The boat ride from the Miami area (typically departing from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades) to Grand Bahama Island usually takes between 3 and 5 hours depending on the vessel and weather conditions. As of 2026, the primary operator is Baleària Caribbean, which runs a high-speed ferry that can complete the crossing to Freeport in approximately 3 hours on a calm day. This route covers roughly 94 miles (82 nautical miles) across the Gulf Stream. While the high-speed ferry is faster than a traditional cruise ship, which might take an entire night to arrive, it is slower than a flight, which takes only 45 minutes. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays during the Atlantic hurricane season (June–November) or during winter cold fronts, which can cause rough seas and longer crossing times or even temporary cancellations for passenger comfort and safety.