Photo: HSC Jaume II / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia
8 trips on Baleària's Jaume II — here's the real deal on bringing rods, reels, and coolers
| Operator | Baleària Caribbean |
|---|---|
| Vessel | HSC Jaume II (high-speed catamaran) |
| Route | Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) ⇄ Lucayan Harbour (Freeport) |
| Duration | About 3 hours one-way |
| Frequency | Roughly twice weekly — confirm at booking |
| One-way fare (foot passenger) | From $254 (avg ≈ $528); peaks higher in summer/holidays |
| Fishing-friendly? | Yes — rods, tackle and coolers travel as checked baggage |
| License | Bahamian sportfishing permit required (Click2Clear) |
Look, I'll be honest — when my buddy first suggested taking the ferry to Grand Bahama instead of flying, I thought he was nuts. But after 8 trips with my son Tyler (and enough fishing gear to stock a tackle shop), I'm never going back to airports. The ferry lets us bring THREE coolers and six rods without per-piece airline penalties, Tyler hasn't gotten seasick once, and watching dolphins race the catamaran while planning which spot to hit first? That's what memories are made of, folks.
It all started with United losing our fishing rods. Twice. The second time, they found them... in Denver. We were in Nassau. Tyler was 11 and devastated — we'd planned that trip for months.
Then I discovered Baleària's Fort Lauderdale to Freeport route. Sure, it's about 3 hours one-way vs. a 45-minute flight. But here's what nobody tells you: by the time you deal with airport parking, arrive 2 hours early, wait for bags, and pay those oversize-baggage fees for rod cases, the door-to-door numbers get a lot closer than the flight time suggests. Except on the ferry, you're already on vacation the moment you board.
Now? We roll up to Port Everglades with our Yeti coolers, 6 fishing rods, tackle boxes, and even Tyler's cast net. The Baleària crew doesn't bat an eye — just tags everything and says "have a great trip!" Try doing that at FLL airport.
This is why every serious angler should take the ferry
Pack 'em in hard cases or rod tubes — they go with checked bags. We bring 6 rods now: 2 for bottom fishing, 2 for trolling, and 2 light tackle for the flats. Zero hassle, zero extra fees.
This is HUGE. We bring 3 coolers: one for drinks/snacks, one for bait, one for the catch. Each passenger has a checked baggage allowance, with modest fees for additional bags — way more forgiving than airline excess-baggage charges. Always check Baleària's current baggage policy at booking; rules and fees can change.
Tackle boxes, cast nets, fish finder, even my portable cleaning station — it all goes. The ferry has way more storage space than planes. We pack like we're going on a serious fishing expedition... because we are!
Drive right up to the terminal, unload at curbside, then park. Porters help with heavy coolers. Compare that to dragging everything through MIA airport. Night and day difference!
After 8 trips, these are the money spots
Bonefish heaven! The shallow flats around the western tip of Grand Bahama are the closest classic bonefishing to Freeport. Wade fishing at low tide is incredible. Tyler caught his first bonefish out here — a solid fish that ran 100 yards of line. Hire a guide your first time; these fish are spooky.
A reef-and-drift fishery just north of Grand Bahama. Yellowtail snapper, grouper, and barracuda are the usual targets — and in spring, pelagics like tuna and mahi-mahi run nearby. Bring heavier tackle for the bigger fish, and ask any local charter about current closures and limits.
Shore fishing that actually produces! Early morning and late afternoon, the jacks and snapper come in close. Free, easy access, and there are beach bars within walking distance for a post-fishing rinse. Win-win-win.
About a 45-minute drive but worth it. Sparsely populated coastline, almost no fishing pressure, and reef structure close to shore. We've had great days on mutton snapper here. Pack lunch, bring water, and make it a slow-paced day trip.
© Marc Averette / CC BY 3.0
Ballpark 2026 costs for 2 anglers with full fishing gear (round trip). Prices fluctuate — these are typical, not guaranteed.
Sources: Baleària Caribbean published fares for 2026 (from $254 one-way per foot passenger, avg $528); typical FLL ↔ FPO airfare via aggregator searches. Confirm live prices at booking.
Tuesday morning, 7 AM. We roll into Port Everglades with enough gear to film a fishing show. The porter jokes "going for a world record?" as he helps load our coolers. Check-in takes 10 minutes — they scan passports, tag bags, done.
The ferry itself? It's nice. Real nice. Big comfortable seats, AC cranking, clean bathrooms. Tyler and I grab seats on the upper deck to watch for dolphins (saw 12 last trip). The café has decent food — nothing fancy, but the Cuban sandwich hits the spot.
About 90 minutes in, you lose sight of Florida. That's when it hits you — you're really going to the Bahamas. The water changes from murky green to that crazy turquoise blue. Tyler always says it looks fake, like someone added food coloring.
Pro tip: Don't sleep! The approach to Grand Bahama is gorgeous. You'll see boats working the flats, maybe some rays or sharks. Gets everyone pumped for fishing.
Are you kidding? We're already booked for July! Look, if you're a fishing family that's tired of airline hassles and fees, this is a no-brainer. Yeah, it takes longer than flying. But you save serious money, bring ALL your gear, and the journey becomes part of the adventure. Tyler's already planning which rods to bring next time. That says it all.
If you're staying a night or two before or after the ferry, the Lucaya area (next to Port Lucaya Marketplace and the marina) is the most convenient base — easy access to charter docks, restaurants, and the beach. Hardcore bonefishers usually base at one of the East End lodges instead. Use the live map to compare hotel prices across booking sites — bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
Boutique hotel right next to Port Lucaya Marketplace and UNEXSO, with marina views and multiple pools. Easy walk to charter docks and restaurants — the most popular pick for short fishing trips.
Check AvailabilityBeachfront all-inclusive about 15–20 minutes east of Freeport. Family-friendly with multiple restaurants, included drinks, and non-motorized water sports. Good fit if you want one fixed price for the non-fishing days.
Check AvailabilityLarge beachfront resort with direct beach access, pools, and a casino. Parts of the property have been undergoing redevelopment in recent years — double-check current room availability before booking.
Check AvailabilityDisclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links via Stay22's auto-affiliate. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more.
Yes. Baleària Caribbean accepts fishing rods as checked luggage. Pack them in hard tubes or padded cases. They count toward your standard checked-bag allowance, with extra-bag fees applying beyond that. Always confirm current baggage rules at booking — policies can change seasonally.
The Baleària Jaume II high-speed catamaran takes about 3 hours one-way from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) to the Lucayan Harbour cruise port in Freeport. Sailings operate roughly twice weekly; confirm exact times with Baleària before booking.
Yes — coolers are allowed as part of your checked baggage allowance. Make sure your catch is properly cleaned, iced, and declared at U.S. Customs on return. Keep your Bahamian fishing license handy; you'll need to know what you caught and where.
Yes. Recreational fishing in Bahamian waters requires a sportfishing permit from the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources, available through the Click2Clear / My Gateway online portal. Most charter operators can also arrange this for you. Catch limits apply — Nassau grouper has a closed season (1 December – 28 February), and lobster has its own closed window.
Often yes, but not always on the ticket alone. Ferry fares typically start from $254 one-way per person in 2026 (average around $528), so a 2-person round trip starts in the four-figure range. Airline tickets can be cheaper at face value, but excess and oversize baggage fees for rod cases and coolers plus parking can erase that gap. The bigger win is being able to bring multiple coolers and bulky tackle without per-piece airline penalties.
The Lucaya area (next to Port Lucaya Marketplace and the beach) is the most convenient base, with easy access to charter docks. Pelican Bay Hotel is the go-to mid-range option for marina views. For all-inclusive convenience, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach sits on a quiet beach 15–20 minutes east. Hardcore bonefishers often base out of dedicated lodges near East End instead.
Rent a car. Taxis to East End, West End, or the Marls add up fast. The drive to High Rock takes about 45 minutes; West End is roughly 30 minutes. Remember: Bahamians drive on the left.
Check live Baleària schedules and fares, then plan your Lucaya stay.
Last updated: May 25, 2026 · Reviewed by the BahamasHopping editorial team.