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The Best Tours and Excursions in Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)

LAST UPDATED BY Amber Nolan August 12, 2015

Although it isn't as flashy as its sister island, Nassau , sprawling Grand Bahama has an array of things for visitors to do, but many of these attractions are far from the cruise port and are not within walking distance of Port Lucaya. There are plenty of tourism gems, but you'll need help finding them. The island is one place where booking a guided tour will grant access to hidden beaches, restaurants, caves, trails, and other wonders that aren't obvious at first glance.

The island is developing into an eco-tourism hotspot featuring stunning national parks with pristine waters, blue holes, caves, mangroves, and flourishing wildlife. Many tours are geared toward experiencing the beauty of the island, like West End Ecology Tours, which takes you off the beaten path, or Grand Bahama Nature Tours, a company that combines exploring the natural world with thrilling ATV transportation. Divers and snorkelers can explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sharks, and other marine life.

There's also motorized sightseeing tours to give first-timers an introduction to the island, horseback riding excursions through hidden trails and secluded beaches, and a local brewery for an authentic, casual afternoon.

The editors at 10Best.com have rounded up their favorite excursions and tours so visitors can experience the real Grand Bahama Island.

Bahamian Brewery

Opened in 2007, the 20-acre brewery is located a stone's throw from the cruise port and is a locally-owned establishment. The 60,000-square-foot establishment is known for its production of Sands beer (in recycled bottles to boot), and houses a retail store, gift store and beer garden. Tours of the brewery take visitors through the 25-step process from malt to beer and teach them about the filtration, kegging, and bottling process. Perhaps the most important part is the sampling in the tasting room (with a casual, drink what you want policy). Prices are extremely reasonable, and you'll likely leave with a nice little buzz.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : A casual, relaxed atmosphere and some very good beer make this a fun experience.

Amber's expert tip : If you are arriving on a cruise ship, book a cab here instead of through the cruise line to save some cash.

Read more about Bahamian Brewery →

Caribbean Divers

Scuba diving on Grand Bahama Island is phenomenal: the coral reefs are vibrant and colorful, the visibility is exceptional, and the marine life is flourishing. One of the best dive tour operators in Grand Bahama, Caribbean Divers has a personalized service and a convenient location in Port Lucaya at the Bell Channel Inn Hotel. Several different dive packages are offered with three dives each day ranging from shallow reefs of around 20 feet to deeper dives around 50 feet. Grand Bahama is also home to "Shark Junction" a great place to experience Caribbean reef sharks. There's also several shipwrecks in the area and the unusual the Pygmy Caves - small caves formed by large levels of coral.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : The waters of Grand Bahama offer an underwater playground, and Caribbean Divers has an established track record.

Amber's expert tip : Stay at the Bell Channel Inn for to make the most of your time diving!

Read more about Caribbean Divers →

Exotic Adventures (Boat Tours)

Al Saunders is captain of the Exotic Adventures boat and his motto is: "If you can dream it, we can do it!" The options are limitless. If you want to go out at sunset and enjoy a romantic cruise, you can. Want to go to a deserted island and spend the night under the stars? No problem. You can charter his boat for fishing, snorkeling, shelling and diving — whatever you're up for. Your lunch will be speared and freshly prepared for you on an open fire with savory Bahamian seasonings while you relax on the beach. This is a very cool way to experience the Bahamas.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : This company's policy of customized tours mean that the sky is the limit.

Amber's expert tip : They also offer day and overnight trips to Bimini and the Abacos.

Read more about Exotic Adventures (Boat Tours) →

CocoNutz Cruisers

This cruise-passenger favorite, motorized bicycle tour is located in Port Lucaya and will take visitors on an island adventure. Experience Grand Bahama's coastline, flora and fauna, and a local Bahamian cuisine. Visitors will watch a live conch demonstration and get a peek at some dolphins before relaxation and swim time on the beach. Tours last about five-and-a-half hours (depending on guest pace) and includes bottled water, lunch and use of towels and snorkeling gear. Hotel pick up is complimentary and cruise port transportation is available for a small fee. The maximum number of riders is 12, so reservations are a good idea (but not required).

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : This convenient tour is the perfect introduction to Grand Bahama Island.

Amber's expert tip : They take plenty of photos for you so you can enjoy the experience.

Read more about CocoNutz Cruisers →

Grum Ma's House Cultural Center

At Grum Ma's House, visitors will learn about Bahamian culture and historical facts. They can enjoy a hands-on tour about bush medicine and tea with opportunities to taste Bahamian fruit, tea, and food and learn about the Junkanoo celebration. An array of interesting crafts and items adorn the walls. Other tours include a sampling of homemade Bahamian cuisine, craft demonstration, visits to other local cultural attractions, a settlement tour, wearing of Junkanoo costumes, shaking of cowbells, and beating goatskin drums. Advance booking is required for tours so plan accordingly. Tours range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on which option you choose.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : Because there is more to Freeport than Bahama Mamas and t-shirts.

Amber's expert tip : Donations to the cultural center are appreciated.

Read more about Grum Ma's House Cultural Center →

Reef Tours (Fishing & Boat Tours)

In business for over 30 years, Reef Tours offers many different ways to spend your day. The staff is very polite and professional, and the tours are well organized. Their office and docks are conveniently located at the marina of Port Lucaya Marketplace. Tour options include catamaran snorkel cruises, glass-bottom boat jaunts (on a double-deck vessel), parasailing and deep-sea fishing. There are also banana boat rides, wave runner rentals, Segway tours, paddle boarding, snorkeling and booze cruises. They are open seven days a week. Call or drop by the office for reservations, departure times and costs.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : A proven track record and a plethora of water activities make this a top choice.

Amber's expert tip : Be sure to confirm your booking, especially if done through the internet.

Read more about Reef Tours (Fishing & Boat Tours) →

Calabash Eco Adventures

Learn about the red mangroves, double-crescent cormorants, yellow-crown night herons and other wildlife on a kayak adventure one of the largest creek systems in Grand Bahama known as Dover Sound. Calabash Eco Adventures navigates a beautiful maze of sand banks and explores a blue hole and other natural treasures. At the end of the kayaking experience, travelers unwind on a beautiful white powdery beach and restaurant and enjoy lunch, lounge chairs, tropical cocktails and hammocks. Other adventures include a kayaking and snorkeling combination to the island of Peterson Cay, as well as sightseeing tours of Lucayan National Park and the inland blue holes.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, tour offers several combinations of fun activities.

Amber's expert tip : Many tours include time in the "open water," so you should be comfortable with the ocean.

Read more about Calabash Eco Adventures →

Pinetree Stables

This is one of Grand Bahama's most popular activities. Pinetree Stables provides vacationers with both trail and beach tours via horseback. Rides depart in the morning daily, but be sure to call ahead to make a reservation. They also offer a shuttle service to the major Freeport hotels included in the price. The two-hour guided ride from the horse stables winds through the endangered pine forest, past the luxurious Coopers Castle and through the hardwoods along the swash, over the sand dunes, onto the beach and into the water along a secluded shoreline. Expect to get wet and bring your waterproof camera!

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : Friendly guides (and horses) and an unusual, educational experience make this a fun tour.

Amber's expert tip : Long pants are recommended and wear sunblock and a hat.

Read more about Pinetree Stables →

ATV Island Tours (Grand Bahama Nature Tours)

This tour bundles a little of everything with a fun and unique way to get there on ATVs. They also provide basic instruction for first-time riders that includes a safety practice. Then, it's time to explore off-road trails through native vegetation with many twists and turns as the guide gives information about the environment. Next,the tour heads towards the beach and winds around the Lucayana Waterway to a lookout point of the south shore. The ATV ride ends at the Garden of the Groves, a peaceful botanical garden. Transportation is provided to a beach bar and restaurant for a short beach break before returning to the hotel or cruise ship.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : This thrilling experience that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the island.

Amber's expert tip : Bring some cash for the restaurant or tropical gardens.

Read more about ATV Island Tours (Grand Bahama Nature Tours) →

West End Ecology Tours

Tucked away on the quiet side of Grand Bahama is the West End, where a grassroots, geotourism movement is taking form. The goal of West End Ecology Tours is to educate visitors about the local ecology and how vital it is to protect natural resources. Adventurous travelers can try their signature tour and take a boat ride to the pristine island of Sandy Cay. There, they can hand-feed gentle stingrays in the shallow waters along the shore before taking a nature walk of the island. Other tours include lionfish spearfishing, where guests can help to reduce the number of the invasive species that are destroying the reef system, as well as fishing tours that help to support a local fishing camp.

Recommended for Grand Bahama Island's Best Tours and Excursions because : Experience an entirely different side of Grand Bahama and practice sustainable tourism in the process.

Amber's expert tip : Be sure to take the time of year into consideration when booking because seasonal wildlife tours are also offered.

Read more about West End Ecology Tours →

Originally from upstate New York, this restless traveler has a knack for befriending interesting characters. You can usually find her just about anywhere that has a hammock. Amber's favorite...   More About Amber

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Top Tours in Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Paradise Cove Day Pass with Pickup from Freeport

2. Blue hole snorkeling, and turtle park

3. Mamma Gal East End Native Experience

4. Swim with Pigs on a Tropical Island

5. East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour

6. Freeport Shore Excursion: Kayak Turtle Park

7. Mamma Gal Native Experience

8. Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs

9. Beach Day and Clear Kayak Photoshoot in Bahamas

10. Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience

11. CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour

12. Freeport Snorkeling Peterson Cay National Park and Hotel Day Pass

13. Swim with the Pigs / West End Experience

14. Bahamas Get-A-Round Bus Pass

15. Clear Kayak Tour

16. Roundtrip Airport Transfers Grand Lucayan Resort Freeport

17. Round-Trip Airport Transfer Viva Club Fortuna Freeport

18. 4 Hour Private Sandy Cay Experience with Snorkeling - Adults Only

19. PADI Discover Scuba Diving and Day Pass in Freeport

20. Snorkel/Swim with the Turtles Experience

21. Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club

22. Day Trip To Freeport, Grand Bahama - Tickets only

23. ULTIMATE Bahamas day escape to Bimini or Freeport by ferry

24. Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour

25. Freeport Shore Excursion: All-Inclusive Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort Pass

26. Private Round Trip Transfer from Freeport Airport to Hotel

27. Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port

28. Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts

29. Round-trip Airport Transfers to Castaway Resorts, Freeport

30. Round-Trip Airport Transfer Between Freeport Airport and Pelican Bay Resort

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• Swim with Pigs on a Tropical Island
• Paradise Cove Day Pass with Pickup from Freeport
• Blue hole snorkeling, and turtle park
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• Epic Diving
• Calabash Eco Adventures
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• Pat & Diane Snorkeling
• Paradise Cove
• Experience Grand Bahama Island with Hida
• Reef Oasis Dive Club
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Snorkel sea safari, grand bahama island, bahamas.

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• 3 hrs Estimate Duration

Snorkel the crystal-clear waters off Grand Bahama and enjoy a close-up view of the diverse marine life that inhabits the coral reefs. After a relatively short boat ride, you will reach a reef that the captain has chosen after considering the weather and water conditions. The boat will moor there rather than drop anchor, which could damage the fragile ecosystem. You will then ease into the water and behold the wonders that lie just below the surface. There is no telling what you will see, but you can be sure it will be plentiful as the visibility is often up to 200 feet. You may observe neon-colored parrotfish, blue angelfish, black groupers and horse-eye jacks. Be sure to scan the ocean floor for spiny lobsters, hermit crabs and large sea snails known as Triton’s trumpets. If you spot a leatherback sea turtle, it will be a showstopper, as these graceful creatures weigh up to 1,300 pounds.

HIGHLIGHTS • Cruise to a coral reef not far offshore that is ideal for snorkeling. • Look for a variety of colorful marine creatures gathered around the reef. • Observe schools of tropical fish, unusual mollusks and perhaps even a sea turtle.

HELPFUL HINTS • Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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Grand Bahama Island

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Grand Bahama Island is a haven of gorgeous white sand beaches, surrounded by crystal clear waters that stretch on for miles. Our excursions let you enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences in this tropical paradise that you’ll treasure for years to come. Pre-booking your excursion before you sail is the best option to guarantee availability for your preferred tours, as many excursions are limited and can sell out in advance.

Grand Bahama Island on The Paradise

Cruise to the Bahamas from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida on The Paradise. Set sail for tropical waters and picture-perfect island views while basking in the ultimate relaxation or indulging in fun-soaked onboard experiences. 

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Our Bahamas cruise ship excursions are one-of-a-kind experiences in Grand Bahama that you’ll treasure for years to come. Spend the day relaxing in the sun, swim with the pigs, get a close encounter with dolphins, take part in thrilling watersports, snorkel, and more. 

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The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is the only 3-day and 2-night cruise sailing from the Port of Palm Beach to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

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Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour

• All Entrance Fees
• Full Guided Tour
• Times to match your cruise ship porting
• Entry/Admission - Garden of the Groves
• Food and drink
• Freeport, The Bahamas We will meet you at the cruise pier at a time to match your cruise porting times.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Port Lucaya Marketplace

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• You'll start at Freeport Freeport, The Bahamas We will meet you at the cruise pier at a time to match your cruise porting times. See address & details
• Pass by Grand Bahama Island
• 1 Garden of the Groves Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Port Lucaya Marketplace Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

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Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

From lazy lounging on the beach to action-packed water adventures, cruise ship shore excursions in the Bahamas are packed with fun in the sun and sea.

Whether you're looking to get wet, get chill or get stuff, you'll find a way to do it on a shore excursion here. You can swim with pigs and dive with sharks. You can cruise the islands on ATVs or skim across the water on a wide array of vessels. Tours often include time to shop the straw markets, and many also include traditional Bahamian lunches, snacks and/or beverages.

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The list of Bahamas tours and activities includes options to suit almost everyone. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. Ready? Let's dive in.

Prices for the same tours can vary across cruise lines and third-party sellers, so tours are listed below by price ranges, using the following shorthand (per adult):

$= $0-50. $$= $51-99. $$$= $100-199. $$$$=$200-499.

Best Nassau, Bahamas shore excursions

Island food and culinary tour

3-3.5 hours, easy, $$.

Bahamas food and beverage excursions are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the culture of the islands. You'll feast on island specialties and favorites such as conch fritters or salad, rock lobster, traditional cornbread-like Johnny cakes and tropical punches laced with rum. Most cruise lines offer food tours that stop at multiple local eateries. There may be walking involved, so be sure to read your cruise line's description.

Blue Lagoon beach break

Varies, easy to moderate, $$-$$$.

Some of the best excursions in Nassau are to Blue Lagoon Island, a privately owned island with a beach, food, water sports and other activities. You can choose the standard beach break option with lunch, beach games and use of water noodles and tubes. Or you can upgrade to a tour that includes snorkeling or swimming with stingrays, dolphins, sharks and even sea lions. Additional activities can be purchased upon arrival on the island.

Scuba diving with sharks

4.5 hours, moderate, $$$-$$$$.

If you are a certified scuba diver and have ever considered diving with sharks, this is your excursion. The shark dives involve one reef dive, followed by a second dive with everyone kneeling in the sand on the bottom as the shark feeder doles out his goodies. You've heard the term "sharknado?" It's a real thing and being in one is an adrenaline rush you'll never forget.

I should warn the shark-timid among you that because Caribbean reef sharks are plentiful in the waters surrounding Nassau and because dive shops have been doing baited shark dives here for years, you may encounter sharks on any dive in Nassau, though at a bit more distance than during the shark feeds. In fact, I've never not seen a shark while diving here.

Paradise Island and Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark

All day, moderate, $$$$.

Excursions that include access to Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas seem to no longer mention the name of the mega-resort that made Paradise Island famous. If you've always wanted to go, excursions labeled Aquaventure are your ticket.

The day pass includes access to miles of beaches, the on-site casino, and the Aquaventure water park featuring 141 acres of slides, swimming areas, river rides, and wave areas. The pass also allows you to dine in the resort's eateries, explore a myriad of shops or even add an aquatic animal experience like a dolphin swim.

You can purchase Atlantis day passes independently, but the advantage of booking your visit as an excursion is that transportation will be included.

Related: A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Best shore excursions in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

Freeport island tour, beach and shopping

4 hours, easy, $.

Shore excursions that bundle a tour with a beach break and shopping are always a good choice in the Bahamas. You get to see a bit of the island, learn its history, shop for souvenirs and get in some coveted beach time, all with easy transportation. This kind of tour is especially useful if you've never been to Grand Bahama Island. For a small amount of money, you get to scope the place out for your adventures on your next Bahamas cruise.

Pirate's Cove beach, zipline and waterpark

4 hours, moderate, $$$.

If zip lining is your thing, this is a good place to get your fix. The beachside zip line has options for starting at 50 feet up or 30 feet, making it ideal for newbies wanting to try the experience. Since this excursion also includes time at the beach and floating water park, consider it a deal.

Glass bottom boat shark experience

3 hours, easy, $$$.

Want to see Caribbean reef sharks without putting your toes in the water? This excursion takes you on a glass-bottom boat ride to waters where Caribbean reef sharks have been fed. The boat has ample deck space for sunning when you aren't watching the action below the boat. It's a fun way to spend a day out on the water with an opportunity to see these predators and other colorful tropical fish without fear. Typical Bahamian refreshments round out the fun.

Blue hole snorkeling

5 hours, moderate, $$$.

My rule of thumb is to snorkel at every opportunity while in the Bahamas. It's a fun and easy way to take a peek beneath the waves at the colorful sea life found in these waters. When you book a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas, gear is provided, including snorkeling vests to keep you afloat.

For the best Bahamas snorkeling, choose a blue hole snorkeling excursion. Blue holes are found throughout the Bahamas and are essentially open-topped caverns, so it's like swimming in a fishbowl. Some are landlocked, where they may be filled with either fresh or salt water, and inhabited by a wide range of aquatic life, including crabs, lobsters, octopus and fish. Others are offshore, below the surface of the ocean, creating a mini reef environment to explore.

This excursion involves a lengthy ride, but it's definitely worth it.

Swim with the pigs

1.5 hours, easy, $$$.

Swimming pigs are kind of a big deal in the Bahamas. Animal lovers can enjoy time in shallow water watching (and even feeding) these silly pigs. Most of the cruise line private islands also offer pig swims, but the one in Freeport does not involve a boat ride, which may make it more appealing to some. You'll also get time to hang out on Crystal Beach and buy lunch.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Best Bahamas shore excursions from cruise line private islands

Snorkeling from shore or by boat

Varies, moderate, $-$$.

Cruise ship private islands make snorkeling easy. Most of the islands will offer snorkeling gear for rent, and you can snorkel right from the beach. (If you, like me, never miss an opportunity to put your face in the water, consider buying your own snorkel gear for future sailings.) Optional boat excursions to primo snorkeling spots are also possible from some islands.

1-1.5 hours, moderate, $-$$.

Kayaking from the cruise line private islands gives you a new perspective of these fun playgrounds. Tours are led by experienced guides who can point out sea life in shallow water while leading you along the shore of the tropical paradise. Beginners are welcome and life jackets are provided.

Stingray City Bahamas

1.5 hours, easy, $$.

While the Stingray City experience has been popular in Grand Cayman for years, it's relatively new to the Bahamas. Stingray City Bahamas is located among the Berry Islands, home to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay. You'll be taken on a short speedboat ride to a shallow sandy spot in a location where stingrays congregate. Your guide will provide fish to feed the rays, which swoop in and suck the fish from your hand. It's a fun outing if you haven't done it before and it doesn't take away too much of your beach time on the island.

Horseback riding by land and sea

1.25 hours, moderate, $$$.

Carnival offers a horseback riding tour from Half Moon Cay that includes a brief venture into the sea with your horse. The minimum age is 10. As the mother of a horse-loving daughter, I can tell you that riding in the ocean was one of her favorite cruise memories ever. No riding experience is required, but you must be able to follow directions and pay attention to your guide for your own safety as well as that of the horses and other riders. One other thing to know: There will be poo, both on land and in the water.

Related: Visiting a cruise line's private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes

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Travel | Carnival doles out more details on new Bahamas…

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Subscriber only, travel | carnival doles out more details on new bahamas destination.

MIAMI BEACH — Carnival Cruise Line has released another round of updates on what travelers can expect when its new private destination Grand Bahama Celebration Key opens.

Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will be welcoming ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville as well as six other U.S. ports.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The largest port construction project in the line’s history will be carved into five segments the company calls portals, and Carnival released details about the third one tied to retail, an artisan village called Lokono Cove.

Named in deference to the native Lucayan language, “lokono” means “the people.” It was the winning selection from Grand Bahamas resident Deidre Rahming, who was on hand in Miami Beach with an entourage from the Bahamian government on Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference.

She received a check for $5,000 from Carnival and a future day pass for the resort, which won’t normally be open to visitors from the island. The line says at least 300 jobs will be generated for locals serving the cruise guests.

Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” said Duffy said/ “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove.”

The space also will be the excursion gateway for visitors to explore Grand Bahama.

It’s the third name drop by Carnival following the reveal of welcome area Paradise Plaza and adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon. The final two space names and details, which will be a family-friendly area and an adults-only private area, will be revealed later.

The site will also have a south-facing mile-long beachfront expanse and massive freshwater inland lagoon the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Paradise Plaza features a rainbow-colored walkway through a sunshine entranceway with a 10-story “Suncastle” as a centerpiece. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

Calypso Cove is the name of an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

This image shows cabanas within Calypso Cove, an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

Calypso Lagoon falls just to the west, home to the sport court and freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks. And adults-only area of the portal will feature a swim-up bar with a DJ, food trucks and more lounging options.

Future expansion will build beyond the five portals including the construction of a water park.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling its largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class, including Port Canaveral-based Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration out of Miami.

The line announced this year a $100 million plan to expand that with a second dock so that it could handle up to four such ships beginning in 2026. That expansion, which grows the line’s investment to $600 million so far, means it expects nearly 4 million passengers to visit the site annually by 2028, an average of 11,000 visitors every day. For now, it has more than 500 itineraries planned among 18 ships available to book.

Other U.S. ports visiting the new site are Galveston, Texas; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, S.C. and New Orleans.

“As is fitting for our plans for Grand Bahama island, our vision for Celebration Key is quite grand, and we’re already thinking about the next phase of expansion and development,” said Duffy when the pier expansion was announced. “Building the second pier now allows us to implement growth plans and build itineraries with certainty, and signals to the local community just how important this development is to Carnival Cruise Line and the future of the island.”

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