Grand Bahama Island is inviting travelers to experience the island-inspired food, Junkanoo-style entertainment and the warm hospitality of the destination, which has seen a number of revitalized developments following the passage of Hurricane Dorian.
Highlights of some of Grand Bahama Island’s restored and revitalized developments include:
Airlift
The Grand Bahama airport welcomed the return of Sunwing Airlines on Saturday, December 14. Sunwing will operate two flights to Freeport from Montreal and Toronto, each Saturday through April 2020.
Effective December 16, Bahamasair has resumed regular scheduled international commercial flights to Florida from Freeport. Daily flights (except Tuesday and Wednesday) are now available for bookings.
Starting December 19, Silver Airways resumed service to Freeport. Silver Airways will now offer daily flights between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport every day except Tuesdays, with two flights per day on Saturdays.
Travelers departing Freeport should note that check-in for all flights has been relocated to the fixed based operation (FBO) building at the Grand Bahama International Airport. Travelers are reminded that persons wishing to travel to Fort Lauderdale must present a valid U.S. Visa for processing by U.S. authorities upon arrival in Florida, while those wishing to travel to Florida from the islands without a U.S. visa will have to transit through Nassau.
Sea Transportation
Visitors to Grand Bahama Island also have the option of traveling via sea, courtesy of a fast-transport service linking Fort Lauderdale and Freeport. The fast ferry connecting these two ports has a 650-person capacity and a maximum speed of 38 knots—35 for service—with the journey taking two and a half hours. With five weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday), the number of connections could increase based on demand. Baleària Caribbean’s fast ferry provides a variety of comfortable seating, as well as a bar/cafeteria, Wi-Fi, a store, a pet zone and special family services.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has resumed commercial operations with two-night round-trip sailings from Palm Beach. On its return to Freeport in late September, the company became the first cruise line to have brought leisure travelers back to Grand Bahama following Hurricane Dorian. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is currently offering a flash sale on its “Get Nauti” offer. For just $99, guests who book sailings to Grand Bahama Island – departing now through May 31, 2020 – will receive 50 percent off the second guest.
Hotels
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach reopened its doors December 10. Viva Fortuna is located overlooking a 1,200-meter stretch of beach. The hotel is a great jumping-off point for enjoying Grand Bahama’s coral reef systems in the world and national parks, which are home to 18 native bird species.
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