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Wyndham Viva Fortuna, Freeport Grand Bahama Island Bahamas

By:
Simon J. Swain    & Julie A. Park

Underwater Photography: Shaun Fuller


An all-inclusive water sport adventure!
Needing adventure?  Looking for an added adrenalin surge?  Bored with the ho-hum monotony of the daily grind?  Well its time to dive into an all-inclusive adventure complete with gourmet food, sharks, crystal clear seas and all the excitement you can handle.  We took a break from our demanding schedule and had a timely retreat that was both relaxing and exciting at the same time.  As the only all-inclusive resort on the Grand Bahaman Island, the Wyndham Viva Fortuna came through and delivered exactly what was needed.
Pool-side relaxationBuffet DesertsShark Alley!
The Wyndham Viva Fortuna suffered a significant amount of damage in 2004 from several hurricanes, but has almost fully recovered, and has plans to be better than ever.  One indisputable fact is the food is fantastic, the all-inclusive plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Junkanoo Buffet, burgers, hot dogs, fries and chicken nuggets at the beach bar, and with reservations full service dinners at the Italian and Oriental restaurants.  The buffet features several choices nightly including a "Sushi night" which was prepared right in front of your eyes, and was particularly delicious.  All of your drinks are also in the plan including the local beer Kalik, wine, cocktails, frozen drinks (virgin and alcoholic), as well as coffee, juices and soft drinks.

There are plenty of things to do at the resort, including a unique opportunity to learn the Trapeze!  Adult and child lessons are available with professional instructors armed with all of the necessary safety equipment.  The activities don't stop there and there is a nightly show in the open air theatre featuring the resort's animation crew, trust us you won't get bored!
All-Inclusive Activities
On Land-

Tennis Courts
Billiards
Beach Volleyball
Archery
Yoga
Aerobics
Gym
Trapeze Lessons
Dance Lessons
Giant Chess Board
Table Tennis
Kids Club
Pool and Hot Tub
Bocce Ball
Soccer
Bicycles
 
Watersports-

Windsurfing
Sailing
Kayaking
S
norkeling equipment
Water Aerobics
Water Polo

1 introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool.

Additional Fee Water Activities:
PADI Dive center located in the resort
SCUBA
Jet skis
Glass-Bottom Boat
Fishing

 

Shark Alley

The resort also has a PADI dive center right on the property, and the dive sites are a short boat ride from the beach.  The sites are varied including reefs, wrecks, freshwater spring caves emptying into the sea, but the main attraction is Shark Alley.

On our trip into the alley we descended to the bottom and gathered around an old shipwreck.  Gradually several sharks came into view to investigate our presence, slowly circling and coming closer each time.  We were instructed to remain still and keep our hands to ourselves.  In fact this type of diving has been going on in the Bahamas for over 25 years, and it has done much to dispel the myth of the "cold blooded killers" that sharks have unfortunately been stuck with.

CLICK FOR THE: SHARK VIDEO

Up Close Encounter
 
The Experience-

We had an outstanding visit at this resort and all of our expectations were met.  While some improvements and renovations are underway, it is easy to see the full potential of this outstanding facility.

There are plenty of things for the entire family to do at an affordably price, we highly recommend a visit!

IAN Travel Tip:

The Bahamas are easy to reach and its only a 45 minute flight from Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Flights are available from many parts of the world.  A day cruise also operates from Fort Lauderdale, FL Passports are necessary for U.S. citizens under the new travel regulations.

For more underwater photography please visit the IAN gallery.

Book an all inclusive Vacation in the Bahamas

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