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OFF Topic- Grand Bahama Island
OFF Topic- Grand Bahama Island
Hi Everyone, I thought we were going to Las Vegas for our honeymoon in Oct but my Fiance surprised me by booking a trip to Grand Bahama Island instead, which really surprised me because the only Island he has ever been to is St. John. He said he would never go anywhere else again for vacation. I guess he could not wait until December. Has anyone been there? I did see one thing that looked interesting. Snorkeling in open water with Dolphins. These are trained Dolphins. I'm against going to those parks with Dolphins but from reading these dolphins go out in the ocean all the time and if they wanted to they could escape at anytime but choose not to. Any thoughts about this.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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California Girl
I'm with you on not wanting to support those dolphin encounters where the poor dolphins are penned up in a small pool, but it's different to swim in the open with them. We had a visit from a wild dolphin at Waterlemon in May. You can check out my pictures here: http://www.pbase.com/thegripps/waterlemon_bay
As long as the dolphins at Grand Bahama can swim in the ocean and it's their choice to play with you, then I say go for it!
As long as the dolphins at Grand Bahama can swim in the ocean and it's their choice to play with you, then I say go for it!
I will post a review, we will be staying at the Westin resort. Here is the link for the Dolphin excursion, If anyone is interested in it.
http://www.4daycruise.com/portlucaya/do ... rience.htm
I'm going reserch it more when we get there.
Sandy
http://www.4daycruise.com/portlucaya/do ... rience.htm
I'm going reserch it more when we get there.
Sandy
DC -
I've been to Grand Bahama twice, and have stayed at the Westin both times. A few things to note:
1. The Westin is a huge complex and the food is, on the whole, pretty bad and very expensive.
2. The pools are nice, but can be chilly
3. Don't expect anything near St. John - the island is flat, scrubby and looks like Florida. Remember it got a double-whammy hurricane hit a few years ago, so the island is still in recovery.
4. Ferry House is a great restaurant
5. The casino at your resort and nightlife at the marketplace across the street is fun
I like Grand Bahama, but it's not for everyone. We usually go for a long weekend as it's less than a 1.5 hour flight from Atlanta.
We have done the UNEXSO dolphin encounter. These dolphins are not allowed to leave whenever they want. They are kept in the ocean, but in sectioned-off areas. Apparently, they are let out for "free swims" but always come back. I don't know. I did it a number of years ago, probably wouldn't support it now, knowing what I know, but it is cool to see them up close.
I've been to Grand Bahama twice, and have stayed at the Westin both times. A few things to note:
1. The Westin is a huge complex and the food is, on the whole, pretty bad and very expensive.
2. The pools are nice, but can be chilly
3. Don't expect anything near St. John - the island is flat, scrubby and looks like Florida. Remember it got a double-whammy hurricane hit a few years ago, so the island is still in recovery.
4. Ferry House is a great restaurant
5. The casino at your resort and nightlife at the marketplace across the street is fun
I like Grand Bahama, but it's not for everyone. We usually go for a long weekend as it's less than a 1.5 hour flight from Atlanta.
We have done the UNEXSO dolphin encounter. These dolphins are not allowed to leave whenever they want. They are kept in the ocean, but in sectioned-off areas. Apparently, they are let out for "free swims" but always come back. I don't know. I did it a number of years ago, probably wouldn't support it now, knowing what I know, but it is cool to see them up close.
Thanks so much for your tips. I know it's nothing like St. John. But since we are going there in Dec we just wanted something that was easy to get to. We are going for 5 days. Really just to relax alittle bit after the wedding. I agree with you on the Dolphin tour. I doubt I would support something like that, we will see when we get there. I forgot about the Hurricane damage, thanks for the heads up on that.
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GidgetPicklebrain
- Posts: 170
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:54 am
- Location: Frederick, MD
I spent a long weekend there in mid December. We stayed at a Wyndham about 5 miles from the Westin/Sheraton complex. It was an all-inclusive I got a good last minute deal on. The food was adequate. The beach was nice and uncrowded, there was a small reef off shore and free snorkel equipment. It was a quite atmosphere.
Well worth the trip is a drive out to Paradise Cove. there is an off shore rock formation and reef there which was interesting. We didn't swimm with dolphins, but we did swim for awhile with a school of fifteen spotted eagle rays that were cruising up and down the ocean side of the formation. They will come pick you up for a day of snorkling and return you to your hotel for $35.00.
We also spent an afternoon at the Marketplace which is s nice diversion - shopping and restaurants.
Well worth the trip is a drive out to Paradise Cove. there is an off shore rock formation and reef there which was interesting. We didn't swimm with dolphins, but we did swim for awhile with a school of fifteen spotted eagle rays that were cruising up and down the ocean side of the formation. They will come pick you up for a day of snorkling and return you to your hotel for $35.00.
We also spent an afternoon at the Marketplace which is s nice diversion - shopping and restaurants.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. - Confucius
The Westin is nice - you should enjoy staying there. They have great pools on the beach and poolside bars that make for a nice relaxing day. There is a large shopping and restaurant complex (Lucaya Market?) across the street that has some decent restaurants. I second not eating at the Westin. Food is more expensive and just not that great.
One "different" thing I can recommend is to get a car one day and drive to High Rock. If it is still there, there is a WONDERFUL, secluded place called Bishop's. He has a small hotel, a beach front bar/gazebo, a long, deserted white sand beach that is beautiful, and a restaurant that served some of the best lobster and Bahama Mamas I have ever had. He makes "cracked lobster" which is lobster removed from the shell and fried. Sinful. If memory serves, the meal with sides was only $15. I'd call first to see if that place is still there (Phone: 242-353-4515 / 353-5485 ).
Also, if you walk down the beach from the Westin, just past the Sheraton, there is a little beachfront "shack" that grills up lobsters all day. It is AWESOME! You can grab some grilled seafood and a cold drink and eat at the picnic tables on the beach. Don't miss it. I think it's called "Billy Joe's."
One "different" thing I can recommend is to get a car one day and drive to High Rock. If it is still there, there is a WONDERFUL, secluded place called Bishop's. He has a small hotel, a beach front bar/gazebo, a long, deserted white sand beach that is beautiful, and a restaurant that served some of the best lobster and Bahama Mamas I have ever had. He makes "cracked lobster" which is lobster removed from the shell and fried. Sinful. If memory serves, the meal with sides was only $15. I'd call first to see if that place is still there (Phone: 242-353-4515 / 353-5485 ).
Also, if you walk down the beach from the Westin, just past the Sheraton, there is a little beachfront "shack" that grills up lobsters all day. It is AWESOME! You can grab some grilled seafood and a cold drink and eat at the picnic tables on the beach. Don't miss it. I think it's called "Billy Joe's."