Port Lucaya Marina

Marina Facilities and Services

The marina maintains 106 slips capable of accommodating vessels with up to 190-foot length overall and 8-foot draft. Electrical service ranges from 50 to 200 amp configurations, supporting everything from modest cruisers to power-hungry superyachts. Dockside amenities include potable water hookups, pump-out service, and complimentary wireless internet throughout the facility.

Showers, ice, and fishing tackle are available on-site, while a waterfront restaurant and bar provide convenient dining without leaving the dock. Though fuel is not dispensed directly at the marina, nearby options keep tanks topped off with minimal inconvenience.

Location and Marketplace Access

Port Lucaya Marketplace unfolds directly adjacent to the marina, offering dozens of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in an open-air Caribbean setting. Count Basie Square hosts live Junkanoo performances and Bahamian music most evenings, creating a festive atmosphere that draws both visitors and locals.

Grand Bahama International Airport sits approximately 15 minutes away by taxi, making crew changes and provisioning runs efficient. Banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, and marine supply outlets cluster within easy reach, while Rand Memorial Hospital provides emergency medical services nearby.

Customs and Port of Entry

Full-time customs and immigration officers stationed at the marina process arriving vessels throughout the day, eliminating the need to seek clearance elsewhere on the island. Boaters arriving from international waters can proceed directly to Port Lucaya and complete formalities at the dock.

The streamlined process appeals especially to South Florida boaters making short hops across the Gulf Stream, reducing bureaucratic delays and maximizing time for exploration. Documentation requirements follow standard Bahamian protocols, with fees varying based on vessel size and number of passengers aboard.

Bell Channel Approach

Port Lucaya is reached via Bell Channel from Grand Bahama's south shore, a well-marked inlet with stone jetties and depths of 7 to 8 feet inside. To set up your approach, navigate to waypoint 26 29.862N 78 37.761W, then follow a course of 341 degrees true for approximately one mile until the jetties come into view. The outer buoy sits at 26 29.879N 78 37.800W.

Once inside, the channel remains deep and straightforward. Port Lucaya Marina lies to port as you enter the Lucaya Harbour basin, clearly visible near the colourful Port Lucaya Marketplace complex. First-time visitors can call on VHF channel 16 for approach guidance. The marina accommodates vessels with up to 8-foot draft, though some areas carry 14 feet dockside. Note: These waypoints and depths are for planning only; always verify with official charts and local authorities before navigating.

Docking and Customs Clearance

The 106-slip facility handles vessels from modest runabouts to superyachts approaching 190 feet LOA. Two marina wings offer distinct settings: the Marketplace Wing places you steps from shops, restaurants, and live entertainment, while the Sea Garden Wing wraps around tropical gardens and the resort's Olympic swimming pool. Electrical service ranges from 50 to 200 amp, supporting everything from coastal cruisers to power-demanding megayachts.

As an official Bahamas Port of Entry, Port Lucaya features full-time customs and immigration officers on-site. Boats arriving from international waters can proceed directly to the marina and complete clearance at the dock, eliminating delays and additional stops. Documentation follows standard Bahamian protocols, with fees varying by vessel size and passenger count. The streamlined process particularly appeals to South Florida boaters making the short Gulf Stream crossing.

Port Lucaya Marketplace

The adjacent Port Lucaya Marketplace ranks as the largest open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in The Bahamas. Over forty specialty stores and boutiques offer duty-free shopping, from designer clothing to traditional Bahamian crafts. Two straw markets and craft centres provide handmade souvenirs, while push carts throughout the complex display local artisan work.

Sixteen restaurants cover every palate, from authentic Bahamian conch stands to Italian, Chinese, and American cuisine. Daddy Brown's Conch Stand and the famous Coconut Daiquiri cart have become institutions. Count Basie Square forms the entertainment heart, hosting live music daily with particular energy on Friday and Saturday evenings. Traditional gospel, Junkanoo rhythms, and rake-and-scrape bands create the festive atmosphere that draws both visitors and locals.

Practical Services and Connections

Fuel is not dispensed directly at Port Lucaya Marina, but Grand Bahama Yacht Club and other facilities within the same harbour complex offer fuel docks nearby. Dockside amenities include potable water, pump-out service, ice, showers, and complimentary WiFi throughout the facility. Fishing tackle and bait are available on-site, and a waterfront restaurant and bar provide convenient meals without leaving the dock.

Grand Bahama International Airport sits approximately 15 minutes away by taxi, making crew changes efficient. Essential services cluster within easy reach: Bank of the Bahamas with ATM, Food World grocery store, Kelly's True Value for marine and hardware supplies, and Rand Memorial Hospital for medical emergencies. The marina's position at Grand Bahama's tourism hub ensures provisioning and logistics are straightforward, making it an ideal first or last stop for boats transiting to or from Florida.

Getting there

Port Lucaya Marina is reached via Bell Channel from the south shore of Grand Bahama Island. From the Bell Channel sea buoy, maintain the marked channel northward into Lucaya Harbour. The marina lies on the port side as you enter the basin, clearly visible near the Port Lucaya Marketplace complex. Approach depth averages 8 feet at mean low water. Grand Bahama International Airport is a 15-minute drive for those arriving by air before boarding.

Frequently asked questions

Is fuel available at Port Lucaya Marina?

Fuel is not dispensed directly at Port Lucaya Marina, but nearby marinas including Grand Bahama Yacht Club offer fuel docks within the same harbor complex.

Can I clear customs at Port Lucaya Marina?

Yes. Port Lucaya Marina is an official Bahamian port of entry with full-time customs and immigration officers on-site to process arriving vessels.

How far is the marina from South Florida?

Port Lucaya Marina sits approximately 60-80 nautical miles from South Florida ports, representing a half-day crossing for most motor cruisers in favorable conditions.

What is the approach waypoint for Bell Channel to Port Lucaya Marina?

Navigate to waypoint 26 29.862N 78 37.761W, then follow a course of 341 degrees true for approximately one mile until the stone jetties come into view. The outer buoy sits at 26 29.879N 78 37.800W. First-time visitors can call VHF channel 16 for guidance.

Is fuel available at Port Lucaya Marina?

Fuel is not dispensed directly at Port Lucaya Marina. However, Grand Bahama Yacht Club and other facilities within the same Lucaya Harbour complex offer fuel docks nearby, so topping off tanks requires only a short move within the basin.

What entertainment is available at Port Lucaya Marketplace?

Count Basie Square hosts live music daily, featuring traditional gospel, Junkanoo rhythms, and rake-and-scrape bands. Entertainment picks up on Friday and Saturday evenings with full bands. The marketplace also includes sixteen restaurants, four bars, and over forty shops.

How far is Port Lucaya Marina from South Florida?

Port Lucaya Marina sits approximately 60 to 80 nautical miles from South Florida ports, representing a half-day crossing for most motor cruisers in favourable conditions. The short distance makes it popular for weekend trips and as a first Bahamas landfall.