Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry Service
Everything you need to know about the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
The Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry is your gateway to Grand Bahama Island. Baleària Caribbean operates this route twice weekly with their fast ferry, the Jaume II. The trip from Port Everglades to Freeport takes approximately 3 hours, with departures at 9:00 AM and arrival around noon. It's a solid option for day trips, weekend escapes, or longer Bahamas itineraries.
Travel by ferry from Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades to Freeport Grand Bahama Island. The ferries servicing this route offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard amenities. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or an island-hopping adventure, the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry provides reliable service year-round.
Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry Schedule 2026
Baleària Caribbean operates the fast ferry service on this route
What Baleària Actually Publishes for This Route
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Twice weekly, plus extra sailings in summer |
| Depart Fort Lauderdale | 9:00 AM |
| Arrive Freeport | ~12:00 PM |
| Return (same-day) | Late afternoon |
| Duration | ~3 hours, weather permitting |
| Fare | From $235 per person |
Why we don't list fixed sailing days
You'll find confident claims online that this ferry sails "Wednesday and Sunday" or "Tuesday and Saturday". Both are circulating, and they can't both be right. The Tuesday/Saturday pattern traces back to Baleària's 2025 seasonal timetable, which ran in defined date windows between January and May 2025 — it isn't a standing rule. Baleària does not publish a fixed weekday pattern for 2026, and Direct Ferries lists "2 weekly sailings" without naming consistent days.
So rather than repeat a guess that could cost you a hotel night or a rental car booking: open the operator's booking calendar and pick your date there. Available sailing dates are the only reliable answer, and they change between seasons.
Booking Tips
Book 2+ weeks ahead for the lowest fares. Fares on this route move a lot with season and demand — on the same August 2026 date, Direct Ferries showed a cheapest fare of $151 and an average foot-passenger fare of $578, so the number you see depends heavily on when you travel and when you book. Check whether the price you're quoted is one-way or round-trip before paying. Reduced child fares are generally available; confirm the exact terms at checkout rather than assuming.
Book Your Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry
Multiple ways to reserve your tickets
Book Online or by Phone
Two reliable options for the Fort Lauderdale → Freeport ferry:
Booking direct via Baleària is generally cheapest; comparison sites can surface deals during low season.
Essential Information: Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
What you need to know before you travel by ferry
The Fast Ferry
Baleària Caribbean's high-speed catamaran Jaume II serves this route — an Incat-built (Tasmania, 1996) fast ferry with roughly 650 passenger capacity. Although the hull was designed to carry vehicles, Baleària Caribbean sells this crossing to foot passengers only. Onboard: air-conditioned seating, a bar-café, a duty-free shop, an entertainment system, outdoor decks and restrooms. Luggage is included in the ticket price.
Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades
Terminal 21, Port Everglades
2021 Eller Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Check in at least 2 hours before departure — Baleària's own requirement.
Why Choose Freeport?
Freeport Grand Bahama Island offers 96 miles to explore! More beaches than Bimini. Port Lucaya Marketplace for shopping. Lucayan National Park with caves. Perfect for day trips or longer stays.
Important: Transportation in Freeport
The ferry docks at an industrial port. It's 15 miles from beaches and attractions. You must arrange transportation:
- Taxi: $14-20 per person each way to Port Lucaya
- Rental Car: $60-80/day (book online before you leave!)
- Port Shuttle: $7 per person to Port Lucaya (hourly service)
About the Ferry Service
Details about ferries servicing Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
The Vessel: Jaume II
The Jaume II is a high-speed wave-piercing catamaran built by Incat in Tasmania in 1996. It joined Baleària in 2006 (originally sailing as Rapide in the English Channel) and now serves the Fort Lauderdale–Grand Bahama–Bimini routes for Baleària Caribbean. The vessel carries up to 654 passengers and 155 vehicles, and cruises at around 37 knots.
Onboard Amenities
Expect indoor airline-style seating with AC, a café/bar serving snacks and drinks, restrooms on multiple decks, and outdoor deck areas for fresh air. Wi-Fi is offered onboard but can be spotty mid-crossing — download what you need before departure. Premium-class upgrades typically include priority boarding and a separate lounge.
Passenger Experience
The crossing takes about 3 hours, with departures at 9:00 AM and arrival around noon local time in Freeport. The Gulf Stream can produce some swell — bring motion-sickness tablets if you're sensitive. Families with kids appreciate the open decks and the option to walk around mid-crossing. This is a foot-passenger crossing — Baleària Caribbean does not carry vehicles between Florida and the Bahamas. Pets are a different matter: the operator does advertise pet-friendly travel options, so if you're bringing an animal, contact Baleària directly for the conditions and any Bahamian import paperwork rather than turning up at the terminal.
Expert Tips for Your Ferry Journey
Make the most of your Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry trip
Arrive Early
Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades is huge. Give yourself 2 hours. The terminal can be confusing. Parking takes time. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure. Don't risk missing your ferry!
Pack Smart
Bring snacks for the journey. The café is pricey. Pack dramamine if you get seasick. Download entertainment for kids. Sunscreen is essential. Bring a light jacket for the AC.
Booking Strategy
Book directly with Baleària Caribbean for the best prices, and compare before you commit. Because sailing days shift by season, check several dates in the booking calendar — the spread between the cheapest and dearest date on this route is large. Premium seating with priority boarding is worth the upgrade for families.
Beach Planning
Gold Rock Beach is stunning but far. Taino Beach is closer with restaurants. Lucaya Beach is walkable from Port Lucaya. Plan your beach day before you arrive.
Transportation Must
Seriously, arrange transport! The port is industrial. Nothing is walkable. Rental cars give freedom. Book online before traveling. Left-side driving is easy to adjust to.
Stay Connected
Ferry WiFi works but it's slow. BTC sells tourist SIM cards at port. Most US carriers charge $10/day roaming. Download offline maps before you go.
Day Trips from Freeport
Make the most of your time on Grand Bahama Island
Day trips are doable on the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry. You arrive around noon and the same-day return ferry leaves in the late afternoon — that gives you roughly 4–5 hours on Grand Bahama. To make it work, pre-book transport (the harbour is industrial; Port Lucaya is 15 miles away). Here's a typical itinerary:
Sample Day-Trip Plan
- ~12:00 PM: Arrive Freeport Harbour, clear immigration, pick up pre-booked rental car or shuttle
- ~12:45 PM: Lunch at Port Lucaya Marketplace (Count Basie Square has live music)
- ~2:00 PM: Beach time at Lucaya Beach (walkable from the marketplace) or Taino Beach
- ~4:00 PM: Quick souvenir stop, return to harbour
- ~4:30 PM: Check-in for return ferry (closes 45 min before departure)
- Late afternoon: Depart Freeport, arrive Fort Lauderdale ~3 hours later
⚠️ Always confirm exact return time on your ticket — Baleària adjusts schedules seasonally and weather can affect timing.
Where to Stay in Freeport & Lucaya
If you're staying overnight or longer, these hotels are within easy reach of the ferry harbour and Port Lucaya.
Top Hotel Picks Near the Ferry
Pelican Bay Hotel at Lucaya
Waterfront boutique resort on Bell Channel Bay, steps from Port Lucaya Marketplace. 186 rooms across two wings, three outdoor pools, swim-up bar, two restaurants. The closest decent hotel to the marketplace's restaurants and live music.
From ≈ $187/night
Check Availability →Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham
All-inclusive beachfront resort on a 26-acre site on Fortuna Beach, on the island's south shore. 276 rooms, four restaurants, unlimited drinks, and complimentary snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. Good fit for couples and families wanting one fixed price.
From ≈ $250/night (all-in)
Check Availability →Heads-up: the Grand Lucayan is being rebuilt
If you're searching Freeport hotels you'll still see the Grand Lucayan resort complex listed. It's being redeveloped by Concord Wilshire in an $827 million project, with demolition and construction starting in the second half of 2026 and completion targeted for early 2028. Lighthouse Pointe stays open throughout phase 1 and is the only part of the complex currently operating. Expect construction activity nearby — worth factoring in if you're booking a quiet beach break.
Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more.
Best Things to Do in Freeport
Top attractions when you travel from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
Must-See Attractions
- Lucayan National Park: Underwater caves and Gold Rock Beach. The beach disappears at low tide!
- Port Lucaya Marketplace: Shopping, dining, live music. Count Basie Square has entertainment.
- Swimming with Dolphins: UNEXSO offers open ocean encounters. Not in pools!
- Garden of the Groves: Nature trails and waterfalls. Great on hot days.
- Taino Beach Fish Fry: Wednesday nights are legendary. Local food and music.
- Perfume Factory: Create your own fragrance. Fun for couples!
- Rand Nature Centre: Bird watching and nature trails. Kids love the parrots.
Beach Guide for Freeport
Grand Bahama's beaches each have their own character. Gold Rock Beach inside Lucayan National Park is the most famous — pristine white sand that famously appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean; it's about a 35-minute drive east of Freeport, best at low tide. Taino Beach is closer to town with beach bars and restaurants. Lucaya Beach is walkable from Port Lucaya Marketplace — perfect for short stops. Fortune Beach is quieter, popular with locals. Xanadu Beach sits near the old Howard Hughes-era hotel site.
Practical Travel Information
Everything else you need to know
Passport Requirements (2026)
This is the detail that most often gets travelers turned away at Terminal 21, so read it carefully: Baleària Caribbean's document rules are stricter than US law requires. General WHTI rules let US citizens make closed-loop sea trips on a passport card, an enhanced driver's license, or — for children under 16 — a birth certificate. Baleària does not accept all of that.
What Baleària actually accepts
- Accepted: a valid US passport book, or a valid US passport card.
- Not accepted: birth certificates, photo ID alone, and naturalization certificates — for adults and minors.
- Not accepted: NEXUS, SENTRI and Global Entry cards.
- Your passport should be valid for more than 6 months beyond your travel date.
Baleària states plainly that it is not responsible for denied boarding caused by incorrect travel documents — a missed sailing here is your loss, not theirs. A passport book remains the safest choice overall, since it's also the only one of these that covers an emergency flight home. Source: Baleària Caribbean Help Centre, checked August 2026; general US rules at travel.state.gov.
What to Bring
Cash is king in Freeport. Many places don't take cards. Bring USD — it's accepted everywhere. Pack reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bug spray for evening. A waterproof phone case is smart. Don't forget prescription medications.
Weather Considerations
The ferry runs year-round. Summer is hot and humid. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30, with peak activity in August and September — sailings can be cancelled or rescheduled around storms. Winter (Dec–Apr) is the sweet spot: low humidity, daytime highs in the 70s°F, calmer Gulf Stream crossings. Spring break weeks get crowded. Travel insurance is a smart add-on if you book during hurricane season.
Customs and Immigration
Bahamas immigration is straightforward. You'll fill out a card on the ferry. Keep it safe — you need it to leave! Duty-free allowances apply. Don't bring prohibited items. Drones need special permits. Check current regulations before travel.
Day-Trip Packages with Free Cancellation
Bookable Grand Bahama day-trip packages including the round-trip ferry — free cancellation up to 2 days before:
Ready to Book Your Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry?
Pro tip: lock in your rental car or shuttle for Freeport before you confirm the ferry — the harbour is 15 miles from the beaches.
Or book direct at baleariacaribbean.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry
How long is the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport?
Approximately 3 hours. Departures are at 9:00 AM with arrival around noon local time. The fast catamaran cruises at about 37 knots; weather and Gulf Stream conditions can shift the arrival time by 15–30 minutes.
Which ferry company operates this route?
Baleària Caribbean operates the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry exclusively, using the high-speed catamaran Jaume II (built by Incat in 1996, capacity 654 passengers).
How much does the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry cost?
Baleària Caribbean publishes this route from $235 per person (operator website, checked August 2026). Comparison sites show a much wider spread — on the same date Direct Ferries listed a $151 cheapest fare alongside a $578 average foot-passenger fare, which tells you how much season and demand move the number rather than giving you a fixed rate. Check whether your quote is one-way or round-trip before paying, and book 2+ weeks ahead.
Can I do a day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport?
Yes. The 9:00 AM departure puts you on Grand Bahama by noon, with the same-day return ferry leaving in the late afternoon. That gives you about 4–5 hours on island. Always pre-book transport from the harbour — taxis and shuttles can be scarce when the ferry arrives.
Where does the ferry depart in Fort Lauderdale?
Terminal 21 at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale (gateway address 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316). Baleària names Terminal 21 on its own route page, but it's still worth confirming the terminal printed on your ticket. Check in at least 2 hours before departure.
Do US citizens need a passport?
Yes — and Baleària's rule is stricter than the general WHTI rule, which is where people get caught out. The operator accepts a valid US passport book or US passport card, and nothing else: birth certificates, photo ID and naturalization certificates are not accepted for adults or minors, and NEXUS, SENTRI and Global Entry cards are refused too. Your passport should be valid more than 6 months beyond your travel date. Baleària is explicit that denied boarding over paperwork is not its responsibility.
Which days does the ferry sail?
Twice weekly at 9:00 AM, with extra sailings in summer — but the weekdays genuinely change between seasons, and Baleària does not publish a fixed pattern for 2026. You'll see "Wednesday and Sunday" and "Tuesday and Saturday" asserted around the web; the latter comes from Baleària's 2025 seasonal timetable and is not a standing rule. Check the operator's booking calendar for your travel month instead of relying on either.
What's the best way to book tickets?
Book direct at baleariacaribbean.com for the lowest base fare, or use a comparison site like Direct Ferries if you want to scan multiple dates and price points at once.