Garden of the Groves and City Tour

A grand half day awaits on this fun-filled Grand Bahamas City Tour that includes Garden of the Groves and much, much more!

This narrated bus ride will first take you through the industrial area of Grand Bahama. Unfortunately, the island suffered significant damage from Hurricane Dorian in 2019; however, as you ride through the area, you will witness the ongoing recovery efforts to restore the affected areas. Get a first-hand look at the resiliency of the people of the island as they continue to rebuild during challenging circumstances from one of the most devastating hurricanes to ever hit the island.

Your first stop and the highlight of this excursion is the Garden of the Groves, which fared surprisingly well during the hurricane. Here you'll explore winding trails through lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling fountains. Visit the picturesque chapel, which has been consecrated and is a favorite place for weddings, prayer, and meditation. Explore the Garden Shoppes and discover the sacred beauty of the Labyrinth.

At Garden of the Groves, indigenous and migratory birds and butterflies take insects from the many newly planted flowers and shrubs. Since the Garden was re-opened, it has been certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the U.S. Wildlife Federation. This means the new operators are providing the four basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. You can take a walk down into the cool fern grove and admire the imposing limestone boulders that tower over both sides of the trail, or relax on the "Lofty Fig" deck, where you will have the opportunity to purchase local delicacies and cool Bahamian drinks.

From there, this Freeport cruise tour takes you to the famous Port Lucaya Marketplace, a collection of twelve island-style buildings nestled on a five-acre peninsula, which overlooks one of the most complete Marinas in The Bahamas. Stroll among the eighty specialty stores, boutiques, restaurants, outdoor and indoor bars and cafes. You'll find the most luxurious and respected names in jewelry, china, crystal, perfume, and designer apparel and accessories, all at duty-free prices. Should you opt not to explore the marketplace, you also have the option of spending approximately 45 minutes at the nearby Lucaya Beach--a white-sand coastline, which is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Afterwards, as you make your way back to the cruise ship, you'll be taken through Royal Palm Way, which was also once known as Millionaire's Row. View some of the local residential areas while also getting a glimpse of the famous Cooper's Castle. This 46-acre property is situated on the island's highest point of elevation and has become a local symbol of determination and hard work. The castle owner, Reverend Harvard Cooper, was born into a poor family in 1931. As an adult, he became a successful entrepreneur and owned franchises in the Bahamas for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, and Pizza Hut, in addition to other businesses that included a chicken farm. To this day, his family still lives in the estate.

Guests wishing to stay longer at the Market Place or Lucaya Beach, are responsible for their own transportation back to the pier. Taxi shuttles run between the market (or the beach) and pier most of the day.

Please Note: This tour is only for guests arriving in Freeport via cruise ship.