Ferries to Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is one of the larger islands of the Bahamas, located in the north. From Miami, there is one fast passenger ferry service to Freeport, the island’s main city. This is one of the two ferry routes connecting the United States and the Bahamas.

On the map, you will also see connections to Nassau and Little Abaco. These are not regular ferry services like the one from Miami, but they do represent ways to continue exploring the Bahamas by boat.

From Miami to Grand Bahama

From Miami, the fast ferry departs from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. It usually operates two to three times per week.

Below you’ll find the three boat connections to and from Grand Bahama.

Showing all 3 services

Fort Lauderdale ↔ Freeport
Balearia Caribbean · 3hfast
🚗 ✕🚐 ✕From $180
prices and availability
Freeport ↔ Nassau
Mailboat Company · 9h
🚗 ✕🚐 ✕From $90
prices and availability
Mcleans Town ↔ Crown Haven (Abaco)
Pinders Ferry Boat Service · 45m
🚗 ✕🚐 ✕From $25
prices and availability

Customs & International Protocols

Because this is an international crossing between the U.S. and The Bahamas, the logistics are more rigid than a domestic ferry:

  • Document Readiness: A valid passport is mandatory. If you are a permanent resident (Green Card holder), you must bring your original card. Digital copies are never accepted at the Port Everglades check-in.
  • Check-in Deadlines: Unlike a domestic boat, the gate for Baleària closes strictly 60 minutes before departure for manifest finalization. If you arrive at the terminal 45 minutes prior, you will be denied boarding regardless of your ticket status.
  • The “Bahamas Health” Legacy: While many pandemic-era forms have been retired, you must still clear Bahamas Customs and Immigration upon arrival. This can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on whether a large cruise ship has docked simultaneously.

Traveling onward in the Bahamas

Island hopping in the Bahamas is more challenging than in places like the Mediterranean or other parts of the Caribbean. If you want to travel further south, you’ll often need to rely on so-called mailboats. These are cargo vessels that also take passengers.

Curious how this works? You can explore the full Bahamas ferry region map (you will visit the Ferrygogo global website and leave the US website).

Find ferry routes in other US regions

Find more connections through our US ferry route search, where you can search directly or use more advanced filters.
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