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History of Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama Island, the northernmost and one of the largest in The Bahamas, is famous for its sweeping white-sand beaches, including the pristine one-mile stretch at Celebration Key. Home to the second-largest population in the country, it offers a diverse blend of island adventures, cultural experiences, and rich history.
Inhabited for over 7,000 years, it was first settled by a seafaring people of which little is known, followed by the Lucayans, who migrated from the southern Caribbean. When Columbus landed in The Bahamas in 1492, around 4,000 Lucayans lived on the island.
After the Spanish arrived, Grand Bahama remained a small quiet settlement due to its dangerous reefs that were seen as a hazard to ships. Over time, “wrecking” became the local livelihood, with the islanders sometimes luring ships to crash into the reefs to salvage goods.
In the 17th century, after the British claimed The Bahamas, the island became a haven for legendary pirates such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd who used reefs to ensnare their targets, just like the wreckers before them. During the American Civil War, Grand Bahama sailors profited from the Union blockade by smuggling goods to the Confederacy. Local smugglers later thrived again during Prohibition, bringing alcohol into the United States.
In the 1950s, Grand Bahama became home to one of the world’s first free trade zones, sparking an economic boom that transformed the island into a diverse, cosmopolitan community. The creation of the City of Freeport and the country’s largest commercial harbor attracted global residents and established Grand Bahama as a premier tropical paradise and tourist destination with endless activities and attractions to offer.
A CELEBRATION OF GRAND BAHAMA
All across Celebration Key, more than 800 sabal palms rise from the landscape—tall, weathered, and full of stories. These trees have stood through Hurricane Dorian and still bear the blackened marks of past fires, quiet reminders of the island’s strength and spirit.
That same spirit pulses through every part of the experience, highlighting the country’s rich and diverse heritage. The entertainment team is decked out in authentic Bahamian dress as guests enjoy lively, colorful performances of Junkanoo – the signature local celebration featuring dazzling costumes and energetic rhythms.
The rhythm continues with the sounds of “rake n’ scrape,” a beloved Bahamian musical tradition, as dancers move with joy and purpose, sharing their culture through movement.
At the heart of it all is Locono Cove, a lively artisan village named through an island-wide competition. Surrounded by bold murals from renowned Bahamian artists, guests can meet local makers, explore handcrafted treasures, and feel the creative heartbeat of the island.
Island information
Grand Bahama Island is the northernmost, and third largest of 700 islands in The Bahamas. It is located about 60 miles East of Palm Beach, FL.
The island is roughly 530 square miles (1,400 km2) in area and approximately 95 miles (153 km) long and 15 miles (24 km) at its widest point.
Grand Bahama has a tropical climate with a dry winter season from November to April and a wet summer season from May to October. Average temperatures during the winter range from 65-85°F (18-29°C), and 70-90°F (21-35°C) during the summer.
The population of Grand Bahama is about 50,000 people, with most inhabitants living on the west end of the island.
The island’s official currency is the Bahamian dollar, but the US dollar is widely accepted. All purchases at Celebration Key are made using the guest’s cruise card, which must be preloaded before arriving on the island. Some local vendors at the artisan market may accept credit card or cash.
Grand Bahama is on Eastern Standard Time, and Daylight Savings Time is observed from March to November.