The northernmost of The Bahamas’ islands, the aptly-named Grand Bahama Island delights visitors with its luxurious accommodations, unblemished nature, and spirited, welcoming culture. In concert, these virtues have rocketed Grand Bahama Island to the top of countless bucket lists for golfers, birders, swimmers, sailors, foodies, hikers, families, and just about everyone else. Of course, how is anyone going to know you’ve been there (or believe the incredible things you’ve seen) without photographic evidence?
Taking great photos is a crucial part of any great vacation, and Grand Bahama has no shortage of Instagrammable spots, sure to elicit amazement and maybe even a little envy from your many followers. Distilling these primo locales down to just five was a difficult undertaking, but we invite you to read on for the fruits of that labour below.
Lucayan National Park
Lucayan National Park boasts one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world and preserves the remains of the Lucayan Indians. It encompasses diverse environments such as pine forests, mangrove creeks, coral reefs, and Gold Rock Beach, showcasing the full breadth of Grand Bahama’s ecology. Established in 1982 and expanded in 2015, the park bolsters the ranks as the second most visited national park in The Bahamas. The world-famous Gold Rock Beach is of particular appeal to tourists, as are the many colourful (and photogenic) birds that nest in this internationally recognized area.
The Lucayan Caverns within Lucayan National Park are also a compelling must-visit for anyone keen to experiment with a little spelunking…or just capture breathtaking photos for their Instagram. With crystal-clear waters, dramatic lighting, and unique rock formations, this geological wonder feels like something out of a movie. Sunlight streaming through the cave opening creates magical light beams, making it an excellent spot for taking truly striking photos.
The mangroves of Lucayan National Park provide an exceptional backdrop for Instagram video content, showcasing breathtaking natural scenery, clear waters, and lush vegetation. The calm, mirror-like waters create a tranquil and dreamlike vibe, perfect for ASMR-style paddling videos.
Exploring the narrow, natural tunnels by kayak injects a definite sense of adventure, and using GoPro and drone footage enables capturing the stunning landscape from multiple perspectives.
Port Lucaya Marketplace
The Port Lucaya Marketplace is the largest open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment venue in The Bahamas, featuring over forty specialty stores and eleven restaurants, along with bars for fun after sunset. Enjoy a variety of duty-free shops, two Straw Markets, and two Craft Centres, as well as pushcarts selling Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Coconut & Fruit Daiquiri Stand and Daddy Brown’s Conch and Seafood Stand for authentic island treats. With vibrant music in the Market Square, it’s Grand Bahama’s ultimate shopping destination!
Count Basie Square serves as a vibrant Instagram hotspot within Port Lucaya, ideal for capturing dynamic content. With live music, cultural performances, and tropical drinks, there’s always something happening in the Square. Whether you’re dancing to Bahamian beats or enjoying a sunset cocktail against the Caribbean backdrop, the Square is where you’ll find that authentic, festive Bahamian energy paired with infectious enthusiasm.
The Coconut and Fruit Stand in Port Lucaya is a picturesque locale that’s tailor-made for Instagram posts. With its bright tropical colours, fresh coconuts, and a variety of alluring daiquiris, this stand is the spot to be for boomerang videos of chopped fresh fruit and beautiful shots of clinking glasses beneath the clear blue sky.
The Garden of the Groves
The Garden of the Groves in Freeport, Grand Bahama, is a 12-acre botanical sanctuary featuring lush tropical flora, waterfalls, ponds, and a spiritual labyrinth. A certified Wildlife Habitat, it attracts birds, butterflies, and nature lovers – who seem to love flitting about the flowers in equal measure! Visitors can explore winding trails, a picturesque chapel, a children’s playground, and the Garden Cafe. Open daily, with an entry fee of $17 for adults and $11 for children (5-11), the garden offers guided tours for an enriched experience.
Looking for a floral co-star for your Instagram post? The Garden’s 10,000 species of plant life (but especially the orchids) are ideal subjects, owing to their vivid colours, exotic charm, and intricate details. These plants pose willingly for breathtaking close-up images and serve as distinctive backgrounds, cultivating that rare sense of absolute tranquility you just need for your feed.
Bahamas Maritime Museum
The Bahamas Maritime Museum, which opened on August 8, 2022, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, celebrates the maritime and broader cultural legacy of The Bahamas, through its exhibits on the Lucayan free-divers, the slave trade, pirate history, and the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas shipwreck. Located within the Port Lucaya Marketplace, the 370-square-meter museum features a library, a presentation room, and a conservation lab for the Maravillas project, sponsored by Carl and Gigi Allen. Its crown jewel? The (literal) crown jewels recovered from the mysterious wreckage of the Maravillas, which are exclusively displayed at the Maritime Museum.
Nothing conveys clout like taking your picture with priceless gems. The museum is an excellent Instagram spot, showcasing historic shipwrecks, engaging exhibits, and unique maritime artifacts. It offers visually captivating content that highlights the rich history of Grand Bahama.
You can learn more about the islands of The Bahamas at https://www.bahamas.com/.
