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
Current Ferry Schedule - Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
| Day | Depart Fort Lauderdale | Arrive Freeport | Return (same-day) | One-way From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wednesday
|
9:00 AM | ~12:00 PM | Late afternoon | $254Midweek |
|
Sunday
|
9:00 AM | ~12:00 PM | Late afternoon | $278 |
Money-Saving Tip
Midweek (Wednesday) sailings tend to be cheaper than weekend Sunday departures. Book 2+ weeks ahead for the lowest fares — average prices land around $528 one-way during peak demand. Kids under 12 typically travel at a reduced rate; infants under 2 travel free but still need a ticket. Always confirm exact times and return options at booking, as Baleària adjusts schedules seasonally.
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 — built by Incat (Tasmania) in 1996, capacity 654 passengers and 155 vehicles, top speed 37 knots. Modern vessel with AC cabin seating, café, outdoor decks, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.
Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades
Terminal 21, Port Everglades
2021 Eller Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Check-in 90 minutes early!
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. Foot passengers only on this route — vehicles and pets are not accepted on Fort Lauderdale–Freeport sailings.
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 best prices. Tuesday saves money versus Saturday. Premium seats include snacks and priority boarding. Worth it 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 about 19 minutes from downtown Freeport on Fortuna Beach. 274 rooms, four restaurants, unlimited drinks, non-motorized water sports included. Good fit for couples and families wanting one fixed price.
From ≈ $250/night (all-in)
Check Availability →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)
US citizens entering The Bahamas by sea need a WHTI-compliant document: a valid US passport book, passport card, or enhanced driver's license. Children under 16 traveling on closed-loop sea routes may use a certified birth certificate plus government photo ID. A passport book is required if you fly back instead of taking the ferry — recommended for everyone. Always check current rules at travel.state.gov before booking.
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.
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?
One-way fares start from around $254 for foot passengers in 2026, with average prices closer to $528 in peak season. First-class cabins add roughly $150 extra. Book 2+ weeks ahead and choose midweek (Wednesday) sailings for the lowest fares.
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?
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale (gateway address 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316). Confirm the exact terminal number on your ticket — Baleària reassigns terminals occasionally. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure; arrive at least 90 minutes early.
Do US citizens need a passport?
Yes. US citizens need a WHTI-compliant document for sea travel — a passport book, passport card, or enhanced driver's license. Children under 16 may travel with a certified birth certificate plus photo ID. A passport book is required if you fly back instead of taking the ferry.
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.