Top 5 Must Do's in Freeport

The popular tourist town of Freeport, Bahamas offers a variety of activities that the whole family can enjoy. Here are the Top 5 Freeport must-do's.

Shopping

The Bahamas are known for their duty-free shops, which carry a wide range of merchandise including jewelry and watches, electronics, perfumes, handbags and leather goods, crystal, linens and liquor. The Port Lucaya Marketplace and the shops in the International Bazaar, located downtown, are the best areas to find great deals. The straw market located near the International Bazaar is the place to find handicrafts and souvenirs made by local artists. Most shops in Freeport are open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The clear blue waters of the Bahamas are regarded by many as one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the world. The coral and reef formations located in the relatively shallow water give snorkelers an opportunity to see schools of brightly colored fish and other sea life from the water's surface. Scuba divers can experience the 65-foot reef's tunnels and caves, home to exotic fish like jacks and snappers.

Fishing

Seasoned and novice anglers alike enjoy catching a variety of fish available off the coast of Freeport. Popular catches include reef fish like yellowtail, grouper and snapper, as well as deep sea fish like tuna, sailfish and marlin. The bonefish, which is regarded as one of the world's best game fish, is more abundant here than anywhere else in the world. Charters and boat rentals are available at all the marinas. Independent fishing guides are also available on the island.

Lucayan National Park

Lucayan National Park is located about 25 miles east of Freeport. Inside this 40-acre park you will find all six of the distinct ecosystems present in the Bahamian islands. Lucayan National Park is also home to one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, which visitors can view from footpaths and certified divers can explore beneath the surface. Other activities in the park include kayaking, hiking through the forests and observing wildlife.

Beaches

Freeport boasts 60 miles of white sand beaches with nine public beach areas. Among the nine beaches, Fortune Beach, Gold Rock Beach, Mather Town Beach and Paradise Cove Beach are considered more secluded beaches, while Lucayan Beach, William's Town Beach and Xanadu Beach offer water sports and other activities. Taino Beach and Smith's Point Beach are best suited for families and events.