By Angela Braun, GoGirlfriend correspondent
Beach 411 ~ Gold Rock Beach
Part of Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island
- Beach type: Secluded – honeymoon
- Beach geography: Enjoy white sand, blue water and gorgeous green palm trees. At low tide, you’ll notice that the shoreline seems to continue forever out into the sea. Be aware that taking any shells or artifacts of any kind from the water, beach or park is strictly prohibited and strongly enforced.
- Ease of access: Located about 45 minutes from Lucaya and 1 hour from the cruise pier; pass through a quarter mile of mangroves to the beach. Often times this beach is empty because it can’t be reached by public transit.
- Extra costs: There’s a $5 entrance fee per person to enter the national park.
- Beach amenities: Enjoy BBQ pits, picnic tables and benches here but no other amenities. Make sure to bring all you need with you to the beach.
- Special note: A real star by Hollywood standards – Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3 were filmed here by Disney.
- Geo-locator: Where is Gold Rock Beach?
Nature’s welcome mat
Gold Rock Beach is a must see at low tide when it unfolds its legendary 'welcome mat’ and welcomes you tenderly onto it’s signature sands alongside the sea. Although there are few amenities right on the beach, you’ll be happy to know Gold Rock Beach boasts an inviting combination of relaxation and recreation – you won't be too far from the action but you’ll feel miles and miles away as you snuggle into your lover’s arms.
If what you’re looking for is a peaceful experience where you can sunbathe for the day, splash around in the water and escape the hullabaloo of other island resorts, Gold Rock Beach is sure to suit you well. And since the beach is only 22 miles from Freeport, it won’t take you long to get back into the heart of the action once you are done being encompassed by tranquility on Gold Rock Beach.
Gold Rock Beach activities & attractions
Throw your adventure cap on, find treasure in the tide or use the buddy system to swim out to Gold Rock Reef where you’ll be delighted with the sea’s surprises. Go for a leisurely walk along the beach and on the unique trails in Lucayan National Park or head north across the road to the Lucayan Caverns, the world's longest underground surveyed cave system. If you plan to explore the caves, we recommend that you bring a pair of sturdy shoes.
Learn about Bahamian history and culture as you feast your eyes on the highlights offered by the Grand Bahamas on a motorized bicycle tour organized by CocoNutz Cruisers or go diving in Owl's Hole and Ben's Cave with Calabash Eco Adventures and bike, hike, kayak and snorkel to explore different parts of the island. Ride beautiful island born horses and hear the guides tell the story of Freeport and a brief history of the Bahamas from the time of the Lucayan Indians when you tour with Pinetree Stables. And you won’t want to miss one of the greatest snorkeling opportunities available on the island with Pat & Diane Tours.
You’ll find Port Lucaya Market Place and Marina to be the dining, shopping and entertainment hub of Grand Bahama beside the Count Basie Square, which is fun for both adults and children alike. For an extra special New Year’s Eve, celebrate without a cover charge. Garden of the Groves has an entrance fee of $15 dollars but the cost is well worth a meander through this 12-acre botanical garden that’s home to many tropical plants and animals. Although there are many attractions on the Island, numerous previous Grand Bahama Visitors suggest that Gold Rock Beach is the island’s true attraction – we agree.
Gold Rock Beach events
- Crystal Pro-Am Golf Tournament (January): Travel during the month of January and you’ll bear witness teams composed of one professional and three amateurs as they compete for cash prizes and awards in one of the most admired golfing tournaments in the Caribbean.
- Grand Bahama Regatta (June): Come and enjoy great Bahamian food and drinks, sweet island music and a spectacular show. Sailors from various islands gather to compete in different races.
Gold Rock Beach nightlife
Club Amnesia is the Island’s largest nightclub – move to Bahamian rhythms or groove to current hits as you tear up the dance floor. Enjoy a disco atmosphere, surrounded by Junkanoo colours and pulsating beats as you gulp down a Bahama Mama cocktail to refuel before sporting more of your best dance moves. Prop Club, located onsite at the Grand Lucayan, is another island hotspot, which is a great avenue to experience Bahamian nightlife. From karaoke to live Bahamian bands, Junkanoo festivity nights and more, you’ll be sure to have your fancy tickled. Prop Club is also great for sport lovers – they feature Sports TV Sundays. However, a recent review on TripAdvisor says this club is now restricted to hotel guests.
Sparky’s Bar is open daily starting at 5:00 pm. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, house and guest DJs groove to hip-hop and techno music. Still looking for the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring? We also recommend Rum Runners, an indoor/outdoor bar specializing in coconut-flavor drinks. YUM!
GoGirlfriend Gold Rock Beach hotel recommendations
There are no hotels right on or near Gold Rock Beach. Freeport is where all of the island’s major resorts and activities are – below are our favorites within thirty to forty five minutes of the beach by car, although this has potential for change depending on traffic.
Grand Lucayan: Sporting spacious Caribbean style suites and rooms with ocean, island or beach views, Grand Lucayan supplies charming tranquility with refreshing luxury. You’ll find a terrace in each room as well as free Wi-Fi, cable TV and a fridge. Spoil yourself in the sauna, hot tub and steam room with facials, massages and body wraps at Senses Spa. Have fun on the tennis and volleyball courts and keep active on the jogging tracks or at the gym. You’ll also be offered countless opportunities to enjoy watersports, bike rides, horseback rides and bird watching excursions – all organized for you by Grand Lucayan’s companionable staff. Visit Grand Lucayan on Facebook and Twitter and read reviews on TripAdvisor.
Pelican Bay: Situated on a marina within minutes of more than 30 restaurants, bars and shops it’ll be easy for you to explore Grand Bahama Island when you cozy into one of their 184 rooms. The more spacious rooms have cable TV, a mini-fridge and a coffee maker whereas all of the rooms have a dressing area and a private bathroom with toiletries and a hairdryer. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, lush gardens and a bar-restaurant overlooking Bell Channel Harbor. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism awarded the prestigious “Small Treasures of the Bahamas” to Pelican Bay since it’s both charming and intimate. Visit Pelican Bay on Facebook and Twitter and read reviews on TripAdvisor.
For more hotel recommendations throughout Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas, we recommend exploring Booking.com.
Gold Rock Beach weather
The average annual temperature for the Bahamas is approximately 83ºF. May and June are the rainiest months although twice as much rain tends to fall in the northern islands than in the southern ones. Hurricane season is from June to November but it doesn’t seem to slow the flow of travelers to the area. From September through to May is when you’ll find Gold Rock Beach the coolest. The average temperature during this time is 70ºF – 75ºF whereas the other months are a bit warmer with temperatures ranging from 80ºF and 90ºF. Enjoy water temperatures that average 80ºF year round.
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