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Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau, departure point for Bahamas Ferries inter-island fast ferries
2026 Schedule Now Available

Ferries to Bahamas from Florida

Fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini & Freeport | Tickets from $155 | 2-3 Hour Crossing

$155+
One-Way
2-3 hrs
Crossing Time
3-7x
Weekly Sailings
2
Islands Served
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Free Cancellation Best Price Guarantee

2 Routes from Florida
2-3 hrs Crossing Time
$155+ Starting Price
9:00 AM Daily Departure

Quick Answer: Two Different "Bahamas Ferries"

There are two separate ferry operators serving the Bahamas — they run completely different routes, so it's easy to confuse them:

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$199 $155 one-way
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Summer sailings sell out fastest — book ahead for weekend crossings
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Ferries to Bahamas: Your Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Florida to the Bahamas

Ferries to Bahamas offer the most convenient and affordable way to reach the Bahamas from the United States. Departing from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades (just 30 miles north of Miami), you can reach Bimini in just 2 hours or Freeport (Grand Bahama) in 3 hours.

Unlike flying, taking a ferry to Bahamas means no TSA lines and no airline-style baggage rules (check the operator's current baggage policy), and the journey itself becomes part of your vacation. The fast ferry crosses the Gulf Stream with comfortable seating, onboard dining, and stunning ocean views. Many travelers see dolphins during the crossing!

Balearia Caribbean operates all ferries to Bahamas from Florida using their modern high-speed catamaran. Service runs year-round with increased frequency during summer months and holidays. Tickets can be booked online with instant confirmation.

Why Take a Ferry to Bahamas vs. Flying?

  • ✅ Lower Cost: Florida ferry typically $180–$280 depending on date and fare class (operator pages, Aug 2026) vs. flights from $400+ per person
  • ✅ Luggage: check the operator's current baggage policy before booking; allowances have changed
  • ✅ Scenic Journey: 2-3 hours across the Gulf Stream with dolphin sightings
  • ✅ Day Trips Available: Leave 9 AM, return same day by 8 PM
  • ✅ Easy Check-in: Florida sailings check in from 6:00 AM for the 9:00 AM departure, no TSA hassle
  • ✅ Family-Friendly: Kids love the adventure, roomy seating, snack bar
Ready to book your Bahamas ferry? Compare prices for all routes from Florida
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Bahamas Ferry Prices 2026

Compare all ferry routes from Florida to the Bahamas

Route Duration One-Way Price Round-Trip Schedule
Fort Lauderdale → Bimini 2 hours From $180 From $279 (operator homepage, Aug 2026) Typically Wed, Fri, Sun; check the live schedule
Fort Lauderdale → Freeport 3 hours From $235 Check the booking calendar 2×/week – check calendar
Bimini Day Trip 2 hrs each way $219 all-inclusive Same-day return
Nassau → Spanish Wells* 2 hrs 10 min From $139 $257 Wed, Fri, Sat

*Bahamas Ferries inter-island service. Fares include VAT.

MOST POPULAR

Fort Lauderdale → Bimini

🚢 Operator: Balearia Caribbean
⏱️ Duration: 2 hours fast ferry
📅 Schedule: 3-7x weekly
💰 Price: From $155 one-way
🎯 Best For: Day trips, beach lovers
Book Bimini Ferry →

Fort Lauderdale → Freeport

🚢 Operator: Balearia Caribbean
⏱️ Duration: 3 hours fast ferry
📅 Schedule: Tue & Sat
💰 Price: From $175 one-way
🎯 Best For: Casinos, shopping, longer stays
Book Freeport Ferry →

Nassau → Spanish Wells

🚢 Operator: Bahamas Ferries
⏱️ Duration: 2 hrs 10 min
📅 Schedule: Wed, Fri & Sat
💰 Price: From $257 round-trip
🎯 Best For: Authentic island hopping
Learn More →

Inter-Island Bahamas Ferry Routes to Paradise

Two incredible destinations on the islands of the Bahamas, one legendary ferry company

Colourful waterfront cottages and turquoise water at Spanish Wells, Bahamas © Jerry Woody / CC BY-SA 2.0

Nassau → Spanish Wells Ferry Route

Bahamas Ferries inter-island fast ferry

Ferry Ride Duration

2 hours 10 minutes

Bahamas Ferry Prices

$139 one-way / $257 round trip

Ferry Schedule

Wed, Fri, Sat

Famous For

Pink sand beaches

Explore This Ferry Route →
The famous pink sand beach on Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Bahamas © Oscar Flowers / CC BY-SA 3.0

Nassau → Harbour Island Ferry Route

Pink-sand getaway via Spanish Wells

Total Ferry Ride

3 hrs 10 min total

Ferry Services Price

From $257 round trip

Sailing Days

Wed, Fri, Sat

Via

Spanish Wells stop

Harbour Island is reached by the Bo Hengy on its Wednesday, Friday and Saturday sailings. Sip Sip restaurant is a short golf-cart ride from the dock. Sailings fill up in peak season, so book early.

Explore This Ferry Route →

Bahamas Ferries Bo Hengy Ferry Schedule

Simple ferry schedule = easy planning for your travel date!

M/V Bo Hengy III - Bahamas Fast Ferry Service (Wed · Fri · Sat)
Ferry Services Days Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Check-in Time 6:45 – 7:45 AM (arrive when it opens – busy during peak season!)
Ferry Departure 8:00 AM from Potter's Cay Dock
Spanish Wells Arrival 10:10 AM (2 hours 10 minutes ferry ride)
Harbour Island Arrival 11:10 AM (the ferry docks right on Harbour Island)
Return Ferry Schedule 3:40 PM from Harbour Island
Nassau Return 6:30 PM
Peak Season Schedule Extended service on holidays - check travel date!

Meet the Bo Hengy III — Bahamas Ferries' Fast Ferry

The high-speed catamaran that connects Nassau with Spanish Wells and Harbour Island

M/V Bo Hengy III

High-speed catamaran on the Nassau to Spanish Wells and Harbour Island routes

In service with Bahamas Ferries since 2014, the M/V Bo Hengy III is a high-speed passenger catamaran carrying up to 130 passengers at speeds of around 23 knots. It carries on the Bo Hengy fast-ferry name that's connected Nassau with the Family Islands for years. Where Baleària Caribbean runs large catamarans across the Gulf Stream from Florida, the Bo Hengy III handles the intimate inter-island hops out of Potter's Cay.

Source: Bahamas Ferries Ltd. fleet listing (bahamasferries.com), 2026.

Ferry Services Onboard Amenities

Full AC (essential during peak season!)
Snack bar for your ferry ride
Up to 130 passengers
Upper deck (30 minutes of pure bliss!)
Clean restrooms on ferry
Luggage storage for island hopping

Insider Tips for Your Bahamas Ferry Ride

Practical points for the Bahamas Ferries inter-island routes

Book Your Travel Date Early

Book tickets online for the chosen travel date. Potter's Cay check-in runs 6:45–7:45 AM, and Friday mornings in peak season are the busiest. Vendors at the dock sell johnny cake.

Best Bahamas Ferry Prices

Bring cash for the Family Islands: water taxis cost about $5 and conch salad $10–15. These Bahamas Ferries routes run from Nassau, not Florida; the Florida crossing is Baleària's.

Pack Smart for Ferry Services

The outside deck is in full sun and the cabin is air-conditioned. Bring sunscreen for the deck and a light layer for the cabin.

Ferry Schedule Reality

Bahamas Ferries sails three days a week: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Plan the travel date around that schedule.

Best Seats on the Bahamas Fast Ferry

The covered area on the upper deck gives shade for the full journey, and the middle of the vessel is the most stable position. Seats inside suit passengers who prefer to stay out of the sun.

Island Hopping Strategy

Spanish Wells is worth more than a quick stop. Because the Bo Hengy only sails Wed, Fri and Sat, book ferry dates early in peak season. An overnight on Harbour Island is easier than a same-day turnaround.

Where to Stay on Harbour Island & Spanish Wells

The Bo Hengy only sails Wed, Fri & Sat, so most travellers stay at least one night. Compare hotels below — bookings support BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.

See all stays in Harbour Island Sponsored

Top Stays a Short Golf-Cart Ride from the Dock

Romora Bay Resort & Marina on Harbour Island, Bahamas © Oscar Flowers / CC BY-SA 3.0

Romora Bay Resort & Marina

From ~$350/night

Laid-back harbour-side resort with a marina, sunset bar and easy access to the pink-sand beach. Good mid-range base for first-timers.

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Coral Sands Hotel

From ~$400/night

Beachfront boutique hotel directly on Pink Sands Beach. Higher-end, with one of the best beach locations on the island.

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The Landing

From ~$350/night

Small, characterful inn right by the ferry harbour in Dunmore Town — handy if you arrive on the late ferry and want to drop bags fast.

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Prices are approximate peak-season starting rates and change by date — check live availability for your travel dates. Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Bookable Day Trips with Free Cancellation

For the Florida–Bahamas crossing, these bookable day-trip packages include the round-trip ferry and free cancellation up to 2 days before departure:

LIMITED TIME: Save up to 25% on Winter Sailings

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