Located close by the coast of Florida, the Bahamas have become a popular day trip spot from the southeast part of the state. But what can you expect on a Miami to Freeport Bahamas day trip? And is there a better way to get a taste of the country?
Keep reading to find out.
Should You Take a Miami to Freeport Bahamas Day Trip?
Freeport 101
Freeport is one of the two destinations to which ferries from the U.S. travel. Like all of the islands in the Bahamas, it has some beautiful sites. That said, ferry operators choose to go there because of its proximity — it’s around 110 miles away from Miami.
Some of the top sites in Freeport include:
- Taino Beach
- Lucaya Beach
- Cooper’s Castle
- Peterson Cay National Park
All of these attractions are beautiful and can make for an enjoyable day trip to Freeport Bahamas. However, given the popularity of the Miami to Freeport Bahamas ferry, most of them are often packed to the brim with people. That’s caused Freeport to become something of a tourist trap.
While you can still find glimmers of the authentic Bahamian culture, it’s become hidden by the commercialized nature of the island.
The Ferry From Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Bahamas
The Miami to Freeport Bahamas boat is massive.
The ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport Bahamas appeals to travelers for its convenience. However, the travel company that operates the boat often markets their trips disingenuously.
For one thing, many travelers don’t understand just how long a journey the ferry ride requires. While Freeport may only be 110 miles away from Miami, the boat travels at a relatively slow speed. Expect the trip to take three hours, and sometimes more, depending on the weather.
The boat ride, in general, is also an uncomfortable experience. While cruising over the Atlantic might sound romantic, it’s often anything but. The open water can often be rough, and many passengers end up feeling sick. You also share the boat with dozens of other travelers, further reminding you that you’re just a number for the tour company.
The Exumas 101
While Freeport, Bimini, and other destinations close to the continental United States may be touristy and crowded, the Exumas are anything but. If you’re unfamiliar with them, the Exumas are a chain of 365 islands farther south in the archipelago. With their vividly-blue water and snow-white beaches, many experts consider them to be the prettiest part of the country.
While the Exumas have become busier in recent years due to their beauty, they still lack the crowds of other cruise ship and ferry hubs like Freeport. If you’re hesitant about signing up for a Miami to Freeport Bahamas day trip, Bahamas day trips to the Exumas might be your answer.
Some of the top places to visit in the Exumas include:
- Staniel Cay
- Georgetown
- Big Major Cay/Pig Beach
- Just about anywhere!
Getting to the Exumas
In the past, the Exumas were quite a challenge to get to. Most travelers could only reach them on a day trip from Nassau Bahamas, and they were completely out of reach of tourists from the continental U.S. Now, however, there’s a very easy way to get to them: air travel!
By skipping the trip from Miami to Freeport Bahamas by boat, you can enjoy all the benefits that go along with traveling by air. These include:
- Fewer crowds: Don’t worry about having to share a boat with dozens of other people. Travelers get to enjoy luxurious private-class planes, with each passenger getting their own window seat.
- A faster journey: Remember that going from Miami to Freeport Bahamas by boat requires a journey of six total hours. In contrast, flying by plane gets you to the more beautiful Exumas in around two hours.
- Not just a number: Bahamas day trips by plane ensure that each traveler feels like a person, not just a number. There are myriad ways to personalize trips and ensure that everyone has the best experience possible.
Air travel is the best way to enjoy Bahamas day trips.
See the Exuma Pigs
No trip to the Bahamas is complete without a trip to Big Major Cay, or as most people know it, Pig Island. Unfortunately, you won’t get to see them when you sign up for a Miami to Freeport Bahamas day trip. But when you travel by air to the Exumas, you will.
The Bahamas swimming pigs live on an island all by themselves. There are no people on the island, just some goats and cats that keep them company.
However, the pigs are friendly and love to greet visitors as they approach the island. As your boat approaches the island, the pigs will leap in the water to come out and greet you. Feel free to hop in the water to be with them and appreciate the fact that you skipped the Miami to Freeport Bahamas day trip!
Traveling from Miami to Freeport Bahamas doesn’t let you see the famous Exuma pigs.
Bahamas day trips by plane let you see the famous Exuma pigs, as well as other fantastic sites in the surrounding area, including:
- Staniel Cay
- Nurse sharks at Compass Cay
- Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
- Sand bars at Pipe Creek
- An underwater plane wreck
- Thunderball Grotto
A Better Option Than the Miami to Freeport Bahamas Day Trip
The Miami to Freeport Bahamas day trip is a popular travel option many tourists take advantage of. That said, it has some drawbacks, which is why traveling by air is the better option.
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