GRAND BAHAMA BEACHES TAINO BEACH Taino Beach, located in the Lucaya area, is ideal for families with children ,as it has a small playground. During holidays the beach is the site of many local "cook-outs." Several restaurants are here including The Stoned Crab and Toni Macaroni's Beach Experience (featuring roast conch and conch salad). There is limited water activity available at Tranquility Shores. FORTUNE BEACH Located just east of Port Lucaya, this beach is one of the most secluded beach spots on Grand Bahama. The vendors and water sports operators have yet to claim this area. Named after a shipwreck discovered here worth millions of dollars, the beach is an excellent spot for private group outings, sunbathing, snorkeling and beachcombing. The nearby Banana Bay restaurant serves terrific seafood and steaks along with a delectable version of a local favorite, the conch salad. CHURCHHILL BEACH About three miles from Port Lucaya, the tame waves that roll in on this beach create ideal swimming conditions, especially for children. This tends to be the beach of choice for many locals due to its relative distance from many of the tourist-driven areas. At Mather Town, motorized water sports are secondary; relaxation takes center stage. At the beach, you'll enjoy stopping in at the Club Caribe restaurant or the Margaritaville Sand Bar for cocktails and hearty Bahamian cuisine. Sometimes referred to as "Mather Town Beach" BARBARY BEACH For those seeking a more secluded beach, the short trip to Barbary Beach is worthwhile. Vendors and watersports operators are seldom seen here. The beautiful, fine sand and endless exotic seashells are present year round. The late spring months bring a spectacular display of white spider lilies. Many kayaking trips to nearby Peterson Cay launch from here. GOLD ROCK BEACH Considered to be the best natural beach on Grand Bahama, Gold Rock Beach caters to travelers seeking time alone or with friends or loved ones, but away from the main tourist areas. Located east of Freeport in the Lucayan National Park (admission $3), the white sands and clear turquoise water represent the ideal Caribbean aquatic experience. When the tide recedes, children are quick to grab the beautiful conchs and other seashells that remain. Gold Rock Beach is part of The Lucayan National Park and is protected by the National Trust. This beach is located east of the Island (about 25 miles from Freeport) and is secluded and spectacular at low tide. It can be accessed via tour bus or rental car. BBQ pits, picnic tables and benches are available, but no other amenities. North of the beach, across the road are the Lucayan Caverns, the world's longest underground surveyed cave system. LUCAYAN BEACH Lucayan Beach is located across from the Port Lucaya hotels. This popular tourist beach has just about any water-sport activity, from snorkeling to parasailing. It's also a nice stretch of beach for strolling. Coral Beach is a walk to the west and is less crowded. Billy Joe's snack shack is nearby, where you can sample some of our island's famous "roast conch." PARADISE COVE BEACH At Paradise Cove, the name fits because that's exactly where you will think you are! The location is not too far out of town, but it is far enough for you to feel like you are almost on another island. Positioned on a beautiful point of beach, this is an excellent place to spend a few hours or the whole day. There is a covered area with a bar and snack shack where you can enjoy the shade and listen to some great Reggae. Out on the beach you can get a tan, participate in water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking or enjoy a sunset. They have a kayak-like boat (called a spy cat) that has a glass bottom; it's a visitor favorite. Prices vary from $5 to $30, depending on your activity. XANADU BEACH Xanadu Beach is a popular tourist beach, three miles from the International Bazaar, offering water sports, straw goods, food and beverages This is the one of the hotels that Howard Hughes spent a few year, in seclusion. Smith's Point Beach is located in Lucaya, adjacent to Taino Beach. It is famous for its Wednesday night "fish fry." William's Town Beach is centrally located at William's Town settlement. The eastern side of the beach offers water activities, such as banana boats, jet skis and snorkeling. You will frequently see horses on the beach. On the town side is the Travellers Rest, a native restaurant and bar.