Freeport is a city in the Bahamas located on Grand Bahama Island. Freeport Grand Bahamas operates as a free trade zone, and businesses in the area pay no taxes. This, combined with the efforts of entrepreneurs has made Freeport Grand Bahamas the second most popular tourist destination in the Bahamas after Nassau. A major casino and a multitude of popular outdoor attractions add to the allure of Freeport Grand Bahamas.
Freeport became a major tourist attraction in the 1950’s, when the American Wallace Groves began developing more than 50,000 acres of land on the island. In addition to the frequent trading that happens year round in the Freeport harbor, tourism has grown up from the city of Freeport to become the city’s largest source of revenue. Freeport is also the second largest city in the Bahamas.
Attractions in Freeport include everything from golfing and beach combing to gambling. The Royal Oasis Casino is the biggest casino in Freeport and attracts most of Freeport’s nightlife crowd throughout the week. The casino is open from 10am to 2am daily, and you need not be a guest of the adjoining hotel to gain free entrance. This is one of the largest casinos in the Bahamas and a major attraction to Freeport.
Day sailing in Freeport Bahamas is another popular activity. Day sailing in Freeport Bahamas can include anything from privately charted boats to group fishing trips or out island day trips. Day sailing in Freeport Bahamas can be arranged in advance as part of your Freeport Bahamas vacation package or you may book you trip once you have arrived through your hotel. You can also book sailing trips for scuba diving and snorkeling trips, or simply for a dinner or day cruise to enjoy the sites and the ocean.
Another popular Freeport Bahamas vacation package is the golf package. Grand Bahama Island is a golf lover’s paradise, with some of the most difficult courses in the country next to some of the most luxurious resorts. Freeport Bahamas vacation packages for golfing will usually include hotel, airfare, and green fees all for one price. Many of these packages can also be booked as all-inclusive vacations. To book a golf package, check with hotels either online or over the phone, and be sure to also contact a travel agent or use an online travel site to get the best prices.
Although Freeport is not as close to the beach as its sister city Lucaya, hotels throughout Freeport offer free shuttle service to and from the beach. Guests can shop and dine in Freeport and still enjoy the pleasures of a warm day at the beach. Note that no matter what you buy or don’t buy in Freeport, you’ll have to pay a $5 cash departure tax on your way out of the country. Multiple currencies are accepted, but be sure to have your cash on hand. Weather in Freeport is mild throughout the year, ranging from 60 to 80 degrees in the winter and summer, respectively.
