A little over a year ago, Hurricane Dorian made landfall on the islands of Abaco & Grand Bahama with gut-wrenching maximum sustained winds of 185mph. The hurricane left a path of near-total destruction across those islands. Though, the islands are showing signs of bouncing back because they, and their people, are resilient. While that may sound like a tall tale, today, both islands have resumed scheduled international commercial flights. Flights now operate into their airports in Freeport, for Grand Bahama, and Marsh Harbour, for Abaco. However, if one were to visit one may ask, after such devastation, “What’s there to do?”

Here are four things you can do in Grand Bahama:

1. Shebo’s Conch Stand

   What’s a trip to The Bahamas without fresh conch salad? A trip wasted. Shebo’s Conch Stand is, hands-down, one of the best places in the entire country to get fresh conch salad. The colourful conch stand is unmissable. On busy days, the wait can be long, so it’s just a game of luck as it relates to how long it will take. Though, the wait will undeniably be worth it. Grand Bahama is home to a unique dish. And, if you’re willing to try it, you can ask for Shebo’s pickled conch salad. While pickled conch salad may not sound eye opening, it is amazing. This Grand Bahamian variant of The Bahamas’ already famous conch salad is a little spicier & tangier and I love it.

   

   (Protip: Right across the street is Shebo’s son where you will find some of the best-fried fish, deep-fried crawfish and panny cakes available. However, crawfish is seasonal.)

2. Owl’s Hole

   When it comes to blue holes, The Bahamas is king.

   (Check out Into the Blue Holes)

   Owl’s Hole is just a quick ride out of the Freeport’s city centre. It’s one of several blue holes found on Grand Bahama. Though, the cave is literally off of the beaten path. To find Owl’s Hole path, look for the street pole with an owl spray-painted on it. Remember, I said it’s off of the beaten path. So, prepare for a bumpy ride dirt road followed by a quick walk to the cave entrance. The entrance is either 40 feet above the surface of the water or 50 feet, depending on which side you’re standing on. While there’s a ladder, the quickest way down is to simply jump in… if you’re brave enough. However, the water is much cooler than you may imagine. Interestingly enough, Owl’s Hole top layer of water is actually freshwater. Though saltwater is present. The freshwater & saltwater are separated by a halocline.

   

3. Ziplining at Grand Bahama’s Pirate’s Cove

   When we think of ziplining in the Caribbean, we think of it being done in picturesque mountain scapes of lushly forested islands. While The Bahamas may not be home to any mountains, it still offers would-be adventurer’s an exhilarating ziplining adventure. The ziplining adventure is found at Pirate’s Cove on Grand Bahama’s famous Taino Beach. If there aren’t any mountains, what’s there to do at Pirate’s Cove? While you can’t do it through mountains, you will find the opportunity to zipline through the native pine trees that are found all over the northern islands of The Bahamas. Or you can zip along the shoreline. You’ll be able to zip through the course at various heights for a true thrill.

   

4. Dining at the Stoned Crab

   Directly adjacent to Pirate’s Cove on Taino Beach is the Stoned Crab. This restaurant offers an amazing view of the turquoise seas that The Bahamas has become known for. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Reservations are welcomed.) The restaurant offers an eclectic menu featuring dishes like crab cakes, mouthwatering burgers, refreshing poke bowls, tuna tartar, and a variety of other seafood dishes. The Stoned Crab’s atmosphere is incredibly comforting and welcoming. However, the bar is not to be outdone. It offers a plethora of house drinks that pair well with their food. While the drinks are good with food, they’re amazing alone too.

   

For more adventure ideas in The Bahamas be sure to follow me and Explore The Bahamas on Instagram!