Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry Schedule & Guide 2025

"Look, I'll be honest — Freeport's longer ferry ride scared me off for years. We always did Bimini because it's just 2 hours. But man, were we missing out! Grand Bahama has SPACE. Real beaches that go on forever, actual restaurants (not just beach shacks), and that Lucayan National Park with underwater caves? Mind-blowing. Yeah, the ferry docks at an industrial port, but rent a car and you're golden. It's like having a whole island to yourself — especially compared to crowded Bimini on weekends!"

— Mark Sullivan, Island Dad & Ferry Expert

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Schedule

Balearia Caribbean operates this route twice weekly

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

Insider Tip

Tuesday is cheaper AND less crowded! Perfect for a long weekend escape. Book 2+ weeks ahead to save another 20-30%. Kids under 12? Half price. Under 2? Free (but still need a ticket)!

Essential Info for First-Timers

Everything you need to know for a smooth trip to Grand Bahama

The Ferry

Balearia's high-speed catamaran is stable and comfy. AC, bathrooms, café, outdoor decks, and free WiFi. Seats 450+ passengers.

Terminal Location

Terminal 21, Port Everglades
2021 Eller Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Arrive 90 mins early!

Why Freeport?

96 miles of island vs Bimini's 7! More beaches, Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucayan National Park, and way fewer crowds.

Critical Transportation Info

The ferry docks at an industrial port that's 15 miles from anything fun. You MUST arrange transportation:

Taxi: $14-20 per person each way (family of 4 = $112+ round trip)
Rental Car: $60-80/day (book ahead!) — what we do now
Port Shuttle: $7 per person to Port Lucaya (runs hourly)

Pro Tips from 10+ Trips

Learn from my mistakes so you don't have to make 'em!

Arrive EARLY

They say 90 minutes, I say 2 hours. Port Everglades is huge and confusing. Missing the ferry ruins everything — there's no "next one" until Thursday or Saturday!

Pack Smart

Bring snacks! Ferry café is pricey. Dramamine for seasickness (3.75 hours can be rough). Sunscreen starts on the ferry deck. Downloaded movies for kids.

Book Direct

Balearia's website is cheapest. Tuesday saves $20 vs Saturday. Premium seats ($30 extra) include snacks and priority boarding — worth it with kids!

Beach Strategy

Gold Rock Beach is stunning but 25 miles away. Taino Beach is closer (5 miles) and has restaurants. Lucaya Beach is walkable from Port Lucaya.

Rent a Car!

Seriously, just do it. Left-side driving takes 10 minutes to adjust. Saves money vs taxis and lets you explore. Book online before you leave!

Stay Connected

Ferry has free WiFi but it's slow. BTC (local carrier) sells tourist SIM cards at port. Most US carriers charge $10/day for roaming.

Best of Grand Bahama

Our family's tried-and-tested favorites after 10+ trips

                Must-Do Experiences
                Lucayan National Park: Underwater caves, mangroves, and Gold Rock Beach (that disappearing beach at low tide!)
Port Lucaya Marketplace: Shopping, dining, live music — kids love Count Basie Square
Swim with Dolphins: UNEXSO does it right — open ocean encounters, not pools
Garden of the Groves: Nature trails, waterfalls, and parrots — great on hot days
Taino Beach: Fish fry on Wednesday nights is legendary!

            

Ready for Your Grand Bahama Adventure?

Remember: Book your transportation BEFORE you book the ferry!

Check Ferry Availability

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry