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Lucayan National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama covers 16 hectares and is one of the most ecologically significant protected areas in the Bahamas, established in 1982 by the Bahamas National Trust. The park is world-renowned for its extensive underwater cave system, which stretches over 10 kilometers, making it one of the longest mapped underwater cave networks in the world. Beyond its geological formations, the park preserves all six of the Bahamas' major ecosystems, including mangrove swamps, pine forests, and rocky coastal zones. A primary highlight is Gold Rock Beach on the southern coast, a pristine stretch of sand that is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Archaeologically, the park holds immense value as human remains and artifacts from the Lucayan Indians, the islands' indigenous people, were discovered within its caves. Well-maintained trails and wooden boardwalks lead visitors through diverse vegetation zones, offering opportunities to observe rare bird species and endemic plants in their natural habitat.

Location: Bahamas
Nearby: McLean's Town (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	22	23	24	26	28	29	29	28	27	25	23
Rain mm	46	46	60	72	113	162	152	161	196	108	55	48

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset; you can walk the boardwalk and trails on your own. The Lucayan Caverns are accessible only with a park guide, and tours typically run every 30 minutes during peak season.

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Typical hours

National parks in the Bahamas typically open around 8am and close at sunset; however, some may have variable hours depending on ranger availability. The cave tours are usually scheduled at fixed times, often on the hour or half-hour during busy periods.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the park and inside the caverns, but flash may disturb wildlife. For the best cave shots, use a tripod and a wide-angle lens, though flash is sometimes restricted during tours.

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Time needed

Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the main trails and caverns. A full visit including the boardwalk, caves, and picnic areas easily takes 4-5 hours.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with nearby Gold Rock Beach, a pristine stretch of sand within the park. The Grand Lucayan Waterway and the town of Freeport are also within a short drive.

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Getting there

The park is located about 40 minutes east of Freeport on Grand Bahama Highway. You need a rental car or taxi; there is no public transport directly to the entrance.

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Insider tip

Bring a waterproof flashlight and water shoes for the cave tour; the floor can be slippery. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and have the best lighting for photos.

History & landmarks

1982

Geography

Area

0.16 km²

Coordinates

26.60220, -78.39700

Facts

The park was officially established as a protected area in 1982.
The mapped length of the underwater cave system exceeds 10 kilometers.
Two caves, Ben's Cave and Burial Mound Cave, are accessible to the public via stairs.
Remains of four Lucayan Indians were discovered by divers in an underwater burial site here.
Gold Rock Beach within the park was a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean sequels.
The park supports diverse wildlife, including the rare Bahama Swallow and various bat species.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gold Rock Beach<1 km · NExplore →

Lucayan National Park Wildlife1 km · SExplore →

Grand Bahama's Pine Barrens11 km · SExplore →

Little Bahama Bank12 km · SExplore →

McLean's Town13 km · NExplore →

Walker's Cay National Park15 km · EExplore →

Dolphins at Sanctuary Bay21 km · SExplore →

Pelican Point22 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lucayan National Park located?

On Grand Bahama, about 40 km east of Freeport.

What is special about the caves?

It is one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world.

Is swimming allowed in the caves?

In most of them, no; entry is strictly regulated to protect nature.

Are there beaches there?

Yes, Gold Rock Beach is part of the park and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Bahamas.

Do you need a car?

Yes, a rental car or a guided tour is the best way to reach the park.

Lucayan National Park: where is it located?

Lucayan National Park is located in Bahamas.

Lucayan National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Lucayan National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama covers 16 hectares and is one of the most ecologically significant protected areas in the Bahamas, established in 1982 by the Bahamas National Trust.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →