After we ate, we went on a drive around the island and was given a tour that cannot be matched by any other typical touristy tour. It was the most informative and personable tour I have ever experienced. If you are going to be on Grand Bahama Island, I cannot stress how amazing this experience will be for you. The friendliness of the local Bahamian people, their culture, their struggles, etc. can all be learned and understood with this “tour” (it feels more like a cultural experience). Highly recommended to check out.
Taino or Xanadu Beach, Culture, & Food
Local Bahamian Guide
Authentic & Immersive Experience
Avoid the Tourist Crowds
Why buy a souvenir when you can create your own Bahamas souvenir experience!
Highlights
Dip your toes into the turquoise waters of Xanadu or Taino Beach without the tourists blocking the stunning views
Discover the culture and history both at Grum Ma’s House Cultural Center and as you explore the island
Join a local, knowledgeable guide throughout the traditional settlements and modern cities
Enjoy a delectable, home-cooked meal at Lizzie’s by the Bay made just for you
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Trip Details
Price
Adults: $74 USD
Seniors (65+): $64 USD
Children (14 & under): $56 USD
Scaled Group Pricing:
- 5-9 people: $69 per person
- 10-19 people: $64 per person
- 20+ people: $59 per person
Start time
9:30 AM
Meeting point
- Pick-up provided from island accommodation (please contact us with your location information)
- Cruise passengers: meet in front of the Bandstand at the Freeport Harbour
Availability
Year-round, Monday to Saturday
Duration
6 hours
Group size
Minimum: 1 person
Maximum: 35 people*
*For larger groups we can schedule an additional tour
Participation requirements
Not all locations are wheelchair accessible
Included
A traditional Bahamian meal with Bahamian soft drinks, bottled water, and transportation throughout the tour
What to bring
- Camera
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- An extra layer in the cooler months
- Comfortable walking shoes
- An appetite!
Staff
A local and knowledgeable Bahamian guide
What to Expect
All of our tours start at Grum Ma’s House Cultural Center, which we founded to preserve and share the fascinating details of our Bahamian heritage. If you’re a cruise passenger then we will meet you at the bandstand at the Freeport Harbour before being transported to each of the tour locations.
Drive through the traditional settlements of Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hunter’s, McTown before experiencing the hustle and bustle of Freeport City. Take some time for yourself under the tropical sun and enjoy the calming waters of Taino or Xanadu Beach, secret local spots! Then we will enjoy some authentic Bahamian cuisine at Lizzie’s by the Bay in Hunter’s Settlement before returning back whenever you’re ready. Live like a Bahamian local for a day and leave knowing more about our rich and diverse culture.
Good to Know
- Each tour will begin at pick-up or at Grum Ma’s House Cultural Center. All tours are by reservation therefore pre-purchase is recommended.
- All tickets become non-refundable 8 hours before your tour start time.
- Tours take place rain or shine. However, in cases of severe weather, or cancellation of the tour, all guests will be refunded.
- Accessibility is only for those with the ability to climb a few steps.
- At this time, we do not offer tours in any other language except English.
- Unfortunately, we do not offer AAA discounts, but follow us on Twitter(opens in a new tab) or Facebook(opens in a new tab) for promo codes and discounts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Please be sure to let us know if you (or anyone in your group) has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergies, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know in advance, we will seek to accommodate your needs.
Yes. IDs are not required, we will take your word for it. Schools are accepted too!
We absolutely do! We can accommodate a variety of special requests (family reunions, birthday parties, out of town guests, corporate events, conventions, festivals, parades, grand openings, and more).
The tours are held in rain or shine (or snow that we only had in 1977). In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. However, we advise you to check the weather conditions for your day’s event and dress appropriately. The East End tour will end at McClean’s Town if adverse weather is severe and boat travel is impossible.
You should bring a camera with you. When it’s really hot out, we recommend an application of sunscreen especially on exposed parts of the body and a good pair of sunglasses. During the cooler seasons, it’s important to wear an extra layer of clothing or consider bringing a jacket as Freeport is our “Windy City”. Freeport, Bahamas weather can be unpredictable at times.
For the Tea Tour and Cooking Tour, it is possible to enter Grum Ma’s House by wheelchair. For our Taste of the Bahamas Premium Food Tour and our Beach Tours, not all locations are wheelchair accessible. There are also at least 6 steps to reach the deck at Buddies by the Bay.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page!
See What Our Guests Are Saying
I really enjoyed this tour, learning about junkanoo, Bush medicine, rake and scrape music, followed by a private lunch at a private hideaway! Donald even went above and beyond to help us out in our quest to get out to Sweetings Cay… great time!!
Make sure to reserve time to do this tour. Donald is passionate about sharing the culture, history, heritage, traditions, art, politics, and Bahamian philosophy. We didn’t know what to expect but were overjoyed to have spent time at the cultural center. They are like family when you go to the center as you are invited to converse, cook with them, share a meal with them, ask questions, share your experiences with them, and become friends. They have much to share and teach the visitors of the island.
This tour is so much bang for your vacation buck. We enjoyed about five hours of thought-provoking conversation about the history and culture of Freeport, plus a delicious lunch with our guide and our chef du jour. I don’t think there was ever a time where we asked a question that our guide, Donald, didn’t have an insightful and knowledgeable response.
Our hosts were so accommodating both with dietary restrictions and with timing. They provided us with a highly personalized and intimate experience to learn about Grand Bahama, cook some phenomenal food, listen to traditional music, and made it such a memorable day. We had really wonderful conversations about history, politics, nature, tourism, the different Bahamian islands, and so much more. The folks here are truly passionate about sharing their knowledge and stories, and their enthusiasm is contagious!
I can’t imagine a more enjoyable excursion. Great sightseeing and tour guides, great food in a wonderful setting. Excellent conversation, and exchange of ideas and information. My wife and I very much appreciated and enjoyed the time we spent with our warm and friendly hosts, Donald and Di. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in something a bit more meaningful than a “day at the beach!”
