterside cafés to
international bistros to elegant dining.
Popular restaurants are located near
the port, on the Mall Drive, at Port
Lucaya Marketplace and in most
popular resorts. Visitors to the island
are welcome in the resort hotels and
you will want to make sure you check
out all your options. There are pubs
galore for you to partake of a nightcap.
From the traditional fun spots in the
resorts to the popular Port Lucaya
Marketplace, which features over a
half a dozen different bars and pubs
to explore. You will also want to check
out the music in Count Basie Square.
In addition to great pubs and
restaurants, the island also features
nightclubs with exciting shows. You
can also experience the best casino
action at Treasure Bay Casino on Grand
Bahama Island. From slot machines to
every table game imaginable, you will
find that Grand Bahama Island offers
all the action and excitement you
want with a relaxed elegance.
Grand Bahama
Island by Night
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Grand Bahama Island offers a variety
of accommodations to choose from for
your tropical vacation. Whether you are
seeking an all-inclusive experience with
everything on-site; a large beachfront
resort with hundreds of rooms, several
dining options and countless
recreational activities; a boutique
property with luxurious
accommodations and personalized
service; or, budget-friendly
accommodations perfect for the whole
family; Grand Bahama has it all. Explore
your options now!
Grand Bahama
Island Resorts
Grand Bahama Island
Hotels & Resorts
Whether you are planning a romantic
tropical escape or bringing the whole
family together for a well-deserved
island vacation, you will be sure to find
an abundant selection of Grand Bahama
hotels and resorts that will suit the
needs and budgets of all types of
travelers.
KEY TO SYMBOLS
Beach
Diving/
Snorkeling
Fishing
Gym/Fitness
Golf
Kids Club
Families
Marina/
Boat Yard
Swimming
Pool
Restaurant
Sailing/
Boating
Sauna/Spa
Telephone
Tennis
TV
Watersports
Games Room Gift Shop
Wi-Fi
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Blue Marlin Cove Resort & Marina it's a fisherman's paradise and a relaxing
family vacation get away. Located on the
West End of Grand Bahama Island,
63 nautical miles from the Port of Palm
Beach, Florida, you can enjoy a true island
experience. The weather is beautiful year
round and the crystal blue, tropical
waters tantalize the senses.
Blue Marlin Cove
Resort and Marina
Designed and built for fishermen,
by fishermen! Blue Marlin Cove Resort
& Marina has incredible deep sea fishing
within 1 mile of its marina. Year-round
fishing for such great catches as: Blue
Marlin, White Marlin, Yellow and Blue
Fin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and one
of the Bahamas’ favorites – Bonefishing!
They have gone to the next level adding
the famous Bonefish Folley & Sons
Outfitters and Guide Services. The resort
offers new guide boats, offshore and
snorkeling sightseeing boats, along with
jeeps and a 15 passenger courtesy van
to carry our clients to and from their
island experiences.
Need a break from fishing or want
to spend the day with the kids? Relax
in the pool or spa, take a nap while
enjoying the ocean breezes on a peaceful
hammock, or build sand castles on the
beach. Blue Marlin Cove has activities
for every member of the family.
• Toll Free: 1-866-697-6539
• Office: 1-423-477-2714
• www.bluemarlincove.com
• bluemarlincove@yahoo.com
• YEAR-ROUND FISHING
• DIVING
• PATIO, POOL & SPA
• GAMES ROOM
• LOUNGE
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The ideal getaway spot with 118
beautifully appointed rooms and suites.
The Castaways Resort and Suites is
centrally located in the heart of Grand
Bahama Island, with restaurants, shopping,
straw market, Movie Theater, Golf
Courses and much more, all within
walking distance.
Castaways Resort
and Suites
All rooms are decorated Caribbean style
with private balconies, A/C, cable TV, Free
wireless Internet, direct dial telephones,
irons and ironing boards, blow dryers,
clock radios, in room safes, coffee makers
and refrigerators. With a choice of one
king or two double beds. Our suites
offer the extras of a second full
bathroom, color TV, pull-out sofa bed,
DVD/VCR and microwave ovens. Our
Poinciana Boardroom is great for small
meetings and can accommodate up to
50 persons theatre style.
For your dining pleasure the Flamingo
Restaurant offers mouth watering
Bahamian and American dishes and
great tasting sandwiches and drinks
are served at The Flamingo
Pool Bar.
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For the business traveler, we offer a
complete Business Center, high speed
wireless is available through out our
property, The Dolphin Gym features
state of the art fitness equipment. For
those wishing to explore the island and
its adventures, tours can be arranged
with the front desk. The lobby gift shop
offers various sundry items.
Our 24 hour front desk and security
staff are always available for assistance.
Take our courtesy transportation to the
beach or lounge by our large, fresh-water
outdoor pool. Come and visit us at your
home away from home at The Castaways
Resort and Suites.
• Reservations: 1-242-352-6682
1-866-410-9676
• www.castaway-resort.com
• castaway@batelnet.bs
• RESTAURANT
• FREE Wi-Fi
• FITNESS CENTER
• BUSINESS CENTRE
AND BOARDROOM
• FRESHWATER OUTDOOR POOL
• DAILY MAID SERVICE
• BABY SITTING
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Flamingo Bay Hotel, adorned by the
beautiful emerald green Bell Channel
Waterway, is part of three Taino Beach
Resort & Clubs properties on Grand
Bahama Island. Standard features
include king size beds in single
occupancy rooms and two full size
beds in double occupancy rooms.
All rooms have full service kitchenettes,
cable televisions, telephones, hair dryers
and ironing boards (irons available upon
request). Adjoining rooms are also
available. Full Service Marina and
complete line in Watersports available.
The Flamingo Bay
Hotel and Marina
• (242) 373-5640
• Toll-free: 800-824-6623
• www.flamingobaymarina.com
• info@flamingobayhotel.com
• WATERSPORTS
• CABLE TV
• TELEPHONES
• FULL SERVICE MARINA
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The Classic Bahamian Experience
Situated on a mile stretch of white
sand beach, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas
Resort, on Grand Bahama Island offers
something for everyone. With 542
stylish and spacious rooms and suites
each with either a panoramic
ocean view, marina view or the
scenic island view, with private
balconies, flat screen TV’s,
Laptop sized safes, coffee and
bottled water. Complimentary
Wireless internet access is
available in all guest rooms and
throughout the property, as well
as enjoying complimentary daily
resort activities ranging from
yoga to beach volleyball.
Grand Lucayan,
Bahamas
Enjoy a selection of international
restaurants, four tennis courts –
all offering Grand Slam surfaces.
On site, rejuvenate in the 25,000
square-foot Senses Spa & Fitness
Center complete with sauna room
and hydrotherapy, 18-hole championship golf course - The Reef Course,
designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and
a Las Vegas-style casino featuring 35,000
square ft. of playing space including 400
slot machines and 30 gaming tables.
Providing the perfect blend of business
and pleasure, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas
features 40,000 square feet of indoor
and 50,000 square feet of outdoor
function space to accommodate top
quality meetings, conferences and
special events all within a captivating
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island setting. Equipped with an expert
team of meetings coordinators, food
and beverage specialists, banquet
managers, entertainment and event
planners, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas can
tailor effective and efficient gatherings
for groups of any size.
Grand Lucayan’s smaller guests can
enjoy supervised fun in the sun at the
recently modernized Camp Lucaya
Kids Club providing fun-filled children’s
activities. Enjoy the resort’s three
swimming pools, including a lap pool,
a serpentine pool, our serene and
quiet infinity pool, and our extensive
grounds, water sports, fishing, scuba
diving, basketball, jogging tracks, and
volley ball.
Welcome to the Grand Life!
• (242) 373-1333
• Toll-Free: 1-855-708-6671
• reservations@grandlucayan.com
• www.grandlucayan.com
• BEACH & GOLF RESORT
• FREE Wi-Fi
• INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS
• WORLD-CLASS SPA
• ACCOMMODATION FOR
MEETINGS & CONFERENCES
AND SPECIAL EVENTS
• KIDS CLUB
Island Palm Marina Villas at Island Seas
Resort is the perfect Grand Bahama
Island spot for families and anyone
looking for a convenient getaway. The
Island Palm Marina Villas are situated
directly on a beautiful channel adjacent
to the Island Seas and feature fully
equipped one and two bedroom
condominiums. Guests enjoy full access
to all of the services and amenities
available at Island Seas Resort.
Island Palm Marina
Villas at Island
Seas Resort
• (242) 373-1271
• www.islandpalmmarinavillas.com
• PERFECT FOR FAMILIES
• PRIVATE BEACH
• BOATING
• FISHING
• DIVING
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Whether you’re after a family trip or
a romantic getaway, Island Seas Resort
is the Bahamas’ destination of choice.
The Island Seas Resort, located in
fabulous Freeport, Grand Bahama, is
quickly going from one of the Bahamas
best kept secrets to the favorite
destination of thousands. Once you
step foot onto this Grand Bahama
Island resort, you will be surrounded
by all the natural beauty that is the
Caribbean. The Island Seas Resort
offers fully equipped one and two
bedroom condominiums to guests
who are looking for a nice place to
stay while on Grand Bahama Island.
Located about 10 minutes from the
International Bazaar, Port Lucaya and
the International Airport, the Island
Seas is centrally located to just about
anything you would want to do
while on Grand Bahama Island.
Island Seas
Resort
• (242) 373-1271
• www.islandseas.com
• PRIVATE BEACH
• SPA & FITNESS CENTRE
• WATER SPORTS
• KIDS PLAYGROUND
• GIFT SHOP
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CELEBRATE THE MOMENTS
THE PERFECT VACATION
HAVEN FOR ALL
Our tropical all inclusive resort
is inspired by the sun-kissed beauty
and rich culture of Grand Bahama
Island. Occupying a half mile of pristine
beach just outside of the bustling town
of Freeport, the expansive property
offers a casino, full service health
complex, unique pool built around
a stone sugar mill with water slide
and has a golf course nearby.
Memories Grand
Bahama Beach and
Casino Resort
OPENING JANUARY 2014
The 497 deluxe rooms and suites
are air-conditioned with King Size Bed
or 2 Queen beds, Free WiFi, USB
recharge station, Satellite Television,
Mini Bar (restocked daily with soft
drinks, water and beer), telephone,
electronic safety deposit box and
Hairdryer.
• 1-855-261-3448
• www.memoriesresorts.com
• ALL-INCLUSIVE
• SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATION
• DIAMOND CLUB ®
• GOURMET DINING
• KIDS’ CLUB
• SPA
• CASINO
• GOLF
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The Ocean Reef Yacht Club provides
excellent island accommodations
perfectly suitable for long-term stays
or for families and groups needing
extra space and amenities. Located
on the south shore of Grand Bahama
Island, Ocean Reef attracts many
travelers who prefer to experience
island-life as the locals do. The resort
features 60 apartments, suites and
townhouses with one to three
bedrooms. Each room is elegantly
furnished and provides guests with all
the essential amenities they might need.
The 1-bedroom suite provides the ideal
setting for those looking for a romantic
setting during their Bahamas’ vacation.
For an island family getaway, find
comfort in the resort’s 3-bedroom
townhouse, where everyone will have
enough room to stretch and relax after
a day of fun in the sun. The Ocean Reef
Resort and Yacht Club can be your
ideal home away from home.
Ocean Reef
Resort & Yacht
Club
• (242) 373-4661
• (954) 727-5248
• oceanreef@coralwave.com
• www.oryc.com
• EXPERIENCE ISLAND LIFE
AS THE LOCALS DO
• ELEGANTLY FURNISHED
• DIVING & SNORKELING
• CAR, BOAT & BIKE RENTAL
• GOLF
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Offering the perfect combination
of Bahamian charm and international
luxury, Old Bahama Bay is a heavenly
out-island escape in the idyllic
Bahamian islands. Each of the 73
guestrooms is set directly on the
pristine white beaches of Grand
Bahama Island, just steps from the
ocean, and every oversized suite is
lavishly appointed with customdesigned Island Plantation furnishings
and décor. The Yacht Harbour is a stateof-the-art 72 slip marina with on-site
Customs and Immigration. From the
4,000-square-foot swimming pool
overlooking the ocean to on-call
massage and extensive list of on and
off site activities and tours, this stylish
resort provides a sublime holiday
experience. Guests have two dining
options: the family-style Dockside
Bar & Grille and the beachfront
Teaser’s Tiki Bar.
Old Bahama Bay
Resort & Yacht
Harbour
• (242) 350-6500
• Toll-Free: 888-983-6188
• www.oldbahamabay.com
• sales@oldbahamabay.com
• WATER SPORTS
• SHARK DIVING
• SPA & MASSAGE
• KIDS ACTIVITIES
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As Grand Bahama Island’s most
hospitable hotel, the Pelican Bay is
a joyful mix of colorful Bahamian
architecture and the finest guest
service in the Caribbean. Unique
waterside rooms and waterside state
rooms enfold you in comfort, while
offering special guest touches. Pelican
Bay is the perfect spot for corporate
meetings and conferences as well as
destination weddings and other social
functions with their Canal House,
which features over 30,0000 sq ft of
meeting and function space. In addition
to their waterfront Sabor Restaurant
and Bar, immediately across the street
are two miles of white sand beach,
a full service spa, four “Grand Slam”
surface tennis courts and a casino.
All this is the happy Pelican Bay
experience, one you will remember
with fondness.
Pelican Bay
at Lucaya
• (242) 373-9550
• Toll-Free: 800-852-3702
• www.pelicanbayhotel.com
• reservations@pelicanbayhotel.com
• WEDDINGS
• CORPORATE MEETING
FACILITIES
• WATERFRONT
RESTAURANT & BAR
• SPA
• GRAND SLAM TENNIS
COURT
• CASINO
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A relaxing retreat that’s just minutes
from all the excitement, Sunrise Resort
and Marina on beautiful Grand Bahama
Island is an easy escape by boat or
plane. This intimate property features 30
charming Bahamian-inspired rooms as
well as the popular Admiral Suite. For
boaters, there are 70 protected and fully
equipped floating docks with on-site
Customs & Immigration and adjacent
full-service boat yard. Outstanding
service delivered with warm Bahamian
hospitality make Sunrise shine and
earned it a top spot on TripAdvisor.
Guests enjoy an array of complimentary
amenities including waterfront pool,
bicycles to visit the nearby white sand
beach, kayaks, free Wi-Fi hot spots,
fitness room, and much more. There’s
also an on-site restaurant and bar, Mahi
Mahi and Coral Reef, open seasonally
and space for groups, weddings and
events. Discounts available for active
duty and retired military, as well as
BoatUS members.
Sunrise Resort
and Marina
• (242) 352-6834
• Toll-free: (800) 932-4959
• tashar@sunriseresortandmarina.com
• www.sunriseresortandmarina.com
• FULLY EQUIPPED FLOATING
DOCKS
• FULL-SERVICE BOAT YARD
• WATERFRONT POOL
• KAYAKS
• FREE WI-FI
• FITNESS ROOM
• WEDDINGS & EVENTS
• 30 WATERFRONT HOTEL ROOMS
• ON-SITE CUSTOMS
& IMMIGRATION
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Imagine 1,200 feet of powdery white
sand and emerald green waters dancing
at your feet. At Viva Wyndham Fortuna
Beach All-Inclusive Resort, you’ll be
surrounded by tropical island bliss as
you soak up the Bahamian sun and cool
off in our beautiful ocean. Let your hair
down, kick-off your sandals and spoil
yourself with the endless amenities
at the resort. Viva Wyndham Resort
is the only all-inclusive resort on Grand
Bahama Island. The all-inclusive package
offers all meals and snacks; unlimited
cocktails, beverages and wine; a cocktail
to welcome you upon your arrival;
unlimited non-motorized sports; taxes
and gratuities; daily activities’ program;
international team of animators; live
nighttime entertainment; theme parties;
discothèque; dance lessons; gym; sauna;
Viva Kid’s Club, a program for children
4-12 years of age; deck chairs and
towels at the pool and beach and
a lot more.
Viva Wyndham
Fortuna Beach
• (242) 373-4000
• Toll-Free: 877-999-3223
• www.vivawyndhamfortunabeach.com
• ALL-INCLUSIVE
• DAILY ACTIVITIES PROGRAM
• EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
• THEMED PARTIES
• GYM & SAUNA
• VIVA KID’S CLUB
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HOW TO GET HERE
It’s closer & easier than
you think!
Grand Bahama Island has regularly
scheduled non-stop service from
several major US gateways. Convenient
air-inclusive packages are available from
anywhere in the United States via
American Eagle, Bahamasair, Silver
Airways, Sunwing Airways, Delta
Airlines, US Airways, WestJet Airlines.
West End
Bootle Bay
Deadman’s Reef
Eight Mile Rock
Hawksbill Creek/Harbour
Theo’s Wr
Booking is just a click away visit www.GrandBahamaVacations.com
Or travel by cruise ship or fast ferry
to Grand Bahama Island.
The MS Bahamas Celebration offers
4, 6 & 8 night cruise and stay packages
from Palm Beach, FL 2 nights onboard
the ship and 2 to 6 nights on Grand
Bahama Island
The Balearia Bahamas Express offers
round-trip fast ferry service between
Port Everglades and Grand Bahama
Island
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Cross Cays
Mud Cut
Water Cay
North Riding Point
McLean’s Town
Freeport
reck
Gr
an
d
Lucaya
Old Free
Town
Lu
ca
ya
W
at
Bevan’s
Town
High Rock
Deep Water Cay
Sweetings Cay
Lightbourne Cay
Red Shank Cay
er
wa
y
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Grand Bahama Island
Tourism Board
P.O. Box F-40650
Fidelity Financial Center - First Floor
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Tel: 242-352-8356
Toll Free Reservations: 1-800-545-1300
Fax: 242-352-7840
www.grandbahamavacations.com