Grand Bahama Island's rambling, reef-protected shoreline and cays are filled with numerous beaches, on which powdery white sand is the normal terrain. There are generally two kinds of beaches: the “activity beach” and the "secluded beach.” At the activity beaches you'll find a multitude of fun and games: parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, etc. The best-known activity beaches are Lucaya Beach, Xanadu Beach, and Taino Beach. As far as secluded beaches go, half of the fun is discovering them! The best hunting grounds are on the southwest and southeast sides of the island. Following the main highway either west or east, you'll come across miles of empty sand soon enough. One of the most spectacular stretches, though, is Gold Rock Beach, part of the protected Lucayan National Park, which is a must see at low tide when it unfolds its signature 'welcome mat.'