Why Grand Bahama Beats the Crowds
Real talk from families who've done both Bimini and Grand Bahama
"Look, we did Bimini for years because it's quick and easy. But Grand Bahama? Game changer! Yeah, the ferry's longer and you need wheels when you get there. But you get a REAL island experience — Gold Rock Beach alone is worth it. Port Lucaya for shopping and dining, Lucayan National Park with underwater caves, and beaches that go on forever. We'll never go back to crowded Bimini weekends!"
Your Ferry Options to Grand Bahama
Fast modern ferry or authentic mail boat adventure
Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
Balearia Caribbean
Starting from
$119
One way
Nassau to Grand Bahama
Mail Boat Service
Budget option
~$50
One way (approx)
Critical Transportation Info!
The Freeport ferry terminal is in an industrial port area — 15 miles from beaches, hotels, and attractions. You MUST arrange transportation before arrival!
- 🚕 Taxi: $14-20 per person each way
- 🚗 Rental Car: $60-80/day (book ahead!)
- 🚐 Hotel Shuttle: Check if included
Why We Love Grand Bahama
Real experiences from families who keep coming back
Gold Rock Beach
"Most beautiful beach I've ever seen! Low tide reveals a massive sandbar you can walk on forever. Kids found starfish, we had the whole place to ourselves on a Tuesday!"
Port Lucaya Marketplace
"One-stop shop for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Live music at Count Basie Square, kids loved the ice cream shop, and the conch fritters? Unreal!"
Lucayan National Park
"Underwater cave system is mind-blowing! Easy boardwalk trails through mangroves, then boom — you're at Gold Rock Beach. Worth every penny of the $5 entry fee!"
World-Class Fishing
"Booked a half-day charter and caught mahi, wahoo, and a small tuna. Captain cleaned our catch and the restaurant at our hotel cooked it for dinner!"
Real Infrastructure
"Unlike tiny Bimini, Grand Bahama has real grocery stores, multiple restaurants, and actual hotels. Felt like a proper vacation, not just a beach day trip!"
No Crowds!
"Bimini on weekends is a zoo. Grand Bahama? We had entire beaches to ourselves. The extra ferry time is SO worth it for the peace and space!"
Insider Tips for Grand Bahama Success
Learn from our mistakes so you don't have to!
Transportation Strategy
- Book rental car with your ferry ticket — prices jump at the last minute
- Split taxi costs with other families — make friends on the ferry!
- Some hotels include shuttles — ask when booking
- Golf cart rentals available in Port Lucaya area only
Ferry Booking Hacks
- Tuesday departures are cheaper and less crowded than Saturday
- Book 2+ weeks ahead for best prices (save $30-50 per ticket)
- Kids under 12 half price, under 2 free (but still need ticket)
- Check package deals — ferry + hotel can save big
Island Navigation
- Download offline maps — cell service can be spotty
- Port Lucaya to Gold Rock Beach: 25-minute drive
- Gas up at ferry terminal — stations scarce elsewhere
- Drive on the left! Takes some getting used to
Money Matters
- US dollars accepted everywhere — no need to exchange
- Bring cash for taxis and tips — not all take cards
- ATMs at Port Lucaya if you need more cash
- 15% gratuity standard at restaurants
Ready for Your Grand Bahama Adventure?
Skip the Bimini crowds and discover what a real island vacation feels like!
Check Ferry Availability"Pro tip from 8 years of Grand Bahama trips: Stay at least 3 nights to make the ferry time worth it. Tuesday departure + Friday return = perfect long weekend. Book your rental car NOW (seriously, right now), pack reef-safe sunscreen, and prepare for beaches that'll ruin every other beach for you. Grand Bahama isn't just bigger than Bimini — it's better in every way that matters!"