A short South Florida crossing to Grand Bahama
This is one of the region’s simplest island flights. The distance is roughly 84 nautical miles, so block times are short and schedules are easy to shape for a weekend or mid‑week escape. Turboprops keep costs efficient for small groups, while light jets add speed and cabin height without changing the flight plan.
Freeport anchors Grand Bahama’s hotels, marinas, and services. You land close to Lucaya and reach beaches and dining without a long drive. Weather is usually straightforward on this route; winter fronts or summer pop‑ups can add light bumps over the Gulf Stream, but rarely force major changes.
Recommended Aircraft
King Air 260
Rough Estimate
$9,700 (Round Trip)
Capacity
7 People
Flight Time
45 Minutes
Work with a team who knows Grand Bahama
Flying private to Freeport is easy when the details are handled the right way. We source operators that fly this corridor regularly, confirm handling at Grand Bahama International, and set conservative block times so plans hold. If you're meeting up with commercial airline travelers, we'll tailor the departure around Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood; otherwise Executive keeps things quick. Expect a single written quote with aircraft details, inclusions, and a sensible timetable. One advisor stays with your booking from first call to takeoff.
All price estimates are for a round-trip, Friday through Sunday itinerary. Actual quotes vary depending on factors like season, available aircraft and more. Your quoted price may be more or less than the estimates on this page.
Phenom 300E
7 people
$12,900
Learjet 45XR
8 people
$15,700
Citation Longitude
9 people
$20,000
Falcon 900EX
14 people
$23,500
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International offers the broadest FBO choice and an 8,000‑foot primary runway suitable for any charter jet. Nearby Fort Lauderdale Executive stays purely general‑aviation, shaving curb‑to‑take‑off time for northwest Broward flyers. Freeport’s Grand Bahama International handles all jet arrivals, while West End’s shorter strip appeals to anglers staying on the island’s western tip.
Departing Fort Lauderdale
100 Terminal Dr., Fort Lauderdale FL 33315
6000 NW 21st Ave., Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
5001 NW 42nd Ave., Opa‑locka FL 33054
Arriving Freeport
Airport Rd., Freeport, Bahamas
West End Airport Rd., West End, Bahamas
Freeport keeps transfers short and days easy.
Stay in the main resort district and you're minutes from beaches, dining, and the marina. Gold Rock Beach is the low‑tide showpiece in Lucayan National Park. Families often choose Taino Beach for facilities. Garden of the Groves offers shaded paths and a café when you want a break from the shoreline.
On this short crossing, the meaningful differences are cabin size, cost, and baggage space. A King Air 260 fits four to seven travelers with room for weekend luggage. A light jet such as a CJ3+ adds speed. We recommend based on your party, bags, and schedule.
Because of the short distance, cabin and baggage capacity matter more than speed. The King Air 260 carries typical weekend bags easily. Many light jets carry more. Expect ~65 cu ft on a CJ3+ and ~84 cu ft on a Phenom 300E, which is useful when your group brings bulky gear.
Conch, Coral & Caverns
Pine forest paths unveil Lucayan history panels, a bird‑watching deck, and a 700‑year‑old hardwood dubbed “Grandfather Tree.”
Every July, cowbells echo through downtown as costumed dancers parade Bay Street and stalls serve spiced conch fritters.
The world’s longest charted underwater cavern system begins behind a humble park gate; freedivers glimpse stalactites 60 ft below.
Evenings fill with live rake‑and‑scrape bands; sip Goombay Smash while sailboats ease past the harbor lights.
Yes. The Bahamas requires a valid passport book with one blank page. Your pilot files outbound eAPIS, and immigration officers stamp passports planeside in Freeport.
Yes. Grand Bahama International has an approximately 11,000‑foot runway and full handling, accommodating everything from turboprops to large‑cabin jets.
New Year’s, Easter, and U.S. Memorial Day see increased inbound traffic. Confirming five to seven days ahead secures morning departures and avoids surcharge windows.
Dogs and cats may enter with a Bahamas import permit and a veterinarian certificate dated within 48 hours. Apply online at least ten business days before travel.
Most light jets offer air‑to‑ground Wi‑Fi that activates ten minutes after take‑off. Turboprops may lack connectivity; request an equipped tail if real‑time email matters.