Freeport is the main city of Grand Bahama Island — a relatively new city established in 1955, built on what was once swamp and scrubland, that has grown into a hub for international business and tourism. Its draw is straightforward: sun, warm winters, and tropical white-sand beaches that rival anything in the Bahamas.
- $400 million — New cruise ship berths, welcome plaza, retail spaces, food and beverage outlets, entertainment areas, and transportation staging at Billy Cay
- $50 million — New beach club and refurbishment of the existing retail village at Freeport Harbour
The project is designed as a multi-user facility and is expected to significantly increase cruise activity and generate broader economic benefits across the island.
Know Before You Go
Hot Tip
Freeport – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Freeport
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
The cruise ship port is about a ten-minute drive outside the city of Freeport. A variety of shops and restaurants are in the immediate port area, but transportation is required to reach the city center, beaches, or Port Lucaya Marketplace.
A new $450 million MSC-led development at Billy Cay is underway as of January 2026, which will significantly expand the port's facilities — including new berths, a welcome plaza, beach club, and retail village upgrades.
Getting Around Freeport
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚕 Taxis
Available at the cruise port. Fares run approximately $5 per person each way into Freeport or to nearby beaches. Always confirm the fare before getting in.
🚌 Shuttles
Shuttle buses are available between the port and city. Round-trip tickets can be purchased to reduce costs slightly — a convenient option if you plan to return to the same drop-off point.
🛺 Golf Cart & Bicycle Rental
A great way to explore the island at your own pace. Rentals are available at or near the port. The roads to Taino Beach and Xanadu Beach are flat and easy to navigate — a golf cart or bike ride makes for a genuinely enjoyable way to spend the day.
Things To Do in Freeport
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Freeport offers excellent beaches, water activities, and natural attractions — all with far fewer crowds than Nassau:
Beaches — Freeport's beaches are the main event. Lucaya Beach, Taino Beach, Fortune Beach, Gold Rock Beach, and Coral Beach all offer beautiful Caribbean water. Gold Rock Beach within Lucayan National Park is the most stunning — wide, wild, and almost always empty.
Shark Diving, Snorkeling, Cave Diving & Scuba — Crystal-clear water makes Freeport an ideal location for water activities. The island has excellent dive sites and snorkel spots along its reefs. Several operators offer shark dive experiences for the adventurous.
Lucayan National Park — Home to Gold Rock Beach and one of the world's longest known underwater cave systems. Hike the trails through mangroves and pine forests to reach the beach — an extraordinary natural environment that most cruise passengers never discover.
Garden of the Groves — A carefully maintained 12-acre garden of local wildlife and plants with water features and birds. Easy to spend a few relaxed hours enjoying the natural ambience — a nice contrast to beach days.
Port Lucaya Marketplace — The main hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Freeport. Even if shopping isn't your priority, the waterfront setting and lively atmosphere make it a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
Beaches & Outdoors in Freeport
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Grand Bahama's beaches are among the best in the Bahamas — and far less crowded than Nassau. The further east you go, the more pristine and empty they become:
Gold Rock Beach
Located within Lucayan National Park — the island's most beautiful beach. Wide, wild, and empty on most days. One of the finest beaches in the entire Bahamas. Worth the taxi fare without question.
Taino Beach
Closer to town with beach bars and watersports rentals. A social, fun atmosphere — good for those who want amenities alongside beautiful water. Home to Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience.
Xanadu Beach
Near the old Xanadu resort — calm, clean, and relatively quiet. A pleasant beach without the crowds of the more popular spots.
Lucaya Beach & Fortune Beach
Near the Port Lucaya Marketplace — convenient for combining a beach visit with shopping and dining. Good swimming and a relaxed atmosphere.
Shopping in Freeport
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Freeport is known for duty-free shopping — know your duty-free allowances before you start spending. The Port Lucaya Marketplace is now the primary shopping and dining hub:
Port Lucaya Marketplace
The main shopping and entertainment hub in Freeport — clothing, jewelry, art, and souvenirs all in one place. Also has a good selection of restaurants and bars. The most vibrant area currently operating on the island.
Duty-Free Shopping
Freeport has long been known for duty-free opportunities — particularly jewelry, liquor, and perfume. Confirm your home country's duty-free allowances before purchasing to avoid unexpected charges at customs.
International Bazaar
The once-famous International Bazaar is largely closed following Hurricane Dorian and has not fully recovered. Check current conditions before making a special trip — the Port Lucaya Marketplace is the better option for shopping.
Dining in Freeport
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Fresh Bahamian seafood is the star in Freeport — conch in every form, lobster, and fresh fish are all excellent. The Port Lucaya Marketplace has a good range of casual restaurants and bars:
Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience
Taino Beach
A fabulously named thatch-roof beach shack serving some of the best conch on the island — conch burgers, cracked conch, lobster, and classic Bahamian basics. Casual, unpretentious, and delicious.
Banana Bay
Fortune Bay Drive
A fun, beachy restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and good food. A solid local option for a casual lunch or afternoon drink by the water.
Port Lucaya Marketplace Restaurants
The marketplace has a variety of dining options from casual to sit-down — the best concentration of restaurants currently operating in Freeport. Good for exploring multiple options in one area.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Garden of the Groves & City Tour
⏱ 4 hours · Easy activity
This narrated bus tour takes you along the scenic Sunrise Highway to the lush forest with winding trails and waterfalls ...
Book This Tour →Freeport – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Freeport Bahamas known for?
Freeport is the main city on Grand Bahama Island. It's known for duty-free shopping, beautiful beaches, the Garden of the Groves botanical garden, and good snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Is Freeport the same as Nassau?
No — Freeport is on Grand Bahama Island, the northernmost major island in the Bahamas. Nassau is the capital on New Providence Island, about 100 miles south. They are separate cruise ports.
Is Freeport safe for cruise passengers?
Freeport is generally safe for tourists in the main cruise and resort areas. Exercise normal caution.
How far is Freeport from Miami?
Freeport is approximately 85 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida — one of the closest Caribbean destinations to the US mainland.
Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos
Real tips from real cruisers who've visited Freeport.
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