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> Destinations > The Bahamas > Trip Reports > Trip Report
We just got back from the island on Friday night, and we are already
planning our return! This was our fourth trip to GBI, and our third with
the kids (ages 6 and 4). I would rate this the best trip so far.
We have a time share at Tyne Beach Terrace, which we return to every time.
We really love it there. It's small, quiet, on a beautiful beach. It's
perfect for our family, though for someone looking for more action, I'd
recommend Our Lucaya or someplace like that.
We had a whole lot of great experiences. My husband went diving with
dolphins through Unexso. He had a ball, and we bought the video. I would
highly recommend it. In fact, next year I am going to do the dive. While
he was doing that, I took the kids on a nature walk at Rand Nature Center.
That was beautiful. The kids really liked the flamingos and the snakes
theyhave there. Later in the week, all of us went on the Dolphin Experience.
It was a lot of fun. Our 4 year old was scared by the dolphins (they are
pretty big), but our 6 year old loved it.
One day we drove all the way to the East End, and stopped at Lucayan
National Park. The kids loved the caves, and on the way back from the East
End to Pelican Point, we gave a ride to Oscar, a local fellow, who was
really nice. Here in the States, I would never pick up hitchikers, but he
was so charming, my husband and I decided to take a chance. Well, as it
turns out, he was related to the owner of Bishops restaurant and to the
activities director, Tyrell, at Tyne Beach. Talk about kismet!
On another day, we went to the West End and visited Old Bahama Bay resort.
I think there may have been 3 guests staying there. The resort was really
lovely, and I would love to stay there some time. There is a marina, a
restaurant, a snorkel park, and a (heated!) swimming pool. There is also a
bar on the beach. Everyone there was very gracious, and we were encouraged
to use all the facilities, even though we weren't guests.
Highlights for the kids were Port Lucaya, both at night and during the
day.
The Skate King was there one day at noon, and he did the limbo with my 6
year old in his arms. It was really cute! They also loved Rand Nature
Center, the caves at Lucayan N.P. and the dolphin experience.
We went to several restaurants. I already posted about Ferry House. That
was one of the highs for my husband and me. The restaurant at Old Bahama
Bay was expensive, but the "Famous Fish Sandwich" was really, really good!
My favorite restaurant, and in my humble opinion ;-), the best cracked
conch, is at Bishop's restaurant over on the East End. We also really
liked
Zorba's in Port Lucaya for breakfast. Good food, good prices and quick
service. A real plus with kids! Of course, we had to take the kids to Pier
One. They love the shark feeding. The meal was surprisingly good. I had
the
sauteed mahi mahi, and my husband had the grouper. We also had a good meal
and excellent bahama mamas at Stoned Crab, then we walked down to the fish
fry and danced our tootsies off.
I think the high point of all this, though, was the people on GBI. We
always have a great time and really like meeting the folks who live there,
but for some reason all the smiles seemed brighter this trip.
The only thing that I would avoid is Port Lucaya on Monday morning. While
we were there, 5 cruise ships pulled into port, and this wave of tourists
on a shopping
frenzy filled the market. Mind you, I'm an inveterate shopper, so I throw
no stones! But if you go some other time, it will be a little less
frenzied. The only other down thing about the vacation was how empty the
island was. We talked with a manager at Our Lucaya, and he said the
business has really fallen off, expecially since 9-11. How sad. I hope
that business will pick up soon. I can't wait to go back!
Thanks to Ann for this trip report ...
December 2001
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