Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry | Schedule, Tickets & Guide 2025

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 Fort Lauderdale to Freeport takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. This is the perfect option for day trips or extended stays in the Bahamas.

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.

"I've taken the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport at least 15 times now. Let me save you some headaches. The fast ferry is comfortable — way better than I expected. But here's the thing: Freeport's ferry terminal is industrial. Not pretty. You need wheels to get anywhere fun. My first trip, we didn't plan for transportation. Big mistake! Now we always book a rental car online before we leave Fort Lauderdale Florida. Trust me on this one."

— Mark Sullivan, Ferry Expert & Island Dad

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry Schedule 2025

Baleària Caribbean operates the fast ferry service on this route

Current Ferry Schedule - Fort Lauderdale to Freeport

Day	Departure	Arrival	Return	Duration	Price From
Tuesday	9:00 AM	12:45 PM	5:00 PM	3 hrs 45 min	$119Best Deal!
Saturday	9:00 AM	12:45 PM	5:00 PM	3 hrs 45 min	$139

Money-Saving Tip

Tuesday departures are cheaper! The trip from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport costs less midweek. Book your Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry tickets 2+ weeks ahead for the best prices. Kids under 12 travel at half price. Infants under 2 travel free but still need a ticket.

Book Your Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry

Multiple ways to reserve your tickets

Baleària Caribbean Reservations

Call to book your ferry from Fort Lauderdale:

📞 866-699-6988

Monday-Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM EST

Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM EST

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. Modern vessel with AC, bathrooms, café, outdoor decks, and free WiFi. Capacity for 450+ passengers.

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 Baleària Caribbean's flagship vessel on the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport route. This modern catamaran was built for comfort. It features stabilizers to reduce motion. The ferry from Fort Lauderdale offers multiple decks for passengers.

Onboard Amenities

When you travel from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, you'll enjoy comfortable seating areas. The ferry has both indoor and outdoor spaces. There's a café serving snacks and drinks. Restrooms are available on multiple decks. Free WiFi keeps you connected during the journey.

Passenger Experience

The trip from Fort Lauderdale takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Most passengers find the journey smooth. The fast ferry maintains a steady speed of about 30 knots. Premium seating is available for extra comfort. Families with kids appreciate the spacious decks.

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 totally doable on the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry! You arrive at 12:45 PM. The return ferry leaves at 5:00 PM. That gives you about 4 hours to explore. Here's what works best for day trips:

                    Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
                    12:45 PM: Arrive Freeport, grab pre-booked rental car
15 PM: Drive to Port Lucaya Marketplace (15 mins)
30 PM: Quick lunch at marketplace restaurants
30 PM: Beach time at Lucaya Beach (walking distance)
00 PM: Head back to ferry terminal
30 PM: Check-in for return ferry
00 PM: Depart for Fort Lauderdale

                

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

Freeport Grand Bahama Island has amazing beaches. Each one is different. Gold Rock Beach is the most famous. It's in Lucayan National Park. The sand is pristine. Taino Beach is closer to town. It has beach bars and restaurants. Lucaya Beach is right at Port Lucaya. Perfect for quick visits. Fortune Beach is quieter. Locals love it. Xanadu Beach has pink sand. It's near the old Howard Hughes hotel.

Practical Travel Information

Everything else you need to know

Passport Requirements

You need a valid passport to travel by ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport. U.S. citizens can use a passport card for sea travel. Kids need their own passports. Birth certificates don't work anymore. Check expiration dates 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 from Fort Lauderdale runs year-round. Summer is hot and humid. Hurricane season runs June through November. Winter months are perfect. Temperatures stay in the 70s. Spring break gets crowded. Plan accordingly.

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?

Remember: Book transportation in Freeport BEFORE you book the ferry!

Check Ferry Availability

Or call Baleària Caribbean directly: 866-699-6988

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry

How long is the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport?

The ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The fast ferry maintains good speed. Weather can affect travel time slightly.

Which ferry company operates this route?

Baleària Caribbean operates the Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry service. They use the vessel Jaume II. It's a modern high-speed catamaran.

Can I do a day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport?

Yes! Day trips work well on this route. You arrive at 12:45 PM and return at 5:00 PM. That gives you 4 hours in Freeport. Pre-arrange transportation for best results.

Where does the ferry depart in Fort Lauderdale?

The ferry departs from Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades, Terminal 21. The address is 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. Arrive 90 minutes before departure.

What's the best way to book tickets?

Book directly with Baleària Caribbean for best prices. Call 866-699-6988 or book online. Tuesday departures cost less than Saturday. Book 2+ weeks ahead for discounts.

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry Guide