Port Lucaya Tourist Attractions

Guests can either watch or participate during encounters with the dolphins under the supervision of trainers at UNEXSO (Underwater Exploreres Society).Departing from Port Lucaya, participants are taken by launch for a short sea ride to a dolphin preserve at the southern mouth of the Lucayan Waterway.For the "experience" program, visitors in their swimsuits stand on a platform located about three feet below the surface while a trainer invites dolphins to let participants pet them. Dolphins in turn kiss their guests while a professional photographer and other participants snap away form their perch around the edge of the small visitation area. Between these events, the trainer keeps the dolphins busy jumping, vocalizing and splashing the guests along with a steady humorous commentary.In another compound, visitors actually swim with the dolphins and interact with them in a variety of ways.These Dophin encounters are part of the conservation efforts run by the well-known Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO).UNEXSO also runs scuba and snorkeling trips.

The Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club is set along the white beaches in three clusters, each with its own pool area. The modern complex covers 7.5ac/3ha. With 1,350 rooms and 14 restaurants, the complex is the most impressive on Grand Bahama Island.One of the pools mimics features of an old sugar mill complete with stone tower, waterfalls and an aqueduct. Another of the pools undulates along the beach and has a walled edge which makes it appear to merge with the ocean.A shopping arcade joins the resort complex with the Port Lucaya marketplace and port across the road.The 18-hole championship 72-par golf course which is part of the Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club is ranked one of top ones in the world. It is open to non-guests for a fee. The resort runs a spa plus a camp and activities for children.

On Taino Beach, the Pirates of the Bahama Park offers various water sports designed to entertain all ages. Visitors can go jet skiing or be towed around on a banana boat. Various water excursions can be booked here including snorkeling and fishing trips. It is run in conjunction with three nearby resorts: The Flamingo Bay Yacht Club & Marina Hotel, Ritz Beach Resort and Taino Beach Vacation Club.

Duty-free shopping, crafts, live local entertainment and reasonably-priced restaurants are the draws of the Port Lucaya Marketplace. The marina offers good facilities for those who bring their yachts over from the States or other destinations. The marina is also the departure point for many deep-sea fishing excursions.

Run by the Bahamas National Trust, which also runs the country's National Parks, this 100ac/40ha tract offers a 2,000ft/600m nature trail through a pine forest. At the far end is a pond with a resident flock of flamingos.The nature center has displays which explain the local ecosystem and natural history.

Pinetree Stables offer guided horse back riding trips on Grand Bahama Island over varied terrain. The company has age and weight restrictions for riders.