Stepping off the ferry from Fort Lauderdale in Freeport? Grand Bahama Island offers a more laid-back, less touristy Bahamas experience than Nassau. The Lucaya area is your home base — think beautiful beaches, the lively Port Lucaya Marketplace, and a handful of solid resorts. It's quieter than Paradise Island and all the better for it.
Grand Bahama is still rebuilding after Hurricane Dorian (2019), which means fewer hotel options than before but also fewer crowds and better deals. Here are the best places to stay on the island right now.
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Resorts
Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan
Top ResortThe flagship resort on Grand Bahama and part of the Grand Lucayan complex. Lighthouse Pointe is the only all-inclusive option in Freeport, with meals, drinks, and non-motorized watersports all included. It sits right on Lucaya Beach — one of the most underrated beaches in the Bahamas. The property has been renovated since Hurricane Dorian and the rooms are fresh and modern.
✓ Pros
- Only all-inclusive in Freeport
- Beautiful Lucaya Beach
- Recently renovated rooms
- Walking distance to marketplace
✗ Cons
- Food variety is limited
- Still under some renovation
- Can feel empty in off-season
Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham
Best BeachTucked away on Fortuna Beach, about 20 minutes east of Lucaya. This all-inclusive resort sits on what many consider the most beautiful beach on Grand Bahama — a mile-long crescent of powdery white sand that you'll often have nearly to yourself. The resort caters to an active crowd with windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing excursions.
✓ Pros
- Spectacular, uncrowded beach
- Great value all-inclusive
- Lots of watersports
- Peaceful, secluded setting
✗ Cons
- Isolated location (taxi needed)
- Rooms are basic
- Limited nightlife nearby
Mid-Range Hotels
Pelican Bay Resort at Lucaya
Best LocationRight on the Port Lucaya Marketplace, Pelican Bay is the social center of Freeport's tourist area. Step out of your room and you're surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. The hotel has a marina, two pools, and a short walk to Lucaya Beach. Rooms are well-maintained with a tropical decor. This is the most convenient base for exploring Grand Bahama.
✓ Pros
- Best location in Freeport
- Marketplace restaurants at doorstep
- Good-quality rooms
- Marina for boat excursions
✗ Cons
- Not directly on the beach
- No all-inclusive option
- Can be noisy from marketplace
Dolphin Cove
Adults OnlyA small, adults-only property near the Lucaya area. Dolphin Cove offers a quieter alternative to the larger resorts, with an intimate atmosphere and personal service. The on-site restaurant serves good local cuisine, and the property arranges dolphin encounters, snorkeling trips, and kayaking excursions.
✓ Pros
- Intimate, peaceful atmosphere
- Dolphin encounter programs
- Adults only
- Good value for quality
✗ Cons
- Not directly on the beach
- Limited amenities
- Taxi needed for dining variety
Budget-Friendly Options
The Royal Islander Hotel
Best BudgetThe best budget option in Freeport. The Royal Islander is centrally located with clean rooms, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant serving Bahamian dishes. It's not fancy, but it's reliable and affordable. From here you can easily taxi to Lucaya Beach (10 minutes) or the ferry terminal (10 minutes). A solid pick if you're just looking for a comfortable bed after a day of exploring.
✓ Pros
- Lowest prices in Freeport
- Clean, basic rooms
- On-site Bahamian restaurant
- Central location
✗ Cons
- Not near the beach
- Very basic amenities
- Taxi needed for everything
Lucaya vs Downtown Freeport
Lucaya (Recommended)
The tourist hub of Grand Bahama. Home to Lucaya Beach, Port Lucaya Marketplace, and all the major resorts. Everything a visitor needs is within walking distance: restaurants, bars, dive shops, and tour operators. This is where you want to stay.
Downtown Freeport
The commercial center of Grand Bahama. Some budget hotels here, but it's not a tourist area — no beaches, limited restaurants, and not walkable. Unless you're on a tight budget and have a rental car, stick with Lucaya.
Fortuna Beach / East End
More secluded and remote. Home to Viva Fortuna Beach resort and some vacation rentals. Beautiful, empty beaches but you'll need a car to get anywhere. No restaurants or shops within walking distance.
Hotel Comparison
| Hotel | Price From | Area | All-Incl. | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse Pointe | $180 | Lucaya | Yes | Resort experience |
| Viva Fortuna | $130 | Fortuna Beach | Yes | Beach & seclusion |
| Pelican Bay | $140 | Port Lucaya | No | Location & dining |
| Dolphin Cove | $120 | Lucaya | No | Adults, couples |
| Royal Islander | $95 | Downtown | No | Budget travelers |
Getting from the Ferry Terminal
Taxi ($15-$20)
Taxis line up at the ferry terminal. The ride to Lucaya takes about 10 minutes. Agree on the fare before getting in — fares are not metered. To Fortuna Beach, expect $25-$30.
Rental Car ($45-$70/day)
Available at the airport (5 miles from the ferry terminal). Worth considering if you want to explore Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach, or the East End. Roads are good and driving is on the left side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan is the top all-inclusive resort, with Lucaya Beach access and recently renovated rooms. For boutique style, Pelican Bay at Port Lucaya Marketplace offers the best location. Budget travelers should look at the Royal Islander.
Lucaya, without question. It has the beaches, restaurants, shops, and all the major hotels. Downtown Freeport is a commercial area with little tourist appeal. Almost every visitor stays in Lucaya.
Freeport Harbour is about 5 miles from the Lucaya hotel area. A taxi takes 10 minutes and costs $15-$20. Taxis are available at the terminal when the ferry arrives.
Grand Bahama offers a more relaxed, authentic Bahamas experience compared to Nassau. The beaches are less crowded, the Lucayan National Park has stunning inland blue holes and caves, and the snorkeling is excellent. It's perfect for travelers who prefer a quieter island over mega-resorts.
Ready to Explore Grand Bahama?
Take the ferry from Fort Lauderdale and discover the island's hidden treasures.
Ferry to Freeport Things to Do Hotels in Fort LauderdaleMore Accommodation Guides
Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Port
Stay the night before your Freeport ferry. Port Everglades hotels from $105/night.
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The other Bahamas ferry destination. Resorts and guesthouses from $120/night.