The Lollipop Road

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

I was chatting with the Guest Services Manager onboard the Carnival Sensation last week and he remarked how fewer passengers are getting off the ship in port.  Granted, there is literally nothing within walking distance of the port in Freeport, other than the few shops around the pier.  However, there are plenty of amazingly beautiful places that you can venture to in Freeport without much difficulty.

For example, on our last stop in Freeport, we decided to rent a car and do a bit of exploring.  Celebrity Rent-a-Car ((242) 351-1241) is conveniently located at the pier and has a limited selection of vehicles and mopeds for rent.  Compact cars (they go early) are $70, full-size cars are $80 and mopeds are $50 for the day.  These rates include insurance.  They also require a $350 deposit, which they will charge to your credit card immediately.  If you do not pay cash on return, there is a 10% surcharge for using a credit card.

If you need a car seat, (the law does require seats up to forty pounds and a booster for kids up to 4’9″) they only had one convertible seat, so you’ll want to reserve in advance or get there early.  The rental fee was $5 for the day.

Once I checked over the numerous bumps and scrapes on the the well worn vehicle that we were assigned, I jumped into the right side drivers seat (they drive on the left) and we were on our way.  Be sure to get a map and directions before you head out, otherwise you may never make it back to the ship.

Our destination on this day was Lucayan National Park, located about 30 miles away in East Grand Bahama.  The roads were pretty bare of traffic, but there are a few confusing circles, so you have to keep a close eye on where you are going.  Thirty-five minutes later we arrived at the park (they’ll tell you an hour – now way unless you get lost and drive very slowly).  It looked dry and deserted until a very helpful park ranger popped out to collect our $3 per person fee (kids 12 and under are free) and provide us with all of the information on exploring the park.

It was still early, so we decided to explore the caves and trails a bit before heading over to Gold Rock Beach (featured in Pirates of the Caribbean II & III).  Part of the longest underground cave system in the world, the various entry points along the path provide a glimpse into  the cool, dark underworld that lives beneath.  In the largest of the caves, you’ll find a colony of bats hovering above an open ended ramp that allows access to the vast underwater system for experienced divers.

If you look closely, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the various sea life that inhabits these cool shaded waters.  Wandering down the path and through the tropical forest, you’ll find a variety or flowers and plants as well as the errant poison Dogwood just waiting to reach out to touch you.  The short loop trail is about a 15 minute trip without stops.  Allow about 45 minutes for the entire excursion.

At the trailhead are the only restrooms in the entire park (or within 5 miles for that matter), so this made a great changing place before heading to the beach.  Across the Grand Bahama Highway is the trailhead to Gold Rock Beach.  You’ll also find a nice Bahamian woman selling drinks, snacks and lots of little trinkets right by the roadside.  Her prices aren’t bad either for being in the middle of nowhere – $2 for water and $1.50 for soda.

We decided to take the shorter trail that leads you through the tropical mangroves and over a bridge to reveal the thick forested barrier before reaching the white pristine beach with gently lapping turquoise water.  This is the most beautiful beach on Grand Bahama Island and perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

At low tide, you can comb the wide sand beach for shells and coral.  During high tide, you can wade in the one to two feet of water that stretches almost 500 feet toward the sea.  The shallow water, beach combing opportunities and tropical setting make this a perfect beach for family play and relaxation.  I don’t think that there were ever more than 15 people on the beach during the time we were there.  If you are looking for a quiet, unspoiled paradise, this is the place.

There is a tour provider that rents a pavilion for its kayak tours, but they won’t be much of a bother as the beach is long and secluded.  I suggest bringing a picnic lunch in order to make the most of your limited time.  About 5 miles past the park (stay to the right at the fork), you’ll find a store offering basic supplies and a kitchen with some Bahamian specialties and kid friendly fare.  The ham and cheese sandwich had real baked ham and the hamburger was one of the best we’ve ever had.  Portions were generous and our picnic lunch for four cost us less than $20 with drinks.  There are also a couple of excellent restaurants in the area if you have more time.  The ranger at the park will be more than happy to provide suggestions and directions.

Our return to the ship was uneventful (other than one small wrong turn) and there is a gas station on the main road a few miles from the port where you can fill up.  Allow 15 minutes for the return process – I think I was the last to board, about 5 minutes before they pulled the gangway…talk about cutting it close.  Total cost of this excursion was about $135.  This excursion is also available from local tour operators starting at $40 for adults and $25 for children.

So, if you’re looking to try something a bit different and you’re willing accept a little adventure, rent a car and head out to Lucayan National Park and Gold Rock Beach.  It’s a great day of fun for the entire family without having to fight the crowds at the resorts in and around Lucaya.  Just be sure to bring lots of sun protection and a good map!

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

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