Port Lucaya Marketplace

Port Lucaya is a purpose-built marketplace on the Lucaya waterfront: a square of low pastel buildings around a central bandstand, with straw and craft stalls, bars, restaurants and dive operators, and a marina alongside. It is the social centre of the Grand Bahama tourist area and the place live music happens in the evening. Count Basie Square, the open middle, is named for the bandleader who kept a home on the island.

What you actually see

• Count Basie Square - the central bandstand and open square where live music plays.
• The straw market - plaited straw work, carvings and craft stalls around the square.
• The marina - boats and dive operators along the waterfront.
• The restaurants and bars - the concentration of them around the square.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the peak. Evenings are when the square comes alive with music. Cruise days bring numbers from the port.

Honest expectations

It is a purpose-built commercial complex rather than an organic town centre, and it reads as one. Much of the straw market goods are imported rather than locally made. Grand Bahama's tourism has struggled since Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and some units stand empty.

Nearby

Lucayan beaches are alongside, and the Rand Nature Centre is inland at Freeport.