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Freeport, Bahamas
Freeport is a city, district and free trade zone on the island of Grand Bahama of the northwest Bahamas. In 1955, Wallace Groves, a Virginian financier with lumber interests in Grand Bahama, was granted 50,000 acres (20,234 ha) of pineyard with substantial areas of swamp and scrubland by the Bahamian government with a mandate to economically develop the area. Freeport has grown to become the second most populous city in the Bahamas.
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) operates the free trade zone, under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement signed in August 1955 whereby the Bahamian government agreed that businesses in the Freeport area would pay no taxes before 1980, later extended to 2054. The area of the land grants within which the Hawksbill Creek Agreement applies has been... Read more
Freeport, Bahamas
Destination:
Freeport is a city, district and free trade zone on the island of Grand Bahama of the northwest Bahamas. In 1955, Wallace Groves, a Virginian financier with lumber interests in Grand Bahama, was granted 50,000 acres (20,234 ha) of pineyard with substantial areas of swamp and scrubland by the Bahamian government with a mandate to economically develop the area. Freeport has grown to become the second most populous city in the Bahamas.
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) operates the free trade zone, under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement signed in August 1955 whereby the Bahamian government agreed that businesses in the Freeport area would pay no taxes before 1980, later extended to 2054. The area of the land grants within which the Hawksbill Creek Agreement applies has been increased to 138,000 acres (55,847 ha).
Geography
Freeport is located just 80 miles (130 km) off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida, and on the major EW–NS shipping routes. This has positioned it as an ideal center for international business. Consequently, a growing number of international companies use Freeport for a business site.National parks
Parks include the Rand Nature Centre, named after its founder James Rand; Petersons Cay, a small isle about 300 yards off the shore of Grand Bahama; and the Lucayan National Park founded by Peter Barratt, a former architect and town planner of Freeport. The Lucayan National Park is 40 acres (0.16 km2) in extent and includes five ecological zones stretching from the south shore to the pineyard. There is an extensive underwater cave system beneath the park. One cave entrance is accessible by stairs at the national park. Other caves are accessible for certified scubas.
Climate
Freeport features a tropical rainforest climate, similar to South Florida's. According to the Köppen Climate Classification (Af), more specifically with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Seldom do temperatures drop below 60 °F (16 °C). Average temperatures range in the low to upper 80s, with water temperature varying between 72 to 78 °F (22 to 26 °C). The winters are usually mild (mid-60s to 70s) and dry (with the exception of some rainfall due to cold fronts), while the summers are usually hot and wet. Although a freeze has never been reported in the Bahamas, snow was reported to have mixed with rain in Freeport in January 1977, the same time that it snowed in the Miami area. The temperature was about 4.5 °C (40.1 °F) at the time.Source:
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Freeport, Bahamas: Port Information
The most convenient option to get to the center is using a taxi. It is located in about a 10-minute ride.
Get around Freeport, Bahamas
The Bahamas is expensive, expect to pay approximately 10% or 15% more than in the USA for the same things. American dollars are received everywhere, and if you pay in cash, many sellers will not charge you tax.
There are many forms of transportation available in Freeport. Taxis which are available at all the major tourist stops discuss a flat rate before the trip depending on how far you go and a number of passengers. There are many tour bus services available to give you a tour of the city of Freeport and highlight its features which may be more difficult on your own. Rental Cars is another option to see what Freeport has to offer.
What to see in Freeport, Bahamas
Although Freeport may not have the same number of attractions or tourists as Nassau, there are many activities and places to see for those that are willing to explore.
Places worth visiting:
- Lucayan National Park - Home of Gold Rock Beach, this spectacular park was the filming site of Pirates of the Caribbean II and III. Although mostly underground, the park also contains one of the cavern entrances to the limestone cave system, one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world.
- Port
Lucaya
- is the tourist 'hub' of the island and is the location of many restaurants and shops. Various water-related activities, as well as tours, can be organized through the tourist booths in Port Lucaya. Live music and entertainment is also offered weekly, although Friday and Saturday nights tend to be the most popular nights (especially during spring break). - Garden of the Groves - Former private garden of city founder Wallace Groves, this tropical paradise is well worth your time.
- Fish Fry(s) - Although there are many local Fish Frys, the most popular is located on Taino Beach and held every Wednesday evening/night.
- Beaches - Freeport is the site of a ridiculous number of amazing white-sand beaches. Some of the more popular ones are located at Our Lucaya, although for those looking for their own private location, it is well worth the trip to check out some of the others. The further you travel, the less other tourists you will see. Recommended locations - Coral Beach, Williams Town Beach, Xanadu Beach, Taino Beach, Barbary Beach, Plane-crash Beach, Gold Rock Beach etc. In general, the entire south side of Grand Bahama Island is the beach, while the north side is mainly mangroves and swamps.
- On the water - Various ocean relate activities provide a completely different perspective than what you will tend to find on land. For those who love swimming, either snorkeling or scuba diving the coral reefs are a must. The amount of tropical fish you will encounter is amazing. As well, various dive shops offer other interesting dives such as exploring shipwrecks, diving with sharks or dolphins, as well as exploring underwater caverns in the limestone caves.
- Other water related activities include parasailing, jet skiing, glass bottom boat tours, as well as Booze Cruises.
- The rest of the Island - For those more adventurous a trip either out to Maclean's Town or to
West End
is well worthwhile. If you are willing to explore you may be surprised by what little restaurants, shops, beaches, and hang out places you may discover. It will also give you a better understanding of the 'true' Bahamas, in contrast to what you will find in PortLucaya
.
What to do in Freeport, Bahamas
The beaches are very nice, and you can book waterbikes or diving lessons there. Book directly on the beach for lower prices.
What to eat and drink in Freeport, Bahamas
Some alcohols are cheaper than in USA or at least are duty free.
Shopping in Freeport, Bahamas
The only important market is the Lucayan Market: most of this place has many international shops with higher prices so don't go there. The market is not so big and if you walk enough. you will find a place with less fashion and more hand-made souvenirs. Ask for Allan Robinson, a friendly Rastafari who makes masks, sculptures and souvenirs: the advantage of shopping with him is that he is not a reseller so you will have better prices and without risk to buy something made in China.
Safety in Freeport, Bahamas
Bahamian culture is intolerant of public displays of affection between any couples that involve groping and excessive sexual suggestions. Please, although a beautiful place, keep that for the beach and your hotel. Feel free to hold hands and hug and kiss.
While the idea of being swept off one's feet by a good-looking local may sound romantic to some, serious caution is advised. Local men in particular often frequent the beaches near hotels, wooing foreign women as a hobby. It is imperative that safe sex is practiced, as in any country.
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LOCAL TIME
6:47 am
April 11, 2021
America/Nassau
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LOCAL CURRENCY
BSD
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