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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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 baggage fees, no TSA lines, 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!

"We drove from Miami to Fort Lauderdale (45 min), took the 9 AM ferry to Bimini, and were on the beach by 11:30 AM! The ferry ride was smooth, kids loved watching for dolphins from the deck. Way better than dealing with the airport. We paid $219 each for day trip tickets - best value Bahamas experience ever!" - Jennifer, Miami resident

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: Ferry from $155 vs flights from $400+ per person
  • ✅ No Baggage Fees: First checked bag included, no weight surprises
  • ✅ 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: Arrive 90 minutes before, 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 $155 $190 - $325 Wed, Fri, Sun + Daily in summer
Fort Lauderdale → Freeport 3 hours From $175 $225 - $400 Tue, Sat
Bimini Day Trip 2 hrs each way $219 all-inclusive Same-day return
Nassau → Spanish Wells* 2 hrs 10 min From $115 From $115 RT Fri, Sat, Sun

*Bahamas Ferries inter-island service. Prices exclude ~$65 in taxes/fees. Premium seating adds $30 each way.

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: Weekend only
💰 Price: From $115 round-trip
🎯 Best For: Authentic island hopping
Learn More →

Weekend 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

From $115 round trip

Ferry Schedule

Fri, Sat, Sun

Famous For

Pink sand beaches

"Spanish Wells is where Bahamians go when they want to escape even Nassau! This ferry company gets you there in style. The conch salad at the dock is LEGENDARY - just 30 minutes after arriving, you'll be in paradise! Book your ferry tickets for any travel date Friday through Sunday. During peak season, this Bahamas ferry route fills up fast!" - Captain Joe, Bo Hengy veteran
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 hours total

Ferry Services Price

From $130 round trip

Weekend Schedule

Fri, Sat, Sun

Via

Spanish Wells stop

"Harbour Island is fancy-schmancy, but the Bo Hengy ride keeps it real. You might spot a celebrity, but the locals are the real stars. Arrive on the morning ferry and you're fresh for lunch — Sip Sip is a short golf-cart ride from the dock. Book early in peak season, the weekend sailings fill up." — traveller tip
Explore This Ferry Route →

Bahamas Ferries Weekend Ferry Schedule

Simple ferry schedule = easy planning for your travel date!

M/V Bo Hengy III - Bahamas Fast Ferry Weekend Service
Ferry Services Days Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Check-in Time 6:30 AM (arrive early – 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 11:00 AM (water taxi 30 minutes extra)
Return Ferry Schedule 3:40 PM from Harbour Island
Nassau Return 6:50 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

The Pride of Our Ferry Company Fleet

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.

"The Bo Hengy III rides smooth — glass-of-water-won't-spill smooth on a calm day. My grandmother who gets seasick on a short paddleboat ride does fine on this one. One heads-up: the AC inside runs arctic-cold, so bring a light layer even in summer." — regular passenger

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

Make your ferry services experience with our shipping company legendary

Book Your Travel Date Early

"Potter's Cay on Friday morning during peak season is BUZZING! Book your ferry tickets online for your chosen travel date. Get there by 6:45 AM (30 minutes before check-in closes). The vendors sell the BEST johnny cake for your ferry ride. Trust this ferry company veteran!" - Sandra, weekly commuter

Best Bahamas Ferry Prices

"Inter-island ferry fares beat island-hopping by plane. Bring cash for the Family Islands — water taxis (about $5), conch salad ($10–15). Note these Bahamas Ferries routes run from Nassau, not Florida — that's Baleària's crossing." — island hopper

Pack Smart for Ferry Services

"Layer up for your ferry ride! Outside deck = hot sun. Inside cabin = freezer. This shipping company runs cold AC! Bring sunscreen for the 30 minutes on deck. During peak season, the snack bar runs out fast!" - Lisa, mom of three

Weekend Ferry Schedule Reality

"Yeah, unlike Baleària Caribbean's daily runs, it's weekends only. But that's the beauty of this ferry company! Plan your travel date around our ferry schedule. The Bahamas ferry route makes every trip special!" - David, travel blogger

Best Seats on the Bahamas Fast Ferry

"Upper deck middle = best for the ferry ride. Grab seats fast! The covered area gives shade for the full journey. Inside is great too if you want to nap. Better than any Caribbean fast ferry seating!" - Roberto, photographer

Island Hopping Strategy

"Don't rush between the Family Islands — Spanish Wells deserves more than a quick stop. In peak season, lock in your ferry dates early since the Bo Hengy only sails Fri–Sun. An overnight in Harbour Island beats a same-day turnaround." — travel writer

Where to Stay on Harbour Island & Spanish Wells

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

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.

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