🌴 Paradise Awaits – Book Your Escape Today!

Bahamas Day Trip from Fort Lauderdale

Crystal beaches, turquoise water, island vibes – all in just one incredible day. From $155!

Book Your Day Trip Now
2-3 Hour Ferry Ride
5-7 Hours on Island
Same-Day Return
Pick Your Paradise

Choose Your Bahamas Day Adventure

Whether you're craving a quick beach escape or want to explore island culture, we've got the perfect day trip for you. All trips depart from Fort Lauderdale – no Miami confusion here!

Bimini Day Trip

$155

+ taxes | Round trip

  • Fastest route: Just 2 hours each way!
  • Island time: 6-7 hours to explore
  • Radio Beach: Famous white sand & crystal water
  • Hilton Beach Club: Optional day pass available
  • Perfect for: First-timers & cruise passengers
  • Schedule: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday
Book Bimini Adventure

Freeport Day Trip

$265

+ taxes | Round trip

  • Travel time: 3 hours to Grand Bahama
  • Island time: 5 hours exploring
  • Port Lucaya: Shopping, dining & entertainment
  • Gold Rock Beach: Stunning natural beauty nearby
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers & beach explorers
  • Schedule: Tuesday & Saturday departures
Book Freeport Escape

Multi-Day Package

$398+

2 nights | Ferry + Hotel

  • Includes: Round-trip ferry tickets
  • Accommodation: 2 nights hotel stay
  • Upgrade: Hilton at Resorts World Bimini
  • More time: Really experience island life
  • Best value: Bundle discount included
  • Perfect for: Weekend getaways & celebrations
View Packages
The Real Talk

Bimini vs Freeport: Which One's for You?

Both islands are gorgeous, but they vibe differently. Here's the honest breakdown so you pick the right paradise for your day trip!

Choose Bimini If...

  • You want the quickest escape (just 2 hours!)
  • It's your first time taking a ferry to the Bahamas
  • You're prone to seasickness (shorter ride = easier)
  • You prefer a small, walkable island vibe
  • Beach time is your main priority
  • You're on a cruise ship with limited time
  • You want that classic Caribbean postcard feel

Choose Freeport If...

  • You don't mind a slightly longer ferry ride (3 hours)
  • You want variety beyond just beaches
  • Shopping and dining options matter to you
  • You love exploring nature (Gold Rock Beach!)
  • You prefer fewer crowds and more space
  • You're into diving or fishing adventures
  • You want a more "local" Bahamas experience
Pro Tips

Make Your Day Trip Epic

Learn from folks who've done this a hundred times. These insider tips will save you time, money, and make your Bahamas day trip absolutely unforgettable!

Book Early & Save Big

Ferry prices jump 30-40% last minute! Book at least a week ahead for the best deals. Friday and Saturday departures fill up fast, especially during winter and spring break. Pro move: Tuesday and Wednesday trips are usually cheaper and less crowded.

Arrive Stupid Early

Check-in opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 7:50 AM for the 9:00 AM departure. Boarding closes at 8:00 AM sharp – they won't wait! Get there by 6:30 AM to avoid stress. Parking at Port Everglades is $20/day. Coffee shops nearby if you're early!

Passport is a MUST

US passport or passport card required – no exceptions! Make sure it's valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Leave your passport card at home if you have the book version. You'll go through customs both ways, so have it ready!

Beat Seasickness Like a Pro

Take Dramamine or Bonine the night before AND morning of – trust us on this! The ferry crosses the Gulf Stream, which can get choppy. Sit in the back-middle of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and skip the heavy breakfast. You'll thank us later!

Pre-Book Island Transport

Bimini: Golf cart rentals ($80/day) at the dock – book while on the ferry over! Freeport: Taxis to Port Lucaya are $15, but limited. Book ahead in peak season. Or arrange rental car pickup at the ferry terminal if you want to explore more.

Pack Smart, Travel Light

Bring reef-safe sunscreen (regular kind harms coral!), swimsuit, towel, and cash for tips & beach rentals. Small cooler bag with snacks and drinks saves money. Waterproof phone case for beach photos. Don't overpack – you'll be lugging it around all day!

Skip the Crowds

Everyone hits the main beaches first. Go explore the quiet spots! In Bimini, walk 10 minutes past Radio Beach for your own private paradise. In Freeport, ask locals for their favorite swimming holes. You didn't come to the Bahamas to fight for beach space!

Budget Smart

Ferry ticket ($155-$265) + lunch ($25-40) + golf cart/taxi ($15-80) + beach rentals ($20-40) + souvenirs ($30-50) = roughly $250-500 total per person for the day. Bring cash for small vendors who don't take cards. ATM fees on islands are brutal!

Got Questions?

Day Trip FAQs

Everything you need to know before booking your Bahamas day trip. We've answered the most common questions right here!

Where exactly does the ferry leave from?

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale (Terminal 21) – NOT Miami! It's about 30 minutes north of Miami Beach, 20 minutes from Hollywood Beach. Don't fall for old websites saying "Miami to Bimini" – that service ended years ago. GPS: Port Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Can I really do this in one day and not feel rushed?

Absolutely! Bimini gives you 6-7 hours on the island – plenty for beach time, lunch, golf cart exploring, and souvenir shopping. Freeport gives you 5 hours. It's tight but doable. If you want to really relax, consider the 2-night package instead. Day trips are perfect for "testing" the Bahamas before a longer vacation!

What if the weather's bad?

Balearia Caribbean rarely cancels (maybe 2-3 times per year for hurricanes). If they do, you get a full refund or reschedule free. Rough seas? The ferry handles it fine, but bring seasickness meds. Check weather forecast 2 days before and adjust expectations. Rain showers in Bahamas usually pass in 20 minutes!

Is this good for kids? What age?

Kids 5+ usually LOVE it! The ferry ride itself is an adventure. Bimini's beaches are super calm and shallow – perfect for little ones. Freeport has more to explore if your kids get bored easily. Pack snacks for the boat, dramamine if they're prone to motion sickness, and prepare for sandy everything when you get home!

Do I need to book activities in advance?

Not really for a day trip! Golf cart rental in Bimini you can book on the ferry over. Beach clubs take walk-ins. Restaurants don't need reservations. The only exception: if you want to do a specific excursion (shark diving, fishing charter), book that 2-3 days ahead minimum. Otherwise, just wing it and go with the island flow!

Can I bring alcohol back to the US?

Yes! US Customs allows 1 liter of alcohol per adult (21+) duty-free. Bahamian rum makes a great souvenir! Just declare it when you go through customs on return. Don't try to sneak extra bottles – not worth the hassle. Also, duty-free shopping in Bimini can save you 20-30% on liquor compared to US prices.

Your Island Paradise Awaits

Don't just dream about white sand beaches and turquoise water – you could be there tomorrow! Book your Bahamas day trip now and escape to paradise.

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