Last updated: July 30, 2026 · By Mark Sullivan · Reviewed against Baleària Caribbean, Western Air and Bahamasair schedules & Bahamas Ministry of Tourism guidance
This 7-day Bahamas island hopping itinerary takes you from Florida to three islands: Bimini's beaches (reached by ferry from Fort Lauderdale), Nassau's historic core plus the Atlantis resort, and Exuma — home to the world-famous swimming pigs. It is built for travelers who want to experience the real Bahamas, not a single all-inclusive resort.
TL;DR — At a Glance
- Route: Fort Lauderdale → Bimini (ferry, ~2h) → Nassau (Western Air, ~30 min) → Exuma/George Town (Bahamasair, ~45 min) → Nassau → home.
- Cost per person: from $1,800 budget · $2,800 mid-range · $4,800 luxury (2026).
- Operators: Balearia Caribbean (ferry), Western Air (Bimini–Nassau), Bahamasair (Nassau–Exuma).
- Best months: Mid-Dec to Apr (best weather), May & Nov (best value, shoulder season).
- What you need: valid U.S. passport (booklet, not card); 6-month validity recommended.
Sources: Baleària Caribbean (baleariacaribbean.com), Western Air (westernairbahamas.com), Bahamasair (bahamasair.com), Atlantis Paradise Island (atlantisbahamas.com), U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov); schedules and fares verified July 2026. Fares are indicative starting prices and change with date and demand — always reconfirm at booking.
Trip Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Bimini
Beach ParadiseStart your Bahamas adventure with the ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini. Just 2 hours across the Gulf Stream and you're in paradise. Bimini offers some of the closest Bahamian beaches to Florida, excellent snorkeling, and easygoing local culture.
🚢 Getting There
Baleària Caribbean Ferry: Departs Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) in the morning and reaches Bimini in about 2 hours. Fares start from $115 + tax one-way, with round trips from roughly $230 + tax per person. Port Everglades has several cruise terminals and Baleària's check-in has moved before — check your ticket for the exact terminal rather than relying on last year's directions. Schedules and prices vary by day and season; check current departures on our ferry deals page or directly with Baleària Caribbean.
Day 1 Schedule
Depart for Port Everglades
Arrive at the Baleària check-in desk by 7:30 AM — check-in closes 90 min before departure. Confirm the terminal number on your ticket; it is not always the same one.
Ferry Departure
Roughly 2-hour crossing across the Gulf Stream — watch for dolphins
Arrive Bimini
Clear customs, taxi to hotel ($15), check in
Radio Beach
The main beach - swim, snorkel, relax. Rent beach chairs ($10)
Lunch at Stuart's Conch Stand
Fresh conch salad made right in front of you - a must!
Explore Alice Town
Walk the colorful streets, visit shops, see Hemingway's old haunts
Sunset Dinner
Fresh seafood at Big John's Bar & Grill with ocean views
Day 2 Schedule
Breakfast
Local breakfast at Captain Bob's - try the johnny cakes
Snorkeling at Honeymoon Harbour
Book a boat tour ($60) to swim with stingrays
Golf Cart Island Tour
Rent a cart (~$80/day) and explore North Bimini — keep it short today, the last flight out is mid-afternoon
Pack & Transfer to South Bimini Airport
Allow around 30 minutes: the airstrip is on South Bimini, so you cross by water taxi plus a short cab ride. Plan around the 15:20 departure — Western Air's last Bimini–Nassau flight of the day leaves mid-afternoon, not in the evening.
Fly Bimini → Nassau
About 30 minutes in the air, landing in Nassau around 15:50. Taxi to your hotel and keep the evening free.
Days 1-2 Estimated Costs
Days 3-5: Nassau & Paradise Island
Culture & AtlantisNassau is the busiest hub in the Bahamas — historic downtown, Cable Beach, and the Atlantis resort complex on Paradise Island. Three days here covers culture, beach time, and the most-photographed resort in the country.
✈️ Getting There
Flight from Bimini: Western Air is the only airline flying nonstop Bimini–Nassau, and the hop takes about 30 minutes. As of July 2026 it runs roughly 8 flights per week, with departures between about 10:20 and 15:20 — there is no early-morning or evening option, so build your Bimini day around a mid-afternoon flight. Fares start from about $198 one-way. Tropic Ocean Airways sells seaplane charter as a faster (and considerably pricier) alternative. Book early — capacity on this route is genuinely limited.
Day 3: Atlantis Day
Atlantis Aquaventure Access
Water park, aquarium, beach access. Important: non-guest day passes exist but must be bought in advance through atlantisbahamas.com or the Atlantis app, and daily quantities are capped — plenty of dates sell out or never open. Pricing is seasonal: from about $195 per adult (13+) and $95 per child (4–12), rising past $250 on peak spring-break and holiday dates. Check the booking calendar close to your trip, or stay one night in the resort, which includes access.
Lunch at Marina Village
Shops and restaurants overlooking the marina
Water Slides & Aquarium
Don't miss the Leap of Faith and Predator Tunnel
Dinner & Casino
Try your luck at the Atlantis Casino
Day 4: Historic Nassau & Beach
Downtown Walking Tour
Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Parliament Square
Fish Fry at Arawak Cay
Local hangout with the best fried fish & sky juice
Cable Beach
Relax on Nassau's famous beach, water sports available
Bay Street Nightlife
Bars, restaurants, and live music downtown
Day 5: Blue Lagoon Island
Blue Lagoon Island Excursion
Dolphin encounters, beach, water activities ($189)
Return & Pack
Prepare for early flight to Exuma tomorrow
Days 3-5 Estimated Costs
Days 6-7: Exuma & Swimming Pigs
Bucket List AdventureThe highlight of the trip — the famous swimming pigs of Exuma. The Exuma Cays also deliver swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, and some of the clearest water in the Caribbean.
✈️ Getting There
Flight from Nassau: Bahamasair flies Nassau (NAS) → George Town, Great Exuma (GGT) twice daily — UP370 at 06:50 and UP374 at 17:33 — with a block time of roughly 45 minutes. Round-trips typically run from $180–$250. Pineapple Air and Western Air also serve the route, taking the combined schedule to around 20 flights a week. Take the early flight: it is the one that gets you to George Town in time for a same-day pig tour.
Day 6: Swimming Pigs Day
Early Flight to Exuma (Bahamasair UP370)
Land at George Town (GGT) around 7:35 AM — this is the flight the whole day depends on
Swimming Pigs Tour Departs
Shared full-day boat tours from Great Exuma start from about $275–$400 per person including lunch and multiple stops. Private charters run from roughly $3,350 for up to 8 people. Note that several operators depart from Barraterre Dock, about a 55-minute drive north of George Town — check whether transfers are included before you book.
Big Major Cay - Swimming Pigs!
The famous pigs. Swim and take photos, and only offer food your operator hands you — the resident pigs are fed to a schedule and the crews ask visitors not to bring their own snacks.
Compass Cay - Nurse Sharks
Swim with friendly nurse sharks in the marina
Lunch on a Private Sandbar
Grilled lunch included in tour, swim in crystal water
Thunderball Grotto
Snorkel the famous James Bond movie location
Iguana Beach
Look, don't feed. Bahamian rock iguanas are critically endangered and protected under the Wild Animals (Protection) Act — handling or feeding them is prohibited, and the Bahamas National Trust has publicly called out visitors who do. Keep your distance and let the guides set the rules.
Return to George Town
Check into hotel, sunset drinks on the beach
Day 7: Departure
Beach Morning
Last swim at Tropic of Cancer Beach (one of the world's best!)
Flight to Nassau
Connect to Miami/Fort Lauderdale flight home
Days 6-7 Estimated Costs
Where to Stay on Each Island
Hotel inventory in the Bahamas is limited and books up early — especially in Bimini and Exuma. The interactive maps below pull live availability from multiple booking sites; clicks support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
Bimini — Days 1–2
Stay close to Alice Town for walkable restaurants and beach access, or splurge on the resort north of the harbour for water-park amenities and marina views. Most travelers only need one night between the morning ferry and the next-day flight.
Resorts World Bimini
North Bimini · Resort & marina · From ~$280/night
The largest property on the island: pool complex, casino, marina and several restaurants in one place. Listed for years as the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini — the Hilton branding has since been dropped, so you will still find the old name on some booking sites pointing at this same resort.
Check AvailabilityBimini Big John's
Alice Town · Mid-range · From ~$160/night
A small seven-room hotel walkable to the ferry dock, Radio Beach and the Alice Town shops. Restaurant plus a lively bar scene downstairs — book a room away from it if you want an early night.
Check AvailabilityBimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Alice Town · Upscale · From ~$300/night
The island's sport-fishing institution, right on the harbour in Alice Town. Rooms and cottages around a pool, on-site dive shop, and the easiest place to arrange a Honeymoon Harbour or Sapona boat trip.
Check AvailabilityNassau & Paradise Island — Days 3–5
Pick by what you want most: Atlantis if you want the water park on tap, Baha Mar for the modern Cable Beach mega-resort feel, or downtown Nassau for walkable history and lower nightly rates.
Atlantis Paradise Island
Paradise Island · Resort · From ~$390/night
Aquaventure water park, aquarium, and beach are included for resort guests — the simplest way to access them.
Check AvailabilityBaha Mar (Grand Hyatt / SLS / Rosewood)
Cable Beach · Resort complex · From ~$320/night
Three connected resorts on a long Cable Beach stretch. Bahamian art collection, casino, and the largest pool on the island.
Check AvailabilityMargaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
Downtown Nassau · Mid-range · From ~$210/night
Walking distance to Bay Street, Junkanoo Beach, and the cruise port. Casual rooftop, FlowRider, easy taxis to Cable Beach.
Check AvailabilityExuma — Days 6–7
Most travelers stay in or just outside George Town on Great Exuma — close to the airport and to the boats that run swimming-pig tours. Allocate one night and head out at first light.
Grand Isle Resort & Residences
Emerald Bay · Luxury villas · From ~$450/night
Exuma's most polished property: villa-style suites, private beach, on-site Greg Norman golf course nearby.
Check AvailabilityPeace & Plenty Resort
George Town · Mid-range · From ~$180/night
A Bahamian classic on Elizabeth Harbour, built in 1958 and named after the ship that brought Loyalist settlers to Exuma in 1783. Walkable to George Town, friendly bar, easy boat-tour pickups. The same brand also runs Island Cottages on Stocking Island and a separate Beach Club — make sure you book the George Town hotel.
Check AvailabilityAugusta Bay Bahamas
George Town · Mid-range · From ~$210/night
An 18-room property in the historic district of George Town, a few steps from Jolly Hall beach and about 15 minutes' drive from Exuma International (GGT). Pool, beach bar and free kayaks; guests note the hotel's own shoreline is more seawall than sand, with the good beach next door.
Check AvailabilityDisclosure: BahamasHopping earns a small commission when you book through these links — at no extra cost to you. Prices are sample 2026 rates and change with demand. Learn more
Total Trip Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $550 | $700 | $1,000 |
| - Ferry (Bimini RT) | from $230 | $270 | $350 |
| - Flights (inter-island) | $280 | $430 | $650 |
| Accommodations (6 nights) | $600 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Activities | $350 | $600 | $900 |
| - Swimming Pigs Tour | from $275 | $300 | $420+ |
| - Atlantis Day Pass | - | from $195 | from $195 |
| - Other activities | $100 | $115 | $265 |
| Food & Drinks | $300 | $500 | $900 |
| TOTAL (per person) | $1,800 | $2,800 | $4,800 |
- Book the Baleària ferry early — fares can be ~$50 lower midweek vs. Friday/Sunday peaks.
- Stay in Alice Town (Bimini) instead of at Resorts World — saves roughly $100–$150/night.
- Skip the Atlantis day pass if it is even available — Cable Beach is free and walkable from Margaritaville or Baha Mar.
- Book the swimming pigs tour in Exuma rather than as a fly-and-boat day trip out of Nassau. The Nassau version bundles a return flight and typically runs $750–$850 per person; from Great Exuma you are paying for the boat only.
- Eat at local spots like Arawak Cay (Nassau) and Stuart's Conch Stand (Bimini) — half the price, better food.
What to Pack
Essentials
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Flight/ferry confirmations
- Cash (USD accepted)
- Credit cards
- Travel insurance docs
Beach & Water
- Swimsuits (2-3)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel gear (or rent)
- Waterproof phone case
- Underwater camera
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothes
- Cover-ups
- One nice outfit for dinner
- Flip flops & water shoes
- Sun hat
Practical Items
- Seasickness medication
- Insect repellent
- Small daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank
Best Time to Do This Trip
The Bahamas is beautiful year-round, but timing affects pricing and weather:
- Best Weather: December – April (dry season, 75–85°F)
- Best Prices: May – early June, November (shoulder season, roughly 30% below peak rates)
- Hurricane season: officially June 1 – November 30, with the peak risk running from mid-August through September. Travel is entirely normal for most of that window, but this is the stretch where a storm can cancel a ferry or a small inter-island flight at short notice.
- Ideal: Late April – May for the best balance of weather and value
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! A 5-day version works well: Skip Bimini and fly directly to Nassau (2 nights), then Exuma (2 nights). Or do a 4-day version with just Bimini (ferry, 2 nights) and Nassau (2 nights). The swimming pigs are harder to skip - that's the bucket list item!
Absolutely! Kids love the swimming pigs, Atlantis water park, and nurse sharks. The ferry ride is an adventure. For young children (under 5), consider a shorter 5-day version with more downtime. Kids 8+ will love the full itinerary.
Book ahead: Ferry tickets (2+ weeks), all flights, hotels, swimming pigs tour (sells out!), Atlantis day pass. Book on arrival: Restaurant reservations, golf cart rentals, local tours in Bimini/Nassau.
The Balearia ferry is occasionally cancelled in rough seas — typically only a handful of times a year. Swimming pigs tours operate rain or shine unless there is a storm warning. Build flexibility into the trip: book refundable hotel rates where possible, and add travel insurance, especially for trips between June and November.
Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid passport (booklet) for both the ferry to Bimini and the inter-island flights to Nassau and Exuma. Many airlines and the U.S. State Department recommend at least 6 months of validity beyond your return date. The passport card is not accepted on inter-island flights — only on certain closed-loop sea crossings — so bring the booklet.
Mid-December through April delivers the most reliable weather (75–85°F, low rainfall) but the highest prices. May and early November are the sweet spot — similar weather, prices roughly 30% lower. Avoid August through October if you can; that is peak hurricane season and the highest cancellation risk for ferries and inter-island flights.
Yes, non-guests can buy one — but it has to be booked ahead through atlantisbahamas.com or the Atlantis app, and the number sold each day is capped, so popular dates disappear. Pricing is seasonal: expect from about $195 per adult (13 and over) and $95 per child aged 4 to 12, climbing past $250 on peak spring-break and holiday dates. Children 3 and under are free. The pass covers the water park, the resort pools (except The Cove), the beach, The Dig aquarium and the Predator Tunnel. If your dates are tight, booking one night at Atlantis includes access and often works out similarly once you compare it against two adult day passes.
On Bimini → Nassau you have no choice: Western Air is the only airline flying the route nonstop. It takes about 30 minutes, runs roughly 8 flights a week, and departures fall between about 10:20 and 15:20 — plan your last Bimini day around that window. Fares start from about $198 one-way. On Nassau ↔ George Town (Exuma) you have options: Bahamasair, Pineapple Air and Western Air between them run around 20 flights a week, with Bahamasair's UP370 at 06:50 and UP374 at 17:33 as the anchor services; round-trips usually run $180–$250 and the flight takes about 45 minutes. Tropic Ocean Airways sells seaplane charter on the Bimini route as a faster but considerably more expensive alternative. Book all inter-island flights as soon as your dates are firm — capacity is limited.
Ready to Start Your Island Hopping Adventure?
Book your Baleària ferry to Bimini, then lock in hotels for each island.
Book Ferry to Bimini Find Hotels per Island