The Fort Lauderdale – Freeport ferry connects Florida with Grand Bahama Island all year round with Balearia Caribbean. The fast ferry Jaume II leaves Port Everglades (Terminal 21) at 9:00 AM and docks in Freeport Harbour at about 12:00 PM: a 3-hour crossing, with 3 to 4 sailings a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, plus some Sundays). You can go for the day (Port Lucaya Marketplace, Taino Beach) or stay a few nights in Lucaya.
On I Love Ferry you compare all Balearia Caribbean fares in one place, see real-time availability and book in under 3 minutes with no hidden fees: taxes and port fees are shown before you pay.
Choose your dates in the search box above (or click Check Schedule & Prices), pick Day Trip, Economy or Economy Premium, and receive your e-tickets by email. Travelling with a pet, a group or a special requirement? Contact us and we will take care of it.
Scheduled sailings. Availability and final prices are confirmed on the next step.
Ferry tickets >>
Balearia Caribbean
Balearia Caribbean
Indicative schedules and subject to variation by the ferry company for operational reasons without prior notice.
A one-way ticket from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport costs from $225 in Economy class, and a Day Trip to Grand Bahama from $246. Prices vary by date and demand, so the earlier you book, the cheaper it is. We recommend you book in advance. These are typical fares per person:
| Trip | 1 adult | 2 adults |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip (same-day return) | from $246 | from $492 |
| Round trip (Economy class, promo fare) | from $225 | from $450 |
| Round trip (Economy Premium) | from $306 | from $612 |
Indicative fares per person, Bahamas taxes and port fees included.
| Fare | Luggage | Changes & refunds |
|---|---|---|
| Economy · promo fare the cheapest and most popular |
1 personal item | No changes, no cancellation · non-refundable |
| Economy · standard fare | 1 personal item | Date changes allowed (fee + fare difference) · no cancellation |
| Economy · unrestricted fare | 1 personal item + 1 checked bag | Free changes · refundable |
| Economy Premium priority embark & debark, snacks and drink included |
1 personal item + 1 checked bag | Promo Premium fares: no changes, no cancellation · standard Premium fares: changes allowed, no cancellation |
All fares on this page include the mandatory Bahamas Departure Tax and the Port Entrance Fees: the price you see is the price you pay, and the breakdown is shown in the search results before payment. Children and infants pay the same taxes and fees as adults.
Ferry Deals
| Fort Lauderdale | Freeport |
|---|---|
| 9:00am | 12:00pm |
| Departures | September, 2026: 29th |
| Departures | October, 2026: 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 24th, 27th, 31st |
| Departures | November, 2026: 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 21st, 24th, 28th |
| Departures | December, 2026: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 10th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, 29th |
| Departures | January, 2027: 2nd |
| Departures | February, 2027: 11th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th |
| Departures | March, 2027: 2nd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th, 30th |
| Departures | April, 2027: 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 24th, 27th |
| Departures | May, 2027: 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, 25th, 29th |
| Departures | June, 2027: 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, 29th |
| Departures | July, 2027: 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 27th, 29th, 31st |
| Departures | August, 2027: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 28th, 31st |
| Departures | September, 2027: 4th, 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st |
| 8:00am | 11:00am |
| Departures | December, 2026: 13th, 24th, 31st |
Indicative schedules and subject to variation by the ferry company for operational reasons without prior notice.
From Port Everglades, Terminal 21 (2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316), 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale airport and 45 minutes from Miami.
Balearia Caribbean operates from Terminal 21, a dedicated passenger terminal with check-in desks, security, a waiting lounge, restrooms and vending machines. Bring original documents: digital copies are not accepted at the port.
At Freeport Harbour, on the west side of Grand Bahama Island, about 15 minutes by taxi from Port Lucaya Marketplace, the Lucaya beaches and most hotels.
The crossing is on the Jaume II, a 35-knot fast catamaran for 600 passengers. It's a daytime trip of about 3 hours, so there are no cabins: you travel in reclining seats with a cafeteria, a duty-free shop and open-deck views of the Gulf Stream.
Satellite Wi-Fi is available but limited (fine for messaging, not for streaming). Mobile coverage drops mid-crossing, so download your tickets before boarding.
No. The crossing takes about 3 hours and all sailings are during the day, so cabins are not needed. You travel in reclining seats in Economy or, with priority embark and debark plus snacks and a drink included, in Economy Premium (see prices above).
Yes. Pets travel for $150 one way / $300 round trip and must be booked at least 72 hours in advance. You need a Bahamas Pet Import Permit (apply online with the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture), a health certificate issued within 48 hours of travel and up-to-date rabies vaccination. Service animals travel free with the corresponding documentation.
Excellent facilities and the best service during your trip
The fast ferry Jaume II has leisure areas where you can relax while enjoying the onboard cuisine. There's a spacious cafeteria and an outdoor area where you can enjoy the views of the sea.
Coffee Shop
The Jaume II has a fast-food and snack cafeteria. What’s more, you can enjoy great cocktails in both accommodations at the bar. Don’t forget to try our famous Bahama Mama cocktail!
Gift shop
While travelling, you can buy your first souvenir, perfumes or cigarettes…and all tax free! Our stores have a wide range of gifts, perfumes, liquor, cigarettes, cigars… There is also an Excursion’s Office on board where you can find everything you might want to do on the island…from snorkeling to renting a car, a golf cart, a bike… and much more!
Children Zone
The ship has a special space for the littlest members of the family.
ADA
The entire Baleària Caribbean's fleet is adapted for ADA passengers. All the company's ships have adapted seating and bathrooms, as well as special anchoring points for wheelchairs.
Internet
This Baleària Caribbean's ship offers extensive connectivity thanks to the on-board Wi-Fi signal, with access to the network available by purchasing vouchers, allowing you to stay connected throughout your trip.
Economy Seats
Padded standard seat, located in economy class lounges. Economy seating is located on the main (forward/mid) and second deck of the ferry. Amenities include: reclining Seats & USB charging ports available at every seat. Meals and beverages are available for purchase on-board.
Economy Premium Seats
Padded, spacious and reclining seats for greater comfort. Economy Premium seating is located on the main deck in the aft of the ferry. Amenities include: Soft drink & Snack each leg of the voyage, reclining Seats & USB charging ports available at every seat.
Priority embarkation available at the Port Everglades terminal (Fort Lauderdale - Florida, US). Priority debarkation in Bimini, Freeport (Bahamas) and upon arrival to Fort Lauderdale (Florida, US).
3 - 3:30 hours
CANADIAN PERMANENT RESIDENTS: SAME DAY OR OVERNIGHT STAY TRAVEL
Canadian Citizens need a valid passport from your home country whose expiration date, after returning from the Bahamas, must not be less than 3 months (direct travel) and not less than 6 months if you are transiting through other countries such as the United States.
Original Canadian permanent resident card - must not be less than 3 months (direct travel) and not less than 6 months if transiting through other countries such as the US.
Documentation Required for US Residents
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCUMENTATION AND VISA INFORMATION:
In accordance with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, please note that as of April 23, 2018 all U.S. citizens, adults and minors, must be in possession of a current and valid passport or passport card at the time of the trip.
*Please note: Birth certificates, photo ID, and naturalization documents (Certificate of Naturalization) will not be accepted*
For international travel only PASSPORTS will be accepted. This applies to our one-day trips and stays of at least 1 night. The expiration date of your passport has to be more than 6 months after the return date of your travel.
The enhanced driver's license is not a valid document to board the ferry.
US RESIDENTS ONE-DAY TRIP:
US residents must travel with a valid ARC (green card). Please bring the valid passport of the country of citizenship at the time of check-in. If the ARC is expired, you must bring the original extension document with the expired ARC card.
RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES STAYING AT LEAST 1 NIGHT IN THE BAHAMAS:
Bring ARC (green card) and you must have a passport from the country where you were born.
IMPORTANT ADVICE TO NOTE:* Balearia Caribbean LTD and/or I LOVE FERRY are not responsible for any denied boarding or desembarking due to failure to present proper travel documentation*
More updated information on international travel regulations, on the following border protection website: Border Protection Regulations.
Yes. Balearia Caribbean is a ferry company that connects the port of Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) and Freeport (Grand Bahama, Bahamas). There are at least between 2 and 4 weekly departures between both ports. You can see the schedule, prices and book ferry tickets on this website.
The cheapest way to go by ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Bahamas) is with Balearia Caribbean. You can find ferry tickets from $155 plus approximately $70 in taxes.
Sometimes it is cheaper to fly than to travel by ferry. You can find plane tickets from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport from $120.
The duration of the ferry crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Bahamas) is approximately 3 hours by fast ferry.
From Port Everglades, Terminal 21 (2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316). The Midport Garage is right next to the terminal ($20/day). Arrive 3 hours before departure; check-in closes 60 minutes before sailing.
It depends on the fare you bought. Day trips and Promo fares (Economy and Economy Premium) cannot be changed or cancelled. Standard fares can be changed up to 24 hours before departure with a $75 fee plus any fare difference; unrestricted fares can be changed for free. Check the (i) icon of your fare before paying. To request a change, email us at info@iloveferry.us with your booking reference and the new date.
Balearia Caribbean ferry tickets can be canceled under the following rules:
- Promo fares are non-refundable.
- Full refund, if the date of request to cancel the reservation is before 7 days of the ferry departure date.
- 50% penalty, if the reservation cancellation request is made between 7 and 4 days before the scheduled departure date.
- No refund, if the reservation cancellation request is made 3 days or less before the scheduled departure date of the ship.
- One-day trips or special offers cancellations has No refund.
Remember that ferry tickets are non-transferable. The name of the passengers cannot be modified.
Any passenger who does not board the ferry for any reason, which is not under the control of Balearia Caribbean and/or I Love Ferry, will not have the right to a refund or change of date.
Balearia Caribbean and/or I Love Ferry will not assume any responsibility beyond the refund of the amount of the reserved ticket if the ferry for which the ticket was purchased and paid for does not carry out the stipulated trip due to operational difficulties, weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances or forces. outside the control of these companies.
The ferry. The Balearia Caribbean fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale takes about 3 hours to Freeport Harbour, with no baggage weight limits like on small planes, you can travel with your pet, and the terminal is 15 minutes from Port Lucaya.
From $225 per person one way in Economy and from $246 for a same-day trip to Grand Bahama,, Bahamas taxes and port fees included. Prices change with the date and demand: booking early is always cheaper.
About 3 hours. The ferry leaves Port Everglades at 9:00 AM and docks in Freeport at around 12:00 PM. In rough seas the crossing can take up to 3.5 hours.
Tuesday and Saturday all year, plus Thursday sailings in high season. The return ferry leaves Freeport at 6:30 PM (5:30 PM on some dates). Check the timetable on this page for the exact dates of your month. Travel days and dates may vary due to the shipping company's operational reasons. Please consult our calendar for dates, schedules, and prices.
Yes. Departure at 9:00 AM, arrival at noon, and the return ferry at 6:30 PM gives you about six hours on Grand Bahama: enough for Port Lucaya Marketplace and a beach afternoon at Taino or Lucaya Beach. Book the Day Trip fare.
Yes. Every passenger, adults and children, needs a valid passport — even for a same-day trip. US citizens: passport or passport card valid for at least 6 months after your return. Green-card holders: ARC plus the passport of your country of citizenship. Birth certificates, photo IDs and enhanced driver's licenses are not accepted, and all documents must be originals.
No. This is a passenger-only fast ferry. Leave your car at the Midport Garage next to Terminal 21 and rent a car or take a taxi on Grand Bahama.
From Port Everglades, Terminal 21 (2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316). The Midport Garage is right next to the terminal ($20/day). Arrive 3 hours before departure; check-in closes 60 minutes before sailing.
About 90 nautical miles (165 km / 105 miles) across the Gulf Stream, which is why the crossing takes 3 hours instead of the 2 hours to Bimini.
High season (March–August, Thanksgiving, Christmas): 3–4 weeks ahead — with only 2–3 sailings a week, Saturdays sell out first. Low season (September–February): a few days ahead is usually enough, but the cheapest fares still go first.
It depends on the fare you bought. Day trips and promo fares (Economy and Economy Premium) cannot be changed or cancelled. Standard fares can be changed up to 24 hours before departure with a $75 fee plus any fare difference; unrestricted fares can be changed for free. Check the (i) icon of your fare before paying. To request a change, email us at info@iloveferry.us with your booking reference and the new date.
If you want a bigger island than Bimini — beaches, Port Lucaya Marketplace, Lucayan National Park with its caves and Gold Rock Beach, golf and diving — yes. A day trip works, but with a 3-hour crossing each way it is even better with one or two nights in Lucaya. See our Ferry + Hotel deals.
Balearia Caribbean is a ferry company based in Fort Lauderdale (FL) that makes connections between Fort Lauderdale - Bimini, Fort Lauderdale - Freeport and Bimini - Freeport (the port where the ship arrives on Grand Baha...
About Balearia Caribbean >>
Three 'fast ferries' in honor of three kings This series of fast ferry catamarans was built by the Australian shipyard Incat and acquired by Baleària between 2005 and 2007. They can reach a maximum speed of more than 30...
more about the Jaime II ferry >>DESTINATIONS
