Editor Pick
Good Excursion for Active Vacationers
- January 25, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Sask99 from Melville, Saskatchewan
The Lucayan National Park Kayak Experience is an excursion be booked through the Norwegian Cruise Line. The only downside to the tour was that it left as soon as the ship docked - around 7AM. The night before you get instructions to meet at the theatre at 6:45AM. There does not seem to be any reason or advantage to getting there any time before 7, especially if the ship is not docked yet.
Once off the ship everyone is organized into the different tours and taken by motorcoach to their respective destinations. At the kayaking office we were separated into groups of 8, then took a van to the Lucayan National Park. Our guide was good to explain some history of the Grand Bahama Island and point out local sights. When they tell you that there are few bathroom stops on the whole tour - believe them and go when you can.
The first part of our tour was the kayaking. Being a novice kayaker I found the trip to be slightly challenging, but only in the manouvering of the kayak. Some of the areas were a bit narrow, but the water never moved too quickly so we could always get ourselves unstuck. Life jackets are provided, although the water is quite shallow and you could always see the bottom and even some fish. After the kayaking we went to a nice and fairly secluded beach. We had about an hour to walk in the water and around the beach. Lunch is provided - which was do it yourself sandwiches, fruit, cookies, and drinks. There were some raccoons hanging around and hoping for handouts and they really looked quite cute.
Remember to take a towel to clean off after the ocean as the nature walk to the caves comes up next. Sunscreen is also a must.
The nature walk and cave tour is a short walk where a guide points out the different species of plants and types of soil. The caves at one time had Lucayan indians buried in them (the Lucayans are now extinct). The caves are home to bats at some time of the year (thankfully not December). There is both fresh and salt water in the caves which has given rise to a distinct animal, which you can see along with some fish.
For $85 per person this took up almost our whole time at the Freeport stop. We were returned to the Gem with about 20 minutes until we had to go back, which was enough time to go to the nearby straw market if you wanted. Well worth the time and money if you can go. I would recommend either being in fairly good shape or being a good kayaker, although it isn't necessary as the guide will tow your kayak if you are having extreme difficulty.
From journal Cruise to the Bahamas
Kayaking and Nature Tour
- March 13, 2004
- Rated 4 of 5 by
steve3d from Columbus
This tour takes you kayaking through the mangroves of Lucayan National Park. The kayaking is in shallow water (about 3 feet) and is about 90 minutes of easy paddling in a two-person kayak. They also have child seats available. Good for beginners. After the kayaking you are taken to Gold Rock Beach for a Bahamian cooked lunch. This beach is absolutely gorgeous at low tide. A wide strip of secluded beach. After about 90 minutes at the beach, you go for a 90-minute ½-mile nature walk through the park and the caves. Very nice tour. They will pick you up and drop you off at your resort.
From journal Getaway to Grand Bahama Island
Kayak and Nature Tours
- October 27, 2000
- Rated 3 of 5 by
deezee from new york, New York
We signed up for a half day of snorkeling and kayaking. Little did we know they were separate activities and not one combined. We ended up snorkeling over a mile in fierce waves and winds, and frankly the fish and coral were not as colorful or varied as I had hoped. We thought we would kayak out and then snorkel from there but in reality, once we finished snorkeling we had to then kayak 2 1/2 miles up a creek. The weather was lovely, but we had some steering issues with our boat that caused us to get to know the trees and branches lining the creek very well! Although exhausting, the day was fun and one out of two of our guides was knowledgable and friendly.
From journal Beautiful Bahamas