Ferry Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Grand Bahamas

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Ferry Schedule

The following is an approximate itinerary. Ferry schedules, check-in times and the amount of time available on the island can change due to weather, seasonal operations, port clearance and immigration procedures.

• Approximately 7:30 AM: Ferry check-in closes at Port Everglades
• Approximately 9:00 AM: Ferry departs Fort Lauderdale
• Approximately 12:00 PM: Ferry arrives in Freeport, Grand Bahama
• Approximately 12:30–5:00 PM: Free time to explore the island
• Approximately 5:00 PM: Check-in for the return ferry at Freeport Harbour
• Approximately 6:00 PM: Ferry departs Grand Bahama
• Approximately 9:00 PM: Ferry arrives in Fort Lauderdale

Passengers should arrive well before check-in closes. Allow additional time for security, passport control, customs and immigration processing.

Always confirm the schedule shown with your selected travel date before arriving at Port Everglades.

What Is Included

• Round-trip high-speed ferry transportation
• Reserved passenger seating
• Air-conditioned interior cabin
• Approximately four to five hours of free time on Grand Bahama
• Access to onboard amenities

The ferry generally offers comfortable indoor seating, restrooms, an onboard café or bar, entertainment and duty-free shopping. Specific amenities are subject to vessel availability.

What Is Not Included

• Meals and drinks aboard the ferry
• Food and drinks while on Grand Bahama
• Transportation around the island
• Beach club admission or day passes
• Snorkeling and other watersports
• Crystal Beach swimming-pig experience
• Optional island tours and excursions
• Personal purchases and gratuities

Optional experiences may include snorkeling for approximately $60, beach access or a day pass for approximately $50, and a Crystal Beach excursion for approximately $79. Prices are estimates and can change. Some activities may be available for purchase aboard the ferry, subject to availability.

One-Day Cruise to Freeport, Grand Bahama

This 1-day cruise to Freeport, Grand Bahamas combines the convenience of round-trip ferry transportation with the freedom to experience the island independently.

Freeport is located on Grand Bahama, an island known for its beaches, coral reefs, nature areas, waterfront shopping and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Once the ferry arrives, you can choose how to spend your time rather than following a required group itinerary.

Your day may include swimming or snorkeling, relaxing at a beach club, visiting Crystal Beach, shopping for local goods or enjoying fresh seafood and Bahamian specialties. Optional island activities can be reserved separately and are not included in the standard ferry ticket.

Trip Highlights

• Travel from Florida to Grand Bahama aboard a modern high-speed ferry
• Experience a complete Bahamas getaway in one day
• Spend approximately four to five hours exploring Freeport and Grand Bahama
• Swim in clear Caribbean water and relax on tropical beaches
• Visit shops, cafés and waterfront areas
• Sample Bahamian food, including fresh seafood and conch
• Add an optional snorkeling, beach club or Crystal Beach excursion
• Return to Fort Lauderdale the same evening

Things to Do in Freeport During Your Day Cruise

Grand Bahama offers more than a place to sit on the beach. The island combines turquoise water and coral reefs with local markets, nature attractions, waterfront areas and Bahamian culture.

Because this is a self-guided day in Freeport, consider travel time between the harbour and your chosen activity. Selecting one primary excursion or destination will help you make the most of your time ashore.

Relax on a Grand Bahama Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or enjoying a drink beside the water. Beach day passes may be available for travelers who want access to seating, facilities and other resort-style amenities.

Swim With the Pigs at Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is known for its swimming-pig experience. Visitors can enter the shallow water, see the pigs and enjoy time on the beach. This is an optional paid activity and should be reserved in advance or purchased aboard the ferry when available.

Snorkel in Clear Caribbean Water

Grand Bahama’s reefs and marine environment make snorkeling one of the island’s most popular activities. Guided excursions may include equipment and transportation, depending on the operator.

Explore Port Lucaya Marketplace

Browse shops, local vendors, restaurants and entertainment around Freeport’s best-known visitor district. Port Lucaya is a convenient place to shop for souvenirs, try Bahamian food or enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.

Experience Grand Bahama’s Natural Side

Beyond the shoreline, Grand Bahama has nature trails, caves, gardens and protected ecosystems. Some attractions require more travel time from the ferry terminal, so verify transportation and return times before choosing a longer excursion.

Enjoy Local Bahamian Food

Use your free time to sample conch salad, cracked conch, grilled fish, lobster or other island specialties. Restaurants and casual cafés can be found in Freeport and around popular visitor areas.

Miami to Bahamas Ferry: Where Does It Depart?

Travelers frequently search for a Miami to Bahamas ferry or Miami Bahamas ferry when planning a day trip. However, the passenger ferry to Freeport does not depart from Miami.

The ferry leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, approximately 30 miles north of Miami. Travelers staying in Miami, Miami Beach or South Beach must arrange transportation to Port Everglades and allow sufficient time for morning traffic, terminal access and check-in.

Although it is often marketed or searched as a Miami to Bahamas ferry, the actual route is:

Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale → Freeport Harbour, Grand Bahama

If you are traveling from Miami, plan your ground transportation before booking and arrive at the ferry terminal well before check-in closes.

What Travel Documents Are Required?

Every passenger, including infants and children, must have a valid passport to travel to the Bahamas and return to the United States.

European and other international travelers must also carry the documents required to enter the Bahamas and re-enter the United States. Depending on citizenship and immigration status, this may include an approved ESTA, a valid U.S. visa or a Green Card.

Travel requirements can differ by nationality. Each passenger is responsible for confirming the documents needed before the departure date. Travelers without the required documents may be denied boarding.

What to Bring on Your Freeport Day Trip

• Valid passport and required immigration documents
• Ferry reservation and confirmation
• Swimsuit and towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sunglasses and hat
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Credit card and a small amount of cash
• Phone charger or portable battery
• Light layer for the air-conditioned ferry cabin
• Any medication needed during the day

Pack lightly for a 1-day cruise to the Bahamas. A small day bag is usually sufficient for a same-day trip.

Booking Your 1-Day Cruise to the Bahamas

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekends, holidays and popular travel periods. Ferry schedules do not necessarily operate every day and can change seasonally.

When booking, confirm:

• Your departure date
• Port Everglades check-in time
• Ferry departure and return times
• Passport and immigration requirements
• Cancellation terms
• Optional Freeport activities
• Transportation between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, if needed

A 1-day cruise to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale is a long but manageable day. The complete experience takes approximately 14 hours, including check-in, both ferry crossings, passport processing and time on Grand Bahama.

Freeport and Grand Bahama Ferry FAQs

Is there a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, Grand Bahama?

Yes. A high-speed passenger ferry operates between Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and Freeport Harbour on Grand Bahama Island. The crossing takes approximately three hours each way, depending on weather and port clearance.

Can I take a one-day cruise to the Bahamas from Florida?

Yes. The schedule makes it possible to leave Fort Lauderdale in the morning, spend approximately four to five hours on Grand Bahama and return to Florida that evening.

Is the Freeport ferry a traditional cruise?

No. It is a high-speed passenger ferry rather than a conventional cruise ship. The ticket primarily provides transportation between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport. Meals, island transportation and activities are generally separate.

How long is the 1-day cruise to Freeport, Grand Bahamas?

The complete trip lasts approximately 14 hours. This includes terminal check-in, a three-hour crossing in each direction, customs and immigration processing and approximately four to five hours on Grand Bahama.

How much time will I have in Freeport?

Most same-day itineraries provide approximately four to five hours on the island. Actual time ashore can vary because of weather, port clearance and immigration processing.

What can I do during a day trip to Freeport?

Popular choices include visiting a beach, snorkeling, exploring Port Lucaya Marketplace, eating Bahamian food or booking the Crystal Beach swimming-pig experience.

Do I need a passport for a one-day cruise to the Bahamas?

Yes. Every traveler needs a valid passport, including children and infants. International travelers must also have the documents necessary to enter the Bahamas and return to the United States.

Is there a Miami to Bahamas ferry?

The Freeport ferry is sometimes described online as a Miami to Bahamas ferry, but it actually departs from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Travelers staying in Miami must travel to Fort Lauderdale for check-in.

Can I stay overnight on Grand Bahama?

Yes. Depending on the available ferry schedule, travelers can arrange a return on another sailing and stay in a Freeport hotel or resort. Book the correct outbound and return dates rather than selecting the same-day excursion.

Are activities included with the ferry ticket?

Optional island activities are generally not included. Beach passes, snorkeling, local tours and the Crystal Beach swimming-pig experience may be purchased separately, subject to availability.

Can weather affect the ferry schedule?

Yes. The route crosses open water between Florida and the Bahamas. Departure times, crossing duration and time on the island can be affected by weather, sea conditions, port operations and immigration processing.

Why Choose a Day Cruise to Grand Bahama?

• Reach the Bahamas from South Florida without flying
• Travel directly from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport
• Experience beaches, snorkeling and Bahamian culture
• Choose how to spend your time on the island
• Add optional activities that match your interests
• Return to Florida the same evening
• Turn one vacation day into an international island getaway

Whether you want to swim in turquoise water, relax on the beach, explore Freeport or visit the pigs at Crystal Beach, the Ferry Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Grand Bahamas route makes it possible to experience Grand Bahama in one full day.

You can also take a look at our other Miami tours and water activities or even book Ferry to Bimini.