The Bimini ferry does NOT leave from Miami! I can't tell you how many times I've seen panicked families racing up I-95 because they went to PortMiami first. 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 2025
| 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) |
Wednesday sailings are the least crowded - perfect if you want a chill vibe. Friday and Sunday can get packed, especially in summer. During spring break? Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead or you'll be outta luck! 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
- ✓ Standard seating
- ✓ Access to snack bar
- ✓ 50 lbs luggage allowance
- ✓ Same-day return
- ✓ Premium lounge seating
- ✓ Complimentary snacks
- ✓ Priority boarding
- ✓ Extra legroom
- ✓ Free WiFi onboard
- ✓ Round-trip ferry
- ✓ 2 nights at Hilton Bimini
- ✓ Resort credits included
- ✓ Flexible return date
Kids under 12 are half price, under 2 travel free! But here's the catch - even babies need a ticket (it's free but you gotta reserve it). Learned that the hard way...
Book on Wednesdays for 10-15% cheaper tickets. Also, if you're flexible, check for last-minute deals 24-48 hours before sailing. Sometimes they drop prices to fill seats!
Balearia Rewards Club is actually worth it if you go more than twice a year. You get 15% off your first booking just for joining, then earn points for free trips. My family earned a free weekend trip after just 4 round-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 (way easier than rental car hassle)
- Rental Car: All majors at FLL, but honestly not worth it just for the ferry
Arrive 2 hours before departure - seriously! Check-in closes 1 hour before sailing and they won't wait. I've watched the ferry pull away with people running down the dock. 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!
Look, Bimini might be tiny (just 7 miles long!), but this little slice of heaven packs more fun than islands 10 times its size. After dozens of trips, these are the absolute must-dos that keep us coming back:
Radio Beach
THE beach in Bimini! Crystal-clear water so blue it looks fake. Free to access, but rent a chair and umbrella for $20 - totally worth it. Beach bars right there for cold Kaliks and conch fritters. Kids love hunting for sea glass here!
Sapona Shipwreck
This concrete ship (yeah, concrete!) from WWI sits in just 15 feet of water. Perfect for snorkeling - even beginners can explore it. Tours run about $65 including gear. My 10-year-old called it "the coolest thing ever!"
Bimini Road
Is it Atlantis? Natural rock formation? Who knows! But swimming over these mysterious underwater "roads" is incredible. Diving tours run $95-120. Even if you're not into mysteries, the diving here is world-class.
Swimming with Stingrays
At Honeymoon Harbour, friendly stingrays swim right up to you! It's like a natural aquarium. Tours are about $120 but seeing my daughter's face when a stingray ate from her hand? Priceless. Completely safe and unforgettable.
Stuart's Conch Stand
You haven't lived until you've had fresh conch salad made right in front of you! Stuart's been doing this for 30+ years. Get the "Tropical" style with mango - it's $15 and big enough to share. Cash only!
Resorts World Bimini
Not just for guests! Day passes ($40) get you pool access, beach chairs, and towels. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean is Instagram gold. Casino's there if you're feeling lucky. Great backup plan for rainy days.
Golf Cart Rental: $80-100/day and THE way to explore. Book ahead in summer or you'll be walking! We always split one with another family - plenty of room for 4-6 people.
Free Tram: Runs every 30 minutes between the ferry dock and Resorts World. Great if you're just hitting the beach and casino.
Walking: Totally doable! The whole island's only 7 miles long. From the ferry to Radio Beach is a pleasant 15-minute stroll. Just bring sunscreen - that Bahamas sun is no joke!
What to Bring on the Bimini Ferry
Absolute Essentials
- ✓ Passport (not just driver's license!)
- ✓ Cash - many places don't take cards
- ✓ Sunscreen SPF 50+ (trust me on this)
- ✓ Reef-safe only - they check!
- ✓ 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!)
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?
Nope! This confuses everyone. The ferry leaves from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, NOT Miami. It's about 30-45 minutes north of Miami. There used to be Miami ferries years ago, but not anymore. Save yourself the panic - go straight to Fort Lauderdale!
Can I bring my car on the Bimini ferry?
No cars allowed on the ferry - passengers only! Honestly, you don't need one. Bimini's tiny and golf carts are way more fun. Plus, imagine trying to drive on the left side of the road after a few Bahama Mamas! 😄
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. In 30+ trips, I've only seen really rough seas twice.
What happens if I miss the ferry?
Your ticket's toast - no refunds for no-shows. BUT if you're nice and explain at the counter, they sometimes let you switch to the next available sailing for a $50 change fee. Don't count on it though - arrive 2 hours early!
Can I stay overnight in Bimini?
Absolutely! Just book your return for a different day. Hilton at Resorts World is fancy but pricey ($300+/night). For budget options, try Bimini Big Game Club or local guesthouses on Airbnb ($100-150/night). Book hotels early - limited options!
Is Bimini safe for tourists?
Super safe! Bimini's got that small-town vibe where everyone knows everyone. Never had a single issue in all my trips. Normal precautions apply - don't flash cash, lock up valuables. The locals are incredibly friendly and helpful!
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! 🏝️