Grand Bahama island is the fourth largest island in the Bahamas, around 530 square miles, and resides in the most north western portion of the archipelago. Being the closest to Florida, it is an important tourist destination and is home to the second largest city in the Bahamas. This island has vast beaches, extensive cave systems, wetlands and both pine and coppice forest. Although much of its biodiversity still remain, a canal cutting through the entire island has allowed salt water to penetrate into the fresh water lens of the island.