West End

Travel Guide

West End featuring general coastal views as well as a small group of people
West End featuring general coastal views, boating and a bay or harbor
West End which includes boating and general coastal views
West End featuring general coastal views and tropical scenes
West End showing general coastal views and boating
Known for its storied history of rum running, this sleepy village is now a popular base for charter fishing.

It comes as a surprise to many that quiet West End, rather than bustling Freeport, is actually the capital of Grand Bahama Island. It is the oldest city on the island and an excellent spot to fish for snapper and dozens of other species. Relax on secluded sandy beaches, snorkel in the calm waters off the coast or eat conch salad from the shell at one of the shacks along the bay.

West End flourished in the early 20th century during Prohibition in the United States. The town became an important transfer base, where liquor from Canada, England, France and other countries was stored before being imported illegally into the U.S. Today, the town’s serene atmosphere gives little indication of this somewhat scandalous past. Look for a few remaining former liquor warehouses along the waterfront road.

The western end of the island has long been known for its superb sport fishing, attracting famous fishing enthusiasts including Ernest Hemingway in decades past. Head to Little Bahama Bank to fish for snook and bonefish or try reef fishing in nearby Old Bahama Bay Marina. The bay is also a fine spot for deep-sea fishing, with tuna, wahoo and marlin among the most common catches.

Cycle along the West End’s scenic coastline or relax on the quiet beaches of Old Bahama Bay. The village’s coast faces north toward a protected cove, making its waters warmer and calmer compared to the island’s Atlantic-facing beaches. Discover the Bahamas’ abundant marine life by renting snorkeling gear or enjoy the clean ocean air as you kayak through the waters off the coast.

If you visit the village in June, attend the annual West End Snapper Tournament and Festival. This lively festival features family-friendly activities, live entertainment and plenty of food. Competitions are held for the largest snapper caught as well as the best seasoned fish, among other events.

West End is 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Freeport’s center. To get here, use local bus services from Freeport or rent a car and take the highway northwest from Freeport.

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour

4.5 out of 5
Bayshore Road, West End, Grand Bahama
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in West End. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Old Bahama Bay Beach and Old Bahama Bay ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (93 reviews)
We got through it
"I really wish it was a better experience. The rooms were not up to par. We had to switch rooms 2 times because of issues. First room the shower didn’t work. Second room the ac was broken. Third room didn’t even lock properly or have a working bathtub but we decided twice was enough and we would just ..."

Reviewed on 2019/8/27

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour
Dolphin Cove - Adults Only

Dolphin Cove - Adults Only

4 out of 5
#14 Swan Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
The price is NT$5,819 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$5,819
NT$6,401 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Freeport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Reef ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (347 reviews)
"Hotel is beautiful, only one restaurant(delicious) with limited hours but nothing else in walking distance. Limited interaction with staff but they were nice enough. Given the layout, someone should definitely walk you to your room as the check in entrance is different to the room entrances."

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

Dolphin Cove - Adults Only
Castaways Resort and Suites

Castaways Resort and Suites

3 out of 5
42629 East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
The price is NT$1,939 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
NT$1,939
NT$2,581 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly resort in Freeport. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
6.8/10 (254 reviews)
"Overall the hotel was good"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Castaways Resort and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort

Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort

3 out of 5
48-60 Bahama Reef Blvd., PO Box F-42695, Lucaya, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Freeport. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (128 reviews)
"Love it. I usually go to Pelican Bay, but loved this more. No free wifi was bad"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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