The second-largest city in the Bahamas — bigger beaches, fewer crowds!
Island Size
96 miles long
Best For
Beach & Nature
Port Location
Industrial Area
Main Hub
Port Lucaya
OK, I'll admit it — Bimini is our go-to for quick trips. But when we want a REAL vacation without the crowds? Freeport wins every time. It's bigger, has more to do, and honestly feels more like the "real" Bahamas. Here's the deal with Grand Bahama:
"Freeport surprised us! Yes, the ferry ride is longer, but Grand Bahama has everything — gorgeous beaches that go on forever, a national park with underwater caves, and Port Lucaya Marketplace where the kids can shop while we grab a cold one. It's never as crowded as the Bimini ferry, and you get more island for your money."
The ferry docks at an industrial port that's 15 miles from anything fun. You NEED transportation planned. Don't think you can just walk off the ferry to the beach like in Bimini!
The Fort Lauderdale to Freeport ferry is a longer haul than Bimini, but still totally doable with kids. Here's what you need to know:
Operated by Balearia Caribbean
| Schedule | Departure | Arrival | Return | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 12:45 PM | 5:00 PM | From $119 |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM | 12:45 PM | 5:00 PM | From $139 |
| ⚡ Pro Tip: Tuesday is cheaper and less crowded! Perfect for a long weekend. | ||||
"The Freeport ferry crosses deeper water = more motion. Even if you were fine to Bimini, take seasickness meds for this one. I give the kids Dramamine an hour before boarding, and keep ginger candies handy. Trust me — better safe than green!"
Listen up — this is where Freeport trips succeed or fail. The ferry port is in the middle of nowhere. Like, seriously industrial nowhere. You CANNOT walk to anything fun. Here are your options:
"First trip, we didn't plan transportation. Spent 45 minutes waiting for a taxi in the heat with cranky kids, then paid $140 round trip to Port Lucaya. Now? We book a rental car online before we leave Fort Lauderdale. Game changer!"
The beaches here blow Bimini out of the water (sorry, Bimini!). More space, more variety, and way fewer people. Here are our favorites:
Inside Lucayan National Park. Low tide reveals a sandbar that goes forever! Entry fee is $5 but SO worth it. Barely any people. Bring everything — no services.
The family beach! Walking distance from Port Lucaya, with Tony Macaroni's conch stand right there. Calm water, beach bars, jet ski rentals. Gets busy on cruise days.
Day pass ($35) includes transport from cruise port, snorkel gear, and lunch! Reef right off the beach. Skip their "deadman's reef" tour — you can snorkel it yourself.
With a rental car: Hit Gold Rock Beach early (best at low tide), pack lunch, then head to Taino Beach for afternoon drinks while kids play. Without a car: Paradise Cove or stick to Taino Beach all day.
Grand Bahama has way more activities than tiny Bimini. Here's what's actually worth your time and money:
Underwater caves, mangroves, and Gold Rock Beach. $5 entry. Bring bug spray for the trails!
Shopping, restaurants, live music at Count Basie Square. Free to browse. Kids love the straw market!
Beautiful botanical garden with waterfalls. $15 adults, kids free. Great for photos and peaceful walk.
Free tours! Try Sands beer where it's made. Kids get sodas. Only 2 miles from port.
Pricey ($200+) but incredible. Open ocean dolphin swims. Book ahead — sells out!
Mix your own fragrance! Fun for teens. Pink building you can't miss. About $30.
Unlike Bimini's limited options, Grand Bahama has everything from budget motels to all-inclusives. Here's the breakdown:
"We've tried the all-inclusive thing, but honestly? We prefer staying at Pelican Bay and exploring. The kids get bored at resorts, and we save money eating at local spots. Plus, you're right in the action at Port Lucaya!"
One huge advantage over Bimini — actual restaurant variety! From conch shacks to nice dinners, here's where we eat:
Right on Taino Beach! Watch him dive for conch then prepare it fresh. Conch salad is incredible. About $15 per person. Cash only. This alone is worth the ferry ride!
Big Plus: Real grocery stores! Winn Dixie and Save-A-Lot have normal prices (unlike Bimini). Stock up on snacks, drinks, and breakfast stuff.
Hit the grocery store first day. Breakfast in the room, pack beach lunches, then splurge on dinners out. Saves us $100+ per day with three kids!
Whether it's a rental car or airport shuttle, book before you leave home. Limited options on island!
Gold Rock Beach is 10x better at low tide. Check the schedule and plan accordingly. Trust me!
Industrial area. Zero charm. Don't expect Bimini vibes. Get transport and get out ASAP.
Port Lucaya has free WiFi. Most restaurants too. Hotels can be spotty. Download offline maps!
Avoid Tuesdays and Thursdays when possible. Port Lucaya gets PACKED with cruise passengers.
Unlike Bimini, plenty of ATMs around. RBC at Port Lucaya has the best rates. Still bring some cash though.
Grand Bahama follows the same weather patterns as Bimini, but with some differences:
"Freeport isn't as 'cute' as Bimini — it's a real city with real infrastructure. But that's exactly why it works for longer trips! We can grocery shop, explore different beaches every day, and the kids don't get island fever. The ferry ride is longer (pack those Dramamine!), and you MUST plan transportation. But once you figure that out? Grand Bahama delivers.
Gold Rock Beach alone is worth the trip. Port Lucaya gives you shopping and dining in one spot. And there's actual SPACE — you're not tripping over tourists every five feet. For a 4-5 day trip, I'll take Freeport over Bimini any day."
Choose Bimini if: Quick weekend, first ferry trip, hate long boat rides
Choose Freeport if: Want variety, staying 4+ days, prefer fewer crowds, love nature/beaches
Remember: Book transportation before you book the ferry!
Check Tuesday & Saturday Ferries