Freeport, Bahamas Port Guide
Discover Freeport Cruise Port: Everything You Need to Know
Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas, is a popular cruise port in the Caribbean, along with Nassau and Bimini. Of all the Caribbean ports, this one generally gets the least amount of love and, admittedly, is probably my personal least favorite of them all, but there are still some hidden gems here. The key with this one, though? Get out of the port area.
It’s important to note that many Caribbean destinations, including the Bahamas, prohibit civilians from wearing camouflage. While you can wear it on the cruise ship, don’t risk disembarking with it on, or you risk being sent back to the ship to change.
About the Freeport Cruise Port
The Freeport Cruise Port is a gateway to the stunning Grand Bahama Island, and many major cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, frequently visit this port. The port features two terminals, and the primary terminal for cruise passengers is the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility.
The facility isn’t the best or most aesthetic cruise terminal, and here you’ll find a small straw market with local vendors selling their wares, and… that’s about it. This is nothing compared to the better-known Nassau cruise port in the Bahamas, which, after the 2023 renovation, is clean, modern, and filled with things to do, eat, and see. Freeport just isn’t the sort of port of call where you can just get out and wander around on foot.
You can certainly do that, but you won’t find much in and around the cruise port area, and many seasoned cruisers who visit here opt to stay on the ship when calling to Freeport. My advice here is not to do that. Don’t stay on the ship, but don’t just wander, either — this is one of those times where, in my opinion, it’s essential to do an excursion, or at least a planned activity that will require some form of transportation, such as a taxi or shuttle.
From Freeport Cruise Port to the City Center
The Freeport Cruise Port is about 6 miles from the city center. Due to the distance, walking is not practical, which is another reason I encourage cruisers not to wander around when visiting here.
Ride-share services like Uber are unavailable in Freeport, but taxis are a common choice, costing around $20 USD each way. Taxis here are regulated with set rates. Another convenient option is the shuttle service, which is more affordable at about $15 USD roundtrip. Public buses are available, too, but are less reliable for tourists due to infrequent schedules.
Things to Do in Freeport
Even outside of the cruise port area, there aren’t many great attractions in Freeport, so I generally advise cruisers to use this port of call visit as a beach day or purchase a water activity like snorkeling or boating. But if that’s not your thing or the weather isn’t cooperative, here are the top things to do in Freeport.
Port Lucaya Marketplace
As noted above, the straw market at the Freeport cruise terminal leaves a lot to be desired, so cruisers who love shopping will find a much better experience at Port Lucaya Marketplace, which is about 5 miles from the cruise terminal. This vibrant open-air shopping and entertainment hub offers shops, restaurants, bars, and live music. It’s great for souvenirs, dining, and experiencing local culture, and the nice thing is that a shuttle is provided to transport cruisers to and from the terminal to the marketplace.
If you visit the Marketplace and want to experience the beach, you can walk to Lucaya Beach through one of the public access points between the resorts. However, be aware that there are no public restrooms, beach chairs, or other amenities available. Most of this beachfront area is private and reserved for resort guests, so it’s probably not the best place to plan for a full beach day.
Bahamas Maritime Museum
The Bahamas Maritime Museum, located in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, offers a fun exploration of the country’s rich maritime history. It features exhibits on shipwrecks, exploration, and maritime artifacts. Admission costs are generally around $12 for adults and $6 for children, providing an affordable and educational experience. The museum is conveniently situated about 5 miles from the Freeport Cruise Terminal.
The Bahamian Brewery
The Bahamian Brewery, located in Freeport, is a popular attraction where cruisers can tour the facility to learn about the brewing process and sample various locally produced beers, including the well-known Sands beer. The brewery also has a gift shop where guests can purchase souvenirs and their favorite brews. It is situated about 4 miles from the cruise terminal.
Freeport Perfume Factory
The Freeport Perfume Factory, also known as The Perfume Factory of Fragrances of the Bahamas, offers visitors a unique experience. They can learn about the perfume-making process and even create their own custom scents. The factory is housed in a pink and white replica of an old Bahamian mansion and provides guided tours. It’s great because admission is free (they provide that with the hope that visitors will buy something, although that is not required), but it is about 5 miles from the cruise terminal (and conveniently en route to the Port Lucayan Marketplace), so it’s not accessible on foot.
Garden of the Groves
Garden of the Groves, a twelve-acre garden full of tropical plants and animals, is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. Located about a 30-minute taxi ride from the port, this lush botanical garden offers a serene escape with waterfalls, wildlife, and trails, making it perfect for nature lovers. Admission costs $17 USD for adults, and $11 for children.
Beaches at the Freeport Cruise Port
There is not direct beach access from any point at the Freeport cruise terminal, but several great beaches aren’t too far away, although they all require transportation there as they aren’t walkable, making a beach day a great option if you’re calling to Freeport. Just be sure to remember to bring your beach towel!
Xanadu Beach
Xanadu Beach is the closest beach to the Freeport cruise port (approximately 6 miles) and is known for its calm and less crowded environment, making it ideal for relaxing. The beach’s soft sand and gentle waves are great for sunbathing, swimming, and walking. A taxi ride to Xanadu Beach takes about 10 minutes, so getting there from the cruise terminal is fairly convenient.
Taino Beach
Situated about 11 miles from the port, Taino Beach offers a more secluded experience and is popular for water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and parasailing. The beach has restrooms, changing rooms, and beach bars serving local food and drinks. It also has a playground and picnic areas, making it ideal for families. A taxi ride from the cruise port to Taino Beach takes around 10 minutes.
Barbary Beach
Barbary Beach is a bit further out than the other beach options, and is located about 18 miles from the Freeport Cruise Terminal. This means that it will require about a 35 minute ride to get there. The journey may be worthwhile, though, because it’s a beautiful, less frequented beach known for its long stretches of white sand and clear blue waters.
What to Bring to Freeport
I recommend bringing a few things with you to enhance the experience (beyond the obvious things like sunscreen). Freeport beaches are great for snorkeling, and when visiting a beach location, I always bring my own set. My favorite is this one from Amazon; it’s affordable yet high quality and has traveled with me worldwide to all sorts of snorkeling experiences. It’s also much more hygienic this way, as you’re not putting something in your mouth that’s been used by many other random people.
I also recommend an inflatable float. Many recommend not bringing floats on cruises since they’re forbidden from cruise ship pools, but I disagree because these really enhance the beach day experience, and you don’t have to worry about renting a float or pool noodle. This is my favorite because it’s so compact and versatile. Finally, I recommend a lockable beach bag of some sort to provide easy access to things like your phone while keeping it secure, along with your money and other valuables.
Freeport Cruise Port Ship Schedule
The Freeport, Bahamas cruise ship schedule can be found on Cruisemapper.
Language and Currency
The official language of the Bahamas is English, making communication straightforward for most visitors. The Bahamian dollar is the official currency, but most vendors in Freeport will likely accept US currency, although they may not accept bills that are overly worn, marked up, or damaged, and they may provide change back in the local currency. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in Freeport.
Climate and What to Wear
Freeport enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. Light, breathable clothing, swimsuits, and sun protection are recommended to stay comfortable in sunny weather.
Related: Shop my favorite cruise styles and outfits.
Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions.
Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of their departing port, so it’s generally good practice to keep your phone or watch set to ship time. As for the port, the Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which generally aligns with sailings from the Florida and East Coast departure ports. Keeping track of the time is crucial, especially ensuring you stay coordinated with ship time. It’s a bit easier not to miss the “return to ship” time when you’re on a private island, but it is still possible!
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