Travel Guide in Freeport

The city of Freeport is located on Grand Bahama Island, the second most visited destination in the Bahamas. The Bahamian islands are among the closest island chains to the U.S., with Grand Bahama located just 70 miles from the coast of Florida. The following Freeport travel guide gives an overview of the city's attractions and accommodations.

History

Freeport was developed in 1955 by American and British entrepreneurs on 50,000 acres of what was then swamp and scrub land, an area designated by the Bahamian government to be used as a deep water harbor and as a business and tourism hub. Today as the self-proclaimed "Hong Kong of the Americas," Freeport is the home of one of the North American continent's deepest ports, with a steady stream of traffic from cruise ships and container vessels. It is also known for its duty-free shopping, resort hotels and tax-free zone for businesses.

Activities

Being surrounded by water, many popular activities in Freeport involve the ocean, including snorkeling and scuba diving, fishing, sailing, water sports and just relaxing on the beach. On land, activities include boutique and open-air market shopping, golf, gaming, cultural and ecological tours, bird watching and sampling the local cuisine like cracked conch and other fresh seafood.

Climate

Freeport averages 300 sunny days a year. Temperatures rarely dip below the mid-60s during the coldest months of the year, which are December through February. In the summertime, temperatures are typically in the high 80s. The wettest months are September and August, respectively, which see an average rainfall of between eight and 10 inches. Freeport typically receives the least amount of rain in April.

Transportation

Several major airlines fly into Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) and most of the resorts are located less than eight miles from the airport. An inter-island ferry service runs between Freeport and the other Bahamian islands, and short cruises departing from southern Florida also bring visitors to Freeport.

On the island, scooters, cars and bicycles are available for rent, but it is important to remember that Bahamians drive on the left side of the road. Taxi and bus service is also available.

Lodging

Accommodations in Freeport include inexpensive motels and inns, moderately priced to high-end hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Prices range from as low as $50 a night for a motel to more than $300 for a resort. Vacation rentals are also available in the form of apartments, condos and houses.