This is ridiculous to say it's the #1 resort on the island. It's a place to go snorkeling with two rooms on stilts on the beach. We stayed at the Westin (absolutely fabulous stay) and drove to Paradise cove because we saw that it was rated #1 and figured on a rainy day we would drive and explore and have coffee at another resort. It was a long, slow drive, scenery was not nice and it's not a pretty beach even. there's a ramshackle snack bar, tiny gift shop but I heard the snorkeling was nice. Repeat,,,this is not a resort...even the road to the beach is not paved!!!!!

The snorkeling was fabulous. The owners are very friendly and helpful and this is a very well-run resort. Great for families or a honeymoon. The snack bar has good, resonable food and the gift shop had resonably priced souvenirs. the cottages are in the process of being rebuilt after the hurricane and should be doen soon. Paradise Cove is located about 25 miles from Freeport so a car or scooter is an asset if you want repeated trips or if you are staying so you can get around.

We have visited Grand Bahama a number of times, snorkeled off a boat from the Port Lucaya marina, but this facility was much easier to access merely by walking off the beach to the reef - no boat needed so no seasickness concern.
We called Paradise Cove directly and chose a day and time for pickup at our hotel, the Westin. We booked a day of snorkeling with lunch, equipment and transport included, and we felt the price was very reasonable, not gouging. You can also book thru concierges at the hotel. We tried to pick a good weather day - it was sunny , yes, but windy and we could tell when we left the hotel room for the shuttle pickup area that the sea was a little choppy.
When we boarded the shuttle bus, before we left the driver gave us a candid update on less-than-ideal conditions and visibility and offered to either give people's deposits back or if we wanted to go out and check out the conditions before committing to full payment they would bring people back at no charge. That is customer satisfaction ensured ! Everyone decided to check it out before deciding, but I know our family was committed anyhow.
The drive on a small bus took about 25 minutes and was enjoyable as we got to see more of the island and the shipping lanes with container ships.
When we got to Paradise Cove we could see lingering hurricane damage to their lodging facilities and they have not yet been replaced. The owner / manager met us at the bus as we arrived and again was firm about everyone being honest about their swimming skills, advised of potential challenges if we did go out, and again insisted that if anyone decided against going they would get a lift back to Freeport no problem. I felt again this was very gracious and everyone did indeed choose to enjoy the day there, if not to snorkel then to enjoy the beach and play volleyball. The beach and reef areas were quiet , spectacular and we had a fine day and fine lunch. We saw lots of coral formations, rays, fish from ' Finding Nemo', pipefish, etc. There is a quieter inside-shore-rock-protected area to snorkel, and a wilder more challenging outside-the-protection-of-the-rocks with buoys and places to rest. We were well looked after and checked up on often by the manager on a powerboat. I felt at ease with my 9 year old out in the ocean-reef area who is a good swimmer, but the extra attention was welcome. I did pay $10 extra to get prescription goggles but without them I wouldnt have seen much anyway, and another small fee to get body-floats to keep us on the surface and floating more easily. Bring your own towels as there is a small fee for those also - we found we didnt need any towels though. The experience at Paradise Cove , and the care for our safety and enjoyment, and the overall hospitality we received there, was a highlight of this trip to Grand Bahama. We will definitely go back !

definitely check out the snorkeling here if you want something off the beaten path. My son and myself drove out , snorkelled our hearts out, saw tremendous amounts of sea life(including manta rays & a stingray), and enjoyed a very good lunch.

rental car from bahama buggies $45

entrance to paradise cove with our own snorkleing gear $3 pp

lunch $12

spending the day with your teenage son in paradise

priceless