4 Best Sights in Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island

Visit this first of its kind, revolutionary land-based coral farm to learn about this important marine animal and how Coral Vita is working to save endangered coral reefs using microfragmenting technology. They have 30 tanks and expect to grow more than 10,000 pieces of 20 different coral species each year. Kids of all ages will enjoy hands-on learning with the touch tank. Tours last one hour and are available on Monday and Thursday at 10 am.

Learn about The Bahamas' fascinating maritime history at this new museum that houses exhibits and valuable artifacts from one of the country's most famous wrecks: Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas, which sank on the Bahama Banks in 1656. The museum also features exhibits about the indigenous people of The Bahamas, the Lucayans, as well as the transatlantic slave trade. 

Encounter Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Sanctuary Bay at one of the world's first and largest dolphin facilities, about 2 miles east of Port Lucaya. A ferry takes you from Port Lucaya to the bay to observe and photograph the animals. If you don't mind getting wet, you can sit on a partially submerged dock or stand waist deep in the water and one of these friendly creatures will swim up to you. You can also engage in one of two swim-with-the-dolphins programs, but participants must be 55 inches or taller. The Dolphin Experience began in 1987, when it trained five dolphins to interact with people. Later, the animals learned to head out to sea and swim with scuba divers on the open reef. A two-hour dive program is available. You can buy tickets for the Dolphin Experience at UNEXSO in Port Lucaya but be sure to make reservations as early as possible.

Lucaya's large and lively shopping complex is on the waterfront across the street from the Grand Lucayan hotel and right in front of the Pelican Bay hotel. Wander walkways lined with hibiscus, bougainvillea, and croton to discover a wealth of brightly painted waterfront restaurants and bars, water-sports operators, and shops selling clothing, silver, jewelry, perfumes, and local arts and crafts. The marketplace's centerpiece is Count Basie Square, where live entertainment featuring Bahamian bands appeals to joyful nighttime crowds most weekends. Lively outdoor watering holes line the square.