How much does a ferry to the Bahamas cost from Florida?

A round-trip ferry ticket to Bimini typically costs $200 while a trip to Freeport on Grand Bahama is around $225 including basic taxes. Prices fluctuate based on season and how early you book. You should also factor in the $15 daily fee for leaving your car at the Port Everglades terminal garage.

Do I need a passport for a boat trip to the Bahamas?

Yes. You must present a valid physical passport to board any ferry departing from Florida for the Bahamas. Driver licenses, birth certificates, and digital copies are not accepted for international sea travel. You will be denied boarding at the gate without a physical passport booklet.

How long is the ferry ride from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas?

The fast ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini takes 2 hours, arriving around 11:00 AM. Reaching Freeport on Grand Bahama takes about 3 hours, arriving around noon. Total logistical time is longer when you add the mandatory 2.5-hour check-in window and customs clearance upon arrival, which can take an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

Is a day trip to the Bahamas worth it?

A day trip is worth it if you prioritize Bimini, use the priority disembarkation wristband, and travel with only a backpack. You get roughly 6 hours on the island, which is enough for the beach and a local lunch. The trip feels rushed if you spend time waiting in customs or checking bags, so keeping your luggage minimal is the single biggest factor in how good the day feels.

How early do I need to arrive at Port Everglades for the ferry?

Arrive at the terminal at least 2.5 hours before the 9:00 AM departure, meaning you should be there by 6:30 AM. Terminal doors typically close one hour before departure. Arriving late will result in missing your ferry, with no refund for late arrivals.

Can I rent a golf cart in Bimini for the day?

You can rent a golf cart in Bimini for approximately $100 per cart, but walking is often a better alternative for solo travelers or couples. North Bimini is roughly two miles long and the main beaches and the Hilton resort are within walking distance of the tram stops. Golf carts make more sense for groups of three or four splitting the cost.

What is the best way to avoid seasickness on the Bahamas ferry?

Take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure. Sit on the lower deck near the center of the vessel where the rolling motion is less intense. Bring a light jacket as the ferry is heavily air-conditioned, which can worsen nausea for some passengers. Focusing on the horizon from the outdoor deck for a few minutes also helps your inner ear adjust.

What time does the ferry return to Florida from the Bahamas?

The Bimini ferry typically departs the Bahamas in the early evening, docking back at Port Everglades around 10:00 PM. You must go through US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival, which adds 30 minutes to over an hour depending on luggage. Plan to be back at the Bimini port no later than 90 minutes before the return departure.

Can you do a day trip to Grand Bahama from Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, but the time on the island is tight. The Grand Bahama route takes 3 hours each way, leaving you roughly 5 hours in Freeport. Pre-booking excursions through the ferry operator is strongly recommended since taxis are scarce at the commercial port. The route operates fewer days per week than the Bimini service, so check the current Balearia Caribbean schedule before booking.

Boat Trips to Bahamas from Florida: Costs & Travel Times

Q: Are there extra fees to use resort facilities in Bimini?

Yes. The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini charges $30 for a day pass that covers pool and beach access. Public beaches like Radio Beach are free but offer no shaded seating or amenities. The day pass is worth it if you want a reliable base with clean restrooms and comfortable lounge chairs for the afternoon.

Booking a day trip ferry to the Bahamas without factoring in the mandatory customs line will ruin your tight island schedule. Knowing exactly how to navigate the Port Everglades boarding process and prioritize your limited hours on the ground is the only way to make this quick Caribbean escape worthwhile.

Departure Point: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
Bimini Ferry Travel Time: 2 hours
Bimini Average Round-Trip Cost: $200
Grand Bahama Travel Time: 3 hours
Grand Bahama Average Round-Trip Cost: $225
Terminal Parking Fee: $15 per day
Required Documents: Valid Passport (driver licenses are not accepted for ferry travel)

Ferry vs. Cruise to the Bahamas: Which Makes Sense for You?

Choosing between a fast ferry and a standard cruise completely changes your island experience. Traditional cruise ships offer massive onboard entertainment, but they consume a large portion of your day just moving between ports. You spend more time on the water than on the actual island. Fast ferries are strictly logistical tools built for speed.

Balearia Caribbean operates the primary high-speed ferry service from South Florida. This vessel strips away the lavish pools and casinos found on cruise ships. Your ticket buys you a seat, a small cafeteria, and direct access to the Bahamian coastline in record time. This is the smartest choice for travelers who want maximum on-the-ground exploration. The boat is heavily air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket regardless of the outdoor temperature.

High-speed ferry docked at Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades terminal for Bahamas departure — The journey starts at Port Everglades where high-speed ferries bridge the gap between Florida and the Caribbean.

Ferries from Florida: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini

Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States coast. The physical distance is roughly 50 miles, making it the prime target for quick getaways. You must arrive at the Port Everglades terminal in Fort Lauderdale at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled 9:00 AM departure. The boarding process resembles an airport layout with security checks and passport verification.

Aerial view of clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches in North Bimini Bahamas — Bimini offers some of the clearest waters in the world just fifty miles off the Florida coast.

Real Travel Times and Port Everglades Boarding

The ferry ride itself takes exactly 2 hours to reach North Bimini. However, the clock does not stop when the boat docks at 11:00 AM. Day-trip passengers receive priority disembarkation wristbands. Use this advantage immediately. Customs clearance for a fully loaded vessel easily consumes another 30 to 45 minutes of your island time. Do not linger on the lower decks.

On the return side, plan to be back at the Bimini port no later than 90 minutes before the ferry departs, which is typically around 6:00 PM. The return US Customs line at Port Everglades can add another 30 to 60 minutes once you dock at 10:00 PM. Traveling with only a small backpack and no checked luggage shaves a full hour off that process.

The Reality of Seasickness on Fast Ferries

High-speed vessels cutting through the open Atlantic are highly susceptible to ocean swells. The ride gets noticeably rocky within the first thirty minutes. Seasickness is a very real threat here. Take motion sickness medication before boarding the ship. Securing a window seat on the lower deck near the center of the vessel significantly reduces the physical sensation of the waves.

What to Bring

Pack light. A small day backpack is all you need. Essentials: passport, sunscreen, cash (USD is widely accepted), a towel or beach wrap, and a portable phone charger since the ferry's outlets are limited. Note that Bimini drives on the left side of the road, which catches many American visitors off guard when crossing the street.

Arriving in Bimini: Avoiding Tourist Traps

Stepping off the dock in Alice Town puts you right in front of the local vendor crowd. Everyone pushes heavily marked-up services. The immediate area around the port is loud and the vendor stalls are packed. Resist the urge to buy the first package offered to you. The free open-air tram shuttle waits just beyond the vendor line. Board the tram to reach the main commercial zones.

Do You Really Need a Golf Cart?

Local operators aggressively market golf cart rentals for around $100 per cart per day. Most day-trippers rent them without thinking twice. North Bimini is roughly two miles long and entirely walkable if you have basic physical stamina. Walking south towards Radio Beach reveals hidden local shops and much quieter coastal stretches. The southern end of the island is incredibly serene, the waters completely clear. Save your money and explore on foot.

Colorful Caribbean architecture and tropical streets in Alice Town North Bimini — Exploring the vibrant streets of Alice Town reveals the authentic heart of the island beyond the tourist docks.

Resort Day Passes vs. Public Beaches

Many online guides push expensive beach club passes for premium lounging. You have a better alternative. The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini offers a day pass for $30. This grants you access to pool decks, clean facilities, and direct beach proximity without the massive club price tag. A shuttle runs every 15 to 20 minutes from the port. Public beaches like Radio Beach are free but offer no shaded seating or amenities.

Trips to Grand Bahama from Florida

Travelers looking for a slightly larger destination often choose Freeport on Grand Bahama island. This route takes roughly 3 hours each way, with the ferry departing at 9:00 AM and arriving around noon. The return departs Freeport at 6:00 PM, docking back in Fort Lauderdale around 9:00 PM. Freeport offers deeper infrastructure than Bimini, featuring Lucayan National Park and extensive underwater cave systems.

The logistical challenge here is time management. A longer ferry ride leaves you with barely five hours of daylight on the island. Booking pre-arranged excursions directly through the ferry operator secures your transport from the Freeport dock to the main beaches. Taxis are scarce at the commercial port.

Important Travel Requirements for 2026

International border rules apply strictly to these short voyages. The Bahamian government mandates a valid passport for all arriving ferry passengers. You must carry the physical booklet. Digital copies or birth certificates lead to instant boarding denial in Florida. This applies to all travelers including children.

Infinity pool at Hilton Resorts World Bimini overlooking the Caribbean Sea — A resort day pass provides a comfortable base camp with premium amenities for your afternoon in the sun.

Returning to the United States introduces the final hurdle of the day. The ferry docks back in Fort Lauderdale around 10:00 PM. Passengers with checked luggage wait significantly longer to disembark. Travel with only a small day backpack. Walking straight through US Customs and Immigration with just your passport and a backpack shaves a full hour off your return journey.

Boat Trips to the Bahamas from Florida: Ferries, Costs & Real Travel Times