All visitors should know that Grand Bahama has very few tariffs and customs restrictions. In 1992, the Bahamas eliminated import duties on perfumes, jewelry, timepieces, photography equipment, china and a few other luxury goods, which means that these items are quite a bit cheaper than in the United States. Purchases made in the Caribbean are also duty-free when brought into continental North America, so many tourists from the U.S. and Canada return home laden with shopping bags. Good places for shopping are the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya Marketplace, each of which has about 100 businesses. Visitors looking for unique souvenirs should consider getting a piece from one of the island’s 250 straw markets, as straw weaving is a celebrated and widely practiced tradition in the Bahamas.

When it comes to beaches on Grand Bahama, it is a good idea to venture beyond the main tourist attractions, as these are usually very crowded in the summer. There are plenty of fairly secluded beaches, coves and cays around the island that make for good swimming, sailing or snorkeling. Coral Beach, Paradise Cove, Fortune Beach and Gold Rock Beach are a few good places to start out from. There are bars and restaurants located near many of these beaches as well, and as this is the Caribbean, rum drinks are sure to be plentiful and expertly prepared.