Last updated: July 21, 2026 · Sources: Baleària Caribbean, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
A Bahamas ferry day trip is one of the easiest ways to set foot on the islands without booking hotels or taking days off work. Leave Fort Lauderdale on the 9 AM Baleària Caribbean catamaran, spend the bulk of the day in Bimini, and ride the evening ferry back to Florida the same night.
TL;DR — Bahamas Day Trip in 5 Bullets
- Operator: Baleària Caribbean (only same-day ferry option from Florida).
- Route: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale → Bimini, ~2 hours each way on a high-speed catamaran.
- Schedule: Typically depart 9:00 AM, return 6:00 PM (winter) to 8:00 PM (summer); roughly 3 sailings per week.
- Round-trip price: economy from about $190; premium ~$30 more each way; expect $50–70 in taxes/fees on top.
- Passport required for U.S. citizens (passport book — Baleària does not accept passport cards).
Day Trip Quick Facts
- Departure: 9:00 AM (occasionally 8:00 AM) from Fort Lauderdale
- Arrival Bimini: 11:00 AM
- Return Departure: 6-8 PM (seasonal)
- Island Time: 7-9 hours
- Price: From ~$190 round-trip + taxes
- Operator: Baleària Caribbean
Bahamas Day Trip Itinerary
Here's our recommended schedule for maximizing your day trip to Bimini:
What to Do on a Bimini Day Trip
Radio Beach
The main beach, 15-min walk from ferry. Calm water, white sand, beach chairs for rent. Perfect for families.
Snorkeling
Colorful fish right off Radio Beach. Rent gear at the dock ($15) or bring your own. Honeymoon Harbour has stingrays!
Beach Bars
Try the rum punch at Sabor or Big John's. Local vibes, cold drinks, island music. This is what vacation feels like.
Conch Salad
Stuart's Conch Stand is famous. Watch them make it fresh - lime, onion, peppers, and fresh-caught conch. A must-try!
Bailey Town Walk
Colorful Bahamian village. Gift shops, local restaurants, Hemingway's old haunt. Get a feel for island life.
Golf Cart Tour
Rent a cart ($80/day, split with friends) and explore the whole island. North Bimini is only 7 miles long!
Day Trip Costs Breakdown
| Item | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Ticket (Round-Trip, economy) | ~$190 | ~$245 (premium) |
| Taxes & Fees (Bahamas + U.S.) | $50–70 | $50–70 |
| Parking at Port Everglades (1 day) | $15 | $20 |
| Lunch on Bimini | $20 | $40 |
| Drinks | $15 | $30 |
| Golf Cart (split 4 ways) | $20 | $20 |
| Snorkel Rental | $0 (bring own) | $15 |
| TOTAL per Person | ~$310–340 | ~$420–450 |
What to Pack for a Bahamas Day Trip
Essential Documents
- Valid passport book
- Booking confirmation
- Cash ($100-150 USD)
- Credit card (backup)
Beach Gear
- Swimsuit (wear it!)
- Towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Snorkel gear (optional)
Comfort Items
- Change of clothes
- Flip flops + water shoes
- Hat or cap
- Light cover-up
Smart Additions
- Snacks & water
- Seasickness meds
- Waterproof phone case
- Small cooler bag
Where to Stay if You Extend the Trip
Halfway through the day, plenty of visitors decide one afternoon is not enough. If you want to stay overnight (or set up a Florida-side base before/after the ferry), here are the most-booked options near both ports. Booking through these links supports BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
Hotels in Bimini (overnight option)
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini
From ~$280/night
Largest resort on the island. Marina, beach club, casino, and the cleanest pool deck on Bimini. Walk-in distance from the ferry terminal at Resorts World.
Check Availability
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
From ~$200/night
Classic Bahamian fishing-resort vibe in the heart of Alice Town. Walk to Stuart's Conch Stand, the bars, and Radio Beach in 5–10 minutes.
Check AvailabilityPre-Ferry Hotels near Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
The 9:00 AM ferry checks in early — sleeping a 5-minute drive from the terminal makes the whole trip painless.
Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a small commission when you book through links on this page. The price you pay does not change. Learn more.
Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay
Wondering if a day trip is enough? Here's how they compare:
| Factor | Day Trip | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Island Time | 7-9 hours | 24+ hours |
| Cost (per person) | $300-400 | $600-800+ |
| See Sunset? | Summer only | Yes |
| Nightlife | No | Yes |
| Morning Snorkeling | No | Yes (best time!) |
| Best For | First-timers, limited time | Extended relaxation |
Our verdict: Day trips are perfect for a first visit, weekenders, or anyone on a budget. If you love it (you will), book an overnight trip next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! 7 hours is plenty for a satisfying day trip. You can enjoy 3-4 hours of beach time, have a leisurely lunch, explore Bailey Town, and still have time to spare. Most first-time visitors find it's the perfect introduction to the Bahamas.
Technically yes, but it's not ideal. The Freeport ferry takes 3 hours each way (6 hours total travel), leaving only 5-6 hours on the island. Freeport is also larger and harder to explore quickly. Bimini is much better suited for day trips.
Don't miss it! There's only one ferry per day. If you miss it, you'll need to book a last-minute hotel (expensive, $200+) and buy a new one-way ticket for the next departure. Set multiple alarms and be at the terminal 30 minutes early.
Absolutely! Kids love the ferry ride (bring snacks and entertainment), and Radio Beach has calm, shallow water perfect for children. Reduced child fares are usually available — check the exact rate for your dates on the official Baleària calendar when you book. Bring plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Mid-week sailings (typically Tuesday/Wednesday) and shoulder-season dates (post-Easter through May, and September/early November outside hurricane peaks) tend to land in the lowest fare buckets. Friday and Saturday peak-season departures often run $50–80 above the off-peak round-trip price. Always compare on the official Baleària calendar — buckets shift week to week.
Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid U.S. passport book for the Baleària ferry to Bimini. Baleària does not accept passport cards for boarding. Children under 16 traveling with parents may use a certified U.S. birth certificate, but a passport is strongly recommended. Non-U.S. citizens should check Bahamas entry rules at travel.state.gov and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
No. There is currently no same-day passenger ferry from Florida to Nassau, and the West Palm Beach → Freeport overnight ferry (Margaritaville at Sea) is structured as a 2-day cruise, not a same-day round-trip. The only true ferry day trip from Florida to the Bahamas in 2026 is Fort Lauderdale → Bimini with Baleària Caribbean. The earlier Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line was discontinued in 2022.
Ready to Plan Your Bahamas Day Trip?
Book your ferry tickets and experience paradise in a day
Book Baleària Day Trip Bimini Ferry Details Find a HotelThings to Do When You Arrive
Make the most of your day trip! Check out our destination guides:
- 30+ Things to Do in Freeport - beaches, nature parks, duty-free shopping
- 35+ Things to Do in Nassau - Atlantis, Cable Beach, historic sites
- Swimming Pigs & Exuma Adventures - nurse sharks, Thunderball Grotto