Hi! I'm Sophia! 📸
So my dad said I could write about taking photos on the ferries since I've been doing it since I was 7. I've taken like a bazillion photos (okay, maybe just thousands) on every ferry route from Fort Lauderdale to all the islands. My Instagram has gotten pretty popular because of my ferry pics, and everyone always asks me where I take them from!
Fun fact: I've won 3 photography contests at school with my ferry photos, and one of them is hanging in the principal's office! 🏆
Most people just go straight to the upper deck thinking that's where all the good shots are. But trust me, after 4 years of taking ferry photos, I've found WAY better spots. Some of them my dad doesn't even know about (sorry Dad! 😅).
Oh, and before we start — IMPORTANT — always hold onto your phone or camera super tight! My brother Tyler dropped his phone overboard once and... yeah, it's still swimming with the fishes. Get a wrist strap or one of those floating cases!
Balearia Caribbean
Fort Lauderdale to Bimini & Grand Bahama
The Secret Bow Spot
Okay, so everyone goes to the upper deck, right? But here's the thing — on Deck 3, there's this little area at the very front (the bow, my dad says) where hardly anyone goes. You can get AMAZING shots of the water splitting around the boat, and when dolphins show up, you're literally right above them!
Sophia's Pro Tip:
Go here right after the boat leaves port. That's when the dolphins usually show up to surf in the boat's wake!
The Sunset Deck (Port Side)
If you're on the afternoon ferry back to Fort Lauderdale, go to the LEFT side of the boat (port side — I learned that from the captain!). About 30 minutes before we dock, the sun starts setting and the whole sky turns pink and orange. It's literally magical! Plus, you can see the Fort Lauderdale skyline all lit up.
Sophia's Pro Tip:
Use portrait mode if you have someone with you. The sunset makes the BEST background for pics with your family!
The Glass Elevator Trick
This is my SECRET SECRET spot! The glass elevator on the Balearia goes from Deck 2 to Deck 7, and when you're between Deck 5 and 6, you can see the ENTIRE ocean through the glass. Time it right when someone else is using the elevator, and you get this super cool high-up view that nobody else can get!
Sophia's Pro Tip:
Clean the glass with your sleeve first! Also, turn off your flash or you'll just get a reflection.
Bahamas Ferries (Bo Hengy II)
Nassau to Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Exuma
The Captain's Deck Overhang
On the Bo Hengy II, there's this spot right under where the captain drives the boat. It's covered (so no sunburn!) but you can still see everything. The best part? When we're leaving Nassau harbor, you get the PERFECT shot of the Atlantis resort without all the people in your photo!
Sophia's Pro Tip:
Stand on the right side when leaving Nassau. You'll get Paradise Island AND the lighthouse in one shot!
The Snack Bar Window
This sounds weird, but hear me out! The snack bar has these big windows that nobody stands at because everyone's buying food. But from there, you can see straight down into the water when it's that super clear turquoise color. I got my best stingray photo from here!
Sophia's Pro Tip:
Ask the snack bar lady (Miss Cheryl) nicely, and she'll sometimes let you stand on a chair for a better angle!
G&L Ferry Service
Marsh Harbour to Hope Town, Man-O-War & Guana Cay
The Lighthouse Approach Spot
OMG, the Hope Town lighthouse is SO pretty! Everyone tries to photo it from the dock, but the BEST spot is from the back of the ferry about 2 minutes before we dock. The captain always swings the boat around, and for like 30 seconds, you get the lighthouse with the cute colorful houses all in one shot!
Sophia's Pro Tip:
Have your camera ready BEFORE the captain starts turning. You only get like one chance for the perfect shot!
The Turtle Spotting Zone
Between Marsh Harbour and Man-O-War, there's this shallow part where sea turtles hang out. Stand on the RIGHT side of the boat (starboard — boom, another boat word!) and look down. I've seen turtles here like 8 out of 10 times!
Sophia's Pro Tip:
Turn off your flash and zoom in instead of leaning over. Safety first! Plus, the flash scares the turtles.
Sophia's Super Secret Photo Tips ✨
Golden Hour Magic
The best lighting is always in the morning (like 7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM). The noon sun makes everything look washed out and gives you weird shadows on faces!
Water Color Secrets
The water looks most turquoise when the sun is BEHIND you. So if you want those crazy blue water shots everyone loves, make sure your shadow is pointing toward what you're photographing!
Phone Camera Hacks
Turn on "Grid" in your camera settings! It helps you keep the horizon straight. Nobody likes a tilted ocean! Also, tap and hold on your screen to lock focus before the boat starts moving.
Dolphin Photography
Burst mode is YOUR BEST FRIEND! Hold down the photo button and take like 50 pics when dolphins show up. You'll get at least one good jumping shot, I promise!
My Favorite Ferry Shots 📸
Before You Go...
DON'T FORGET: 📱 Charge your phone the night before! There aren't many outlets on the ferries, and you don't want to miss dolphin shots because your battery died. I learned this the hard way... twice. 🤦♀️
Also, bring a small towel or lens cloth. The ocean spray gets on EVERYTHING, and you can't take good pics with water drops on your lens. My mom always packs extra in her beach bag for me.
One last thing: Be nice to other passengers! If someone's in "your" photo spot, just wait a minute. They probably don't know it's the best spot, and they'll move soon. Plus, sometimes they'll take a pic of you with YOUR camera, which is super nice!
Ready to Take Amazing Ferry Photos?
Book your Bahamas ferry tickets now and start your photo adventure! My dad says we save like $200 every time we book through here.
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