Seeing Freeport w/out an excursion

[mom4mj]

We don't set sail for over 500 days, but my mind is already planning excursions. (I can't help myself). We are planning to do an excursion in Key West, and then probably a big money one in Nassau. For this reason, we are wondering if in Freeport, we can just get off the boat and walk around the pier area. We have never been anywhere in the Bahamas so we don't know what to expect. Is walking around on our own feasible and safe?

 

Thanks for any info!

[BIG_Steve]

The port on Grand Bahamas Island (Freeport) is a busy industrial port. Last time I was there, there was only a tiny straw market, a bar, and a gift shop there. It did seem perfectly safe, just nothing much to do.

 

For 5 bucks each, you can take a shared cab over to "Our Lucaya" That's where the main straw market, boutiques, restaurants, casino, beaches, and excursions are.

[RuthieandTony]

Do you have any idea if any of the cabs are wheelchair/handicapped accessible? I'm looking for something specifically for a motorized scooter.

[cutrerc]

We've been there twice and I LOVE the beach across from the Lucaya shopping center. The shuttle buses or cab will take you there for around $10 round trip. Then we stop at the liquor store and grab some local Kalik beer and walk across the street to the public beach. (the walkway is right beside the big Isle Capri Casino.) It's beautiful there like a Corona commercial. That's our cheap day in Freeport!!:) Be sure to bring your beach towel from the ship though....as I remember.....no chairs.

[georgia_girl_trix]

Thanks so much! I've been needing the same info. Love this website!

[corkyanige]

It's time I get busy planning what we are doing in port.... Our Lucaya is sounding more & more appealing.:D

[BIG_Steve]

Do you have any idea if any of the cabs are wheelchair/handicapped accessible? I'm looking for something specifically for a motorized scooter.

 

I didn't notice. So many cruisers need them, I assume something must be available.

 

Hopefully this will be a BUMP of your message to someone who knows.

[gottago2mexico]

Do you have any idea if any of the cabs are wheelchair/handicapped accessible? I'm looking for something specifically for a motorized scooter.

 

Almost all the cabs are full sized vans or combis. Plenty of room to put your motorized scooter on board - you would need to pay for a private taxi though. However, none of the vehicles I believe are what you'd consider handicap accessible. You'd just need to have assistance to get in and out, but do-able.

[jessemon]

Almost all the cabs are full sized vans or combis. Plenty of room to put your motorized scooter on board - you would need to pay for a private taxi though. However, none of the vehicles I believe are what you'd consider handicap accessible. You'd just need to have assistance to get in and out, but do-able.

Hello Johann...You gave me some good info on the thread I started for Margaritavilla Sand Bar as to that place and others to go to...Thank you....

Can you suggest a service their that we can hire for about 5 hours where we can put tem or so people in a van and do a beach/barhop trip....???

Thanks again for your help...

[Sargent_Schultz]

There are some things to do at the port - I did end up taking a $5 shared ride to Our Lucaya and exploring there before returning to the port. Here are lots of pictures:

 

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

[kycruiser4togo]

Thanks for the pics! We are going to Freeport & Nassau in October. Enjoyed seeing what's in Freeport - and some of the price lists you posted. I can't wait to go!!! Anything that we definitely don't want to miss - my husband & I and our children, ages 9 & 12? How big is the market? How long will it take to "see it all"? Thanks for your reply!

[Sargent_Schultz]

You're welcome.

 

How long is up to you. If you or the kids want to do activities such as snorkeling or parasailing, it will take longer. Service at Billy Joe's was relatively quick, but it would depend on any crowds. Eating at off peak times has its advantages.

 

For four people, you might ask a taxi how much vs a one of the shuttle vans.

 

There are markets both at the port and at Port Lucaya - I though both were interesting, but really don't shop, so those don't take me long. ;) I would check the marketplace directory to see if there were any shops that looked interesting :http://portlucayamarketplace.com/lucaya/

 

I didn't try the casino, or I could have spent hours more.

 

For me, there were two don't miss things - one was a hair dryer for my GF who didn't bring hers and it was formal night. Little did I know she decided just to go have her hair done at the salon on the ship (the blow dryer was a lot cheaper). The other was conch fritters which were GREAT!

[flcraigs5]

Where did you get the Conch Fritters that were so good?

[afcj1]

Where did you get the Conch Fritters that were so good?

 

From the pictures on page 2, he was at Billy Joe's Restaurant. They looked very good:D

[Sargent_Schultz]

Oops, I lied - Cracked Conch was want I wanted and found - I would have settled for Conch Fritters.

 

http://billyjoesbahamas.tripod.com/

 

 

 

 

[gottago2mexico]

Hello Johann...You gave me some good info on the thread I started for Margaritavilla Sand Bar as to that place and others to go to...Thank you....

Can you suggest a service their that we can hire for about 5 hours where we can put tem or so people in a van and do a beach/barhop trip....???

Thanks again for your help...

 

Try Smiling Pat at www.smilingpat.com - she does custom bar hopping trips.

[jessemon]

Try Smiling Pat at www.smilingpat.com - she does custom bar hopping trips.

Thank you agian Johann...If we ever cross paths I owe you a few cold ones to say the least....I sent off a note to her....

Jeff