Got Ferry Questions? We've Got Real Answers!

Fort Lauderdale to Bimini: Starts at $99 one-way, but realistically expect $130-180 with taxes and fees. Round trip runs $260-360 depending on the day.

Fort Lauderdale to Freeport: Usually $110-150 one-way. A bit more than Bimini but still way cheaper than flying!

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 prepare to pay premium prices!

We learned this the hard way — tried to book 3 days before Memorial Day weekend once. Tickets were $280 each instead of the usual $140. Ouch!

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: Always get a full refund, no questions asked. Balearia is great about this — we've had 3 weather cancellations in 8 years and got refunded within a week each time.

Kids under 4: FREE! Best deal ever. Just need to show proof of age.
Kids 4-12: Usually 50% off adult fare
Groups of 10+: Can get 15-25% off — email them directly

Pro parent tip: If your kid turns 4 during your trip, book based on their age at departure. Saved us $120 when Tyler turned 4 between our outbound and return trips!

Almost anything! Unlike airlines, ferries are super chill about luggage. We've brought:

✓ 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

The only no-nos: Weapons, illegal stuff, and pets (except service animals).

Officially? 4 pieces per person. Reality? We've never seen them enforce it. Last trip, our family of 5 had 3 coolers, 5 suitcases, beach gear, and fishing equipment. No problem!

Just be reasonable — you need to carry it on/off the ferry yourself. There are carts at the terminal, but they go fast on busy days.

YES! The ferry has a café, but it's basic and pricey ($12 for a mediocre burger). We always pack:

• 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)

Jennifer (my wife) makes a whole Publix run before every trip. We save $200-300 per trip just on food!

Honestly? Rarely! These are huge, stable ferries — nothing like small boats. In 50+ trips, I've seen maybe 2-3 people feel queasy, usually because they went below deck and stared at their phones.

Jennifer's nurse 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

Our kids (even at 4 years old) have never had issues. The ride is usually smooth — more like a floating building than a boat!

Official recommendation: 90 minutes early
Our reality: 75 minutes is plenty

Check-in usually takes 10-15 minutes. Immigration is quick. The rest is waiting time. BUT — on Fridays and holiday weekends, parking fills up fast. Add 15 minutes for those days.

Way better than flying! The Balearia ferry is like a mini cruise ship:

• 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
• Often spot dolphins!

The 2-hour trip flies by. Kids can move around, you can grab a beer and watch the ocean, and before you know it — hello, Bahamas!

1000% YES! So much better than flying with kids. Here's why:

• 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
• Exciting for kids (it's a boat adventure!)
• Family bathroom for diaper changes

Our youngest did her first ferry trip at 18 months. Now at 11, she's a pro and actually prefers it to flying!

Honestly? It's easier than a car ride! Our go-to entertainment:

• Download movies/shows on tablets (ferry WiFi is spotty)
• Dolphin spotting contests (they almost always show up)
• Explore the ferry — kids love checking out different decks
• Card games at the tables
• Snack time (amazing how long kids can make a snack last)
• Taking photos on the upper deck

Pro tip: The excitement of "going to the Bahamas on a big boat" keeps them happy for at least half the trip!

For US Citizens:
• Passport (not expired!)
• OR Birth certificate + government photo ID
• Kids need birth certificates (even babies)

Passport is WAY easier. We tried birth certificates once — took forever at customs. Just get passports for everyone, including kids.

Super easy! Way better than airports:

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. They have Global Entry kiosks now — game changer!

Ferries are more weather-sensitive than planes, true. But here's our experience:

• They cancel at least 24 hours in advance (not last-minute)
• Full refund for weather cancellations
• Morning ferries rarely cancel (afternoon can be choppy)
• They won't sail if it's not safe — period

In 8 years, we've had 3 weather cancellations. Each time, Balearia called us the day before and processed refunds immediately. No hassle!

June through November, with September-October being peak. BUT don't let that scare you off completely!

We travel in June and November all the time — great weather, fewer crowds, better prices. Just:

• Buy travel insurance (worth the $50)
• Book refundable accommodations
• Be flexible with dates
• Check weather forecasts starting 5 days out

Avoid September if possible — that's when things get dicey.

Absolutely! These aren't rinky-dink boats. 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

Jennifer was worried at first (she's a nurse, worries about everything). After our first trip, she was sold. These ferries are legit!