Our day in Freeport/Carnival Glory

[myais007]

Thanks for the post! I was looking for a beach at Freeport and I did came accross Gold Rock Beach while I was researching but your pictures and review is the best!.. I really want to visit this beach and take a tour at Lucayan national park but since my boyfriend wants to do some watersports like jetski I guess I have to save the Gold Rock Beach next time :( Well its my first time to bahamas so I will just try to have fun and make the most out of it like you guys did! ^_^

[NCTribeFan]

I'm glad I came across this, too!

 

We stopped in Freeport on our Fantasy, 2004, cruise (me, DD and her bf, who had just graduated from high school).

 

Back in those days, we always just did ship excursions (because I didn't know any better). We did an island tour that had the obligatory shopping are, then the island tour, then a stop at a small beach that had a little straw market. It was pretty underwhelming, really.

 

But this looks wonderful. Still, with only DD & I, not sure the price for a taxi plus stopping for food & beverage would make a lot of sense.

 

Then again, the only thing Carnival is showing as an excursion (Glory, 5/17) is the Wyndham 5-1/2 hours, all-inclusive, at $92 pp!

 

I'm going to have to do some more research. Unfortunately, I just booked this cruise and I'm getting into busy season (tax) and won't really have time for research. But I have to get something booked before my brain turns to total mush.

[NJcruisemom]

We will only be in Freeport from 7 AM - 1 PM, will it be possible for us to get there and back? I'm not looking to spend the day there, but would love to see this beautiful beach.

 

Thanks

Char

[gail811]

You will have plenty of time to get there and back. If you want the name of the cab driver we hired ahead of time, drop me an e-mail at foley dot gail @ gmail.com

[umpalumpa14588]

We were planning on the snorkel excursion and then spending sometime at Our Lucaya, but now I'm wondering... Gold Rock is beyond beautiful! Does anyone have pics of Our Lucaya so I can make a decision? THANKS!

[gail811]

Check on webshots. They may have some pictures posted.

[tdunlap]

could we rent a few mopeds and drive ourselves to gold rock, the beach looks GREAT, and how was the snorkeling

[gail811]

Can't answer about the mopeds, but it is about 25 miles out to the beach. We did not snorkel either, but just walking ankle deep we followed stingrays, found starfish, a sea cucumber.......no doubt taking your gear you would see even more. There are also caves at the park. Here is some info on them: http://www.geographia.com/grandbahama/lucayan.htm

 

 

"Gold Rock Beach is part of our National Park and is protected by the National Trust. This beach is located east of the Island (about 25 miles from Freeport) and is secluded and spectacular at low tide. It can be accessed via tour bus or rental car. BBQ pits, picnic tables and benches are available, but no other amenities. North of the beach, across the road are the Lucayan Caverns, the world's longest underground surveyed cave system."

[McDebbie]

What a beautiful beach. I don't know if we will go there and stay for any long amount of time but I would like to find a taxi or tour driver that will take us to a number of different places. Like the others, I don't want to just pile up in Port Lucaya - but I do want to do some shopping there. :D

[bobsfamily]

If wanting to do a tour with taxi's make sure you know upfront the cost. they will want to fill the cab or charge more per person. There are several threads here with names of cabbies used in the past. I remember one where the cost was $25pp to go to Gold Rock and I believe they had 6 or 8 people.

[Christisrisen]

This beach is so beautiful!! I want to go there when we are in Freeport in January, I think I will give Queenie a call, wonder what she would charge for 2 adults and two toddlers? We will be in Freeport from 7-2 so we could stay a couple hours.

 

Thanks for posting this thread.

 

Debbie

[luv2cruise77]

Has anyone used or tried to call Queenie recently? Just wondering if she still does this since this was originally posted a couple years ago...

[hammydo]

Thank you so much for info on Gold Rock Beach-just what I want for the day. How long by taxi does it take? We dock from 8-5. How long is the walk through the "mangroves" to the beach? Can you get a taxi at the pier if "Queenie" is available?

Kfuzzywuzzy

[bobsfamily]

Thank you so much for info on Gold Rock Beach-just what I want for the day. How long by taxi does it take? We dock from 8-5. How long is the walk through the "mangroves" to the beach? Can you get a taxi at the pier if "Queenie" is available?

Kfuzzywuzzy

Gold Rock is a good 30-45 min. ride at least with good traffic. There are no taxis waiting to bring you back so make sure your driver will come pick you up. I honestly can say as someone who has stayed on GBI for vacation and traveled on a ship I would NOT do this if on a cruise ship. Just my op.

[hammydo]

Thank you-what beaches do you recommend?

[Christisrisen]

I too would like to know what beaches to visit-is there any good free beaches with bathrooms? Traveling on the Pride and will be in Freeport from 7-2, with Hubby and two toddlers.

 

thanks for any info.

Debbie

[bobsfamily]

For a nice day with shopping/dining/drinks/beach/casino/straw market/etc. just take a shared cab ride for $5 to Our Lucaya. Most taixs will be going to Our Lucaya. Everything is in walking distance and when ready to come back walk over to the casino and catch a shared cab back. DO not pay for return with the cab that takes you... grab a new cab. ALSO do not take a car that stops and offers you a ride, go to the official taxis at the casino... ask any shop owner and they will point the way. The beach is in front of the Radission Resort. There is a walkway that passes some shops, the back entrance to the casino, and passes between two parts of the resort then you will see the beach. This is a touristy place and you need to be aware of your surroundings (like always) but has plenty of cops around. I think you can get a day pass (around $15) that allows you to use the pools/restrooms. The resort has a very nice beach, several pools, swim up bar (NOT CHEAP), etc. The shopping area has many bars that booze is much cheaper and if still open a Subway that is very reasonable for the cost conscious. Looking at the beach on the far right is a shack that sells great lobster.

 

Hope this helps.... BTW there are many wonderful deserted beaches on GBI, the only problem for the cruise traveler is just that... you either have to rent a car or TRUST your cabbie to come get you. Plus deserted beaches have no police... just a comment.

[MrPete]

Gail....What happened to your great pictures?