Lucaya, Bahamas
Pelican Bay
📍 Sea horse Road at Port Lucaya, Lucaya
Your stay — Pelican Bay
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Lucaya.
The Property — Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay is a relaxed, low-rise hotel right on the water in Lucaya, with a breezy lobby that opens to the pool and marina. It suits travellers who want a decent, comfortable base for under £200 a night without fuss—practical, clean, and with a decent beach bar. The USP is the direct access to the marina and the shallow, calm stretch of beach, so you can roll out of breakfast and onto a sun lounger in under two minutes.
Chronicles of Lucaya
Freeport, on Grand Bahama, was developed in the 1950s as a planned tourist and industrial hub, with the Lucaya district purpose-built for resort visitors. It grew fast after the 1960s, helped by the Hawkins Hill Airport and a duty-free port status that attracted cruise ships and shoppers. Hurricanes, especially Dorian in 2019, have scarred the place, but the rebuilt sections—like Port Lucaya Marketplace—are clean and functional. Today Freeport and Lucaya feel like a quiet, workaday Caribbean town, not a glamour destination; the casinos and marinas are the main draws, and the architecture is a mix of pastel stucco low-rises and 1970s concrete blocks.
Best Time to Visit
Full Lucaya guide →Best months
March to May: dry, sunny, and less humid than summer, with daytime highs around 27°C and sea breezes keeping it comfortable. Crowds are moderate—busy enough to feel alive but not jammed.
Peak / festival surge
December to February is the absolute peak, when cruise ships fill the port and hotel prices can double. Christmas and New Year’s events at Port Lucaya Marketplace push occupancy to 90%+.
Budget shoulder season
October to November offers the best budget sweet spot: still warm (26-28°C), quieter, and often 30-40% cheaper than winter rates. You might get a few showers, but they pass in 20 minutes.
Weather & packing
Bahamas weather can flip from bright sun to a sudden tropical downpour in minutes—always keep a compact umbrella or a lightweight waterproof in your day bag. Pack only sandals and cottons; jeans will feel too sticky even in the evening.
Live City Briefing — Lucaya
- The Port Lucaya Marketplace is fully operational again after Dorian repairs, with the main boardwalk and all shops open.
- Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) has resumed regular commercial flights, but check schedules—some smaller carriers are still running reduced timetables.
- A major road resurfacing project on the main route from Freeport to the hotel (East Sunrise Highway) is ongoing, causing 10-15 minute delays around the Baha Mar junction.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Pelican Bay, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Rooms on the upper floors (3rd and 4th) facing the marina rather than Sea Horse Road. The marina side gives you a view of the yachts and water, and is well away from street traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the first floor or ground floor – they’re closest to the lobby, lift and any foot traffic. Also avoid rooms directly facing Sea Horse Road: Port Lucaya’s main drag gets steady car and taxi noise, especially in daytime and early evening.
Best views
Marina-facing rooms on the upper floors – you overlook the Port Lucaya Marina and the lively boardwalk. A worthwhile upgrade if available.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 through 4 (the top floor). The building is low-rise, so top floor minimises footsteps above you and street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Sea Horse Road is the main access to Port Lucaya, so daytime traffic is constant. The hotel also sits close to the marina bar and restaurant strip; weekend nights can be loud until late.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a marina-side room when booking – it’s quieter and has a better view. 2. If you’re driving, the Port Lucaya car park is a short walk; street parking on Sea Horse Road is limited and can feel less secure overnight.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Pelican Bay
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps); premium 20 Mbps for $10/day. No login constraints except password on card.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
Free digital PressReader in lobby; no physical papers. Building is a modern tropical-style hotel (built 2005, no heritage quirks).
Check-in 15:00–22:00, check-out 11:00. Early bag drop from 10:00. Late check-out until 13:00 USD 50, after 13:00 full night charged.
Free, available 22:00–08:00 only (front desk hours). After hours leave with security.
Step-free access via ramp at front entrance; lift to all floors; no accessible rooms or adapted bathrooms. Wheelchair user may need assistance.
Free on-site surface parking (unreserved, usually available). Nearest public car park is Port Lucaya Marketplace lot ($5/day). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no city tax; 10% VAT and $15/night resort fee added at checkout)
Deposit & card hold: First night deposit required at booking; $100 incidentals hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Church of the Ascension (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Bahamas Maritime Museum — 350 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 390 m · ~5 min walk
Oasis Drug Store — 274 m · ~3 min walk
Pearl Mart — 233 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Bahamian Dollar, BSD
Change cash at banks or local exchange kiosks in Port Lucaya; avoid the airport and hotel desks for better rates.
Major credit cards widely accepted, but cash is needed for small vendors and taxis; contactless is common in shops and restaurants.
15-20% in restaurants; $1-2 per bag for porters, $1-2 per day for housekeeping; taxi drivers get 10-15% or a few dollars.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A basic coffee from a local café or street vendor costs around $3-4 BSD.
A conch fritter or fish sandwich from a beachside shack runs about $8-12 BSD.
A main at a casual local restaurant (like grilled fish with sides) costs $15-20 BSD.
Sea Horse Road and the marina boardwalk have fish fry stalls and vendors selling conch salad, grilled fish, and johnnycakes for $5-10 BSD.
Super Value and City Market are the main budget supermarkets within a short drive.
Cheap clothing is scarce; try the Straw Market in Port Lucaya for souvenirs, not daily wear.
Local jitney buses cost $1.25 BSD per ride; from the airport, a shared van to Lucaya is around $15-20 BSD per person.
Eat at local fish fry stalls instead of sit-down restaurants; buy drinks from supermarkets rather than bars; use jitney buses instead of taxis for short trips.
Emergency Contacts
LucayaFor all emergencies in the Bahamas, dial 919 from any phone. This connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. In Lucaya, the nearest hospital is the Rand Memorial Hospital on Freeport (East Mail Road, 242-352-6735) — about a 10-minute drive. For non-emergency police, call the Lucaya Police Station at 242-350-3100.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Lucaya, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Pelican Bay
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 390 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Oasis Drug Store — 274 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) → Bell Channel Inn Hotel
💡 Shared shuttles are cheaper than private taxis. Book through the hotel’s front desk 24 hours in advance. They run on Bahamas time, so expect slight delays.
Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) → Bell Channel Inn Hotel, Lucaya
💡 Taxis are unmetered; agree the fare before you get in. Airport to Bell Channel Inn should be $15-$20. Drivers often accept US cash.
Freeport city centre (service from downtown) → Bell Channel Inn Hotel (stop on Seahorse Road near Lucaya)
💡 Jitneys are cheap but unreliable. Flag them down anywhere along the route, and tell the driver your stop. Have exact change – drivers rarely carry cash.
Smith’s Point (near Taino Beach) → Lucaya Beach area (5-min walk to Bell Channel Inn)
💡 Only worth it if you're coming from the west side of the island. Check the wind before you go – small boats get cancelled in rough seas. Cash only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Pelican Bay?
Rooms on the upper floors (3rd and 4th) facing the marina rather than Sea Horse Road. The marina side gives you a view of the yachts and water, and is well away from street traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at Pelican Bay?
Rooms on the first floor or ground floor – they’re closest to the lobby, lift and any foot traffic. Also avoid rooms directly facing Sea Horse Road: Port Lucaya’s main drag gets steady car and taxi noise, especially in daytime and early evening.
Is Pelican Bay noisy?
Sea Horse Road is the main access to Port Lucaya, so daytime traffic is constant. The hotel also sits close to the marina bar and restaurant strip; weekend nights can be loud until late.
Which rooms have the best views at Pelican Bay?
Marina-facing rooms on the upper floors – you overlook the Port Lucaya Marina and the lively boardwalk. A worthwhile upgrade if available.
What are insider tips for staying at Pelican Bay?
1. Ask for a marina-side room when booking – it’s quieter and has a better view. 2. If you’re driving, the Port Lucaya car park is a short walk; street parking on Sea Horse Road is limited and can feel less secure overnight.
What time is check-in at Pelican Bay?
Check-in at Pelican Bay is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Pelican Bay have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (5 Mbps); premium 20 Mbps for $10/day. No login constraints except password on card.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Pelican Bay?
None (no city tax; 10% VAT and $15/night resort fee added at checkout)
Where can I eat cheaply near Pelican Bay?
A conch fritter or fish sandwich from a beachside shack runs about $8-12 BSD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Pelican Bay?
Local jitney buses cost $1.25 BSD per ride; from the airport, a shared van to Lucaya is around $15-20 BSD per person.
When is the best time to visit Lucaya?
March to May: dry, sunny, and less humid than summer, with daytime highs around 27°C and sea breezes keeping it comfortable. Crowds are moderate—busy enough to feel alive but not jammed.
Top Attractions in Lucaya
💡 Walk east past the resorts for quieter spots—locals often fish there. Free parking near the lighthouse.
💡 Visit on Thursday evening for the weekly 'Junkanoo' practice with live drumming and dancing.
💡 Weekdays are quiet; weekends draw local families. No shade—bring an umbrella or rent a straw mat for $2.
💡 The butterfly house is free with admission—go early when butterflies are most active.
💡 Bring water shoes and a torch—the Ben's Cave trail is short but slippery after rain.