freeport

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. Enjoying the view from the balcony 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. Related: Explore the pros and cons (and risks) of independent excursions. 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. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide. Rainy day adventures at Freeport. 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. Related: Learn more about how to prepare for port days. Beaches at the Freeport Cruise Port There is not direct beach access from any point at the Freeport cruise