West End Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

West End showing general coastal views as well as a small group of people
West End showing a bay or harbour, general coastal views and boating
West End
West End which includes general coastal views and tropical scenes
West End featuring boating and general coastal views
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.

Amazing Old Bahama Bay condo perfect for you!
Amazing Old Bahama Bay condo perfect for you!
West End Bahamas
Book a stay at this beach apartment in West End. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and a pool table. Popular attractions Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"The condo was perfect! I would definitely stay there again, however the property needs some tlc. The gym smelled of mold and the equipment was dusty. The outside area overlooking the balcony had quite a few broken lounge chairs and hammock pile up under a tree. It was not a pleasant sight. Everything ..."

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Amazing Old Bahama Bay condo perfect for you!
Old Bahama Bay units 1093 and 1095 with optional dockage for vessels up to 90 ft
Old Bahama Bay units 1093 and 1095 with optional dockage for vessels up to 90 ft
West End, Grand Bahama
Stay at this condo in West End. Enjoy a fitness center and air conditioning. Popular attractions Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and Old Bahama Bay Beach are located ...
Old Bahama Bay units 1093 and 1095 with optional dockage for vessels up to 90 ft
Bahamas Old Bahama Bay West End
Bahamas Old Bahama Bay West End
West End
Stay at this vacation home in West End. Enjoy a fitness center, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
One of the most keep up homes
"Stay was good however dock needs some bumpers (only One Present) Rotted 2x4 scratch my gelcoat bad at low tide. Water pressure is low in the house. Bedroom with 3 beds and dead coach roaches in the bed. Even with all that said I have stayed almost all the rentals, and this had to be the cleanest ..."

Reviewed on 27 Nov. 2024

Bahamas Old Bahama Bay West End
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.
Amazing Old Bahama Bay condo perfect for you!
Amazing Old Bahama Bay condo perfect for you!
West End Bahamas
Book a stay at this beach apartment in West End. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and a pool table. Popular attractions Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"The condo was perfect! I would definitely stay there again, however the property needs some tlc. The gym smelled of mold and the equipment was dusty. The outside area overlooking the balcony had quite a few broken lounge chairs and hammock pile up under a tree. It was not a pleasant sight. Everything ..."

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Amazing Old Bahama Bay condo perfect for you!
Old Bahama Bay units 1093 and 1095 with optional dockage for vessels up to 90 ft
Old Bahama Bay units 1093 and 1095 with optional dockage for vessels up to 90 ft
West End, Grand Bahama
Stay at this condo in West End. Enjoy a fitness center and air conditioning. Popular attractions Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and Old Bahama Bay Beach are located ...
Old Bahama Bay units 1093 and 1095 with optional dockage for vessels up to 90 ft
Bahamas Old Bahama Bay West End
Bahamas Old Bahama Bay West End
West End
Stay at this vacation home in West End. Enjoy a fitness center, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
One of the most keep up homes
"Stay was good however dock needs some bumpers (only One Present) Rotted 2x4 scratch my gelcoat bad at low tide. Water pressure is low in the house. Bedroom with 3 beds and dead coach roaches in the bed. Even with all that said I have stayed almost all the rentals, and this had to be the cleanest ..."

Reviewed on 27 Nov. 2024

Bahamas Old Bahama Bay West End
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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