Freeport, Bahamas

Value Times are April, May, October, November and December
Excludes Holidays and Special Events

The Bahamas is the tropical paradise you have always dreamed of, with endless activities by day and night. Whether you are trying your luck at the casino, sailing, playing golf or tennis, or swimming with the dolphins in the beautiful reef-protected beaches, you will experience the thrills of a lifetime.

Dining

Since Freeport/Lucaya really came into being in the 20th century, it doesn't have a long culinary tradition to draw upon. We suggest you stick to simply prepared fresh seafood like grouper, conch and lobster or try a Bahamian breakfast of boiled fish and grits or stewed fish and Johnny cake. You'll really be missing out if you don't try conch in its various forms; salad, fritters or grilled. Peas and rice are also a local mainstay.

Shopping

Grand Bahama Island has taken advantage of its duty-free status. Far from being a center for cheap and shoddy goods, its shops sell brand names at good prices. Whether you prefer classic, trendy, luxurious or prestigious, you'll find a good selection.

You'll find top-of-the-line imported brands of alcohol and perfume discounted around 40% off list prices in the U.S. (even more off U.K. prices). All are duty-free up to your duty-free allowance. Know what customs allows. Be sure to check out the Bahamian Souvenir Outlet in the Indian section of the bazaar. This is a one-stop shop for many of your gifts. (Note that while many are made locally, some are imported.) The list includes Bahamian perfumes, music, books, shell and sealife jewelry, Anna Karina Bahamian coin jewelry, coconut shell figurines, clocks and straw products.

For local straw goods, the Bahamian Straw Market, near the International Bazaar, is a good bet. For perfume, try Fragrance of the Bahamas, where you can take a complimentary tour of the working factory. Or look for Parfum de Paris in the heart of the French section of the bazaar. But these aren't your only options. You can mix your own scent at the Perfume Factory, which is located in an old mansion behind the bazaar. You can tour the house and see how fragrant oils are mixed before trying to come up with your own.

The Port Lucaya Marketplace isn't as large as the bazaar, but its waterfront location, outdoor music (often a steel-drum band) and nightly dancing give it a festive air. Art galleries as well as lingerie boutiques and leather shops make for pleasant browsing. Like the International Bazaar, the marketplace has all sorts of duty-free outlets. Jeweler's Warehouse has a vast selection of gold chains, bracelets, bangles and precious and semiprecious gemstone jewelry at good prices.

Weather

Because of the Gulf Stream, winters in the Bahamas are fairly mild, about 10 degrees F/5 C warmer than in nearby Florida. The summers can be humid, rainy and warm (day temperatures reaching into the low 90s F/33 C), but are moderated by trade winds. High season is from November to mid April, when the weather is generally good. Hurricane season is from July to October, and most rain falls at that time. There really is no bad time to go, but take along at least a sweater during the winter. Average day temperatures in fall and spring are in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C, with nights in the 60s F/15-22 C. Winter temperatures can be about 10 degrees F/5 C cooler.

Transportation

Car: Rental cars are abundant but costly. The major agencies are represented at the airport. The roads are good and well marked. Driving is on the left.

Public Transportation: During daylight hours, public buses called jitneys run regularly throughout the tourist areas.

Taxi: Taxis are plentiful and commonly used by visitors. Fares are reasonable. The taxis have meters, but they sometimes aren't turned on unless requested, so negotiate your rate before you climb in.

Additional: Mopeds, motorbikes and bicycles can be rented at major hotels, the Port Lucaya Marketplace and the harbor, but driving conditions can be dangerous. (Wear your helmet and be careful.)