Pelican Bay Resort

Pelican Bay Resort Grand Bahama Island: Comprehensive Visitor & Guest Guide

Nestled along the picturesque Bell Channel Bay, Pelican Bay Resort offers a blend of European charm and vibrant Bahamian hospitality.Situated directly adjacent to Port Lucaya Marketplace, this boutique waterfront property serves as a top destination for vacationers, business travelers, and cruise visitors seeking a scenic stay in Freeport.

Explore Pelican Bay Resort in Freeport, Bahamas. Learn about guest rooms and suites, Sabor Restaurant, meeting facilities at The Canal House, and convenient access to Port Lucaya shopping and water sports.

Quick Facts & Hotel Details

• Address:Sea Horse Road at Port Lucaya, Lucaya, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas
• Phone:Local: +1 (242) 373-9550 | Toll-Free: 1 (800) 852-3702
• Hours of Operation:24/7 Front Desk & Concierge Services
• Check-in Time:3:00 PM
• Check-out Time:11:00 AM
• Distance to Cruise Port (Freeport Harbour): Approximately 8.5 miles (15–20 minute drive)
• Distance to Airport (Grand Bahama International – FPO): Approximately 6 miles (10–12 minute drive)
• Free Shuttle Service to Cruise Port: No (Taxis and private group shuttles are available at the lobby entrance)
• Free Shuttle Service to Airport: No (Taxi transfers are readily available)
• Beach Ferry Service & Hours:Complimentary ferry boat service runs daily from the resort pool dock across Bell Channel Bay to Taino Beach
• Pets Allowed: No (Service animals permitted in accordance with hotel policy)
• Onsite Restaurants & Bars: Sabor Restaurant & Bar and Bones Bar

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Property Overview

Known as “the happiest hotel in Grand Bahama,” Pelican Bay at Lucaya stands out with its colorful Scandinavian-inspired architecture set against tropical palm gardens and marina waters.Designed with private balconies attached to every guest accommodation, Pelican Bay Hotel affords sweeping views of Bell Channel Bay and Port Lucaya Marina.

Whether you are staying at Pelican Bay Freeport for a weekend getaway or planning an extended stay in Grand Bahama, the property provides immediate access to dining, watersports, and shopping hubs.

Room and Suite Choices

Standard & Deluxe Waterside Rooms

• Waterside Rooms:Feature 640 square feet of living space, available with one king bed or two double/queen beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a private furnished balcony overlooking the marina.
• Deluxe Waterside Staterooms:Offer expanded 750-square-foot layouts with separate sitting and dining areas, micro-kitchenettes, flat-screen cable TVs, and enhanced bath amenities.

Premium Suites

• Waterside State Suites:Designed for families and extended stays, these 750-square-foot one-bedroom suites feature a master bedroom, living room with sofa bed, full mini-kitchen (microwave, sink, mini-fridge, espresso machine), and tile bathrooms with rainfall showerheads.

Accessible Rooms

• ADA Compliant Accommodations: Feature wide doorways, roll-in showers with grab bars, lowered vanity counters, and step-free access to main resort facilities and elevator banks.

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Special Offers & Cruise Packages

As a central resort destination for travelers arriving via ferry or cruise line, Pelican Bay Hotel Bahamas frequently offers tailored packages:

• Day Pass Packages:For cruise passengers docking in Freeport Harbour, day passes provide access to the resort’s three pools, towels, Wi-Fi, and the beach ferry to Taino Beach.
• Long-Stay & Corporate Rates: Special seasonal discounts and corporate rates for travelers utilizing the on-site convention center.
• Bed & Breakfast Specials:Vacation bundles that include daily morning dining options at the waterfront Sabor Restaurant.

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Amenities & Popular Facilities

Outdoor Pools

• Three Swimming Pools:Pelican Bay Hotel Freeport features three distinct outdoor freshwater pools, including an infinity-edge pool overlooking the bay, a quiet lap pool, and a family-friendly pool equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Fitness & Wellness Center

• Fitness Center: Equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment.
• In-Room Massage Services:Spa and massage treatments available upon request.

Onsite Dining & Lounges

• Sabor Restaurant & Bar:An upscale outdoor restaurant set next to the main pool and marina, serving fresh Bahamian seafood, steaks, burgers, and tropical cocktails.
• Bones Bar:A popular waterfront lounge offering local Sands beer, cocktails, and a relaxed marina-side environment.

In-Room Amenities

• Private balcony with water or garden views
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Cable TV with movie channels
• In-room safe, iron, and ironing board
• Mini-refrigerator and espresso/coffee maker

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Popular Places to Go Nearby

Staying at Pelican Bay Hotel Freeport Bahamas places you within short distance of Grand Bahama’s top attractions:

• Port Lucaya Marketplace: Just a 3-minute walk (0.2 miles) to over 40 specialty shops, 14 restaurants, and live evening entertainment.
• UNEXSO Dive Center:Located directly across the marina, offering dolphin swims, open-ocean scuba diving, and shark feeds.
• Taino Beach:Accessible via the resort’s free ferry, offering soft white sand, calm ocean waters, and water sports activities.
• Garden of the Groves: A 10-minute drive to 12 acres of tropical gardens, waterfalls, and the Grand Bahama Labyrinth.
• Lucayan National Park: Located 25 minutes east, home to Ben’s Cave, underwater caverns, and Gold Rock Beach.

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Meetings, Weddings & Celebrations

Meetings & Events

Pelican Bay Resort houses The Canal House, a 30,000-square-foot meeting and conference facility. The five-story facility features flexible indoor ballrooms, executive boardrooms, wrap-around balconies, and full audiovisual support for corporate seminars and group workshops.

Weddings

With its waterfront backdrop, Pelican Bay Bahamas is a top choice for destination weddings. Ceremonies can be held on the poolside lawn, private gazebos along the marina, or nearby beach venues, supported by on-site catering and event coordination staff.

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What Guests Liked the Most About Pelican Bay

• Prime Location:Walking access to Port Lucaya Marketplace for shopping, dining, and nightlife without needing a rental car.
• Convenient Beach Access:The complimentary ferry ride across Bell Channel Bay to Taino Beach.
• Spacious Accommodations:Private balconies in every room with clear views of the marina or lush gardens.
• Relaxing Pool Choices:Three distinct pools that prevent crowding, including the popular infinity pool next to Sabor Restaurant.
• Attentive Staff: Friendly Bahamian hospitality and helpful concierge assistance for booking tours and taxis.

Plan & Book Your Travel

Ready to plan your trip to Pelican Bay Hotel Grand Bahama or check current room availability in Pelican Bay Freeport Bahamas?

Use the links below to secure live rates on flights and hotel stays:

• Book Flights on Google Flights
• Book Rooms at Pelican Bay Hotel on Google Hotels

The area around Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport is the main tourism hub of Grand Bahama Island. Staying near the marketplace gives you walkable access to dining, shopping, UNEXSO diving excursions, and Bell Channel Bay marina views.

Here are the top-rated hotels and resorts surrounding Port Lucaya, ranging from immediate walking distance to short water-taxi rides across the bay:

1. Pelican Bay Resort at Lucaya

• Location: Directly adjacent to Port Lucaya Marketplace (1–3 minute walk).
• Rating & Style: 4-Star Boutique Waterfront Hotel.
• Why It’s Top-Rated: Pelican Bay is the most popular hotel in the immediate Port Lucaya area. It features colorful Scandinavian architecture, private balconies on every room overlooking Bell Channel Bay or the marina, three outdoor freshwater pools, and the popular Sabor Restaurant & Bar. Guests also enjoy a complimentary beach ferry across the bay directly to Taino Beach.

2. Dolphin Cove

• Location: Located on East Canal Drive, roughly 1 mile (a 3-minute drive) from Port Lucaya Marketplace.
• Rating & Style: 4-Star Luxury Boutique / Adults-Only Apartment Hotel.
• Why It’s Top-Rated: One of the highest-rated properties on Grand Bahama for adult travelers seeking quiet luxury. It features spacious private suites with full kitchens, a private marina, two outdoor pools, fine dining at its on-site restaurant (700 Wines & Spirits / The Cove), and a tranquil waterfront setting.

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3. The Marlin at Taino Beach Resort & Clubs

• Location: Taino Beach (approx. 1.5 miles by car, or a short 5-minute ferry ride across Bell Channel Bay from Port Lucaya).
• Rating & Style: 4-Star Beachfront & Lagoon Resort.
• Why It’s Top-Rated: Ideal for families and beach lovers, this property sits directly on soft white sands and features a massive lazy-river pool complex with a water slide, swim-up bar, and private beach access. Guests can easily take the ferry back and forth to Port Lucaya Marketplace throughout the day.

4. Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham (All-Inclusive)

• Location: Freeport’s south shore, roughly 5 miles (a 10-minute drive) east of Port Lucaya Marketplace.
• Rating & Style: 3-Star All-Inclusive Oceanfront Resort.
• Why It’s Top-Rated: Grand Bahama’s primary all-inclusive option. While slightly further down the coast, it is favored by travelers looking for a traditional resort experience complete with meals, drinks, water sports, live entertainment, and a wide oceanfront beach, while remaining close enough to visit Port Lucaya for daytime shopping.

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5. Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina

• Location: Taino Beach Peninsula (approx. 1.5 miles from Port Lucaya, accessible via ferry or taxi).
• Rating & Style: 2-Star Casual Waterfront Hotel & Marina.
• Why It’s Top-Rated: A popular budget-friendly choice. Guests get full access to the amenities at the neighboring Taino Beach Resort (including the pool and beach facilities) while enjoying affordable room rates right on the marina channel.

Quick Comparison

Hotel / Resort	Distance to Port Lucaya	Best For	Key Highlight
Pelican Bay Resort	Walkable (Adjacent)	Convenience & Dining	Direct access to marketplace & beach ferry
Dolphin Cove	1 Mile (3 min drive)	Couples & Quiet Relaxation	Luxury suites, adults-only, private marina
The Marlin at Taino Beach	1.5 Miles (or Beach Ferry)	Families & Beach Access	Huge lagoon pool, lazy river & beach front
Flamingo Bay Hotel	1.5 Miles (or Beach Ferry)	Budget Travelers	Affordable rates with Taino Beach pool access
Viva Fortuna Beach	5 Miles (10 min drive)	All-Inclusive Seekers	Unlimited food/drinks, watersports, ocean beach

Google Hotels

Hotels near Port Lucaya Marketplace Freeport Bahamas · Aug 14 – Aug 15 · 2 adults

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Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham3.7 (3241) • 3-star hotel

$144/night

Laid-back resort with a private beach, as well as multiple restaurants & outdoor pools. Opens in a new window

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The Marlin at Taino Beach Resort & Clubs4 (219) • 4-star hotel

$174/night

Relaxed quarters in a laid-back retreat offering a private beach, plus an outdoor pool & dining. Opens in a new window

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Island Seas Resort3.5 (1136) • 3-star hotel

$125/night

Low-key lodging offering a 2 restaurants, a spa & an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar. Opens in a new window

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Dolphin Cove4.6 (253) • 4-star hotel

$165/night

Casual units in an understated adults-only apartment hotel offering a marina, a pool & dining. Opens in a new window

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Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina3.5 (271) • 2-star hotel

$80/night

Waterfront property featuring a restaurant, a private marina & an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar. Opens in a new window

Navigating Freeport and Port Lucaya is straightforward once you know which transportation option fits your specific route—whether you’re traveling from the cruise port, staying at a resort, or exploring national parks.

1. Taxis (Best for Direct & Point-to-Point Travel)

Taxis are the most widely available form of transportation on Grand Bahama. They are reliable, heavily regulated, and easy to find at major hubs like the Freeport Harbour Cruise Port, Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), and Port Lucaya Marketplace.

• Pricing & Rates: Taxis are metered or charge fixed government rates, but fares should always be agreed upon before getting in. Rates are based on two passengers, with an extra charge (around $3–$5) for additional passengers. USD and BSD are accepted 1:1 interchangeably.
• Key Routes & Typical Costs:
  • Freeport Cruise Port to Port Lucaya Marketplace: ~$30–$35 for two passengers (approx. 15–20 minutes). Shared van taxis at the port often offer per-person rates ($10–$15 per person) if filled with other cruise guests.
  • Airport (FPO) to Port Lucaya: ~$20–$25 (approx. 10–12 minutes).
• Tips: Official taxis display yellow license plates (“HA” prefix). Most drivers accept cash only, so keep smaller bills handy.

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2. Water Ferries (Best for Crossing Bell Channel Bay)

Water ferries operate between Port Lucaya Marketplace and the Taino Beach Peninsula (where Pelican Bay, Flamingo Bay Hotel, and Taino Beach Resort sit).

• The Taino Beach / Pelican Bay Ferry:
  • Route: Runs directly across Bell Channel Bay from the dock behind Port Lucaya Marketplace (near Pelican Bay Resort) to the dock at Taino Beach / Flamingo Bay.
  • Schedule: Operates hourly throughout the day (typically on the hour from Taino Beach and 10 minutes past the hour from Port Lucaya).
  • Cost: Around $7.00 round-trip or per leg.
  • Why Use It: It saves a 10-minute taxi drive around the bay and delivers you directly to the beach or marketplace in under 5 minutes.

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3. Car Rentals (Best for Island Exploration)

Renting a car is ideal if you plan to explore distant locations like Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach (25 miles east), or West End.

• Where to Rent: Rental counters are located at Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), near the Freeport Cruise Terminal, and at major hotels around Lucaya (e.g., Avis, Hertz, and local providers like Brad’s Car Rental).
• Driving Rules:
  • Drive on the LEFT side of the road.
  • Traffic circles (roundabouts) are common throughout Freeport—yield to traffic already inside the circle coming from your right.
  • U.S. and international driver’s licenses are valid for short-term stays.
• Pricing: Standard rates range from $60 to $90 per day depending on the vehicle size and insurance coverage.

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4. Public Buses / Jitneys (Budget Option)

Minibuses (known locally as jitneys) run throughout central Freeport and connecting settlements.

• Routes: Route 11 and Route 12 service the central Freeport areas and travel down Royal Palm Way toward Port Lucaya.
• Pricing: Rates are around $1.50 to $2.50 per ride, making them extremely affordable.
• Limitations: Buses do not run on a rigid minute-by-minute timetable (they depart when mostly full) and generally stop running after sunset (around 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM). They also do not serve distant attractions like Lucayan National Park.

Recommended Options by Traveler Type

Traveler Goal	Primary Recommendation	Secondary Option
Cruise Passenger (Port to Marketplace)	Shared Van Taxi	Private Taxi
Beach Day Trip (Lucaya to Taino Beach)	Water Ferry	Taxi
Exploring National Parks & East End	Rental Car	Organized Group Tour
Short Trips Around Port Lucaya Hub	Walking (Most venues are adjacent)	Local Jitney Bus

Complete Guide: Renting Cars and Booking Island Tours Near Port Lucaya Marketplace

Finding car rentals and booking island tours near Port Lucaya Marketplace is simple, with numerous reliable operators positioned directly in the Lucaya resort district and central Freeport. Whether you need a compact car, a scooter, a guided bus tour, or an offshore marine excursion, these local businesses provide full services for resort guests and cruise ship visitors alike.

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Local Car & Scooter Rental Operators

Bullseye Car And Scooter Rental

Located directly in the Port Lucaya area, Bullseye provides convenient access for travelers looking to rent a sedan, SUV, or scooter right near the marketplace.

• Features: Flexible daily rental terms, competitive rates, and vehicle drop-off options for local resort guests.

Ready Rentals Car Rental

Operates across Freeport with 24-hour service to arrange vehicle rentals for island exploration and local sightseeing.

• Features: Round-the-clock availability and delivery services directly to nearby hotels in Lucaya.

Tropical Oasis Car and Scooter Rentals

Situated along East Sunrise Highway, serving travelers looking for cars, scooters, or small SUVs to drive east toward Lucayan National Park and Gold Rock Beach.

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• Features: Friendly customer service, well-maintained vehicles, and scooter rentals ideal for short trips.

Bullseye Car Rental

A dedicated vehicle rental provider operating across Freeport for long-term rentals or multi-day road trips across Grand Bahama Island.

• Features: Diverse fleet of sedans, Jeeps, and SUVs suitable for driving out to distant settlements and national parks.

S&S Car Rentals

Open 24 hours in Freeport, offering reliable vehicle options for both vacationers and business travelers.

• Features: Continuous availability with airport or cruise harbor pickup and drop-off arrangements upon request.

Local Tour Operators & Activity Excursions

Grand Bahama Tour Deals

Provides complete sightseeing packages, island heritage drives, and nature trips tailored for guests staying near Lucaya or arriving via cruise ship at Freeport Harbour.

• Features: Direct booking for city orientation tours, beach packages, and island-wide cultural excursions.

CocoNutz Cruisers

Located right along Sea Horse Road near Port Lucaya Marketplace, offering motorized scooter and cruiser rentals for exploring the surrounding resort hub.

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• Features: Guided scooter excursions and fun personal transport options around the resort district.

Lucaya Watersports & Tours

Positioned on Jolly Roger Drive right near the marina, specializing in water sports and offshore marine activities.

• Features: Guided snorkeling excursions, parasailing, private boat charters, and wave runner rentals right off the Lucaya waterfront.

S&D Coach Tours

An established coach and bus tour operator organizing large group excursions, island orientation drives, and cultural field trips across Freeport.

• Features: Comfortable, air-conditioned bus transport with knowledgeable local Bahamian guides.

Gateway Travel Services

A full-service travel and tour agency in central Freeport assisting travelers with custom island itineraries, excursion bookings, and regional travel support.

• Features: Personalized tour planning, concierge booking services, and island transfer coordination.

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Helpful Tips for Booking

• Advance Bookings: If traveling during peak cruise seasons, holidays, or winter months, reserve your car rental or popular boat charter a few days ahead to guarantee availability.
• Hotel Concierge Desks: Resorts like Pelican Bay and neighboring properties near Port Lucaya feature dedicated tour desks right in their lobbies to coordinate transportation, car drop-offs, and excursion pick-ups.
• Driver’s License & Driving Rules: Bring a valid driver’s license for all car and scooter rentals. Remember that driving is on the left side of the road in The Bahamas, and speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph).

Plan & Book Your Travel

Ready to visit Grand Bahama Island?

Use the links below to check live rates on flights and hotels in Freeport:

Book Flights on Google Flights

Book Hotels on Google Hotels