Grand Bahamas Island, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 when he was on his way to America. The largest island in the Bahamas, Christopher Columbus originally named the island Gran Bajamar, meaning "Great Shallows." This name evolved through the centuries into Grand Bahama. Grand Bahamas Island is located approximately 65 miles from Florida's coastline, making it a popular vacation spot for travelers looking for a taste of the tropics not far from home. Grand Bahama Island features emerald waters with endless beaches, marine life, shopping, dining, water activities and much more awaiting your arrival. Couples and families that are looking for a great vacation experience will definitely find what they are looking for on Grand Bahama Island. This island is truly satisfying for the most demanding traveler.

The island's capital city, which is also the second largest city in the Bahamas is Freeport/Lucaya. Grand Bahamas Island is one of the best known and most popular destinations in the Bahamas. Originally constructed for tourist trade, the city resulted in duty-free shopping and many attractions to keep tourist visiting and entertained. The International Bazaar located in downtown Freeport is split into sections that represent different parts of the world. It covers a 10-acre section with a collection of shops and restaurants.

Another area that boasts it's own shopping mecca is Lucaya. From Baume & Mercier watches, colorful beachwear, a hand-rolled cigar, an exquisite piece of Herend china, a purse from Fendi, a tropical shirt by Tommy Bahama, or a gorgeous emerald ring, you are sure to find something that strikes your interest. Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina offers a fantastic view and is located directly across from the beach and casino. Lucaya host a 6 acre complex with many duty-free shops, bar & grilles, and restaurants, which many can enjoy a nice evening of shopping and dining. Boat enthusiasts won't want to miss the vast array of impressive yachts anchored at the marina, which is an official port of entry into the Bahamas. The nightlife is very accommodating with the tropical evening breeze and sounds of live entertainment in the Count Basie Square. Enjoy specialty drinks and dancing, shows and more in this outdoor complex.

In Freeport/Lucaya, in the evening, after the sun sets, the night comes alive with entertainment for everyone. Live entertaining shows are held at the Casino Royale Theatre, Joker's Wild, or Club Tropicana. You may also find yourself feeling lucky at the casino where gaming action goes on non-stop featuring slot machines, blackjack, craps, roulette and more. There are many nightclubs where you can sit back and enjoy live entertainment and sounds of local bands. What a way to enjoy the culture while you are visiting. After all the fun, you can find a more relaxing atmosphere at a cozy bar on the beach watching the moonlight over the ocean while you order up a platter or conch fritters and famous "Bahama Mamas." Many of the restaurants offer a unique blend of Caribbean or continental ambience, and the quality of the food is second to none and sure to enjoy.

For a more quite adventure, nature lovers can explore the eco-structure of the Bahamas in Freeport's Garden of the Groves. This 11 acre botanical park is filled with flowers, plants, trees and waterfalls. Visit Lucayan National Park, a 40 acre landmark for an experience with major habitats found on the island, famous for it's limestone caves.

Grand Bahamas is overflowing with all types of water sports to enjoy. You can swim with the dolphins and sharks, enjoy banana boat rides, boating, dinner and party cruises, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and jet skiing. Scuba divers and snorkelers will enjoy discovering some of the world's most outstanding coral reefs. The warm, crystal-clear waters that surround the islands of the Bahamas are a huge undersea playground. Guided tours are available at most locations with the best spots for this activity near Deadman's Reef on the west end of the island. Many dive operations offer excursions to coral reefs and shipwrecks, as well as other activities such as swimming with dolphins. Divers can even experience shark feeding just a few feet away, by sitting on the ocean floor and watching a dive master wearing chain mail or other protection feed several large sharks. The islands are flanked by huge barrier reefs and vast undersea caves teeming with colorful marine life.

For an all day of fun, take the kids to the Pirates of the Bahamas Theme Park, located right on the beach in Freeport. This park provides the perfect atmosphere full of beach activities. Babysitting services are provided at the Kidd’s Camp which offers adult supervision for children of all ages. Kids will enjoy a professional miniature gold course, basketball courts, ping pong tables, climbing and digging equipment, playgrounds and all types of water sports.  Enjoy eating and drinking from the galley of the "sunken" pirate battleship and then enjoy an evening of beach dancing contests around a bonfire.

Grand Bahama Islands' temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees F, or rise above 90 degrees F. Most of the rain fall occurs in the summer months. The sea temperature ranges from the low 80's in the summer to about 74 degrees F in the winter. Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year, but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings from December to February.

If your dream wedding conjures up images of tropical gardens, sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, breath-taking sunsets, and endless pampering, you may be ready for a magical island wedding in the Bahamas. And you'll cherish the memories forever. In the Bahamas you can find wedding-packages to suit your needs whether it be a church ceremony, boat wedding or out-island, informal occasion. There are many wedding planners and hotels that cater weddings, have luxurious honeymoon suites and more. With many Bahamian companies that specialize in wedding co-ordination, you can plan your entire wedding: the ceremony, the reception, and the honeymoon, with one phone call. And your dream wedding may also be free because several Bahamian all-inclusive resorts offer free weddings.

Again, no matter what you are looking for on Grand Bahama Island, you can find it in Freeport/Lucaya. Grand Bahama Island is the largest island in the Bahamas. Remember, it's not called "grand" for nothing!