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Bimini Ferry: Your Gateway to Paradise

Just 2 hours from Florida to crystal-clear waters & white sand beaches

2 Hours Travel Time
From $115 One-Way + tax
50 Miles From Florida
3x Weekly Year-Round Service
Book Your Ferry Now Check Schedule
BahamasHopping editorial team
Editorial team · facts checked at the source. This guide covers the Baleària Caribbean crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini: terminal, schedule, fares and what to bring.

TL;DR — Bimini Ferry in 60 seconds

  • Operator: Baleària Caribbean — the only fast ferry between Florida and Bimini.
  • Route: Port Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale → Bimini Cruise Port (North Bimini). Not Miami.
  • Crossing time: ~2 hours each way on a high-speed catamaran.
  • Price 2026: from $115 + tax one-way, round-trip from ~$230 + tax. Day-trip fares can dip to ~$93 + tax one-way during promotions.
  • Frequency: typically Wed/Fri/Sun year-round; check the live schedule for additional dates.
  • US passport (book or card) required for every passenger, children included. Recommended arrival is 6:15–6:45 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing.
Bimini Ferry Key Facts (2026)
OperatorBaleària Caribbean (only Bimini fast-ferry operator)
FromPort Everglades Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL
ToBimini Cruise Port, Alice Town, North Bimini
Distance~50 nautical miles
Crossing time~2 hours
Departure (typical)9:00 AM (8:00 AM on some peak days)
Days of weekTypically Wed, Fri, Sun year-round; check the live schedule
One-way fare from$115 + tax (Economy)
Round-trip fare from$230 + tax
Check-inOpens 6:00 AM; terminal doors close 8:00 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing; recommended arrival 6:15–6:45 AM
DocumentsUS passport book or passport card — every passenger, children included. No birth certificates.

Sources: Baleària Caribbean, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Last updated: August 2026.

SUPER IMPORTANT - Read This First!

The Bimini ferry does NOT leave from Miami! PortMiami has no Bimini service. The ferry departs from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale - about 30-45 minutes north of Miami.

Port Address: 2021 Eller Drive, Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Pro Tip: Put this exact address in your GPS. Don't just search "Fort Lauderdale port" - Port Everglades is huge and you might end up at the cruise terminals!

Bimini Ferry Schedule 2026

Season Days Departure (Fort Lauderdale) Arrival (Bimini) Return from Bimini
Peak Season
(June - August)
Daily 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM
Regular Season
(Sept - May)
Wed, Fri, Sun 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM
Holiday Periods Daily 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM Various (check booking)
Insider Schedule Tips

Friday and Sunday sailings can get full, especially in summer. During spring break, book at least 4-6 weeks ahead. The ferry sometimes adds extra sailings for major holidays, so check directly with Balearia if you're traveling around Christmas, New Year's, or July 4th.

Bimini Ferry Prices & Tickets

Baleària Caribbean is the only operator on this route, so all 2026 pricing comes directly from them. Fares below are typical starting prices — final cost varies by day, season and accommodation class. Government taxes and fuel surcharges are added on top.

Economy Day Trip
From $155 round-trip + tax
  • ✓ Standard "Tourist Class" seating
  • ✓ Onboard café/bar
  • ✓ Baggage: check the operator's current baggage policy before booking; allowances have changed
  • ✓ Same-day return option
Book on Baleària
Weekend Package
From $325 + hotel
  • ✓ Round-trip ferry
  • ✓ 2 nights at Resorts World Bimini
  • ✓ Resort credits (varies by promo)
  • ✓ Flexible return date
See Bimini hotels

Note: Resorts World Bimini exited the Hilton brand on April 1, 2025 and now operates as Resorts World Bimini. Loyalty perks (Hilton Honors etc.) no longer apply.

Prefer to Book a Package? Day Trips with Free Cancellation

If you want the ferry crossing bundled with a planned day on the island, these bookable day-trip packages can be cancelled free of charge up to 2 days before departure:

Money-Saving Tips

Kids under 12 are half price, under 2 travel free! But here's the catch - even babies need a ticket (it's free but has to be reserved).

Balearia Rewards Club is actually worth it if you go more than twice a year. Joining gives 15% off a first booking, and points can be redeemed for trips.

Getting to the Bimini Ferry Terminal

From Miami/Miami Beach

  • Drive Time: 30-45 minutes (without traffic), up to 90 minutes in rush hour
  • Best Route: Take I-95 North to Exit 26 (I-595 East), follow signs to Port Everglades
  • Parking: $15/day at the port (worth it - don't risk street parking!)
  • Uber/Lyft: $35-60 from South Beach, $25-40 from downtown Miami

From Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)

  • Drive Time: 15 minutes
  • Best Option: Uber/Lyft for $15-25
  • Rental Car: All majors at FLL, but not needed just for the ferry
Timing is Everything!

Arrive between 6:15 and 6:45 AM - seriously! Check-in opens at 6:00 AM, the terminal doors close at 8:00 AM, and the ferry does not wait for late arrivals. Port security can take 20-30 minutes during busy times, and Terminal 21 is a 10-minute walk from parking. Don't cut it close!

What to Do in Bimini - Island Paradise Awaits!

Bimini is about 7 miles long. These are the main things to do on a day trip:

Radio Beach, Bimini

Radio Beach

Radio Beach is the main public beach in Bimini. Access is free; a chair and umbrella cost about $20. Beach bars nearby serve Kalik and conch fritters.

SS Sapona shipwreck near Bimini

Sapona Shipwreck

This concrete ship from WWI sits in about 15 feet of water and can be snorkeled, including by beginners. Tours run about $65 including gear.

Bimini Island, site of the Bimini Road

Bimini Road

The Bimini Road is an underwater stone formation whose origin is debated. Diving tours run $95-120.

Southern stingray in Caribbean waters

Swimming with Stingrays

At Honeymoon Harbour, southern stingrays approach swimmers. Tours are about $120.

Fresh Bahamian conch salad

Stuart's Conch Stand

Conch salad is made to order. Stuart's has been doing this for 30+ years. The "Tropical" style with mango is $15 and big enough to share. Cash only.

Resorts World Bimini

Resorts World Bimini

Day passes ($40) include pool access, beach chairs and towels. The resort also has a casino, which gives a fallback for rainy days.

Getting Around Bimini

Golf Cart Rental: $80-100/day and the usual way to get around. Book ahead in summer. A cart seats 4-6 people.

Free Tram: Runs every 30 minutes between the ferry dock and Resorts World. Useful for a visit that is limited to the beach and the resort.

Walking: The island is about 7 miles long. From the ferry to Radio Beach is a 15-minute walk. Bring sunscreen.

What to Bring on the Bimini Ferry

Absolute Essentials

  • ✓ Passport (a driver's license is not accepted)
  • ✓ Cash - many places don't take cards
  • ✓ Sunscreen SPF 50+
  • ✓ Reef-safe sunscreen only
  • ✓ Printed ferry tickets (phone dies? You're set)
  • ✓ Snorkel gear (or rent for $25)

Smart Additions

  • ✓ Soft cooler with snacks/drinks
  • ✓ Underwater phone case ($15 on Amazon)
  • ✓ Portable charger (few outlets on ferry)
  • ✓ Dramamine (take BEFORE boarding)
  • ✓ Ziploc bags for wet clothes
  • ✓ Beach towels (resort charges $20!)
Don't Bring These!

Drones - Illegal without permit, they'll confiscate it. Fishing gear - Need a Bahamian license. Excessive alcohol - Limited to 1 liter per person. Fruits/vegetables - Not allowed through customs. Pets - Unfortunately, no animals allowed on the ferry.

Bimini Ferry FAQ - Your Questions Answered

Is there a ferry from Miami to Bimini?

No. The ferry leaves from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, not Miami. It is about 30-45 minutes north of Miami. Miami ferries ran in earlier years but not anymore.

Can I bring my car on the Bimini ferry?

No cars are allowed on the ferry; it carries passengers only. Bimini is small and golf carts are the usual way to get around. Traffic drives on the left.

Do I get seasick on the Bimini ferry?

The ferry's pretty stable, but the Gulf Stream can get choppy. Take Dramamine 1 hour before boarding (not after!). Sit outside on the lower deck, middle of the boat. Look at the horizon, not your phone.

What happens if I miss the ferry?

Tickets are not refunded for no-shows. Switching to a later sailing is at the operator's discretion and may carry a change fee, so arrive in the recommended 6:15–6:45 AM window.

Can I stay overnight in Bimini?

Absolutely — just book your return for a different day. Resorts World Bimini (the big resort on North Bimini, formerly Hilton-branded until April 2025) starts around $280/night. Bimini Big Game Club is the classic fishing-resort option from ~$220/night. For budget stays, look at guesthouses and small apartments in Alice Town from ~$110/night. Inventory is limited — book early. See our Where to Stay section for live hotel prices.

Is Bimini safe for tourists?

Bimini is a small community and is generally regarded as safe for tourists. Normal precautions apply: don't flash cash and lock up valuables.

Where to Stay in Bimini

Bimini is small — most hotels are clustered in Alice Town (South Bimini side) and around Resorts World on North Bimini. The list below shows live Booking.com prices for your dates. Bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.

Top hotel picks in Bimini

Resorts World Bimini

From ~$280/night

The big resort on North Bimini — beach, marina, casino, multiple pools, several restaurants. Free shuttle from the ferry dock. Best fit if you want a full-service stay without leaving the property.

Check availability

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

From ~$220/night

Iconic sport-fishing hotel in Alice Town with classic Bahamas vibes, on-site pool and bar, walking distance to Radio Beach. The pick if you came for fishing, conch and Kalik beers.

Check availability

Boutique guesthouses & Airbnb

From ~$110/night

Small family-run guesthouses and apartments in Alice Town and Bailey Town. Best value option, great if you want to walk to local restaurants and bars rather than stay inside a resort.

See guesthouses

Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a small commission when you book through these links — it doesn't change the price you pay. Learn more.

Ready for Your Bimini Adventure?

Don't wait - summer dates sell out fast! Book your Bimini ferry tickets now and get ready for crystal-clear waters, amazing beaches, and unforgettable memories. See you in paradise! 🏝️

Book Bimini Ferry Tickets Find a hotel in Bimini

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