There are generally two kinds of beaches: the “activity beach” and the "secluded beach.” At the activity beaches you'll find a multitude of  fun and games: parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, etc. The best-known activity beaches are Lucaya Beach, Xanadu Beach, and Taino Beach. 

As far as secluded beaches go, half of the fun is discovering them! The best hunting grounds are on the southwest and southeast sides of the island. Following the main highway either west or east, you'll come across miles of empty sand soon enough. One of the most spectacular stretches, though, is Gold Rock Beach, part of the protected Lucayan National Park, which is a must see at low tide when it unfolds its signature 'welcome mat.'

Some of Grand Bahama's Beaches Worth Experiencing:

Fortune Beach is a quiet beach, five miles from Port Lucaya Marketplace. The beach got its name from a shipwreck worth $2 million which was discovered there. Banana Bay restaurant is located here; it has good food and is a great place for private functions. You will need your own transportation to get there, or you can purchase a tour that visits this beach.

Gold Rock Beach is part of our National Park and is protected by the National Trust. This beach is located east of the Island (about 25 miles from Freeport) and is secluded and spectacular at low tide. It can be accessed via tour bus or rental car. BBQ pits, picnic tables and benches are available, but no other amenities. North of the beach, across the road are the Lucayan Caverns, the world's longest underground surveyed cave system.

Lucaya Beach is located across from the Port Lucaya hotels. This popular tourist beach has just about any water-sport activity, from snorkeling to parasailing. It's also a nice stretch of beach for strolling. Coral Beach is a walk to the west and is less crowded. Billy Joe's snack shack is nearby, where you can sample some of our island's famous "roast conch."

Mather Town Beach is about three miles from Port Lucaya. There are limited water activities, but it is a great beach for swimming, eating, drinking and hanging out with the locals. Club Caribe restaurant and Margaritavilla Sand Bar are located here.

Paradise Cove Beach, located in the west, is a quiet, secluded beach, offering snorkeling and volleyball as well as food and drink. Various tour packages provide transportation to this beach, which is open from 10 a.m. to sunset. Apartments are available for rent.

Smith's Point Beach is located in Lucaya, adjacent to Taino Beach. It is famous for its Wednesday night "fish fry."

Taino Beach, located in the Lucaya area, is ideal for families with children ,as it has a small playground. During holidays the beach is the site of many local "cook-outs." Several restaurants are here including The Stoned Crab, Kaptain Kenny's Bay Watch and Toni Macaroni's Beach Experience (featuring roast conch and conch salad). There is limited water activity available;hair braiding, straw goods and other souvenirs are available at Kaptain Kennys.

William's Town Beach is centrally located at William's Town settlement. The eastern side of the beach offers water activities, such as banana boats, jet skis and snorkeling. You will frequently see horses on the beach. On the town side is the Travellers Rest, a native restaurant and bar.

Xanadu Beach is a popular tourist beach, three miles from the International Bazaar, offering water sports, straw goods, food and beverages.