Grand Bahama is 96 miles long, east to west, and 17 miles across at its widest point. In tourism terms, Grand Bahama is the second most visited island of the Bahamas, and occupies a large area of land - the fourth largest island of the Bahamas. Grand Bahama is the northernmost major island of the Bahamas, the closest major Bahaman island to the United States, and lying just 55 miles (90 km) off the coast of Florida, makes travel to Grand Bahama easier and quicker than to any of the other Bahama islands. Grand Bahama boasts an International Airport, and the sea port is the main port of call for all the vessels travelling to the Bahamas.

Grand Bahama stands out from the other Bahama Islands, it is greener and cleaner, less crowded and less spoilt. Unlike Nassau, the less populated outskirts of Grand Bahama supply a more serene and tranquil environment of deserted beaches that offer sanctuary for those who desire private hideaway spots reminiscent of the Family Islands. However, similar to the other Bahama islands, it offers miles of pearly white beaches, and luxurious hotels such as the Westin Grand Bahama and the Sheraton Grand Bahama. Get away from the hussle and bustle of the other crowded Bahamas Islands and head to Grand Bahama for a truly relaxing getaway break. It is truly unique.

The Bahamas and especially Freeport, Grand Bahama, are in the early stages of a resurgence brought about by the pro-investment new government that has cut red tape for foreign investment and residency with no strings attached. Foreigners may buy homes and land with the same rights as Bahamians. There are no property or income taxes in Freeport. The fact that Grand Bahama is currently receiving significant levels of inward investment, and coupled with the fact that there are no taxes on real estate on Grand Bahama, makes property or land on the island an increasingly viable investment opportunity. Foreign investors are slowly waking up to the fact that there are huge number of pristine ocean and canal front properties availble in and around Freeport. Since we last compared in April 2007, premium waterfront lots cost as little as one fifth of a similar property on the Florida coast. Construction is picking up quickly as a result.

Freeport property is covered by the Hawksbill Creek agreement, meaning that personal real estate is exempt from Government Property Taxes until the year 2015. There are several large real estate developments currently being constructed on the island. In fact, the island hasn't seen development of such a magnitude since the 1960s, when the Bahamas was preparing to become an independent nation.

Neither individuals nor corporations that are deemed resident in the Bahama Isalnds are required to pay any income tax, corporation tax or death duties. This is encouraging to those involved in the development of ecommerce businesses on the islands, and Grand Bahama is attracting many ecommerce businesses.

It is now almost inconceivable to think that prior to the 1950's, Freeport, the capital of Grand Bahama, was a pinewood forest and almost completely uninhabited. Grand Bahama's land mass consitutes a significant portion of the 100,000 square miles of dry land that comprise the islands of the Bahamas. Grand Bahama has great development potential - there are many small towns or villages which have sprung up and large areas of land that are relatively undeveloped with vast expanses of pristine beach to explore that are off the main tourist maps.

Grand Bahama is considered to be one of the best fishing and scuba diving destinations in the world. You can look forward to a day's catch including marlin, sailfish, barracuda, and blue or yellow fin tuna. Divers and fishers will also find grouper, lobster and conch. Grand Bahama is still relatively quiet, but offers much to do in the way of outdoor activities. The main attraction is the Goldrock Beach that is flat, elegantly textured with fine sand, and reaches far out like the beaches of French Polynesia. The water is so clear and warm, and the color of aqua Gatorade. You are very likely to find wonderful stingrays along the beach waters.

The island was recently recommended by Yahoo as one of the top 10 island hideaways, and it boasts a yacht club that ranks in the top 10 worldwide.

For ecological tourists, there is the 40-acre Lucayan National Park, about 25 miles east of Freeport, where you can take a self-guided tour through well-labeled routes that are dotted with wild tamarind, guava, towering Caribbean pines, and gumbo-limbo trees. It's can be wonderful just exploring the area following the the wooden boardwalks through the mangroves.

Unique to Grand Bahama are the Lucayan tunnels, this is the longest underwater cave system in the world. Tourists have a choice of horseback riding, scuba diving, amazing snorkling experiences, and even swimming with dolphins. The dolphin experience oprators run some very ehtical operations compared to elsewhere in the world. The dolphins are free to leave the managed dolphin area, and they choose to come back into the area. We assume that the dolphins must enjoy being part of the dolphin experience themselves.

Grand Bahama lots of great wreck dives, some are purpose sunk dives while others were wrecks going back over 150 years. There are many undiscovered wrecks due to the fact that Grand Bahama was prime buccaneer and pirate territory and subsequently used by rum runners during American prohibition and even by gun runners later. Plenty of wrecks and bounty to be found by the budding explorer. Scuba divers will also enjoy the shark dives. There are at least 9 species of sharks around Grand Bahama with the largest being the Great Hammerhead shark and the Whale Shark. However, it is more likely that you will see Caribbean Reef Sharks and Nurse Sharks.