Baleària to Bimini with Kids:
What to Expect on Board

Taking children on a ferry to another country sounds like more work than a short flight. On the Fort Lauderdale to Bimini run the difference is smaller than it looks. The Baleària Caribbean catamaran crosses in about two hours, children can walk around, and nobody has to deal with airport security or ear pressure. This guide covers what families need to know before booking: where to check in, which documents to carry, how to handle the crossing, and what to plan for on North Bimini.

Ferry or Flight: What Changes for a Family

A flight to Bimini is short in the air, but it adds an early airport arrival, baggage fees and airport parking to the bill. The ferry takes about two hours on the water, plus an early start: the recommended terminal arrival is 6:15–6:45 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing. Each passenger has a checked-baggage allowance, with fees for extra bags, so the ferry is the easier option for a family travelling with snorkel sets, beach toys and a change of clothes for everyone. Airline fares and ferry fares both move with the date, so compare the total for your own dates, including baggage and parking, before you decide.

Why the Ferry Suits Children

1. Room for Gear

Airline carry-on limits are tight for a family of five. The ferry allows checked baggage per passenger, which makes room for fishing rods, snorkel gear, a soft cooler and beach toys. Baggage rules and the fees for additional bags can change, so check Baleària's current policy when you book.

2. The Crossing Is Part of the Trip

The catamaran is a large vessel with room for 600+ passengers and several decks. Children can walk around, use the outdoor decks and watch for dolphins instead of staying belted into a seat. Ears are not an issue either, since there is no pressure change.

Departure Day

The Night Before

• Documents: Check that every passport, including those of infants, is valid for the whole trip.
• Devices: Download films and shows and charge tablets and portable chargers. Onboard Wi-Fi is unreliable.
• Luggage: Pack the car except for the cooler.

At the Terminal

On Board with Children

Where to Sit

Seats in the middle of the ship move least when the sea is rough. The outdoor deck is the best place for a child who starts to feel queasy, because fresh air and a view of the horizon help. It is also the place to be for dolphin watching.

Packing for Two Hours on Board

Passports and Immigration on Arrival

Every traveler, including infants and children, needs a valid passport for entry to the Bahamas by sea and for re-entry to the United States. Bahamian immigration officers board the ferry on arrival in Bimini and check documents on board. Keep all passports within reach so the check goes quickly.

Bimini with Children

Where to Stay

For a family, location counts for more than room category. On North Bimini, Radio Beach, Blister Beach and Spook Hill form one long stretch of white sand along the west side of Alice Town. Radio Beach is the busiest part and Blister Beach the quieter end. Staying within walking distance of the beach means you can go back to the room for a nap or a snack without organising transport.

Getting Around

Golf carts are the standard way to get around North Bimini. Rental offices are close to the ferry dock. Carts run short on busy weekends, so reserve ahead if your dates fall on one.

Family Activities

• Radio Beach: Free public access, soft white sand and chair and umbrella rentals.
• Dolphin House Museum: A small museum on North Bimini built from shells, bottles and other found materials.
• Stuart's Conch Stand and Joe's Conch Shack: Both in Bailey Town, where conch is cracked and prepared on the spot. Bring cash.
• SS Sapona wreck: Snorkeling trips to the wreck are among the popular family activities.

Practical Points to Plan For

The Seasickness Question

Most children do fine. The catamaran is large and the crossing is short. These measures reduce the risk:

• Children's Dramamine about 30 minutes before boarding — before the ferry leaves, not once on board. Follow the age and dosage guidance on the package.
• Sit mid-ship — there is less motion in the middle of the vessel.
• Look at the horizon — a screen held in the lap makes queasiness worse.
• Spend time on the outdoor deck — fresh air helps.

Sailings are occasionally rescheduled when seas exceed safe limits.

Choosing the Day

What to Weigh Against the Ferry

• Sailings can be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled in bad weather.
• The ferry runs on a fixed timetable, so a missed departure means waiting for the next sailing.
• Some passengers do get seasick, though the crossing is short.

Where to Stay in Bimini

A base on North Bimini within walking distance of Radio Beach keeps breakfast and sunset an easy walk from the room. Compare live prices for hotels and rentals below — booking through these links supports BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.

A few options on North Bimini for families:

• Sea Crest Hotel & Marina — walkable to Radio Beach, family rooms, easy ferry-to-bed for tired kids.
• Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina — pool with shallow end the little ones love, dock-side dinner.
• Resorts World Bimini — pricier, but the lagoon-style pool buys you a long, quiet afternoon if you need it.

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Last updated: May 20, 2026 — fares and schedules verified against baleariacaribbean.com.