Most passengers go straight to the upper deck, but the best vantage points are often elsewhere on the ship. The positions below are based on the layout of each vessel and the course it sails.
One point before the list: IMPORTANT hold on to your phone or camera on the outer decks. Phones do not float, so a wrist strap or a floating case is cheap insurance.
Photo-spot cheat sheet
| Ferry | Best spot | Best time of day | What you'll capture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balearia Jaume II | Bow, lower passenger deck | Right after departure (9–10 AM) | Dolphins surfing the wake |
| Balearia Jaume II | Port (left) side, upper deck | 4–6 PM return | Sunset + Fort Lauderdale skyline |
| Bahamas Ferries Bo Hengy III | Covered upper deck, starboard | Departure from Nassau (8 AM) | Atlantis, Paradise Island, lighthouse |
| G&L Ferry | Rear (stern) deck | Final 2 min into Hope Town | Hope Town lighthouse + cottages |
| G&L Ferry | Starboard (right) side | Marsh Harbour → Man-O-War | Sea turtles in shallow flats |
Balearia Caribbean
Fort Lauderdale to Bimini & Grand Bahama
The Secret Bow Spot
The bow area on the lower passenger deck gives a clear view of the water splitting around the hull. When dolphins swim alongside, this is the position closest to them.
Practical tip:
Go here soon after the ferry leaves port. Dolphins are sometimes seen riding the wake, though sightings are never guaranteed.
The Sunset Deck (Port Side)
The afternoon sailing back to Fort Lauderdale heads west, so the sun sets ahead of the vessel. The upper deck on the port (left) side gives a view of the sunset and, on approach, the Fort Lauderdale skyline.
Practical tip:
For portraits, use portrait mode and keep the sunset behind the subject.
Bahamas Ferries (Bo Hengy III)
Nassau to Eleuthera, Harbour Island & Exuma
The Captain's Deck Overhang
On the Bo Hengy III, the covered upper-deck area below the bridge gives shade and a wide view. As the ferry leaves Nassau harbor, it frames the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.
Practical tip:
Stand on the right (starboard) side when leaving Nassau to get Paradise Island and the lighthouse in one frame.
G&L Ferry Service
Marsh Harbour to Hope Town, Man-O-War & Guana Cay
The Lighthouse Approach Spot
Most visitors photograph the Hope Town lighthouse from the dock. In the last minutes before docking, the rear (stern) deck gives a view of the candy-striped lighthouse together with the colorful houses of the settlement.
Practical tip:
Have your camera ready before the final approach; the window for the shot is short.
The Turtle Spotting Zone
Between Marsh Harbour and Man-O-War Cay the water is shallow in places, and sea turtles are sometimes visible from the right (starboard) side of the boat. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Practical tip:
Turn off the flash and zoom in instead of leaning over the rail.
Further photo tips
Golden Hour
The best light falls between roughly 7 and 9 AM and between 4 and 6 PM. The noon sun washes out colors and casts hard shadows on faces.
Water Color
The water shows its brightest turquoise when the sun is behind the photographer, so position yourself with your shadow pointing toward the subject.
Phone Camera Settings
Turn on the grid in the camera settings to keep the horizon level. Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus and exposure before the subject appears.
Dolphin Photography
Use burst mode when dolphins appear. Holding the shutter button captures a sequence, and one frame in it is usually sharp.
Photo Gallery 📸
Where to Stay for the Best Ferry Photo Trip
Two nights on either side of the crossing is the photographer's sweet spot — sunrise from a Florida balcony, then golden hour from your Bahamas hotel. Live Booking.com prices for Bimini are listed below (via Stay22; no extra cost to you).
See all stays in Bimini Sponsored
Top picks by photo subject
Stay in downtown Nassau or on Paradise Island itself the night before your Eleuthera/Harbour Island crossing — easy walk to Potter's Cay for the 8 AM Bo Hengy III departure.
Compare Nassau hotels →Sleep in Fort Lauderdale near Port Everglades — 5 minutes to Terminal 21 for Balearia's 9 AM Jaume II to Bimini or Freeport.
Compare Fort Lauderdale hotels →Stay on Elbow Cay itself for sunrise and sunset shots from the base of the lighthouse, or in Marsh Harbour for easy G&L ferry access in both directions.
Compare Abacos hotels →Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links — Stay22 rewrites the booking links automatically. The price you pay doesn't change. Learn more.
Ferry Photography FAQ
When is the best time to take ferry photos in the Bahamas?
Golden hour — roughly 7:00–9:00 AM right after departure and 4:00–6:00 PM on the return — gives the warmest light. Midday sun washes colors out and creates harsh shadows. For Atlantic crossings from Fort Lauderdale, the 9:00 AM Balearia departures put you on the water during the best morning light.
Can I bring a real camera (DSLR or mirrorless) on Bahamas ferries?
Yes. Balearia Caribbean, Bahamas Ferries and G&L allow handheld cameras in addition to phones, including DSLR and mirrorless. Tripods and monopods are typically not allowed in passenger areas because of the deck motion and other passengers. A wrist strap or camera leash is strongly recommended on any outdoor deck.
Which Bahamas ferry has the best photo opportunities?
Balearia's HSC Jaume II between Fort Lauderdale and Bimini/Freeport gives the widest open-ocean shots and the best chance of dolphins in the wake. Bahamas Ferries' Bo Hengy III out of Nassau is the only ferry that delivers Atlantis and Paradise Island skyline shots. G&L Ferry in the Abacos is the smallest of the three but offers postcard-perfect Hope Town lighthouse approaches.
What should I avoid when taking photos on a Bahamas ferry?
Never lean over outer railings — boat motion is unpredictable and phones do not float. Avoid using the on-camera flash through windows (you'll only get a reflection). Don't shoot directly into noon sun; turn so the sun is roughly behind you to get the brightest turquoise water tones. And keep a microfiber cloth handy because ocean spray ends up on every lens within minutes.
Are drones allowed on Bahamas ferries?
Drones may not be flown from a moving ferry. In the Bahamas, drones are also regulated under Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority rules — recreational drones over 250 g require registration, and flights near airports, ports, ships and crowds are restricted. Plan drone shoots from land at your destination, not from the deck.
Before You Go
Charge your phone: 📱 Charge it the night before and carry a power bank. Outlets on the ferries are limited, and a flat battery costs you the dolphin shots.
Bring a small towel or lens cloth as well. Ocean spray lands on every lens within minutes, and water drops ruin a shot.
Courtesy: Deck space is shared. If another passenger is standing at the spot you want, wait a minute; most people move on quickly.
Ready to Take Amazing Ferry Photos?
Pick a route, book the ferry, then save a hotel near the terminal — and you're all set for the shots described above.