11 Best Things to do in Freeport Bahamas

Wondering what to do in Freeport, Bahamas? We’ve got you covered! Read on to find the top things to do in Freeport, Bahamas, without an excursion!

As a travel advisor, I have had many clients visit Freeport, I’ve taken their reviews, and my own experiences to create this list for you.

Freeport Bahamas is located on Grand Bahama Island and is known for its beaches, golf courses, and casinos. Freeport offers plenty of shopping and dining options. Visitors can also enjoy tours of the city’s historical sites or go diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

Freeport is located just 67 miles from Palm Beach, Florida, and sees over 1 million tourists annually. Many of these tourists arrive in Freeport via cruise line as Freeport is one of the most common stops on a Bahamas Cruise.

If you are heading to Freeport for the first time, or maybe you are returning and looking for somewhere new to explore on your visit, read on. This post will highlight the best things to do in Freeport Bahamas.

Things to do in Freeport Bahamas

1. Explore Lucayan National Park

Lucayan National Park is a 40-acre National Park located in Freeport, Bahamas. It is about a 40-minute drive from the cruise port. You’ll find this beauty on every Top 10 Freeport list!

The best way to visit the park if you are on a cruise is to book an excursion. The bus system does not go out this far, and taxis can be expensive and not reliable for getting back on time.

The park has one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Two of these caves are open to the public. Please note, swimming is not allowed in the caves.

The park offers nature trails and boardwalks, as well as picnic tables on the beach. The park has a combination of natural environments including pine forests, mangroves, creeks, and coral reefs.

Lucayan National Park is one of the best places in the Bahamas to birdwatch.

Visitors can also view preserved remains of the Lucayan Indians.

Gold Rock Beach, which is world-famous, is located within Lucayan National Park. The beach features crystal-clear water and white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling at Gold Rock Beach.

2. Stroll through the Garden of the Groves

If you are looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in the Bahamas, look no further than Garden of the Groves. Located about 30 30-minute drive from the cruise port, this botanical garden is home to a variety of plants and trees.

The garden has trails that wind through lush vegetation, waterfalls that cascade down rocks, and fountains that sparkle in the sun. The Garden of the Groves also has a picturesque chapel which is popular for weddings.

In addition to the gardens, visitors can Explore the Garden Shops, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Garden Café and Bar, or children can play at the playground.

Garden of the Groves is an excellent place for bird and butterfly watching. The many flowers and shrubs provide a steady supply of nectar and insects for these creatures to drink from and feed on.

3. Shop at the Port Lucaya Straw Market

If you haven’t ever experienced a Bahamian Straw market, you are in for an experience. The market is located in the center of town, near the cruise port.

The market is full of Bahamian arts and crafts, as well as plenty of souvenir shopping. You will find wood carvings, straw handbags and baskets, T-shirts, jewelry, and more.

Be prepared to bargain with the vendors. It is expected, and part of the fun. But be aware, some of the vendors can be very pushy and borderline aggressive. If you aren’t prepared, it can be a little alarming.

One of the main complaints I hear from people about shopping in the Bahamas, whether it’s Freeport, Nassau, or even Bimini, is that the locals are very aggressive in trying to urge you to purchase from them.

Keep in mind, this is how they support their families. If you do not want to purchase anything, be polite but offer a firm no. It’s best to bring small bills with you to make bargaining easier.

✅ Book your Freeport Tour by Clicking Here

4. Go To The Beach

If you go to the Bahamas and don’t at least check out the beach, I don’t think we can be friends. I’m only partially kidding, but seriously the beaches in the Bahamas are SO PRETTY! You don’t have to stay all day, but at least go dip your toes in the pretty blue water!

A few good beaches in Freeport to check out are:

Xanadu Beach

If you’re looking for a quick beach escape near the cruise port in Freeport, Bahamas, Xanadu Beach is your best bet. The waves here are gentle and the water is shallow. This is an excellent family beach.

Lucaya Beach

If you’re looking to spend some time on the beach but also want to be close to restaurants, shops, and bars, this is the perfect spot for you. Located centrally near Port Lucaya Marketplace, you won’t have any trouble finding things to do.

Taino Beach

This sandy spot is a popular destination that’s easy to reach from downtown Freeport. There are plenty of water activities and souvenir shops, making this one of the best beaches in Freeport.

5. Take a Historic Tour of Freeport

Freeport Bahamas has a rich history dating back to the time of the Lucayan Indians. Be sure and check out the Parliament Square Cultural Center.

The best way to learn about the history of Freeport is to take a tour. There are a few different companies that offer tours, and they all vary in price and what they include.

You can do walking tours, or bus/taxi tours either in groups or privately. You can also take a jeep tour, boat tour, or bicycle tour in Freeport.

Taking a tour of a city, especially if it is your first time visiting, is an excellent way to get a deeper understanding of the people and culture.

6. Explore Unexso Marine Sanctuary

If you’re looking for a unique experience while visiting Freeport, Bahamas, then be sure to check out the Unexso Marine Sanctuary.

This attraction is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays. You can get up close and personal with these creatures by snorkeling or diving in the sanctuary’s crystal-clear waters.

Unexso also offers shark encounters, where you can swim with reef sharks in a controlled environment. This is a must-do for any thrill seeker!

✅ Click Here to Book an excursion in Freeport

7. Get in the water

No doubt, one of the most popular activities in the Bahamas or Caribbean is snorkeling.

Paradise Cove Beach is an excellent spot for snorkeling, as it is home to a coral reef just offshore. The reef is teeming with colorful fish, making it a great spot for beginner snorkelers.

You could also get a closer look at some of the tropical fish that inhabit the waters by taking a boat trip and then scuba diving through some of the stunning coral reefs that surround the Bahamas.

You can take a tour to a famous blue hole to snorkel or dive, or even visit the famous swimming pigs.

If you want to be on the water, and not in the water, you can book an excursion and kayak, Turtle Park.

Or, if you are feeling adventurous, try jet skiing!

✅ Click here to book a trip to Paradise Cove

8. Eat Bahamaian Cuisine

Always try local dishes when you travel! It is one of my favorite things to do, and often you’ll find me at a food truck or restaurant just asking the server to bring me “Whatever they would order”. This really pushes me out of my comfort zone and gets me to try new things.

If you’re looking for a taste of Bahamian culture, be sure to try the local Bahamian cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes are conch fritters, cracked conch, conch salad, and grouper. You can find these dishes at restaurants throughout Freeport.

Another popular dish is the johnnycake, which is a type of cornbread. It’s usually served with salt fish or codfish, which is a common breakfast item in the Bahamas. If you’re looking for a sweet snack, try a slice of guava duff, which is a pastry made with guava fruit.

There are also a number of food trucks in Freeport that serve authentic Bahamian cuisine. Be sure to check them out if you’re looking for a unique culinary experience.

✅ Click Here to Book a Food and Cooking Tour of Freeport

9. Drink!

Since you are trying new foods, you may as well drink too! The drinking age in the Bahamas is 18, so as long as you are over 18, you can sample tropical libations and local brews.

Be sure and stop by Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company to try some of their locally brewed beers.

If you’re looking for something stronger, be sure to try a rum punch, which is the most popular drink in the Bahamas. This refreshing cocktail is made with a blend of rum, grenadine syrup, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and a pinch of nutmeg.

10. Peterson Cay National Park

Peterson Cay National Park is a small, uninhabited island located just off the coast of Freeport. The island is home to a variety of birds, iguanas, and other wildlife.

The island also has a number of hiking trails, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Be sure to bring your camera

11. Rand Nature Center

If you’re looking for a nature escape in the heart of Freeport, be sure to check out Rand Nature Center.

This 100-acre preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including many bird species. A 2,000-foot trail winds through the preserve, leading visitors to a freshwater watchable wildlife pond and a native plant arboretum.

The center also features rotating visual art and cultural and educational exhibits. Be sure to check out the nature center if you’re looking for an afternoon of peace and quiet.

12. Book A Day Pass at an All Inclusive Resort

All-inclusive resorts often offer day passes where cruisers can go and enjoy the benefits of the resort without booking a room.

In Freeport, both of the resorts that offer these passes are about 25 minutes away. But once you are there, it’s a stress-free way to spend the day.

Freeport Frequently Asked Questions and Freeport Cruise Tips:

Is there anything to do at the port in Freeport Bahamas?

Yes! As you can see above, there is plenty of things to do at the port in Freeport Bahamas. You can choose from a Bahamas cultural food tour, relaxing on the area’s beautiful beaches, or any number of outdoor activities.

What is Freeport Bahamas known for?

Freeport is a city in the Bahamas that is known for its beaches, culture, and food.

There are restaurants where you can try the local cuisine, as well as food trucks that serve up Bahamian specialties.

You can also find drinks here, including cocktails and beers made locally.

If you’re looking for some nature, there’s a nature center with trails, as well as a national park with hiking trails and wildlife.

Is Freeport worth visiting?

I think everywhere is worth visiting at least once, and Freeport is no exception. This city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, try new foods, or explore nature.

Can you walk to the beach from Freeport Cruise Port?

Beaches are not within walking distance from the cruise port. The closest beach is Xanadu and it is about 6 miles from the port.

Is Freeport Bahamas Safe?

Freeport, like any city with high poverty rates, can be dangerous. The most common crimes that tourists can be targeted for are pickpockets, muggings, and scams.

However, there are a few things visitors can do to stay safe while in Freeport.

First, always be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when walking around at night.

Second, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry. If you are robbed, give them what they want, and do not fight back.

And third, use common sense when dealing with strangers.

If something feels wrong, it probably is, so trust your gut instinct and take precautions.

Freeport Bahamas Conclusion

Freeport is a city in the Bahamas that offers plenty of fun things for the whole family. You can enjoy its beautiful beaches, try the local cuisine at its restaurants, or explore nature by hiking through the national park.

What is your favorite thing to do in Freeport?