freeport shore excursions carnival

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Dolphin Close Encounter

Discover Sanctuary Bay: Sanctuary Bay is a natural 9-acre lagoon and home to 12 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Established in 1999, it’s been recognized for its focus on education through interaction. Dolphin Encounter: Learn about these dolphins while they splash and jump around you. Then, step onto a submerged platform where you will pet, kiss and hug a dolphin. Your dolphin trainer will educate and entertain you with facts about these amazing creatures and tell you more about the facility, where they live and how the dolphins are cared for. Bird Experience: Explore the bird patio, home to macaws, cockatoos and African tortoises of all sizes. Animal care staff will be on hand to safely handle the birds while you take some “insta-worthy” photos.

Accessibility: Tour is ambulatory accessible. You must be able to take a few steps (up/down) and walk short distances. Collapsible wheelchair can be stored. Requirements & Restrictions: A parent or guardian must participate in the dolphin program with children under 16 years old. Cameras and cell phones are not permitted during the dolphin program. For the safety of the dolphins, please remove jewelry and do not wear tanning oils and excessive amounts of sunscreen. What to Bring: Beach towel and cash for purchases (cards not accepted). Good to Know: All ages are welcome. The platform depth is approximately 3 ft., and any child unable to stand flat footed on the platform without assistance will need to be held by the parent or guardian. This excursion does not offer an observer option. Professional photos will be available for purchase.

Freeport Cruise Port (Bahamas) | 10 Best Things To Do In Freeport

Welcome to Freeport cruise port, the Bahamas!

Freeport is the capital of Grand Bahama Island and the second-largest Bahamian port of call after Nassau (New Providence Island). Due to its proximity to the coast of Florida and the port of Miami which lies 110 miles to the west (2.5 hours by boat), Freeport is a popular stop in the Caribbean cruise itineraries. In this article, read about:

• Freeport cruise port (Freeport cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info)
• 10 best things to do in Freeport and best Freeport shore excursions

Visit also our cruise guides to Nassau , San Juan , Falmouth , Key West , Grand Cayman , Perfect Day at CocoCay

Freeport Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock at Freeport Harbour (also referred to as Harbour Village and Lucayan Harbour), a medium-sized cruise port that can accommodate up to 3 cruise vessels at a time.

The Freeport cruise ship terminal is well-developed and safe, with amenities such as a tourist information kiosk, car rental/tour booth, restrooms, souvenir and duty-free shops, restaurants and bars (Señor Frog’s, Fat Tuesday’s, Bucks Sports Bar, etc.).

It is a beautiful area to walk around, filled with multicolored houses, palm trees, food and drink stands, arts and crafts stores, and places to sit and relax. The taxi rank and bus parking (which is usually a shore excursion meeting place unless indicated differently on your tour ticket) are located within the port complex, a short walking distance from your ship.

Besides the well-developed cruise terminal area, there’s not much to see and do around the port itself. Freeport is primarily an industrial area and there is no actual “downtown”.

The hub of tourist activities in Freeport is centered around Port Lucaya Marina and Port Lucaya Marketplace , both located around 16 km/10 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the cruise terminal. Unless you are taking an organized shore excursion, you’ll probably want to spend your day here.

There are plenty of taxis waiting to take you to Port Lucaya and Lucaya Beach , one of the best beaches on Grand Bahama Island, located in Port Lucaya.

The port of Freeport is also famous for its Grand Bahama Shipyard, often used by Bahamas-flagged cruise vessels for ship repairs, maintenance and drydock refurbishment works. You’ll be able to spot the shipyard from your cruise terminal.

Getting Around Freeport Bahamas

• The port area is flat and easy to navigate for people with walking difficulties/wheelchair users.
• Cruise lines DO NOT provide shuttle buses from Freeport Harbour to Port Lucaya. In addition, there is NO official public transportation in Freeport cruise port, so your only option is to either take a taxi or book a shore excursion to one of the nearby attractions.
• Taxis in Freeport are metered and a ride to Port Lucaya can cost you from $5-10 per person each way, depending on the number of people you share a taxi with (taxis are either regular or minivan-style). A taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and the drop-off point is usually Port Lucaya Marketplace. It is advisable to agree on the price with the taxi driver in advance.
• Alternatively, you can rent a car if you feel comfortable exploring on your own. Keep in mind that driving is on the left. Check out Freeport Bahamas rent-a-car deals and prices
• The official language in the Bahamas is English.
• Since Freeport Harbour is in an industrial area, there are no beaches within walking distance of the ship. The nearest beaches and beach resorts are located in Port Lucaya, including Lucaya Beach and Taino Beach .
• There are two most popular shopping areas in Freeport cruise port: Port Lucaya Marketplace (a 20-minute drive from the port), and Freeport cruise terminal area (Delsol, Cariloha, arts and crafts, jewelry, souvenirs…). In some port reviews, you may read about the International Bazaar which is located in downtown Freeport, a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminal. However, this bazaar has been abandoned and is not in use anymore.
• Note: As mentioned above, the major tourist activities are centered in Port Lucaya, so there’s not much to do in the official downtown area. The downtown area is located around 7 km/4.3 miles away from Port Lucaya and its beaches.
• The majority of restaurants in Freeport and generally the Bahamas will automatically add a 15% service charge to your bill. Tipping is at your discretion.
• The official currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD). 1 USD equals 1 BSD. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in Port Lucaya.
• The high season in Freeport lasts from mid-December to mid-April, with warm and dry weather. The Bahamas lies within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes and heavy rains may occur from June to November.
• Grand Bahama Airport is the only international airport on Grand Bahama Island and is located 9 km/5.6 miles (less than a 15-minute drive) northeast of Freeport cruise port.
• Explore Freeport tours and activities
• Search the best Caribbean cruise deals

10 Best Things to Do in Freeport Cruise Port

1. port lucaya marketplace & marina.

Port Lucaya lies on Grand Bahama Island’s southern coast, a 20-minute drive southeast of Freeport Harbour. Port Lucaya Marketplace is a large, 9.5-acre open-air shopping facility that consists of dozens of colorful little buildings and tents housing clothing, jewelry, liquor, souvenirs, and other types of shops.

Visit a straw market and shop for authentic Bahamian products including arts and crafts, before tasting local specialties in one of the numerous eateries and bars in the area.

Within walking distance, you can visit the Bahamas Maritime Museum and stroll around Port Lucaya Marina dotted with colorful buildings, boats and yachts. Count Basie Square is where you can enjoy some live music and performances. This bustling place is a shopping paradise and one of the highlights of Freeport.

Right across the road from the entrance to the marketplace, you’ll see several large hotel resorts including Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort where you can enjoy a beach day pass with an all-inclusive service.

In case you don’t need an all-day pass which normally includes unlimited food and drinks, you can still enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool, hot tub, bar and sunbed/umbrellas for a regular charge. The resort overlooks a long, sandy Lucaya Beach , and I enjoyed it so much that I highly recommend it to everyone looking to spend a relaxing beach day.

Check out Port Lucaya tours and activities

2. Freeport Beaches and Resorts

There are no beaches in the industrial area of Freeport Harbour and the nearest beaches are located in Port Lucaya. The beaches boast crystal clear, warm turquoise waters and are mostly nestled on the Grand Bahama’s southern coast. There are also a few beach resorts offering all-inclusive beach day passes. Below is a selection of the main beaches and resorts in Freeport.

Lucaya Beach – A 4-mile long sandy beach runs parallel to the main road in Port Lucaya and is located a 5-minute walk from Port Lucaya Marketplace. This beautiful beach lines waterfront hotel resorts and offers a variety of watersports including paddleboards and jet skis. Make sure you check out the legendary Billy Joe’s Beach Restaurant & Bar, a hotspot for both locals and tourists popular for its delicious conch, beer, and sweeping sea views.

Taino Beach – This popular beach is located a few miles away from Lucaya Beach and ranks among the top-rated beaches in Freeport. It is located a 25-minute drive from Freeport Harbour and features watersports, beach resorts and entertainment parks (Pirate’s Cove Zipline and Water Park, Taino Beach Resort and Clubs, Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience, The Stoned Crab Restaurant, Bernie’s TikiHut, and others).

Fortune Beach – For those of you who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of crowded places, Fortune Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere. Sunbathe and soak up the Caribbean before tasting delicious conch fritters and cocktails in the nearby Banana Bay restaurant. Fortune Beach is located a 30-minute drive from the Freeport Harbour cruise terminal.

Xanadu Beach – It is the closest beach to Freeport Harbour (only a 15-minute drive). The beach is a popular spot for families due to its warm, shallow waters and relaxed vibe.

Barbary Beach – The undeveloped, secluded beach is located a 35-minute drive from the cruise port and is popular for kayaking.

Smith’s Point Beach – Located next to Taino Beach, this beautiful sandy beach features great fish & seafood beach bars and restaurants such as Terry’s Conch Salad Stand, Gullywash Beach Bar & Grill, and Smith’s Point Fish Fry Home.

Mather Beach – Nestled between Smith’s Point Beach and Fortune Beach, this sandy beach has several local spots including Margarita Villa Sand Bar and The Sand Bar. The driving distance from the cruise terminal is 30 minutes.

Paradise Cove Beach – Located a 25-minute drive northwest of Freeport cruise port, Paradise Cove Beach is a gateway to Deadman’s Reef where you can explore the colorful marine world of the Bahamas. Snorkeling, scuba diving and glass bottom boat rides (for those of you who prefer to stay dry) are the popular activities.

Other popular beaches and beach resorts are Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan Resort, Paradise Cove Beach Resort and Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach.

Check out Freeport beach tours and activities

3. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Port Lucaya is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving , yet the best snorkeling is in the open sea. Hop aboard one of the boats or catamarans, and go for a half-day snorkeling/diving tour that will take you to the best snorkeling and scuba diving locations including Peterson Cay National Park, Paradise Cove, and a few others. S

norkel past beautiful coral reefs and look out for Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and other impressive aquatic wildlife. The best way is to book an organized tour but you can also snorkel on your own from the beach (I did it from Lucaya Beach).

Alternatively, if you don’t want to get wet, you can book one of the boat, catamaran, or glass bottom boat tours that will take you to the open sea where you will be able to spot dolphins, giant sea turtles, stingrays and other wildlife.

In addition, fishing and deep-sea fishing rank among the top-rated attractions. The best place for that activity is the deep North-West Providence Channel where you can catch local fish such as snappers, barracudas, groupers, tunas, and more.

Explore snorkeling, scuba diving and boat tours

4. Unexso Marine Sanctuary

UNEXSO Marine Sanctuary offers the ultimate fun for the entire family! Swim with bottle-nosed dolphins in a 9-acre Dolphin Experience Lagoon , dive with sharks, or shop ’til you drop in their retail store Sun & Sea Outfitters in Port Lucaya Marina. UNEXSO headquarters is located in Port Lucaya Marina, from where the boat trips are organized by the tour operator. Check out more information at https://unexso.com/

5. Rand Nature Center

Rand Nature Center is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and those interested in exploring Grand Bahama Island’s flora and fauna. Set on nearly 100 acres (40 hectares), the nature preserve is home to hundreds of bird species and features a network of trails through the native pine forests.

A visitor center, gift shop and restrooms are available within the complex. Rand Nature Center is located around 12 km/7.5 miles (a 15-minute drive) northeast of Freeport Harbour. Admission is free.

Explore Rand Nature Center tours and activities

6. Garden of the Groves

A beautiful botanical garden is located around 24 km/15 miles (a 30-minute drive) east of the port and was named after Wallace Groves who contributed to the development of Freeport in the second half of the 20th century.

Set on 12 acres (5 hectares), the garden features trails through lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and sparkling fountains. Its main features are a Labyrinth and a picturesque hilltop chapel offering panoramic views of the coast. Garden Cafe & Bar, children’s playground and shops are available on-site.

Check out Garden of the Groves tours and activities

7. Swim with Pigs

Swimming with pigs is definitely one of the funniest and most unusual things you can do at Freeport cruise port. Head to Crystal Beach in West End village located a 25-30-minute drive northwest of the cruise terminal, and swim with wild pigs that actually live there!

Explore Freeport swimming with pigs tours and activities

8. Lucayan National Park

Nestled on Grand Bahama’s southern coast, approximately 40 km/25 miles (a 35-minute drive) northeast of Freeport Harbour, the 40-acre (16-hectare) Lucayan National Park is home to the largest underwater cave systems in the world with over 6 miles of tunnels.

The park features numerous walking trails through the lush mangrove, pine and palm forests, and is famous for its breathtaking beaches such as a gorgeous Gold Rock Beach .

Check out Lucayan National Park tours and activities

9. Island Sightseeing and Cultural Experiences

If you want to learn about the island’s history, delight in Bahamian specialties and learn local traditions, you can opt for one of the sightseeing, culinary, or cultural tours.

Several other places of interest include the Bahamian Brewery (only a 5-minute drive from the cruise port) where you can learn about the beer-making process and taste local craft beers, and Perfume Factory (less than a 15-minute drive, in downtown Freeport).

You can go for a regular bus tour, or you get your adrenaline pumped up on an ATV, jeep, or horseback ride. You can book the tours via cruise line if offered, online, or with local vendors that you will find in Freeport Harbour and Port Lucaya.

Check out Freeport sightseeing tours and activities

Freeport boasts beautiful golf courses and golf is generally popular in the Bahamas. The most popular golf courses include Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club (a 25-minute drive from the port), Lucayan Golf Course & Country Club (a 20-minute drive), Reef Course & Country Club (a 20-minute drive), and Ruby Golf Course (a 10-minute drive).

Wrapping Up

Whether you decide to explore Port Lucaya, soak up the Bahamian sun at the beach, or go for some adventure activities, make sure you plan your day ahead to maximize your stay in port!

Visit also our cruise port guides to  Cozumel , Costa Maya , St Maarten , St Thomas , San Juan , Tortola , St Lucia , Puerto Plata , Punta Cana , Barbados , Antigua , Grand Turk

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Cruise Addicts was aboard the Carnival Sunshine when she began sailing 5,7 and 8 night sailings year-round from Port Canaveral. This was only a two-night cruise and our one port of call was Freeport. A first for me, what the day would bring was unknown but the hope was for a relaxing day at the beach. Taking a Carnival Beach Getaway shore excursion we got that and a whole lot more.

Disembarking Carnival Sunshine , tour operators were on hand to greet guests and send them in the right direction; in our case an air conditioned tour bus. During the 30-minute ride, our driver did a running commentary all about what we were seeing along the way. At the site, we found many activities to choose from including volleyball, badminton, paddle ball, basketball courts and nice facilities for children making the Beach Break a great choice for families.

Walking up to the beach my first thought was this was a piece of paradise with picture perfect white sand beaches and turquoise water. It has comfortable blue loungers with padded head rests and very friendly staff. As I explored the beach I noticed that on the far end of the beach, you could even rent Jet Ski’s nearby. Going into the water the centerpiece is one of the largest water trampolines in Freeport “ Fat Boy”. You can climb up it and jump up and down or sun bathe on it. If the water is high enough, you can jump off it.

Before long our group started getting hungry and we tried the famous Conch Salad. Everyone shared Conch Salad, Conch Fritters and Chicken Wings. The Conch Salad was the best I ever had. It was so fresh and flavorful with a hint of heat. Be sure to order yours early because they are known to run out.

In my quest for a relaxing beach day, I was successful. Maybe I’m just getting older, but having waves at my feet and a cool drink in my hand can sometimes be all the entertainment I need. This is a beautiful destination with more than enough food choices and amenities, I highly recommend it.

Choose Your Level of Amenities

What makes this shore excursion extra special is you have three different choices of what Beach Getaway experience you want to enjoy.

1. All Inclusive – Take in the views from the beach bar where you can eat your fill of a delicious buffet including assorted salads, Bahamian style peas and rice, steamed vegetables, chicken and beef, skewers, BBQ ribs, and a variety of homemade desserts and Open Bar which includes domestic beverages and cocktails with domestic white rum, vodka, gin, tequila, juices and sodas. – Cost – $69.99 Adult. $59.99 Kids. – Click Here to Reserve

2. Open Bar – Open Bar includes domestic beverages and cocktails with domestic white rum, vodka, gin, tequila, juices and sodas. Cost – $49.99 Adult. $39.99 Kids. – Click Here to Reserve 3. Beach Getaway – Food and Beverages can be purchased from the bar menu. Cost – Adults and Kids are both $34.99. Click Here to Reserve

This excursion has offers you 3.5 hours at the beach with 30 minutes of travel time to and from the location. The excursion is a total of 4.5 hours. Lockers are available, but be sure to pack your Carnival Beach Towel, sun screen. Cash is recommended.

Take a l isten to my interviews with Cory and Cesar Ochoa of the  Bahamas Adventure Beach Club and learn more about this great new Beach Getaway shore excursion.

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Search the site, the best carnival bahamas excursions in nassau & freeport.

by Jennifer

This is part 3 of our Carnival Cruise Bahamas series. If you missed the first 2 posts, check them out here:  book a Carnival Cruise  and foodie favorites. Now it’s time to talk about Carnival Nassau & Freeport excursions! After all, you’re cruising somewhere, right? So you might as well embrace the destination by partaking in a fun activity or two! Here are  some of our favorite Carnival Bahamas excursions .

This is a partnered post for #CruisingCarnival. All opinions are my own.

The Bahamas has tranquil blue water for miles and beautiful surroundings, but there are also a lot of fun activities to do off the ship. Wondering what excursions are available for travelers in the Bahamas?

Here are our top picks for Nassau and Freeport Bahamas.

Carnival Nassau Excursions

Relax and soak up the warm Caribbean sun at the world-famous Atlantis Resort!

Select from multiple shore excursions at Atlantis Resort including :

A  Beach Day with reserved seating, then explore the resort on your where you can shop, dine and more.

Not up for the beach? Choose the guided Discover Atlantis tour where your guide escorts you through the Ruins Lagoon , a recreation of the sunken streets of mythical Atlantis, and The Dig , a replica of an archeological excavation site. Visit the Predator Lagoon , where you will view sharks, barracuda and many other creatures from the deep.

Want to swim with the fish? Atlantis offers a Snorkel Experience where you can don a wetsuit and snorkel in world’s largest open-air marine habitat.

Atlantis Aquaventure allows guests to explore the largest water-themed attraction in the Caribbean. Ride four adrenaline-inducing water slides among a mile long rapids and wave river. Experience the thrills of the towering Mayan temple’s five water slides and the 7-story Power Tower. Relax in the warm tropical sun, plunging into the refreshing waters of a swimming pool or pristine beach.

Or opt for a swim with the dolphins at the Atlantis Dolphin Cay . They offer shallow and deep water dolphin excursions.

Not interested in visiting the resort? Book a Catamaran Sail & Snorkel shore excursion aboard a stylish, 110-passenger catamaran. It’s one of the featured Carnival Bahamas excursions. Take a relaxing 30 minute journey before plunging into the crystal-clear waters below while you snorkel with the fishes.

Many of the Carnival Bahamas excursions are family-friendly, so bring the kids along! Or you can elect to keep them at the popular Carnival Camp Ocean , while you venture off on your own.

Don’t forget these items before you go!

Freeport, Bahamas Excursions

Discover the colorful reefs and their inhabitants in the waters surrounding Freeport in a Reef Dive excursion. Enjoy a 60-80 ft. dive as you explore the amazing marine life in the reefs and wrecks.

Looking for something more basic? Try the Discover Scuba and Beach Day excursion where guests are introduced to the Scuba world. Gear up and take a basic dive course, then head to the shore to explore, followed by food and relaxing on the beach.

You can also Swim with the Dolphins or book a Dolphin Close Encounter excursion. Enjoy a 20-minute boat ride through the beautiful canals of Grand Bahama Island then arrive at Sanctuary Bay where you’ll have an opportunity to swim with the dolphins in the open ocean. Or elect for the encounter where you’ll also visit Sanctuary Bay, a natural 9-acre lagoon and home to fourteen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Interact with the dolphins on a 3 foot deep platform.

One of the featured Carnival Bahamas excursions in Freeport is the Beach Getaway where guests will spend a day in paradise. Swim in the crystal Caribbean waters; participate in activities based both on land or water. This inclusive package includes an open bar and a delicious Bahamian buffet.

Which Bahamas excursion will you be booking?

*some photos courtesy of Carnival.com

You Are Also Going to Love:

Nidhi Chauhan says

Looks like your family had so much fun. I love tropical vacation. hope I get a chance to go for such fun vacation with my family soon.

1stopmom says

I would love to try snorkeling. It is one of the things on my bucket list. The beach getaway sounds like a lot of fun too!

Honey + Lime (@honeyandlimeco) says

I’ve never swam with dolphins, and that Atlantis Adventure looks awesome!

Allison says

These pictures are beautiful! I’m looking to plan a family vacation for the summer and this sure looks like a place to look into!

Melissa Au says

That looks absolutely amazing. I have always wanted to take my kids on a cruise.

justin tan says

Swim with the Dolphins or book a Dolphin Close Encounter Excursion simply because we’re dolphins lovers!!!

Maria H says

Looks like you guys had a great time!! Love the pics!

Denise Hoyle says

Looks like you guys had so much fun! I’ve never been on a cruise but I need to get to planning one!

Lauryn R says

What a beautiful tropical vacation spot!! I definitely want to take my kids someday. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!

Jennifer says

The boys are still thanking us for taking them, so I highly recommend taking the kids on a cruise. It’s SO fun!

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Freeport, Bahamas

Shore Excursions in Freeport, Bahamas

ShoreExcursion.com offers a wide choice of tours, activities and attractions in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Browse all of our available shore excursions.

Explore Freeport, Grand Bahama’s Hidden Gems

Uncover the magic of freeport’s shore excursions.

When you step off your cruise ship onto the stunning shores of Freeport, Grand Bahama, you’re not just arriving at a destination; you’re embarking on an unforgettable adventure. Our Shore Excursions in Freeport are your gateway to the island’s best-kept secrets. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, soak up the sun on pristine beaches, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Bahamas. Here’s why our excursions are a must for your trip:

Tropical Paradise Awaits

Picture yourself snorkeling in the mesmerizing blue waters, surrounded by colorful marine life. With our Shore Excursions, you’ll explore coral reefs teeming with exotic fish and create memories that last a lifetime. Dive into the beauty of Freeport’s underwater world.

Beach Bliss

Sink your toes into the soft, powdery sands of Freeport’s world-renowned beaches. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sunbathing session or an action-packed day of water sports, our excursions have you covered. Get ready for some serious fun in the sun!

Rich Cultural Experiences

Discover the heart and soul of Freeport as you explore its charming markets, historic sites, and vibrant communities. Our excursions offer a unique opportunity to interact with locals, sample delicious Bahamian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture.

Family-Friendly Adventures

Traveling with kids? Our Shore Excursions cater to all ages. From thrilling water parks and interactive wildlife encounters to family-friendly beach activities, we ensure that everyone in your group has a fantastic time.

Hassle-Free Booking

We’ve taken care of all the details, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. Booking with us is a breeze, and our friendly guides will make sure you have a seamless experience from start to finish.

So, why wait? Book your Freeport Shore Excursion today and make your Bahamas cruise truly unforgettable!

Click Here To See All Shore Excursions in Freeport

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Freeport is one of the 2 port cities on the island of Grand Bahamas (the other is Nassau). Located just 65 miles from Palm Beach, FL Freeport has become a popular year-round cruise ship port of call for fun Freeport Excursions. Being so close to the United States makes Freeport Bahamas an affordable cruise destination and a great spot for a long weekend stay to enjoy shore trips, shore excursions, and much more. Freeport was designated a Free Trade Zone in 1955 and offers some incredible deals and souvenir bargains.

Top 4 Freeport Excursions

• Snorkel & Turtles ($154.99)
• Kayak & Turtles ($154.99)
• Grand Lucayan Day Pass ($44.99)
• Paradise Cove Day Pass ($59.99)

• No Port No Pay
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• Fully licensed and insured round-trip transportation from your Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking shore excursion guides!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, a silicone mask, and a vest!
• All snorkel instructions, no snorkel experience required!
• Guided snorkeling!
• Complimentary cold bottled water!
• Light snacks included!
• Visit the Turtle Farm!

• All kayak equipment and safety instructions are provided!
• No kayaking experience is required!
• Complementary lunch!

• 2 packages to choose from!
• 100% Deposit Back Guarantee for cancellations at any time and for any reason (weather, mood, etc)!
• All access to resort facilities including lounge chairs, restrooms, kids' activities, and more!
• Fresh-water swimming pool at the resort!
• Flexible hours and day passes are valid from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM!
• Enjoy a relaxing day at a lovely all-inclusive beach resort in Freeport Bahamas!
• One towel per person (upon availability)!
• One Chaise lounge!

• Fully licensed and insured round-trip transportation to Paradise Cove!
• Flexible return times back to your cruise ship pier!
• Access to all of the club facilities including chairs, restaurant, and restrooms!
• 5 package choices for your day!
• Private beach break day passes to escape the crowds!
• Options to purchase food and drink ala carte and day pass specials!

• Convenient location from our Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified parasailing instructors!
• All necessary safety gear and parasailing equipment are included!
• Parasailing at one of the best beaches in Freeport, Bahamas!

• Convenient meeting location from your Freeport cruise ship pier and terminal!
• All necessary instructions and equipment are provided!
• English-speaking certified guide!
• Single or double-rider jet ski riding options!
• Fun for families includes beach break at Lucayan Beach!

• Convenient location from your Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• Unlimited Snorkel (09:00 AM to 05:00 PM) plus a beach break at your leisure!
• English-speaking certified snorkeling guide!
• Complimentary bottled water on the boat!

• Easy, convenient meeting location on Lucayan Beach, close to your Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• No waiting around for a jet ski - reserve yours today!
• Fully automatic, 700cc Yamaha Wave Runner, includes insurance and fuel charge!

Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

From lazy lounging on the beach to action-packed water adventures, cruise ship shore excursions in the Bahamas are packed with fun in the sun and sea.

Whether you're looking to get wet, get chill or get stuff, you'll find a way to do it on a shore excursion here. You can swim with pigs and dive with sharks. You can cruise the islands on ATVs or skim across the water on a wide array of vessels. Tours often include time to shop the straw markets, and many also include traditional Bahamian lunches, snacks and/or beverages.

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The list of Bahamas tours and activities includes options to suit almost everyone. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. Ready? Let's dive in.

Prices for the same tours can vary across cruise lines and third-party sellers, so tours are listed below by price ranges, using the following shorthand (per adult):

$= $0-50. $$= $51-99. $$$= $100-199. $$$$=$200-499.

Best Nassau, Bahamas shore excursions

Island food and culinary tour

3-3.5 hours, easy, $$.

Bahamas food and beverage excursions are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the culture of the islands. You'll feast on island specialties and favorites such as conch fritters or salad, rock lobster, traditional cornbread-like Johnny cakes and tropical punches laced with rum. Most cruise lines offer food tours that stop at multiple local eateries. There may be walking involved, so be sure to read your cruise line's description.

Blue Lagoon beach break

Varies, easy to moderate, $$-$$$.

Some of the best excursions in Nassau are to Blue Lagoon Island, a privately owned island with a beach, food, water sports and other activities. You can choose the standard beach break option with lunch, beach games and use of water noodles and tubes. Or you can upgrade to a tour that includes snorkeling or swimming with stingrays, dolphins, sharks and even sea lions. Additional activities can be purchased upon arrival on the island.

Scuba diving with sharks

4.5 hours, moderate, $$$-$$$$.

If you are a certified scuba diver and have ever considered diving with sharks, this is your excursion. The shark dives involve one reef dive, followed by a second dive with everyone kneeling in the sand on the bottom as the shark feeder doles out his goodies. You've heard the term "sharknado?" It's a real thing and being in one is an adrenaline rush you'll never forget.

I should warn the shark-timid among you that because Caribbean reef sharks are plentiful in the waters surrounding Nassau and because dive shops have been doing baited shark dives here for years, you may encounter sharks on any dive in Nassau, though at a bit more distance than during the shark feeds. In fact, I've never not seen a shark while diving here.

Paradise Island and Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark

All day, moderate, $$$$.

Excursions that include access to Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas seem to no longer mention the name of the mega-resort that made Paradise Island famous. If you've always wanted to go, excursions labeled Aquaventure are your ticket.

The day pass includes access to miles of beaches, the on-site casino, and the Aquaventure water park featuring 141 acres of slides, swimming areas, river rides, and wave areas. The pass also allows you to dine in the resort's eateries, explore a myriad of shops or even add an aquatic animal experience like a dolphin swim.

You can purchase Atlantis day passes independently, but the advantage of booking your visit as an excursion is that transportation will be included.

Related: A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Best shore excursions in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

Freeport island tour, beach and shopping

4 hours, easy, $.

Shore excursions that bundle a tour with a beach break and shopping are always a good choice in the Bahamas. You get to see a bit of the island, learn its history, shop for souvenirs and get in some coveted beach time, all with easy transportation. This kind of tour is especially useful if you've never been to Grand Bahama Island. For a small amount of money, you get to scope the place out for your adventures on your next Bahamas cruise.

Pirate's Cove beach, zipline and waterpark

4 hours, moderate, $$$.

If zip lining is your thing, this is a good place to get your fix. The beachside zip line has options for starting at 50 feet up or 30 feet, making it ideal for newbies wanting to try the experience. Since this excursion also includes time at the beach and floating water park, consider it a deal.

Glass bottom boat shark experience

3 hours, easy, $$$.

Want to see Caribbean reef sharks without putting your toes in the water? This excursion takes you on a glass-bottom boat ride to waters where Caribbean reef sharks have been fed. The boat has ample deck space for sunning when you aren't watching the action below the boat. It's a fun way to spend a day out on the water with an opportunity to see these predators and other colorful tropical fish without fear. Typical Bahamian refreshments round out the fun.

Blue hole snorkeling

5 hours, moderate, $$$.

My rule of thumb is to snorkel at every opportunity while in the Bahamas. It's a fun and easy way to take a peek beneath the waves at the colorful sea life found in these waters. When you book a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas, gear is provided, including snorkeling vests to keep you afloat.

For the best Bahamas snorkeling, choose a blue hole snorkeling excursion. Blue holes are found throughout the Bahamas and are essentially open-topped caverns, so it's like swimming in a fishbowl. Some are landlocked, where they may be filled with either fresh or salt water, and inhabited by a wide range of aquatic life, including crabs, lobsters, octopus and fish. Others are offshore, below the surface of the ocean, creating a mini reef environment to explore.

This excursion involves a lengthy ride, but it's definitely worth it.

Swim with the pigs

1.5 hours, easy, $$$.

Swimming pigs are kind of a big deal in the Bahamas. Animal lovers can enjoy time in shallow water watching (and even feeding) these silly pigs. Most of the cruise line private islands also offer pig swims, but the one in Freeport does not involve a boat ride, which may make it more appealing to some. You'll also get time to hang out on Crystal Beach and buy lunch.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Best Bahamas shore excursions from cruise line private islands

Snorkeling from shore or by boat

Varies, moderate, $-$$.

Cruise ship private islands make snorkeling easy. Most of the islands will offer snorkeling gear for rent, and you can snorkel right from the beach. (If you, like me, never miss an opportunity to put your face in the water, consider buying your own snorkel gear for future sailings.) Optional boat excursions to primo snorkeling spots are also possible from some islands.

1-1.5 hours, moderate, $-$$.

Kayaking from the cruise line private islands gives you a new perspective of these fun playgrounds. Tours are led by experienced guides who can point out sea life in shallow water while leading you along the shore of the tropical paradise. Beginners are welcome and life jackets are provided.

Stingray City Bahamas

1.5 hours, easy, $$.

While the Stingray City experience has been popular in Grand Cayman for years, it's relatively new to the Bahamas. Stingray City Bahamas is located among the Berry Islands, home to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay. You'll be taken on a short speedboat ride to a shallow sandy spot in a location where stingrays congregate. Your guide will provide fish to feed the rays, which swoop in and suck the fish from your hand. It's a fun outing if you haven't done it before and it doesn't take away too much of your beach time on the island.

Horseback riding by land and sea

1.25 hours, moderate, $$$.

Carnival offers a horseback riding tour from Half Moon Cay that includes a brief venture into the sea with your horse. The minimum age is 10. As the mother of a horse-loving daughter, I can tell you that riding in the ocean was one of her favorite cruise memories ever. No riding experience is required, but you must be able to follow directions and pay attention to your guide for your own safety as well as that of the horses and other riders. One other thing to know: There will be poo, both on land and in the water.

Related: Visiting a cruise line's private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes

Bottom line

Bahamas shore excursions typically focus on activity in the water, but if shopping, food tours or sightseeing are more your thing, you'll find those options as well. The Bahamas is made up of a culturally rich collection of islands that have a reputation for welcoming visitors with arms wide open. From simple beach break excursions to full-day tours, you can easily find something that floats your boat in the Bahamas.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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THE 10 BEST Freeport Tours & Excursions

Freeport tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Paradise Cove Day Pass with Pickup from Freeport

2. Blue hole snorkeling, and turtle park

3. Mamma Gal East End Native Experience

4. East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour

5. Swim with Pigs on a Tropical Island

6. Freeport Shore Excursion: Kayak Turtle Park

7. Mamma Gal Native Experience

8. Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs

9. Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience

10. Swim with the Pigs / West End Experience

11. Beach Day and Clear Kayak Photoshoot in Bahamas

12. Freeport Snorkeling Peterson Cay National Park and Hotel Day Pass

13. Bahamas Get-A-Round Bus Pass

14. Snorkel/Swim with the Turtles Experience

15. Roundtrip Airport Transfers Grand Lucayan Resort Freeport

16. Round-Trip Airport Transfer Viva Club Fortuna Freeport

17. Freeport Shore Excursion: All-Inclusive Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort Pass

18. PADI Discover Scuba Diving and Day Pass in Freeport

19. Day Trip To Freeport, Grand Bahama - Tickets only

20. Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club

21. Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour

22. ULTIMATE Bahamas day escape to Bimini or Freeport by ferry

23. Round-Trip Airport Transfer Between Freeport Airport and Pelican Bay Resort

24. Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort

25. Shared Round Trip Limousine Transfer to the Port Lucaya Market

26. Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts

27. Rumbo Tour

28. Round-trip Airport Transfers to Castaway Resorts, Freeport

29. Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port

30. Private Round Trip Transfer from Freeport Airport to Hotel

What travelers are saying.

• Swim with Pigs on a Tropical Island
• Paradise Cove Day Pass with Pickup from Freeport
• Blue hole snorkeling, and turtle park
• Mamma Gal East End Native Experience
• Mamma Gal Native Experience
• The Dolphin Experience
• Calabash Eco Adventures
• Sunn Odyssey Divers
• Pat & Diane Snorkeling
• Paradise Cove
• Experience Grand Bahama Island with Hida
• Reef Oasis Dive Club
• Pinetree Stables
• Grand Bahama Nature Tours

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda Cruise Ports

Freeport (Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-06 22:41

Port Freeport cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Freeport, Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Freeport cruise port (Port Lucaya) is located on Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas), approx 50 mi (80 km) from USA Florida's coast (direction East). The nearest US seaport is PortMiami FL . Freeport is the second biggest Bahamian cruise port - after country's capital city Nassau (New Providence Island) .

The city has population around 270,000. It is served by Grand Bahama International Airport and also by domestic ferries with regularly scheduled itineraries to other Bahamian islands. Regular fast ferries connect to USA ( Fort Lauderdale FL ) operated by the Spanish shipping company  Balearia Eurolinias Marítimas SA .

Tourism is The Bahamas' largest industry and main source of income, with around 1 million international visitors annually. Several medium- and large-sized cruise liners call at Freeport weekly. Most hotels on Grand Bahama Island are along the southern coast. The primary tourist shopping area is the International Bazaar located near downtown Freeport. The other major shopping area is Port Lucaya Market Place.

Freeport is a major seaport since the early-1960s. It is also a free trade zone featuring numerous hotels, casinos, restaurants, Port Lucaya‘s beaches, numerous shopping and shore excursion possibilities.

Port Freeport Bahamas

Port Freeport Bahamas is operated via joint venture between Hutchison Ports FHC (Chinese privately owned company) and The Port Group (Grand Bahama's Port Authority).

FHC is one of the world's largest artificial harbours, and also the Caribbean's deepest harbour waterway. Port's entrance channel and turning basin (swinging basin) were dredged to allow vessel draft of 16 m (52 ft).

Businesses at the FHS harbor include daily scheduled ferry and cruise ship visits, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro ship) facilities (handling containerized and LTL / "less than truckload shipping" cargos), also facilities serving car transhipment, wetdocking (two 900-ft / 274-m berths) and ship repairs.

Port's facilities can accommodate simultaneously 3 cruise vessels and 5 Ro-Ro ships (cargo-passenger ferries). Vessels with max draft 9 m (30 ft) are berthed alongside. Tugboat support and pilot services are also available.

Grand Port is a Carnival Corporation -sponsored cruise terminal in Freeport. The new (exclusive) Carnival Cruise Port project was officially started in May 2022 (origanly the start was planed for 2019) and generated ~1000 construction jobs for building a modern building and a large (2-ship) berth. Labor agreement had ratio 80-20 / Bahamian-foreign workers.

Via joint ventures, Hutchison Port Holdings Ltd/aka Hutchison Ports (a Hong Kong China-based multinational) owns Freeport Container Port (51%) and Grand Bahama Airport (51%), together with Grand Bahama Port Authority.

(Royal Caribbean) Grand Lucayan Resort Bahamas

In March 2019, the joint venture company Holistica Ltd ( RCG-Royal Caribbean Group  and ITM Group / Mumbai India ) signed a letter of intent with The Bahamas government for the purchase of Grand Lucayan Resort (an all-inclusive resort complex) and redevelopment of the cruise port Freeport Harbor. The 2-year, USD 195 million project includes Grand Lucayan Resort's purchase (USD 65 million) plus USD 135 million for development works. The new (RCL-exclusive) cruise port is expected to bring to annually an additional 2 million cruisers to Grand Bahama island. The project includes the construction of a theme park and a new 5-star hotel. Grand Lucayan Resort suffered significant damages during Hurricane Matthew (October 2016) and was forced to close 2/3 of its property.

On June 24, 2019, RCCL and ITM Group established the Miami -headquartered joint venture company "Holistica" specializing in cruise port development projects worldwide. Holistica's first project was the USD 275 million Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport Bahamas. Developments by Holistica were also planned for Costa Maya (Mexico), Roatan Island (Honduras) and Kumamoto (Kyushu Island, Japan).

On March 2, 2020, Holistica Destinations officially announced the USD 300 million private cruise resort project "Lucaya Property". The investment includes redeveloping and expanding Freeport Cruise Terminal (to be renamed to "Harbour Village") and building a leisure complex with a large hotel (526 rooms), wellness facilities, shopping village, convention center (sized 40,000 ft2 / 3720 m2), theme park (with water slides, outdoor playgrounds, zip-lines).

In late-December 2021, RCG announced that the sale agreement for the resort is canceled but plans to participate in a new bidding process. The Bahamian government is still planning to sell the property but its development is to be independent of the cruise port.

Lucaya Property is approx 9 mi (15 km) west of Harbour Village (Freeport Cruise Terminal). At Harbour Village for tourists will be introduced new shopping and dining venues (bars, restaurants), live entertainment and nightlife programming, beach zones, new shore excursions, new transport infrastructure (serving ferries, buses, passenger vehicles). The Lucaya Property project is planned for completion in 2022-Q4.

Currently, Grand Lucayan is split into two resorts (Grand Lucayan, Lighthouse Pointe), of which only Lighthouse Pointe (as of 2021) is open. The all-inclusive day pass costs US$75 (adults) and US$65 (children) and includes food and beverages (at all restaurants), house wines (served by the glass), local draft beers, bottled beers, some liquors, chairs and umbrellas. To the expenses, tourists must add taxis (US$35 one way) between the cruise port and the resort.

Grand Lucayan's two most popular features are its large infinity pool, the beach, smaller lap pool, Jacuzzi, pool bar (complimentary beverages and food / burgers, wings, seafood, salads, desserts).

(new cruise port) Carnival Grand Bahama

On May 12, 2022, was held the groundbreaking ceremony for Carnival Corporation 's new cruise port destination on Grand Bahama Island. The special event was attended by Christine Duffy (CCL's President), Arnold Donald (Carnival Corporation's CEO), Philip Davis (Bahamas Prime Minister), Chester Cooper (Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister), Ginger Moxey (Grand Bahama's Minister), Sarah St. George (Grand Bahama Port Authority's Acting Chairman).

The new "Carnival Grand Bahama" cruise port (planned for opening in 2024-Q4) is being developed on the island's southern coast (121+ hectares / 300+ acres of land at Sharp Rock).

The development project includes the construction of a dedicated Cruise Pier (with capacity to berth two large EXEL-class ships simultaneously), a large white-sand beach, an Excursions Dock (embarkation point for land tours and excursions via buses), a Nature Reserve area, a leisure complex with an interior swimming pool, Bahamian-operated food and beverage venues, retail shops.

Dredging works (for deepening the waterway) were scheduled to start in 2022 (September-October) and to be completed in January 2023.

Grand Bahama Shipyard (Port Lucaya, Freeport)

Freeport Bahamas is also famous with its ship-repair yard often used by Bahamas- flagged cruise vessels for regularly scheduled repairs, maintenance and drydock refurbishment  works. 

Among the shipyard's regular customers are the cruise companies CCL-Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean , Princess , NCL-Norwegian , Walt Disney ,   MSC , Oceania , RSSC-Regent .

The drydock facility is owned by the GBSL company (Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd). Since 2017, Royal Caribbean has joint ownership of Freeport Shipyard (40%) together with Carnival Corporation (60%). The shipyard has three floating dry docks, as well as mechanical and steel workshops (updated in 2016 with new equipment).

• Drydock 1 has LOA length 268 m (880 ft), width 33,5 m (115 ft), max vessel draft 8 m (26 ft), lifting capacity 27,000 tons. Floating dock 1 is served by 2 cranes.
• Drydock 2 has LOA length 300 m (985 ft), width 58,5 m (192 ft), max vessel draft 9 m (30 ft), lifting capacity 82,500 tons. Floating dock 2 is served by 4 cranes.
• Drydock 3 has LOA length 310 m (1017 ft), width 54,5 m (179 ft), max vessel draft 8,5 m (27 ft), lifting capacity 50,000 tons. Floating dock 3 is served by 3 cranes.
• Finger Pier has LOA length 300 m (985 ft), max vessel draft 14 m (42 ft), max water depth 16 m (48 ft) and is served by 1 crane.
• North Beach Wharf has LOA length 300 m (985 ft), max vessel draft 14 m (42 ft), max water depth 20 m (60 ft) and is served by 3 mobile cranes.
• The on-site workshops provide the following services - steel and pipe fabrication, mechanical services (machinery and equipment overhauls), woodworking, electrical services, Clean Rooms (pumps-, valves- and thruster overhauls), separate (dedicated) repair area for cruise ship's lifeboats and tender boats.

In March 207, RCCL-Royal Caribbean signed an agreement with The Bahamas Government to increase its employment of Bahamian citizens. By this agreement, Royal Caribbean also has joint ownership of the Freeport shipyard where major drydock refurbishments and ship maintenance works on many RCCL ships take place.

For 2018, the shipyard reported a record year with a total of 29 cruise vessels scheduled for drydocks (over 2017's 23 ships). Generally, refit works include propulsion system (thrusters, azipods, stabilizers) and technical overhauls, hull treatments and repainting (hull blasting, silicone coatings), staterooms and public areas upgrades. More complex refit projects include adding new onboard facilities (like waterparks, cabin balconies), steel replacement (in areas below waterline), pipe replacements, adding new diesel generator sets, installing cyclo-converters.

The Bahamas' 2021-2022 budget included ~USD 350 million (~EUR 295M) planned investments into Grand Bahama Shipyard. The project included replacing the two damaged drydocks with larger facilities that can handle the world's largest passenger ships. After its completion, Grand Bahama will become the world's largest cruiseship-repair yard.

In October 2023 was announced a USD 600 million expansion project aiming to make the facility the world's largest cruise ship repair yard. The project includes two new floating drydocks which will enable servicing both operational and under-construction cruisers as well as other types of marine vessels. The project includes investments from the world's largest cruise shipowners - Carnival Corporation, and Royal Caribbean Group/RCG. Both China-made floating docks are currently under construction by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co Ltd/BSIC (a subsidiary of CSSC/China State Shipbuilding Corporation) and are scheduled for deliveries in 2025 and 2026.

In December 2023, it was rumored that RCG was negotiating to purchase the Xanadu Beach Hotel (in Freeport Harbour) with land area of 40-50 acres (16-20  hectares/0,16-0,2 km2). The Xanadu Beach Hotel (1968-built, capacity 215 rooms) in 1972 was purchased by Howard Robard Hughes Jr (1905-1976) and also includes an 80-berth yacht marina.

Freeport cruise terminal

Freeport Bahamas cruise terminal is in Lucaya Harbour - approx 10-min drive distance from downtonw. Port's tourist centre (Port Lucaya Marketplace) is at approx 25-min walking distance from the terminal.

Port Lucaya passenger terminal as facilities offers sheltered waiting areas (for passenger pick-up / drop-off), retail shops, craft market (including locally made merchandise), redesigned / optimized landscaping. The taxi rate to Freeport City from the terminal is around USD 15. Rates for group vans to Port Lucaya’s Bazaar is USD 5 per person.

The official language in The Bahamas is British English. Be aware to look to your left as the driving is on the road left side due to country's British heritage. The currency is Bahamian dollar, but US dollars are also accepted. ATMs can be found at all banks. Currently, around the cruise terminal, there are only a few bungalows and a gazebo where you can listen live music performances by local bands.

(NEW-2022) Royal Caribbean Lucaya Resort

In March 2019, the joint venture company Holistica Ltd ( RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd  and ITM Group /  Mumbai India ) signed a letter of intent with The Bahamas government for the purchase of Grand Lucayan Resort (an all-inclusive resort complex) and redevelopment of the cruise port Freeport Harbor. The 2-year, USD 195 million project includes Grand Lucayan Resort's purchase (USD 65 million) plus USD 135 million for development works.

The new (RCCL-exclusive) cruise port is expected to bring an additional 2 million cruisers to Grand Bahama island annually. The project includes the construction of a theme park and a new 5-star hotel. Grand Lucayan Resort suffered significant damages during Hurricane Matthew (October 2016) and was forced to close 2/3 of its property.

On June 24, 2019, RCCL and ITM Group established the  Miami -headquartered joint venture company "Holistica" that specializes in cruise port development projects worldwide. Holistica's first project was the USD 275 million Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport Bahamas. Developments by Holistica were also planned for Costa Maya (Mexico), Roatan Island (Honduras) and Kumamoto (Kyushu Island, Japan).

On March 2, 2020, Holistica Destinations officially announced the USD 300 million private cruise resort project "Lucaya Property". The investment includes redeveloping and expanding Freeport Cruise Terminal (to be renamed to "Harbour Village") and building a leisure complex with a large hotel (526 rooms), wellness facilities, shopping village, convention centre (sized 40,000 ft2 / 3720 m2), theme park (with water slides, outdoor playgrounds, zip-lines).

Port Lucaya: the top attraction is the Port Lucaya Marketplace. It is a m”must-see” for all shopaholics. Another popular place to visit is the Count Basie’s Square. There you can enjoy live music while drinking local cocktail or party with the locals.

Rand Nature Center: it is located on the East Settler’s Way in Freeport. The nature center is impressive and here is the headquarter of the Bahamas National Trust. The area spreads over 100 acres and it is a pineland sanctuary. The site is crisscrossed with nature trails and houses native flora and many tropical birds. You can visit the Rand Nature Centre /educational centre/. You can join guided tour on Tuesday or Thursday at half past ten. It takes around an hour to see the major centre sights.

Garden of the Groves: located on Midshipman Road in Freeport. The amazing botanical garden spreads over 12 acres. You can see stunning waterfalls, beautiful fountains and a lot of (over ten tousands) native plants species. There is a petting zoo, cafe and arts village. You can walk alone or join one of the guided garden walks.

Snorkeling and scuba diving: Port Lucaya offers great possibilities for snorkeling and scuba diving. The excursions take not more than three hours and visit famous sites for diving including Theo’s Wreck, the East End Paradise coral gardens, the Caves, Treasure Reef and the Wall.

Boat trips: join one of the glass-bottom boat tours and spend amazing ninety minutes discovering the beauty of the reefs.

Fishing and deep-sea fishing: the best place is the North-West Providence Channel, which is extremely deep. There are a lot of snappers and barracudas.

Next are listed the most popular Carnival Cruise Lines tours in Freeport, with USD prices per adult:

• catamaran and snorkeling ($60)
• kayaking ($60)
• jeep tour ($60)
• parasailing ($90)
• historical tours ($45)
• scuba diving tour ($130)

Freeport tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Freeport - user reviews and comments

Fire, death of crew members aboard two cruise ships that departed from Florida

T he Carnival Freedom cruise ship caught fire over the weekend while passengers were aboard. As a result two cruises were canceled as the ship will require extensive repairs.

The ship, operated by Doral-based Carnival Cruise Line, set sail on Monday afternoon from Port Canaveral to its shipyard in Freeport where it is expected to be evaluated and fixed.

On Saturday afternoon, the Carnival Freedom caught fire on the port side of the exhaust funnel, a kind of chimney meant to release smoke and emissions. Black smoke and flames were visible in a video provided to NBC6, which first reported the incident .

The vessel was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, and heading to Freeport following a canceled port stop at Princess Cay due to bad weather, the company said. It commenced its trip two days earlier on March 21, departing from Port Canaveral.

Passengers safe on Carnival Freedom

“No guests were hurt, and the ship remained fully operational,” said Matt Lupoli, a spokesman for Carnival Cruise Line. But he said two members of the carrier’s fire response team were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Carnival’s onboard team put out the fire on Saturday, and on Sunday, it completed what it said was a thorough assessment of the ship during a visit to Freeport. That is when the crew realized that “the damage is more than we first thought and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel,” said Lupoli. After the funnel was stabilized, the ship returned Monday morning to Port Canaveral and let guests off. It has a capacity for nearly 3,000 guests but the company did not specify how many were on the current trip.

Carnival subsequently canceled cruises on Carnival Freedom leaving Port Canaveral on March 25 and on March 29.

Carnival said it also continues to investigate multiple eyewitness reports of a lightning strike.

Carnival said that, “We sincerely regret the impact to our embarking guests,” and that it would provide all guests on canceled cruises a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit.

Meanwhile, that was not the only mishap in the Caribbean.

Two crew deaths

On Friday, the Nieuw Amsterdam operated by Holland America experienced what it says was an accidental steam release in an engineering space on board while at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas. Two crew members died as a result. They have not yet been identified. There were no passenger injuries, the company said.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority and the Dutch Safety Board are conducting an investigation, the carrier said.

Holland also said that all systems on board the ship “have since been reviewed and determined to be fully operable by independent surveyors of the Dutch government and confirmed by the US Coast Guard.”

“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this event,” the company statement said.

There are not precise figures on number of crew deaths per year because the industry does not typically disclose them. A research paper from 2020 in the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health noted that 10 crew members died in 2019, a high at the time for one year.

Nieuw Amsterdam returned to Port Everglades on March 23. Then it quickly left on its next tour that same evening, the company said. Its next scheduled port stop is at Ocho Rios, Jamaica on March 26.

The ship, which has a capacity of around 2100 guests, is based at Port Everglades in the winter and in the summer between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.

The incidents come as the cruise industry is breaking records for number of passengers.

PortMiami, Florida’s largest port, served 7.3 million passengers during the 12-month fiscal year 2023. That was tops for cruise ports worldwide, nearly twice the four million passengers seen the prior year and more than its previous record of 6.8 million passengers set in 2019.

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral are also booming. The latter was the world’s top cruise port one year before PortMiami took the honors.

It does not seem much is slowing it down.

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