Updated October 1, 2026 · ferry times, prices and activities checked on Balearia Caribbean's booking engine and website.
Grand Bahama is the Bahamian island of Freeport and Port Lucaya, about 90 miles (145 km) in a straight line from Port Everglades. The Balearia Caribbean fast ferry takes about 3 hours from Fort Lauderdale (30–45 minutes by car from Miami), and you can find tickets and fares at I Love Ferry, an official partner. A same-day round trip (day trip) costs $246 ($306 in Economy Premium) and a round trip returning on a later day from $314.51, taxes included; prices vary by date and season.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Main town and port | Freeport; ferry arrivals at Terminal 2, Freeport Harbor |
| Ferry time | About 3 hours: departs Fort Lauderdale 9:00 AM, arrives 12:00 PM; returns 6:30 PM, arrives 9:30 PM |
| Weather | Average temperature around 76.5 °F (24.7 °C), according to Balearia Caribbean |
| Documents | A valid passport for every traveler, including children (document requirements) |
| Where to stay | Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach (all inclusive) or Taino Beach, bookable with the ferry as a ferry + hotel package |
Freeport Harbor is about 90 miles (145 km) in a straight line from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale (our calculation from the coordinates of both ports). By fast ferry it is about 3 hours; Bimini, the closer island, is about 60 miles away and 2 hours by ferry. The ferry is the only scheduled passenger service by sea between Florida and Grand Bahama. From Miami, add a 30–45 minute drive to Port Everglades: there is no ferry from the port of Miami.
| Trip | Time in Freeport | Price (per adult, taxes incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip (same-day round trip) | About 5.5 hours: arrival 12:00 PM, doors for the 6:30 PM return close at 5:30 PM | $246 Economy · $306 Economy Premium |
| Round trip, return on a later day | As many nights as you want | From $314.51 |
| Ferry + hotel | Your choice of nights | Quote on request |
The ship is the Jaume II fast ferry, for up to 655 passengers; it has a vehicle deck, but on this route it only carries cargo, so passengers cannot bring their cars. See every sailing date in the Freeport ferry schedule 2026 and 2027, and all current deals on I Love Ferry offers.
Balearia Caribbean offers these excursions for ferry passengers, all with round-trip transportation from the port:
Beyond the beaches, Balearia Caribbean highlights coral reefs, nature trails, caves you can visit by boat and the local marketplace.
Check Grand Bahama ferry dates & prices » Book on Balearia Caribbean »
ferrytobahamas.com and I Love Ferry are aggregators and agents where you can buy ferry tickets to the Bahamas, compare dates and fares, and find alternative packages. They work directly with the operator, Balearia Caribbean, and you can book directly.
Is there a ferry to Grand Bahama from Florida?
Yes. Balearia Caribbean sails from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, to Freeport in about 3 hours, and tickets for this route are on sale at I Love Ferry, an official partner.
What is the distance from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama?
About 90 miles (145 km) in a straight line from Port Everglades to Freeport Harbor; the fast ferry takes about 3 hours.
How much is a Grand Bahama round trip ferry ride from Fort Lauderdale?
A same-day round trip costs $246 per adult in Economy ($306 in Economy Premium) and a round trip returning on a later day from $314.51, taxes included; prices vary by date and season.
Can I do a day trip to Freeport?
Yes. The ferry arrives in Freeport at 12:00 PM and the return leaves at 6:30 PM; the terminal doors close 1 hour before, so you get about 5.5 hours on the island.
Do I need a passport for Grand Bahama?
Yes. Every passenger needs a valid passport (U.S. citizens can also use a valid passport card). Birth certificates and driver's licenses are not accepted.
Ferry to Grand Bahama (Freeport) · Bimini travel guide · Where to buy Freeport ferry tickets · How to plan a trip with Balearia Caribbean
Staying at least one night? Book your round trip with code LASTMOMENT and save 15% on the ferry.
Fort Lauderdale – Bimini round trips with a later return, at I Love Ferry. Book at least 7 days before you travel and by December 31, 2026. Not valid for one-way tickets or day trips. Non-refundable, limited seats. No vehicles: the ferry doesn’t carry passenger cars. Pets travel at the regular fee (no discount). Offer terms
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Booking a round trip to Bimini? Code LASTMOMENT gives 15% off Fort Lauderdale – Bimini round trips at I Love Ferry (not valid for one-way tickets or day trips; book at least 7 days ahead and by December 31, 2026).
