Freeport

We approach the Grand Lucayan Waterway from Dover Sound on the north side of Grand Bahama Island.  Although the chart shows several markers leading to the waterway, none are to be seen - not unusual in the Bahamas.  Finally we get close enough to pick up the waterway entrance.

The tide is rising and a little over midway.  The entrance channel shows 4.5 feet until we reach the canal where we see 12 feet.  The waterway was the largest engineering feat ever attempted in the Bahamas.  The 1960's era dream of opening the heartland of Grand Bahama for development, as well as provide a direct route to the Abacos, cost $26 million. 

Unfortunately the development stalled and is limited to about a dozen houses and an abandoned hotel.  However the canal does serve as an excellent short cut to the Abacos (assuming you can handle the shallow north entrance channel) and the south entrance is about 5 miles east of Bell Channel - the entrance to Port Lucaya.

Port Lucaya is the island's tourist epicenter - shopping, restaurants, entertainment, resorts and gaming.  It's a crazy, fun place to spend a few days and we dock right in front of the marketplace.

Our neighbor....  They kept coming over to borrow stuff.

Every beach needs a walkup Bahama Mama stand.

We enjoy a great meal at China Beach.

We spend three days in Freeport, enjoy some great meals and entertainment.  However, it's time to head back to the New World.