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Product Reviews
Beaches & Caves
A treat for nature lovers, the Lucayan National Park is home to Ben's Cave - the longest, underwater surveyed cave system leading to the ocean - located on the eastern end of the island. They form part of the largest uncharted cave system in the world. Across Grand Bahama Street is Gold Rock Creek which is housing to the five ecosystems of Grand Bahama. You'll be able to step down to see part of the cave system and stroll along a wooden boardwalk through a mangrove ecosystem. Here you'll see a variety of wild birds, colorful fish and the spectacular Gold Rock beach - 52 miles of crystal-clear water and pearly white sand. Next, you'll visit Banana Bay restaurant where you'll have the option to purchase food and drinks. Lastly, you can choose to go shell hunting or just relax in the beauty of this sunshine paradise.
Note: Bring your swimsuit, towel, camera, bug spray, and sun block.
Average:
(13 Reviews) 13
Rating Snapshot (13 reviews)
5 stars
7
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
3
1 star
1
10 of 13(77%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Beaches & Caves
Review 1 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
2
out of
5
Adventurous:
2
out of
5
Family Oriented:
1
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
2
out of
5
daviddonna
Date:May 27, 2013
Waste of time
i don't who the other people were who rated this excursion but i thought it was a waste of money and time. the caves were promoted as they were big caves, they were little cut outs in the wall. the first beach could have been skipped. the second beach was nicer and had facilities where the first had none. too far to drive just to go to the beach. we had booked snorkeling but because they had a storm the night before we were cancelled and took the recommendation of the excursion desk clerk. next time i'll just stay on board if nothing better is offerred.
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Review 2 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
SSJJC
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:April
Cruise Date Year:2013
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
I want to go here next:Alaska
Date:April 29, 2013
Great Experience
Worth the money. Really enjoyed the beach, wish we would have skipped the caves and spent more time on the beach. The best excursion by far.
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Review 3 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
marydave
Location:Big Bend WI
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:November
Favorite activities:Relaxing
I want to go here next:Bermuda
Date:November 21, 2012
Peaceful Beach
This is a great escape from the crowds of the ship and more popular excursions. The hike to the caves was nice,I knew ahead of time what type of caves I was going to see so I wasn't disappointed. The beach was beautiful and very relaxing. There weren't very many people there so you could get a nice spot. The tide was out so the water was calm. You don't need to bother with snorkel equipment as the bottom was mostly sandy with some patches of sea grass. I did not see any fish. The second stop at the Banana Bay restaurant was nice, they have good food and the beach was great for finding small shells. It was a very nice peaceful day. If your looking to get away for awhile this is your excursion.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
1
out of
5
Adventurous:
1
out of
5
Family Oriented:
3
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
3
out of
5
lain
Date:August 24, 2012
Priced right
Driver was great we loved him..
Caves we found boring watch out for the bats and spiders!!
Beach was beautiful but if it is high tide there is not much beach to sit on...
Beach bar/dining after the tour was wonderful!!
Caves we found boring watch out for the bats and spiders!!
Beach was beautiful but if it is high tide there is not much beach to sit on...
Beach bar/dining after the tour was wonderful!!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
2
out of
5
Adventurous:
1
out of
5
Family Oriented:
2
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
1
out of
5
LisaH
Date:August 24, 2012
Not as promised
I took this excursion in August. It ws not as described. Be aware of the 45 minute drive to the "so called" caves. They took all of one minute to view. The ocean was beautiful, but there was no beach, as it was high tide. This should have been relayed to us. We wanted to lay on the beach, but there was NO BEACH. The Banana Bay restaurant, however, was the highlight of the day. Very nice site with accomodating food and staff. Sorry to say, but I would not recommend this excursion. You usually get what you pay for...
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
3
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
Bullbunny20
Location:Tampa
Party size:9
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:August
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
I want to go here next:Panama Canal
Date:August 20, 2012
Great choice
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
This excursion was a wonderful choice for our big group. We had 9 on this trip and everyone had a good time. We started off going by motorcoach. The driver gave extensive information on the island, although I think the info was better suited to folks who are interested in moving to the Bahamas (average income, churches, schools, etc)
After about 45 minutes we arrived at Lucayan Natl Park where the majority got out and went to see the caves. If you're squeamish I would consider skipping this part because there are bats and lots of spiders. I thought it was really great.
There was a lady there by the road selling drinks so bring cash.
Across the street you can hike 350 yards to the Beach which I have to say is the most beautiful that I've ever seen.
We went to the Banana Bay restaurant where the service left a lot to be desired. Slow is not even the word. Probably because of the autogratuity.
Overall the excursion was wonderful, Next time I go to Freeport I'm definitely heading for the Lucayan Beach.
After about 45 minutes we arrived at Lucayan Natl Park where the majority got out and went to see the caves. If you're squeamish I would consider skipping this part because there are bats and lots of spiders. I thought it was really great.
There was a lady there by the road selling drinks so bring cash.
Across the street you can hike 350 yards to the Beach which I have to say is the most beautiful that I've ever seen.
We went to the Banana Bay restaurant where the service left a lot to be desired. Slow is not even the word. Probably because of the autogratuity.
Overall the excursion was wonderful, Next time I go to Freeport I'm definitely heading for the Lucayan Beach.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
1
out of
5
Adventurous:
1
out of
5
Family Oriented:
2
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
1
out of
5
6VeryDisappointed
Date:June 11, 2012
Worst Excursion Ever
The description would make you believe you will be going into and exploring some of the cave. However, as noted it is Underwater! After a 40 minute bus ride, you get to take a short walk up a hill to a path leading to Ben's Cave. You will descend two flights of stairs to look at a pool of water and...That's It! The beach is beautiful however, don't plan on lying out as it was just slack tide and the entire beach was wet. Finally, the Banana Bay Restaurant beautiful view! Terrible food, we were served two Fishy Tasting Grouper Sandwiches, a Conch burger that crumbled upon the first bite and a terrible chicken sandwich. Four drink and $80.00 dollars later we were back on the bus for our trip back to the ship...Not, however, a direct route our tour guide thought we should all see the individual’s house that owns the KFC and Subway shops on the island. Worst Excursion Ever!!!
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
4
out of
5
Adventurous:
4
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
DianeT
Location:Clarksville, TN
Party size:3
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:May
Cruise Date Year:2011
Favorite activities:Relaxing
Favorite port:Miami, Florida
I want to go here next:Bermuda
Date:June 6, 2012
Great Beach Getaway
Took this excursion May 2012. The caves were nothing to brave about, and to me were a waste of time. However I enjoyed walking through the ecosystem on my way to the beach and seeing the exotic trees and fish. The beach is very secluded and calming (only our tour was there). There is very little sand along the shore and no beach chairs; but the water was GREAT!!!!!. Had a wonderful time and will book this one again on my next trip here.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
3
out of
5
Family Oriented:
3
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
Gypsy223
Location:Durham, NC
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:May
Favorite activities:Educational
Favorite port:Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
I want to go here next:Mexican Riviera
Date:May 19, 2012
Wonderful day!
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
This was unexpectedly our favorite shore excursion during a 4-day Bahamas cruise in 2012. The bus driver was full of personality, and he spent the time on the bus spinning stories about the island culture. The caves were breathtaking, and right across from the beach: we had plenty of time to do both. The driver then took the bus to a great restaurant on the water: good prices, amazing conch fritters, and generous mixed drinks. We ate while gazing at the crystal blue waters: a perfect day!
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
4
out of
5
Adventurous:
4
out of
5
Family Oriented:
4
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
Flymeaway
Location:Toledo, Ohio
Party size:4
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:March
I want to go here next:Alaska
Date:April 4, 2012
Beautiful Beach
We wanted the most inexpensive excursion. We weren't expecting much after reading other reviews. We loved it! Very much worth the price! We boarded a comfortable a/c bus. The driver talked the entire drive telling us what we were seeing as we drove along; history; jokes; singing. We stopped at the Park to view the caves. Simple restrooms/no running water. Took lots of pictures! Then crossed the street to walk to the secluded beach. Even the walk was nice thru the trails! Beach was beautiful! White sand! We had worn our swimsuits under our clothes. Walked the beach. No chairs available (we didn't mind). 1 picnic table. Waded in the water. Took lots of pictures! Roadside vendor had beverages, snacks, souveniers to purchase. Then we re-boarded and went to a restaurant for a late lunch on another just-as-beautiful beach.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
4
out of
5
Adventurous:
3
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
kurn
Party size:1
I traveled with:Friends
Cruise Date Month:February
Favorite activities:Relaxing
Favorite port:Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Date:February 20, 2012
Better Than Expected
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I read some reviews before booking this that would have discouraged me if I hadn't just wanted a ride to the beach. Turns out, those reviewers were, in my opinion, wrong. Not only did we get the desired ride to a GORGEOUS, almost deserted beach, we got a history lesson on the tour and the caves were nice. They aren't like cave systems in the midwest US, where you can walk through the whole system, but you can do down stairs in to the caves and they were pretty. Also, the National Park restrooms looked sketchy from the outside, but were cleaner than any other restroom I've used in the Bahamas (and many in the US). And although not mentioned in the description, the bus stops for a late lunch at a restaurant, also located on a gorgeous beach.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
2
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
2
out of
5
Duser
Date:January 18, 2012
Awesome Excursion!
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
This was one of the cheapest excursions and by far the one I enjoyed the most! The caves are not all that impressive, but hey, you don't go to the Bahamas to look at caves. The beach was amazing - like something off a postcard. Best of all it was entirely deserted except for our relatively small tour group, which was a great change up from the crowded environment of the ship. I brought some snorkeling gear and swam around a bit - no reefs or anything but I saw some cool fish. After a few hours at the beach we went to Banana Bay restaurant for lunch. The restaurant was right on yet another gorgeous beach where you can swim or sit around in the sun. On the way back the bus driver dropped my wife and I off in town where we were able to walk around and shop. They have shuttles constantly running between town and the port (I think we paid $5 each), so getting back to the ship was easy. If you want something quiet that you can do at your own pace, away from the super touristy places that are trying to milk you for as much money as possible, then this is what you want. If sitting on a beautiful beach in the middle of nowhere sounds boring, then this probably won't be your scene. Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and some cash!
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Beaches & Caves
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
4
out of
5
Family Oriented:
4
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
3
out of
5
mllepookie
Party size:5
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:September
Cruise Date Year:2010
Date:October 20, 2011
Breathtaking
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Skip the park, the caves, the mangroves.. go straight to the beach. It was honestly one of the most beautiful sights we've seen in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Powder soft sand, crystal clear water. Leave the snorkels at home because there were no marine life. Try the Bahama Mama at the restaurant and then lay back in the hammock and enjoy the view. A year later, still memorable.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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