Bahamas Ferry FAQ: Booking, Packing, Documents and Weather

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini: Baleària shows several “from” fares: $180 (route overview), $235 (route page) and $279 round trip (homepage), as of August 2026. Expect roughly $180–$280 depending on date and fare class; get a dated quote in the booking calendar.

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport: Usually $110-150 one-way, a bit more than Bimini.

Book 2-3 weeks out for the best prices. Last-minute bookings (less than a week) usually cost 20-30% more. During spring break or holidays, book a month ahead or expect premium prices.

It depends on the ticket type. Basic tickets are usually non-refundable but can be changed for a $50 fee up to 24 hours before. Flexible tickets cost about $30 more but can be changed for free.

Weather cancellations: Sailings are cancelled when conditions are unsafe. Refund and rebooking terms are set by Balearia, so check the current conditions when you book.

Kids under 4: Free; proof of age is required.
Kids 4-12: Usually 50% off adult fare
Groups of 10+: Can get 15-25% off — email them directly

Most travel items are allowed, and luggage rules are looser than on airlines. Typical items on board:

✓ Multiple coolers (with ice and drinks)
✓ Cases of beer and wine
✓ Fishing rods and tackle boxes
✓ Snorkel gear and inflatable kayaks
✓ Boxes of groceries (island prices are crazy!)
✓ Beach wagons and umbrellas

Not allowed: Weapons, illegal items, and pets (except service animals).

Baggage allowances differ by operator and have changed, so check the operator's current baggage policy before booking. You need to carry everything on and off the ferry yourself, so keep it manageable. There are carts at the terminal, but they go fast on busy days.

Yes. The ferry has a café, but it is pricey. Worth packing:

• Sandwiches and snacks for the ride
• Drinks (they sell beer/wine onboard but it's $8-10)
• Groceries for the island (save 50-70% vs island prices)
• Kids' favorites (island stores have limited selection)

Rarely. These are large, stable ferries, nothing like small boats.

Tips for avoiding seasickness:
• Take Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding
• Stay on the upper deck with fresh air
• Watch the horizon, not your phone
• Avoid alcohol before/during the trip
• Ginger candy works wonders

Check-in opens at 6:00 AM; the terminal doors close at 8:00 AM for the 9:00 AM departure. Recommended arrival: 6:15–6:45 AM (2¼ to 2¾ hours before departure).

Check-in usually takes 10-15 minutes. On Fridays and holiday weekends, parking fills up fast, so add extra time.

The Balearia ferry is a large catamaran with:

• Huge windows with ocean views
• Multiple decks (upper deck is best)
• Comfortable airline-style seats
• Tables for families/groups
• Clean bathrooms (important with kids!)
• Café and bar
• Dolphins sometimes seen along the way

The crossing to Bimini takes about 2 hours. Passengers can walk around, and children are not confined to a seat.

Yes. Here is what makes the ferry easier than flying with children:

• Kids can walk around (no seatbelt battles)
• Bring all the snacks and drinks you want
• Pack n' plays, strollers, beach toys — all free
• Way less stressful than airports
• A boat crossing is part of the fun
• Family bathroom for diaper changes

Two hours on the ferry is short. Options that work:

• Download movies/shows on tablets (ferry WiFi is spotty)
• Dolphin spotting (sightings are not guaranteed)
• Explore the ferry — kids love checking out different decks
• Card games at the tables
• Snack time
• Taking photos on the upper deck

For US Citizens — Baleària accepts two documents, and only two:
• A valid US passport book (not expired!)
• OR a valid US passport card
• Every child needs their own — infants included

Not accepted: birth certificates, photo ID on its own, naturalization certificates, enhanced driver's licenses, and NEXUS / SENTRI / Global Entry cards. The operator says so in writing, and adds that it takes no responsibility for denied boarding.

You may read elsewhere that under-16s can sail on a birth certificate. That is the general WHTI rule for sea travel, and it is genuinely more permissive than this carrier's condition — but a carrier may set stricter terms, and the rule applied at the check-in desk is Baleària's. Full detail in our Bahamas ferry passport guide.

Customs and immigration work like this:

Going to Bahamas: They process you ON the ferry during the trip. Just fill out a form, show your passport, done. By the time you dock, you're cleared!

Returning to US: Process at the Fort Lauderdale terminal. Usually takes 20-30 minutes total.

Ferries are more weather-sensitive than planes. What to expect:

• Sailings are cancelled or rescheduled when conditions are unsafe
• Morning crossings tend to be calmer than afternoon ones
• Refund and rebooking terms for weather cancellations are set by Balearia, so check the current conditions when you book

June through November, with September-October being peak. Travel in the shoulder months of June and November usually means fewer crowds and better prices. If you go:

• Buy travel insurance
• Book refundable accommodations
• Be flexible with dates
• Check weather forecasts starting 5 days out

Yes. The Balearia ferries are:

• Coast Guard inspected regularly
• Modern vessels with all safety equipment
• Professional crew with safety training
• Life jackets for everyone (including kid sizes)
• Multiple safety briefings
• Designed for ocean crossings